Backpacking Equipment
Arrangement Of Backpacking In The Sleeping Bear Dunes
I was backpacking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was March, so when I made it through the woods and over the dunes, I’d have miles of beach to myself. It was an over-nighter, a chance to test new ultralight backpacking equipment. I hiked the wooded hills quickly, enjoying the cold air.
Halfway through the forest, I stopped to cook noodles. The cheap 3-ounce pot was from a dollar store, and it worked fine. I was happy, because from the catalog descriptions, the expensive titanium pots are all heavier, probably because they’re too thick and with too many gadgets.
I had to use a small twig-fire when my homemade alcohol stove didn’t provide enough heat. I later learned that isopropyl alcohol doesn’t burn as hot as the alcohol used for a gas additive, but the twigs worked in any case.
Backpacking On The Beach
After eating, I hiked to Lake Michigan, and sat up on a large sand dune. I watched the waves push ice up onto the empty beach. Coyotes began to howl in the distance, and the clouds rolled in. I was on the beach looking for petoskey stones when the snow began. Backpacking in March has its risks.
I was in running shoes, and it would be below freezing that night. In northern Michigan, March is definitely part of winter. My feet stayed warm while I hiked, but I hadn’t planned on them getting wet. At least I had a pair of warm, dry socks for sleeping.
Ultralight Backpacking Equipment
It was the first time I used my GoLite Breeze backpack, which weighed only 13 ounces. I was hiking with about nine pounds on my back, and that only because I threw in some canned food. I was going light, but I knew the forests here and felt comfortable with my abilities.
My down sleeping bag was a 17-ounce Western Mountaineering HighLite. It was the first time I would use it below freezing (It hit 25 degrees fahrenheit that night). Fortunately, it wasn’t too windy.
At the edge of the forest, behind the dunes, I set up my small tarp. I piled pine needles and dead bracken ferns under it, finishing just as it became dark. This made a warm mattress, and I slept well, listening to the coyotes, and to the waves pushing ice around in the lake.
In the morning I was happy to see only a dusting of snow. My one-pound sleeping bag had been warmer than my three-pounder – and I thought that was light. I poured alcohol in the cut-off bottom of a pepsi can (my 1/2-ounce backpacking stove) and made tea. After some crackers I was soon hiking in my mostly-dry shoes, along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Backpacking Lessons Learned
I ended my trip that afternoon, with a hike to the village of Empire, seven miles away. I was mostly satisfied. Only two problems: My tarp was too small, and the alcohol I brought was the wrong type.
After backpacking in Michigan for years, I know it well. I know where to find dead grass and bracken ferns, for example, to make a warm mattress in a few minutes. Knowledge, obviously, can be as valuable as expensive backpacking gear.
About the Author
To learn about chameleon care and romney sheep, visit the Knowledge Bin website.
Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trip
|
|
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER BATPK NAVY BATPACK BACKPACK BASEBALL SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT BAG $0.15 |
|
|
TRAILMAKER EQUIPMENT BACKPACK NEW $0.99 |
|
|
BLUE/BLACK TRAILMAKER EQUIPMENT BACKPACK NEW $0.99 |
|
|
BLACK AND GREY TRAILMAKER EQUIPMENT BACKPACK NEW $0.99 |
|
|
Hiking and Backpacking: Essential Skills, Equipment, and Safety by Victoria Log $0.99 |
|
|
NEW “Trailmaker Equipment” BLACK & GRAY Backpack Carry-on w REFLECTOR MINT NWT $3.50 |
|
|
NIKE BASEBALL SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT BAG SPORTS BACKPACK 36 X 11 X 8 BAT STORAGE $4.95 |
|
|
BackPack Blower Fuel Filter 9025 Fits Tons Of 2-Cycle Equipment $4.99 |
|
|
SUSPENDER INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT STRAP FOR BACKPACK LC-1 #2 $5.00 |
|
|
SUSPENDER INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT STRAP FOR BACKPACK LC-1 $5.00 |
|
|
Hot Sale Military Backpack Outdoor Sports Series Equipment Multifunction Bag $5.51 |
|
|
“I Love Volleyball” Drawstring Equipment backpack tote bag $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
Love Volleyball Drawstring Equipment Bag Backpack tote $5.99 |
|
|
U.S. Divers Equipment bag/backpack. Red and Black. $6.00 |
|
|
TRAILMAKER EQUIPMENT BACKPACK FOR GIRLS $6.99 |
|
|
XLG BLUE FIORELLI CITY EQUIPMENT BACKPACK SLING TRAVEL SPORTS BAG $7.99 |
|
|
NWT TRAILMAKER EQUIPMENT GIRLS PINK SPORT BACKPACK $8.00 |
|
|
Mountain Equipment co-op high quality hydration backpack $9.99 |
|
|
Large BG160 B Rubber Amphibious Operation Equipment Gear Protection Bag Backpack $9.99 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Black $10.80 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Pink $10.80 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Blue $10.80 |
|
|
New Girls Trailmaker Equipment BACKPACK $10.95 |
|
|
Hiking and Backpacking: Essential Skills, Equipment, and Safety by Victoria Logu $10.95 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Black $11.15 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Blue $11.51 |
|
|
PURPLE BUM TRAVEL EQUIPMENT SMALL CHILD’S BACKPACK BAG VERY STURDY $12.00 |
|
|
NWT Trailmaker Equipment Black, Green Red & Blue Mesh Backpack $12.99 |
|
|
NWT Trailmaker Equipment Black, Green Red & Blue Mesh Backpack $12.99 |
|
|
NWT Trailmaker Equipment Black, Green Red & Blue Mesh Backpack $12.99 |
|
|
NWT Trailmaker Equipment Black, Green Red & Blue Mesh Backpack $12.99 |
|
|
EYEWITNESS COMPANION BACKPACKING & HIKING-Berger,Camp-Safety-Equipment-Clothes $12.99 |
|
|
1974 Press Photo Backpacking Equipment $13.88 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Black $14.50 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Pink $14.50 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Blue $14.50 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Pink $14.99 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Blue $14.99 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Black $14.99 |
|
|
Demarini Vexxum Equipment Backpack Black Red A9402 $15.00 |
|
|
Vintage Recreational Equipment External Frame Hiking Backpack. Light Weight! $15.00 |
|
|
New Trailmaker Equipment- Black Mesh Travel School Hiking Messenger Backpack $15.00 |
|
|
New Trailmaker Equipment- Red Mesh Travel School Hiking Messenger Backpack $15.00 |
|
|
Vintage OVERLAND EQUIPMENT Backpack. Made in Chico, California. Well Made! $15.00 |
|
|
Echo Original Equipment PB-620ST BACKPACK BLOWER ELBOW PIPE NEW E160000061 $15.00 |
|
|
Suspender Individual Equipment US Military Strap for Backpack LC1 – Large – used $15.50 |
|
|
Trailmaker Equipment Laptop Backpack 18″ x 14″ x 4″ $15.99 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Black $18.91 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Blue $18.91 |
|
|
TYR Mesh Equipment Backpack Style Tote: Pink $18.91 |
|
|
Lightweight Backpacking and Camping: A Field Guide to Wilderness Equipment, Tech $18.96 |
|
|
Lightweight Backpacking and Camping: A Field Guide to Wilderness Equipment, Tech $18.96 |
|
|
Barrack Sergeant 1/6th Modern US Army Desert Boots & Backpack Equipment Set $19.00 |
|
|
BS 1/6th US Army Jungle Boots & Backpack Equipment Set $19.00 |
|
|
Hiking and Backpacking: Essential Skills, Equipment, an $19.68 |
|
|
Survival Equipment Set, Perfect for hiking, campingm backpacking, or a Go Bag $19.95 |
|
|
Paintball Equipment Backpack $19.99 |
|
|
FSS GSA FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT CORDURA BACKPACK SCOUTING CAMPING $19.99 |
|
|
Rugged Equipment Pro Sport Adventure Backpack – Brown with Floral Print $19.99 |
|
|
Lowe Video Camera Backpack Padded and ideal for delicate equipment 11″X 17″ Main $19.99 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 25 LITER BACKPACK OLIVE $20.97 |
|
|
NEW PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 25 LITER BACKPACK TAN $20.97 |
|
|
Champion Sports Equipment Backpack Black $21.59 |
|
|
Champion Sports Equipment Backpack DARK GREEN $21.59 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 25 LITER BACKPACK BLACK $21.77 |
|
|
Easton PRO WEDGE Bat/Equipment Bag Black/Gray Baseball / Softball – Backpack NEW $22.50 |
|
|
Extra Large BackPack for all DSLR Equipment $22.95 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 35 LITER BACKPACK OLIVE $23.47 |
|
|
DRAGON- US Modern MOLLE BACKPACK Equipment Sets 1 & 2 $23.95 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 35 LITER BACKPACK BLACK $24.77 |
|
|
EASTON RIVAL SOFT-SHELL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT BACKPACK $24.95 |
|
|
Rugged Equipment Pro Sport Adventure Backpack / Day Pack – gray/charcoal/black $24.99 |
|
|
NEW Pacific Outdoor Equipment Aji Tote Gym Climbing Bag Backpack $24.99 |
|
|
Champion Baseball-Softball Bat Equipment Backpack Game Bag $24.99 |
|
|
Lipke Extreme Use Equip. Backpack Size 21″ x 11″ x 6″ $25.99 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 45 LITER BACKPACK BLACK $26.07 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 45 LITER BACKPACK OLIVE $26.77 |
|
|
FSS GSA FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT CORDURA BACKPACK SCOUTING CAMPING $26.78 |
|
|
NEW PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 45 LITER BACKPACK TAN $27.27 |
|
|
TITLE BOXING MESH EQUIPMENT BACKPACK (14″ x 6″ x 18″)-gym mma gear bag training $27.50 |
|
|
Demarini Vexxum Equipment Backpack Black Red A9402 $27.71 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK BLACK $28.99 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK ROYAL BLUE $28.99 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK SCARLET RED $28.99 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK COLUMBIA BLUE $28.99 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK TEXAS ORANGE $28.99 |
|
|
WORTH 2012 BACKPACK STYLE EQUIPMENT BAG MODEL BACKPK NAVY BLUE $28.99 |
|
|
NEW PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 70 LITER BACKPACK TAN $29.47 |
|
|
PROFORCE EQUIPMENT AQUACOVER 70 LITER BACKPACK BLACK $29.47 |
|
|
New Worth FPX Backpack Bat/Equipment Bag FPXBP Yellow $29.95 |
|
|
EASTON PHENOM II RED BAT PACK BACKPACK PLAYER EQUIPMENT BAG NEW IN WRAPPER! $29.95 |
|
|
EASTON PHENOM II ROYAL BAT PACK BACKPACK PLAYER EQUIPMENT BAG NEW IN WRAPPER! $29.95 |
|
|
NWT blue OVERLAND EQUIPMENT one shoulder backpack sling NEW handbag LUNA purse $29.99 |
|
|
Sling Bag Equipment Gear Bag Backpack E75- FREE SHIP!!! $29.99 |
|
|
Salt Pepper Shaker Set Camping Hunting Pair Small Camp Backpacking Picnic Bbq !! $9.99 Salt & Pepper Shaker Set Small Compact Great For Camping Hunting Camp Backpacking Picnic Bbq And More!! The salt & pepper shaker set by coghlan’s is a great little salt and pepper shaker, perfect for backpacking, camping, emergency contingency supplies, even your glove box! It’s just a touch over 2.25 inches long and about .75 diameter so it hardly takes up any room at all. But it’ll … |
|
|
Snow Peak Carry-On Chopsticks $26.96 401221 Features: Specifications: Weight: 1 ounce… |
|
|
GSI Outdoors 12-Inch Steel Frypan $9.49 Rugged industrial strength design that’s professional enough for the local Bristo. Highest quality steel construction with and easy cleaning non-stick interior and exterior, the handle folds compactly to fit in your backpack or picnic basket…. |
|
|
Chainmate CM-24SSP 24-Inch Survival Pocket Chain Saw With Pouch $9.49 With its carbon steel teeth and extreme portability, this survival saw is an essential tool for snowmobilers, campers, hikers, mountain bikers and all other outdoorsmen. U.S.A. Chain Length (in.): 24, Blade Material: Carbon steel… |
|
|
Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit $30.17 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Ultimate Kit is a 15-piece survival kit built for hostile environments. It fits in your pack and has everything you need–including Gerber’s miniature multi-tool, a fire starter, a survival blanket, and a wire cutter–to survive even in the toughest spots.Survival Series Ultimate KitAt a Glance:15-piece survival kit b… |
|
|
Emergency Shelter Tent, Reflective Tube Tent, Cold Weather Emergency Shelter, Emergency Zone Brand $6.49 Emergency Zone? Brand. The Emergency Tent is a lightweight and compact emergency shelter. It is wind and waterproof and easy to set up. It is 8 feet long and roomy enough for two people…. |
|
|
Go Girl Female Urination Device $12.99 115100 Features: Specifications: Material: silicone… |
|
|
Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter $63.92 From Backpackgeartest.org The Katadyn Base Camp filter is a gravity feed filter system that utilizes a bag that is filled with unfiltered water, hung, and allows gravity to feed the water through the filter media into a water container. It is one of Katadyn’s Backcountry Series of filters. Initial Impressions The Katadyn Base Camp filter arrived at my home packaged in an attractive display box. T… |
|
|
Male Urinal w/Cover Disposable Translucent $1.78 1000cc Capacity… |
|
|
Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack $68.99 Go all day with the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack. It protects your digital SLR and 15.4″ wide screen notebook compactly while providing generous storage for your other gear. Side-entry compartments let you quickly grab equipment and accessories, even while you are on the move…. |
