Backpacking – Things To Pack That Have Multiple Uses

There is so much you can think of that you will want to take when you go backpacking and it is a challenge to fit it all in. You don’t want to be carrying heavy gear around with you so by being smart, you can still carry the gear you need with little compromise.

By lugging heavy backpacking gear around with you it will not only slow you down and tire you quicker, it could have an affect on your back or joints. A smart way to negate the need to carry heavy gear is by taking the items that can provide multiple uses. You will not only cut down on the item that you need to pack, but will lengthen the load you have to take.

So what items can have multiple uses? The following list demonstrates how to get more than one use out of gear that is typically used on a backpacking trip. You may find you are using some of this stuff as multiple uses anyway without realizing it.

Parachute cord Although you probably wont be parachuting on your backpacking adventure you will find that this is a useful bit of kit and has several uses. Use it to hang your clothes on or for tying up food bags for overnight camping. It will come in useful if anyone has an accident and you need to tie a splint in place. When packing it, wind it up loosely and tie it to the outside of your backpack.

Candles They are extremely light and you will hardly notice carrying them. Apart from the obvious use of providing extra light they can be used to start a stubborn fire. They also work great as a waterproofing agent. They are far easier and lighter to carry than a heavy lantern.

Duct tape Duct tape is very strong and durable and can be used in a multitude of situations. A roll of tape will probably last you a long time. It can be used for repairing backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and provides a wrap for a bandage and many more uses. Duct tape should be an essential part of your backpacking gear.

Safety pins Very useful to help secure bandages or to act as clothespins. These are small and lightweight and have many uses.

Plastic placemats Again lightweight and easy to pack use them for putting you boots on to prevent mud and dirt in your tent. When sitting down do not use blankets as they could get wet – use a placemat. You can even use it as a make-do table to prepare your food on.

By: Andyj00

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For great help and information and great deals on a wide range of quality backpacking and camping gear such as North Face sleeping bags and for more information on North Face backpacks go check out northfacebackpacks.org.