The first thing to keep in mind whilst making your purchase is the kind of climatic conditions that you would be faced with. This would in turn depend on whether you are a summer hiker, a two season, a three season or an all season backpacker. For summers, an A frame, nylon, waterproof, moderate tent would just work fine. You may also use a plastic tube tent or a bevy bag. However, in case of three-season hiking, you ought to be more careful about your pick. You would need a stronger backpacking tent that doesn’t give away easily. A four season backpacking tent must be preferably made of nylon, weighing about 8 to 15 pounds. Tents catering to your camping needs are often provided with cook vents and extendable frames. A moderate backpacking tent would generally cost you around $150 to $350. But there are of course, more expensive options available with prices up to $900 or maybe even more. A backpacking tent can make your camping trip enjoyable and a small investment can bring you several years of enjoyment in the outdoors.

The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so having a backpacking gear list and planning both the packing and the trip is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. They may simply have a fire ring and posted maps or they can have cabins, as well as a pitch for tents and a toilet and shower block. Other areas may have nothing at all and backpackers set up their camp wherever they find a good spot.

There is a community in backpacking. Everyone works together to preserve the wilderness that they love. There are certain accepted and unaccepted behaviors in backpacking. Backpackers try not to disturb or damage the area they travel in. They clean up all traces of their camp and never litter or take anything along their travels. The one thing you are allowed to take is photographs, so a small lightweight camera can form part of your backpacking checklist.

Backpacking requires a person to keep safety in mind always. There are many hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe is sure to fall prey. The backpack itself can pose problems if a person does not learn how to fit it and pack it properly. The physical activity can be strenuous and a person must be conditioned to handle walking through uneven and rough terrain. Basic first aid and general idea of wilderness safety are other things a backpacker must know. It is easy to get lost and hurt in the wilderness, so every backpacker must have a good handle on staying safe.

People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the excellent exercise. Some people like backpacking because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever reason people backpack, there are large numbers of them and they continue to explore, love and walk through the wilderness with the common goal of a good backpacking experience.