Leaving for your first outdoor adventure is an exciting experience full of promise and possibilities. But before you leave home, it is crucial to make sure you are bringing all the essentials for backpacking with you. A well-prepared trip with all the necessary equipment is vital if you are going to remain happy, safe and comfortable while facing the wonders and challenges of the great outdoors. Our beginner’s backpacking equipment list below will help you choose the three core basics you need before you embark on your first trip.

When researching for a camping or backpacking trip, you may have come across The Ten Essentials. These are a series of items that together offer a complete safety net for outdoor adventures. In this post, we’ll take a look at what The Ten Essentials are, why they’re important, and how you can use them to stay safe in the backcountry. But first, a bit of history! The system was first pioneered in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills , a book published by The Mountaineers in 1974.

An early view on the Fryatt Valley hike, located along where there used to be a cable car from the trail to the highway on the other side! The Fryatt Valley is a lesser known area of Jasper National Park, and is a great place to get away from the crowds. The trail is a 44 km out and back trail that takes you through the valley and up to the Fryatt Hut.

Car camping stoves are a different breed than backpacking stoves. They are generally larger, heavier, and more powerful than their backpacking counterparts. They are also more versatile, and can be used for a wider range of cooking styles and dishes. Here is my guide to all the different types of car camping stove out there: What type is good for which trip, pros and cons, and relevant links. Happy searching!

A portable stove is one of the most important components of a camping kit. So, if you’re not one of those intense backpackers who only bring cold rations on a hike, or even if you just like your coffee hot, here is my guide to all the different types of camping stove out there: What type is good for which trip, pros and cons, and relevant links. Happy searching! What makes a good stove?