Part 2 (Did you miss Part 1? Click here for: 9 basics of backpacking)
To most people, backpacking with just the basics is a little scary. I like to add some extra items to ensure my trip is as pleasant as possible. Here are ideas to maximize your excursion.
1. Camera equipment. You’re hiking to remote parts of the world with a small child strapped to your sweaty back. By all means, document it. People may not believe you actually did it.
2. Sunscreen. Sunburn = tears long after your trip is over.
3. Mosquito repellent. I counted 45 bug bites after the trip on which I didn’t wear it.
4. Snacks. In addition to meals, bring snack foods. Jerky, trail mix, almonds, energy bars, four candy bars (two for when you get to your destination, and two in the car for your return) powdered drink mix (water’s nice, but after awhile some flavor doesn’t hurt).
5. Bear sack and rope. Bears, it turns out, enjoy people food, and if you leave it where they can get it, they might decide to do just that. It hasn’t happened to me (knocking violently on wood) but I imagine it to be quite horrible. The Eastern Sierra and Lost Coast require a bear canister for all backpackers. In most cases your sleeping bag or tent sack tied to a rope and hung high off the ground will do just fine.
6. First aid kit. Band-aids, disinfectant, mole skin (for blisters) and a few other basics. Better safe than sorry.
7. Toilet paper. Bears do it and so will you. Might as well be clean about it. Or you can always play the “I wonder if this leaf will leave a rash?” game.
8. Ear plugs . Personally, I hate the sound of nature at night. It‘s frightening. I use plugs. If something is going to maul me, I don’t want to hear it coming.
9. Fire starter. Rubbing two sticks together is doable but doesn’t leave much time for enjoying yourself.
10. Coffee press. I drink good coffee when I camp out. My stove doubles as a coffee press. If your stove doesn’t, there are other options available.
11. Ipod. Some people prefer to fall asleep to music. I can’t afford an Ipod, which is why I wear ear plugs, and hum.
12. Compass/GPS. Not everyone is skilled at navigation, it turns out.
13. Tools. Ax, plastic mallet, knife. While not essential, they make some camp chores much easier.
14. Trash bag. You must carry out all your trash. Might as well keep it in one place.
Keep in mind that while these items will make your trip more comfortable, they all weigh something, and you have to carry them. Marie Calendar pies can’t be a fun haul for three miles uphill.
Once your pack is loaded and you’re ready to venture into the wild for a night or two, you need a destination. Here are a few that won’t destroy your will to live.
East Boulder Lake: Just outside Callahan, in Northern California, a 2-mile hike leads you to a wonderful lake surrounded by meadows and high mountain walls. Hiking, fishing and waterfall watching are opportunities at this lake. There are numerous campsites, with fire rings, to the south and east of the shore.
Pt. Reyes National Seashore: If you have time to drive farther, Pt. Reyes has many backcountry campgrounds you will enjoy. Glen Camp sits high in old-growth forest and treats you to misty mornings and fresh mountain air. On the flip side, Wildcat Camp is 50 yards off the beach and offers opportunities for exploring during the day. Hikes range from 3-5 miles and are moderate in difficulty. Fires are not allowed in National Parks. Dress warmly.
Heart Lake area: I’ve mentioned this place before, it’s a small 1-mile hike for one of the best views in Northern California. Fire rings exist at Heart Lake.
Lastly, a few simple rules.
1. Use existing fire rings. If you don’t see a fire ring, explore a bit. Most backcountry areas that allow campfires have them; just search.
2. Don’t leave trash. Take it with you. Should go without saying, but people still litter.
3. Check weather conditions before you leave. If severe thunderstorms are predicted, you should probably know about it.
4. Tell someone where you’re headed and when you plan to return. It doesn’t hurt to leave a note on your dashboard as well.
5. Go and enjoy.
Brian Rueb is a north state writer, photographer and educator. Click here to see more of his photography.
