Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
by weight and will keep their loft longer. You'll want to purchase a bag with a
temperature rating that fits the time of year and conditions you are most likely to
camp in. One caveat: The techno-standard for temperature ratings is far from per-
fect. Ratings vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so to protect yourself you
should purchase a bag rated 10 to 15 degrees below the temperature you expect to
be camping in. Synthetic bags are more resistant to water than down bags, but
many down bags are now made with a Gore-Tex shell that helps to repel water.
Down bags are also more compressible than synthetic bags and take up less room
in your pack, which is an important consideration if you are planning a multiday
backpack trip. Features to look for in a sleeping bag include a mummy style bag, a
hood you can cinch down around your head in cold weather, and draft tubes along
the zippers that help keep heat in and drafts out.
You'll also want a sleeping pad to provide insulation and padding from the cold
ground. There are different types of sleeping pads available, from the more ex-
pensive self-inflating air mattresses to the less expensive closed-cell foam pads.
Self-inflating air mattresses are usually heavier than closed-cell foam mattresses
and are prone to punctures.
Tents.
The tent is your home away from home while on the trail. It provides
protection from wind, rain, snow, and insects. A three-season tent is a good choice
for backpacking and can range in price from $100 to $500. These lightweight and
versatile tents provide protection in all types of weather, except heavy snowstorms
or high winds, and range in weight from four to eight pounds. Look for a tent
that's easy to set up and will easily fit two people with gear. Dome type tents usu-
ally offer more headroom and places to store gear. Other handy tent features in-
clude a vestibule where you can store wet boots and backpacks. Some nice-to-
have items in a tent include interior pockets to store small items and lashing points
to hang a clothesline. Most three-season tents also come with stakes so you can
secure the tent in high winds. Before you purchase a tent, set it up and take it
down a few times to be sure it is easy to handle. Also, sit inside the tent and make
sure it has enough room for you and your gear.
Cell phones.
Many hikers are carrying their cell phones into the backcountry
these days in case of emergency. That's fine and good, but please know that cell
phone coverage is often poor to nonexistent in valleys, canyons, and thick forest.
More importantly people have started to call for help because they're tired or lost.
Let's go back to being prepared. You are responsible for yourself in the backcoun-
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