Hiking and Backpacking My Personal Preferences

To all my friends who love the great outdoors perhaps this is something you may want to consider as another form of healthy and adventurous recreation called "backpacking". So what is the difference between backpacking and hiking?

Backpacking is a form of outdoor adventure trips that consist of at least one night and can last for weeks or even months for some people who traverses the long trails in our nation wilderness. Backpackers carries water, food, bedding, shelter, small stove, and lightweight cooking gears, first aid supplies, and some survival equipment. "Be Prepared" is my own personal mantra that I borrowed from scouting, and knowing what to do and what to bring during your adventure trips will make a big difference in your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of the great outdoor. Day hiking or "trekking" on the other hand is a form of outdoor exercise that can be done in a short hours of vigorous walk in the wilderness trail or in an urban park or it can be a strenuous walk on a mountain trail that can be done by several hours or a full day of walking. Not much difference between the two except backpacking have to be done in a multi day adventure, and most instances your gonna need a wilderness permit.

Pinnacles National Park - Soledad CA

Top of Mount Baden Powell 9400 feet- Southern California

EQUIPMENTS

 "Be Prepared" - Backpackers must always be prepared for difficulties, whether mishaps are experienced or not. These include adverse weather, difficult terrain, treacherous water crossings, heights, dangerous animals, dehydration, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, altitude sickness, illness, fatigue, injury, disabling waterborne diseases, and anxiety. The remoteness of backpacking locations can exacerbate any mishap. Survival gear and the skills to use it are paramount.

BEING A GOOD STEWARDS OF OUR ENVIRONMENT

You play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964.

LEAVE NO TRACE:  This is a movement that a good backpacker will adhere to it's principle and meaning being a good stewards of our natural environment. There are certain guidelines that need to be followed in order to minimize the impacts of our wilderness experience. "Leave Nothing But Footprints", "Take Nothing But Photos", "Kill Nothing But Time", "Keep Nothing But Memories". LNT Outdoor Ethics Vision:  To sustain healthy, vibrant natural lands for all people to enjoy, now and into the future. Every person who ventures outside puts Leave No Trace practices into action.  https://lnt.org/

 THE MISSION:  Is to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly.
 A Good Backpackers - minimizes the impact of our wilderness environment by staying on established trails, avoid disturbing vegetation, carrying back trash or sometimes even picking up trash left behind by irresponsible people.
Every person who venture outside puts Leave No Trace practices into actions, from an urban park setting to a wilderness setting. Protecting our environment is the key for the future generation to enjoy and create a lasting legacies for all to enjoy.
http://www.scouting.org/


Backpack - What do I personally use? 

I use a internal frame backpack instead of the traditional external frame. I like to have majority of my gears tucked away inside the bag, and the most important feature of using an internal frame is that I have a better control of my balance in an undulating circumstances along the trails. The backpack in the picture is a The North Face brand, Terra 60 models good enough for my need in my normal backpacking trips 2 to 3 nights of camp. It can carry a lot of stuff like sleeping bag, light tent strapped on the side of the pack, essentials like first aid, water purifier, extra clothing, cooking utensils including a stove and other personal needs that you can carry.

Long Haul a multi day backpacking trip longer than 3 days, I use a larger backpacks that can carry a lot of loads. The Osprey Zenith 105liters is a wonderful pack that has lot's of pockets very comfortable and sturdy. The other packs is the Denali Columbus it's just a bit smaller than the Ospry and it's 80liters, very good packs comfortable and sturdy as well. I've use this packs during my recent trip to Channel Island National Park and they performed so well.

My Gregory Baltoro 65L pack is a great equipment for backpacking that has a lot of features, comfort and convenience. 

The next picture is an example of what's in a backpack, there is no standards on what you will be bringing on a specific trip. What's in your pack varies from one person to another, duration of the backpacking trip, climate or weather, or any other factors. What's important is your individual needs, essentials that you need to bring. The idea is to minimize the weight of your backpack, and to eliminate unnecessary items that you may not need during your trip. You Tube has a lot of examples on 'how to' short video lesson in how to pack a backpacks. 

What is a Day Hiking? Day Hike is the easiest way to enjoy a certain trail designed to be tackled or completed in 2 hours or all the way to strenuous 8 hours or more of hiking pleasure. Day use of our National Park or our National Forest is one of the most popular option for people who loves hiking taking advantage of the established and maintained trails. During my nature photography trips, I use a lighter backpacks that can carry some of my photography equipment and other essentials needed during the hike.

Do not underestimate nature always be prepared. Depending in your type of expeditions you may need more than just water and snacks just in case, so it's imperative to study and do research on your next hiking trip and that will help you determine the supplies that you may want to bring. My favorite day hike that is near to my house is the Wind Wolves Preserved about 20 miles away, or the Ranchera Road trail near the city. Sequoia National Forest is one of the nearest place in Bakersfield, and the Los Padres National Forest is in our immediate south of the city.

DAY HIKE BAGS I USE:   A 25 liter bag is a good size bag on a day hike where you have to bring some essentials for your long vigorous trek's.

ESSENTIALS: What do I need to have in my backpacking trips and day use? Some are optional but I do highly recommend.

1. PERMITS:   The National Forest System in America is a publicly owned lands, certain type of permits is needed in order to use the place, some permits might be free, some you have to pay for day use, or buy an annual pass.

Wilderness Permit - needed when backpacking the trails, in some instances you need to reserve it in advance because of it's popularity, and some have quota system in order to minimize the impact of the trails and the wilderness itself. Bureau of Land Management website have ample of information regarding permits.

Southern California National Forest System - Adventure Pass 

I leave in the southern valley of San Joaquin and I have easy access to get in to most of the National Forest along the Southern California corridors. Great wonderful rugged places from the High Desert to the snowy mountainous mountain of San Gabriel, San Jacinto, Angeles, Pinos, and the Tehachapi.

Annual Pass  for me is the most logical way of  a maximum enjoyment in using and entering our National Park and National Forest System. It's honored nationwide and it's a very good buy.
Membership Leave No Trace - The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and is the most widely accepted outdoor ethics program used on public lands.

Boys Scout of America - Become an adult leader in your local council. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA
provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Yes you can join them in their backpacking and camping trip as an adult committee and support.

REI Membership - Is REI Membership worth It? It's my personal preference, so 'yes" it's worthed for me. Lifetime membership fee is $20.00. It will save you 10%+ on your purchases and also has a lot of other benefits that not everyone knows about. https://www.rei.com/membership/benefits.

2. Clothing's - varies on the type of weather and other natural factors like changing terrains, high altitudes, moist wet forest or the dry deserts. Depending on the time of the year and the temperature of the place, I have to make sure I'm wearing the right clothing for certain conditions. During summer time I use a breathable type of T-shirts and shorts, a fabric material that repel moisture quickly when it get wet. Brand name shirts have a model like FastDry, DriFit, TechDri, Trinamic, etc.
Winter clothing is a different story, a good layer of clothing is needed to avoid hypothermia, a warm wool clothing comes to mind and thermal wear from head to toe, gloves, beanies, scarf and raincoat in my backpack just in case. In hot weather I prepare a long sleeves breathable UV protection shirt that has a moisture or sweat repellent system. A lightweight insulated, water proof jacket with hood or no hood can be purchased online, my favorite online store that has a good selections of outdoor product is REI, Backcountry, and Amazon.

3. Shoes - I have a 4 types of shoes that I use depending in the condition of the place where I'm going to do my adventure. In North America wilderness climate condition varies from place to place, like the changing terrains, high altitude backpacking or desert and high desert expeditions. The following are the shoes I wear interchangeably and its intended uses.

Serious Backpacking

 Danner Mount Adams 4.5 Browns - this is my go to boots on a long multi day backpacking treks or a long hard terrain day hike. I have this boots for awhile now and it performs great protecting my sensitive feet. GORE-TEX waterproof protection and Vibram outsoles for tractions. It survives the rigorous climb to Mt. Apo in the Philippines, tackled the volcanic and the muddy terrains of Hawaii. Very comfortable shoes and the protection it provides in your ankles during a hard walk is second to none. Highly recommended shoes, made in USA.

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Saint Elias GTX Backpacking Boots by Vasque, a hardy boots that can tackle majority of your hiking footwear needs. Leather and Gore Tex waterproof construction. This shoes is very comfortable and it has good ankle support that will help you tremendously in the trails. I use a wool socks that compliments well with the Saint Elias. This is all around outdoor shoes either winter or summer, or in just about anytime of the year.

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LIGHT BACKPACKING

VASQUE Mantra 2.0

Form meets function with this modern hiking shoe by Vasque. The Mantra 2.0 gives you stability-providing midsoles, quality Vibram Nuasi outsoles, and durable nubuck and mesh uppers. The Mantra's Perpetuum last creates a comfort fit that makes it highly suitable for long-distance hikes. Available with or without a Gore-Tex liner, it's ready for walks in the park or walks into the wild. (Manufacturer comments)

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LIGHT BACKPACKING

MERRELL Moab2 Ventilator

The Moab 2 is a great choice for hikers who prefer easy to moderate day hikes, where this shoe provides ample comfort and support. 

The Vibram soles gained purchase on most surfaces tested, and the shoe offers sufficient durability

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Light and medium Backpacking and Hiking 

 MEN’S ULTRA FASTPACT II MID by The North Face - a very light backpacking boots, waterproof (Gore Tex), great balance and traction, breathable construction, good ankle support, fashionable design, can be use as an everyday shoes. It's my favorite because of it's ease of use.

One of my favorite on the light hiking boots category is the V Lite made by HI-TEC, wonderful grip and very light, very breathable, and it's also Gore Tex construction a light waterproofing, and it also have a Vibram outsole. All around shoes... so comfortable along the trail or on any walkable places. It also own a low cut version and I use that for my trail running.

4. HYDRATION'S - When the temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you’re playing sports, hiking, traveling or just sitting in the sun. And it’s critical for your heart health. Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. And, it helps the muscles work efficiently. During strenuous hiking, dehydration can be a serious condition that can lead to problems ranging from swollen feet or a headache to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. Getting help along the trail is almost close to nothing, be prepared by planning your trip accordingly. In the desert you may need more water for drinking and cooking, a backpack with a bladder pouch and can carry 3 liters of water or more. You lessen some weights in your backpack by eliminating some items that you will not normally need, and by doing so you make more rooms for water.

Life Straw – is a filtration system that eliminates major bacteria and viruses in water, this product is extensively use in the African continent to achieve cleaner water for people consumption. This is one of the product that I use on some of my backpacking trip, I have two of them just in case my family will go with me in my backpacking trip.

Here is what Amazon.com website say about LifeStraw.

Award-winning LifeStraw has been used by millions around the globe since 2005

Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction) and surpasses EPA standards for water filters

Removes minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction) and filters to an amazing 0.2 microns

Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals

Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing for emergencies.

Containers – I use a light sturdy stainless steel called KleinCanteen and I also use a wide mouth plastic jug that can carry 24 oz of water.  See pictures.

Water Filter Pump - Katadyn Hiker Pro - a wonderful filtration system for the demanding hikes. A must have to protect yourself from hidden bacterias and viruses...

Hydration Bags I use an MSR fit's well on my backpacks.

5. TRAIL FOOD - Hikers and backpackers tend to get hungry easily while on the trails, the strenuous walks burned so much calories in our body and it tend for us to refuel it by eating more of it. Thanks to the outdoor industries they have created a variety of dehydrated food that we all can enjoy as we go on with our adventure. By the way they taste very delicious and it's good healthy food. The industry also have improved the quality and healthfulness of certain ready to eat items like Trail Mix, Trail Mix Bar, Protein Bar, nuts. You can carry some banana's or boiled eggs or even a beef, chicken, or pork jerky's. Most of this have a great packaging that protect your food in the long haul. See pictures..

Beef, pork or even chicken marinated with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, (no onions) double seal it with a ziplock and place it a plastic container. You can bring small amount of rice as well perhaps 2 cups will be enough for your trip. Cut out fruits and vegetables can be brought as well, you'll be surprise it will last for 2 days or more. Caution: Wrappers and packaging is a non biodegradable plastic materials make sure to pack it all out, do not bury them in the ground or throwing it all over the place.  Animals are attracted to leftovers never to bury food scraps, never wash your dishes in a creeks, river, or lakes. Use a water container and wash your utensils 40 faces or 100 feet away from a natural water source. Soap and even bio degradable  soaps will pollute the water supply. 

6. TOOLS - we have all kinds of outdoor tools, some of them are necessary to have and so I only take what I believe will help me in case emergencies arise in a far off the trail that you need tools to to help you survive certain ordeals. In day hiking trip you don't really need a bunch of stuff to carry, backpacking staying 2 or more nights in the wild is a different story.

My List of Tools

A. Stove - I use a mini stove, very light and very handy, in my backpacking trip I carry two. Pictured below is my Pocket Rocket by MSR, so handy and so easy to use and the performance is extra ordinary, even on a windy day. Can easily boil water in 2 minutes.

B. Light compact cooking pots, frying fan, and ladles, made by MalloMe an upstart outdoor tools company located in Arizona. MSR ISO Fuel - Mountain Safety Research - a company base in the state of Washington, is an upscale quality outdoor products, and leader in the industry for more than 40 years.

C. First Aid Kit - You can make your own kit and actually better since you can personalize it and carry the things that you may really need. I have band aids, gauze, alcohol prep pads, antibiotics ointment for cuts, cortizone anti itch cream. Etc. See pictures on some of the items that I use. Emergency lighter and matches, analgesics, small scissors, plastic taping for blisters. 

D. Knives, Folding Saw, hard plastic shovel, multi tools, ax, loud horn to repel wild animal attack and Bear Spray for protection it's also called a pepper spray that can shoot about 25 feet. This equipment just like the other is an optional item to bring, you may not need any of them except maybe the knife and the mini shovel, so it depends where you go and how and why you want to bring those tools. 

The original Swiss Army Knife 4 inches blade made by Victorinox model RangerGrip 78 with saw and other cool features. 

Counter Assault Bear Spray

E. Flashlights - I use two kinds of flashlights, a small ultra bright 400 Lumen Bonfire Wizard by Bright Medic, and a headlamp that is capable of 300 lumens. Bought mine at amazon.

F. Camp Essentials - Foldable water buckets, camp towels, compass, small mirror, magnesium fire starter with whistle.

7. SHELTER - TENT - Sleeping bags, mats.  Another important equipment is the tent, although some backpackers prepare to sleep underneath the stars, I prepare to be sheltered from the winds, wild animals, and insects. I have all kind of backpacks one of them is the Stormbreak 1 by The North Face, a light tent good for one person, I have to replaced the metal stakes to an aluminum which is lot lighter. This tent is easy to install,  its rain proof, and the sturdy frames able to withstand winds when staked firmly to the ground. 

Storm Break by The North Face 1 person tent.

LigthHeart Duo Tent - Ultra Light - serious backpacking with lots of space.

The LightHeart is the roomiest 3 season, fully enclosed 2 person tents on the market. The center patented ridge pole provides full use of measured headroom and allows users to sit up and change clothes comfortably.

Sleeping bags, I have a 0, a 20, a 40 degree's, depending on weather conditions.

I use a Big Agnes sleeping pad - insulated, I have it for years now and it's still doing great.

Big Agnes pillow or similar brands.

8. Trekking Poles - A very essential tools for hiking and mountaineering. Other than helping you to have a good balance during hiking, it's also help your knees, allowing your arms to propel you forward and upward. You can use to deflect trail nuisance like thorny branches, spider webs, and even snakes and other wild animals. This is an extra traction on icy and snowy conditions, even on slippery condition or even river crossings it helps you maneuver.

Crampons

Pic Axe

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IN CONCLUSION:   Backpacking and day hiking is about enjoying a great walk and being close to nature. This can be an all day hikes, or an overnight or more tackling a longer trail’s. Trekking can be more enjoyable when undertaken while being generally physically fit. Physical preparation and conditioning is essential includes cycling, swimming, jogging and long walks. Backpacking and hiking can be more enjoyable when we are physically fit to handle long strenuous walking.  To ensure the safest experience possible it is generally a good idea to have some form of experience with basic survival skills, first aid, and orienteering when going for extended hikes or staying out overnight. As an advocate of nature and good stewards of our forest, desert, mountain’s and God’s given places, it's always expected us as backpackers to follow the principle of leave no trace while enjoying the outdoors. May you have a wonderful time, think safety first, and once again “Be Prepared”.