Fundamentals of Backpacking

BACKPACKING TECHNIQUES

Purify Your Water

Adult backpackers typically drink 2 to 5 liters of water every day (depending on factors like their route, the weather and the kind of shape they're in). Water supplies can be heavy, bulky and awkward to carry, so most backpackers plan routes that have fresh water supplies along the way. For safety's sake, make sure there's at least one reliable water source (like a lake, river, stream) on your first several backpacking trips. Remember - harsh weather conditions and/or emergencies may force you to spend more time in the wilderness than you plan for. Also remember that not all water sources shown on maps actually exist in real life. Streams and rivers can change course, lakes can be drained and small creeks may disappear during the dry season. Make sure the resources you use to plan your route are accurate and up to date!

Making Sure Your Water Is Safe: Never travel in the wilderness without some reliable way to make water safe to drink. The risk of contamination is always present, no matter how pristine a water source seems. Water supplies can be contaminated by any number of disease-carrying microorganisms, from bacteria to protozoa to viruses. Consuming water that contains these organisms can lead to cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and even more serious medical problems. For water to be safe, these microorganisms must be either rendered inactive or removed.

Make Sure You Know What You're Doing: Make sure you know how to use your water treatment equipment before you leave home. Also, familiarize yourself with the variables that might make the treatment process less reliable (like cold or murky water, for example). For safety's sake, have a backup plan in case your primary water treatment system fails. For example, if you're carrying a water filter or purifier, pack a small supply of iodine pills as a backup, or bring extra fuel so you can boil your water if you have to. Make sure that you don't contaminate water supplies as you travel through the wilderness. Possible sources of contamination include food scraps, trash, human waste and soaps used for cleaning.

More Backpacking Techniques

How to Pack Your Pack

How to Set Up Your Campsite

Map and Compass