How to Keep your Backpack Light If you are going backpacking for two or three days, you’’ll have to carefully pack non-perishable items.. Canned goods are a good choice but are heavy to carry so it’s best to plan your meals beforehand. Today’s technology has produced many food items that can last a long time and are lightweight. For instance many juices come in concentrated juice boxes, milk is available in powdered form and peanut butter and jams come in small packets that are stored easily in your backpack. You can pack small tins of chicken, ham or tuna. There are also dried meats and beef jerky and you can also pack dried fruits and nuts. One thing about hiking in the summer is the abundance of free food in the wild such as blueberries, raspberries and cranberries to name a few. A good rule to follow is this; white and yellow berries are generally poisonous. There are a lot of other foods in the wild but you need to know where to find them. Educate yourself about mushrooms as they can look great but can also be fatal. Then there’s the issue of drinking water. Well, no problem. There are plenty of streams and lakes where I’m going, right? Maybe so but think about this.What if a moose or bear or some other animal has died further upstream and is rotting in the water? You can’t be sure, especially in summer, with the temperature of the water warm enough for you to swim in. This is when bacteria levels are at their highest. If you don’t want to carry water, which also is quite heavy, you need to boil it for at least ten minutes at a good rolling boil. After it cools down it is safe to drink. In conclusion you have to think about food that will keep you energized. Carry a small box of raisins or peanuts, slim jim beef/cheese, and chocolate bars. Remember also, a heavy pack causes slow, tedious hiking, exhaustion, irritability, increased chance of an injury, not to mention a sore back and/or feet. The key goal here is to have an enjoyable hike and be able to remember it down the road as being a great experience.
Janette Butt is owner/operator of JB Enterprises in Canada and owner of website www.outdoortentexperience.com that features camping equipment and free advice and tips for novice and seasoned outdoors enthusiasts.
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