Gear Check: Packing for the Backcountry (Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Tents, Duffel Bags, Dry-Sacks, Check List)

There's a lot to go over in this section so let's dive right in.

The number one consideration when purchasing backcountry hiking and camping equipment is weight. The lighter, the better. And often times, the lighter, the more pricey the item is. Of course quality is right there too since it is of no use buying a featherweight piece of poo. But that should go without saying.

Let's start with the two items that will be doing the carrying on this trip to Canada: the backpack and the duffel bag.

For the backpack, I use an ultralight, airflow system designed by Osprey. It's functional for two to three nights max; this pack is not made for weeklong or multi-week excursions. But for my purposes, it's perfect. All but two of the hikes we are doing in the Canadian mountains are long day hikes. The other two are single night backcountry outings. So this Osprey back will be just right.

For the duffel bag, I'm turning to a recent acquisition: the 140L Mammut Cargon Duffel. Everything that I will be taking with me for two weeks of hiking in Canada, will fit in this bag, save for the backpack that I am using as a carryon. My girlfriend will be using the 120 L Marmot Long-Hauler Duffel. Both are high quality duffel bags, but for men, I recommend the Mammut since the shoulder-strap system, at least on its 140L, is designed for broader shoulders, and is more comfortable carrying on your back.

The tent system is an ultralight, two-person design by Black Diamond. I've used this tent for years and it has held up against terrific wind and rain storms. When other tents were literally blasted to shreds in one of the most severe wind storms I've encountered, this tent performed like a champion. Though one of the poles became permanently disfigured in the storm, the tent still performs the way it should after all these years.

Of the two sleeping bags I have -- an ultra-light Montbell summer bag, and a Western Mountaineering ultra-light three-season -- it's the latter that will be making the trip to Canada. A Thermarest lightweight air pad is used to provide additional comfort at night. I also use a Thermarest foam pad for added support and comfort. On backcountry portions of this trip, however, the foam pad will stay in the duffel bag in order to save weight.

To protect my extra set of clothing, sleeping bag, and other items from the elements while hiking, I am using a series of "nano" Sea-to-Summit dry-sacks. While pricey, these super-light bags are a necessity if you want to keep your stuff from getting soaked. An extra dry-sack will be used to hang food away from camp, and hopefully out of reach of bears.

Other items on the check list for Canada:

- CLIF shot energy gel packs
- CLIF shot bloks
- Quest protein bars
- NUUN hydration tablets
- SaltStick eloctrolyte and caffeine capsules
- Starbucks Via instant coffee
- BodyGlide anti-chaff balm
- NipEaze nipple stickers
- Anti-Monkey Butt Powder (that's what it's called)
- Sea-to-Summit document pouch
- Sea-to-Summit toiletry bag
- Absorber synthetic drying chamois (great for wiping down a wet tent before packing it up)
- Repel 100 insect spray
- 2 48-ounce Nalgene bottles
- Sea-to-Summit mosquito net
- Dr. Scholl's moleskin
- Emergency medical kit
- Sawyer mini water filtration system
- Sea-to-Summit sleeping bag liner
- Suunto compass
- Exped air pillow
- Waterproof maps
- PacSafe passport/card wallet
- Various travel locks
- Light Spork
- Light Mug
- Light Bowl
- Light Plate
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Sea-to-Summit drylite towel (much lighter and packs smaller than a normal towel)
- Plastic trowel and toilet paper (mandatory for the backcountry)
- Plastic bags (ziplocks and garbage size)
- Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning liquid, etc.
- Pocket knife (just never know when you will need it)
- Patagonia swim suit (for post-hike swims!)
- Patagonia down vest (for chillin)
- Journal and pen (memorialize your adventures)
- Bear repellant spray (you have to have it apparently)
- Nylon rope to hang wet clothes, hang stored food in a tree, and for other needs
- Ground tarp (protect the tent bottom)
- Thermarest Tech Blanket (it's just great to have when resting above your sleeping bag)
- Mizuno trail shoes (very lightweight)
- Chaco sandals (not light, but great for rivers)

There are three items I haven't mentioned here that will also have an integral role on this trip: Canon Powershot D30 camera, Sony HDR-AS100VR POV Action Cam, and Suunto Ambit2 GPS watch. I will talk about the tech gear in the next blog entry.

Gear Check: Head, Hands and Upper Body Protection + Trekking Poles + Head Lamps

For the upper body, it's all about layering. I'm generally prepared with five layers. First, the base layer. Since I use Under Armour ColdGear for leggings, I use the same base layer for the upper body. I find that the fabric is suitable enough for use even in the warmer months when hiking at upper elevations. Over the base layer I wear a short sleeve shirt made of quick drying material. Nike running shirts are my favorites for this purpose. I will take two mid-layers for the trip to Canada: a Marmot full-zip and Patagonia partial zip. If it doesn't rain and it's not freezing, generally, the most I will need is these three layers.

The fourth layer, when needed, is a Patagonia jacket that fits snug, but not too tight since I often use it with three layers underneath. Finally, when the rain pours, the fifth layer or outer shell that I will turn to on this trip is a form-fitting Mammut. If I need more than five layers for upper body warmth, that means it's too damn cold outside, and I am just going to kick back with a winter warmer in hand and watch Point Break for the hundredth time.

As for hand protection, I will be taking three sets of gloves with me. If the temperature is comfortable, I use Pearl Izumi cycling gloves. The padded-palms of these gloves work great with the cork handles of the Black Diamond trekking poles. Let's talk about trekking poles while we are on the subject. I have to admit, I am late to the game when it comes to using poles, and that's unfortunate. I think back on the hundreds of miles I've done over the years without poles, and I wonder how many more I could have done if only I used a set of poles. I've read the scientific data about the thousands of pounds of weight that is transferred to poles in a typical hike. I believe it but I don't need data to believe it. I've found in my own experiences, that since turning to trekking poles, I have the energy to go much further and at a greater pace - which in sum means I get to see more of the beautiful country when hiking. And best of all, my knees are saved from substantial agony. If you currently do your hiking without poles, I encourage you to make the switch. Trekking poles aren't just for "old-timer" hikers - it's for every hiker. Thank me later.

In addition to cycling gloves, I use one set of gloves for spring, summer, and fall months, and another for winter months. Since the Canadian Rockies will frequently have a snowstorm in early September - so I've read -  I will be prepared with both sets of gloves.

As for the head, not counting two sets of bandanas, I will bring a brimmed Tilley, a winter cap, and a three-season cap. When the lights go out, I turn it back on using a Black Diamond head lamp. The best thing about head lamps is that your hands are free to do other things -- like using your trekking poles if your still tramping about while it's dark out, or for more important things -- like fumbling around your tent for that special can of beer that you cannot wait to savor after a looooong day on the trail.