| With all the emphasis today on physical fitness | | | | You don't want a damp towel getting mildew on |
| and the outdoors, more people than ever are | | | | everything else in your backpack. |
| choosing to spend their vacations in a location | | | | A good pair of walking shoes is essential for the |
| where they can go hiking or backpacking. They're | | | | comfort of your feet, especially with all the |
| finding sightseeing is just as much fun on foot | | | | walking you'll be doing. As you did with the |
| with a backpack as it is from a car window. | | | | backpack, try these on and walk around a bit in |
| There is also the savings on gas and the exercise | | | | the store. The clerks are used to this when they |
| the body is getting, which are both bonuses. As | | | | sell quality shoes. There are many good walking |
| easy as backpacking may seem, there are some | | | | shoes to choose from. |
| recommended tips on backpacking you may want | | | | You will need to pack a couple pair of underwear |
| to follow. | | | | and socks, possibly even long underwear if it's |
| Regardless of whether your hiking adventure is | | | | cold outside at night where you will be hiking. You |
| close or far away, you will need a good backpack. | | | | may want to bring along a pillowcase and sleeping |
| 'Good' doesn't necessarily mean expensive, just | | | | bag, just in case you stay at a backpacker hotel. |
| good for you. There are many different kinds of | | | | Your pillowcase may also later double as a bag for |
| backpacks on the market today. Some with a | | | | carrying some of your items. |
| few zippered compartments and pockets; some | | | | Some personal items you may want to pack are |
| have many or no zippered compartments. Go to | | | | a small wallet (for your traveler's checks & |
| a store that sells a large variety and pick out a | | | | the passport you had better have with you if out |
| few you like. Don't be afraid to try them on in the | | | | of the country), small camera, flip-flops (for the |
| store, walking around a bit to get a feel of how it | | | | shower), wet wipes, detergent, rain gear, |
| fits and feels on your back. While you may feel | | | | band-aids or small first-aid kit, personal hygiene |
| you need one big enough to carry all your | | | | items such as toothpaste, deodorant and |
| necessities, don't get one that is so big that it's | | | | shampoo and extra clothing. |
| going to be awkward and heavy on your back. | | | | A few days before you leave, pack your |
| Try to find a backpack that has a detachable | | | | backpack with all your items, take a walk around |
| daypack. | | | | the block a couple of times, and see how it feels. |
| Now that you have your backpack, you need | | | | If it feels unbearable, this is your opportunity to |
| supplies to put inside. It's a good idea to make a | | | | see what you can take out and still get by |
| checklist of what you will need. You will need a | | | | comfortably. |
| nice thick towel, preferably a quick drying one. | | | | |