Articles
5
Ways to Get the Most Out of Your BackCountry Gear
Chuck Fitzgerald C2004. All Rights Reserved.
Time out of doors is a precious commodity to the outdoor
enthusiast - but are we getting the most out of this time.
One way to ensure maximum backcountry enjoyment is to get the
most possible value from the gear you acquire and use.
Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear -
and your backcountry experience.
-
Purchase the best gear you can possibly afford. If you are
going to spend a year planning your next excursion on the
continental divide, spend three months getting into great shape,
take three weeks vacation when it's time for the hike, purchase
an airline ticket, and so on - then why are you using the
cheapest backpack you can find? A good backpack will make
all the difference in the world. This applies to all of
your
backcountry gear. Whether its your GPS unit, sleeping bag,
rain gear or dual-fuel portable stove, be sure to carry good
equipment in order to get the most value for your money.
Don't buy cheap!
- Learn how to use all of your gear correctly and practice using
it. When you are completely lost, it's not the time to
learn how to navigate with a compass and map. When you and
your firewood are wet, it's not the time to learn how to start a
fire with the flare you've been carrying for 5 years in your
pack. Take time to learn all of the features of your gear.
You might be surprised to learn just how useful your GPS really
is when you
understand how to use the backtrack feature. You'll be
mighty thankful when you learn the proper weight distribution
for your backpack. Take time to learn - practice around
your home before you venture into the backcountry.
- Keep your gear with you and use it as much as possible.
Your backcountry gear isn't just for the backcountry. It
has unlimited uses in everyday life. Never go on a road
trip without your pack. You'll almost always find an
opportunity to use your binoculars or GPS unit. If you
don't have your gear with you, you'll need it - never fails.
- Take great care of your gear. Hopefully you've learned
this from your parents and not necessarily from experience.
Your gear will only take good care of you if you take good care
of it. Conversely, your gear will let you down if you
don't take good care of it. That's a bad situation to be
in. Inspect everything before you embark on your
adventure. Clean and properly store all of your gear upon
your return. Have you check your gear's straps, fuel,
waterproofing, batteries and overall condition lately? Taking good care of your gear is an important part of enjoying
your backcountry trip.
- When you're done with it, donate it - and some of your time -
to a local scout troop. They are always looking for
assistance from outdoor enthusiasts. You'll feel great
getting this last piece of benefit out of your old trusty gear!
Optimize your time in the backcountry. The easiest way
ensure maximum outdoor enjoyment is to get the most possible
value from your gear. Let these 5 ways guide you in
getting the most out of your backcountry gear - and your
backcountry experience. Use this information and you'll
Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
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About the author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of
Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry
specialty gear and educational information for outdoor
enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the
free
newsletter "FreshAir" or call (800) 316-9055.
