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 dualfuel 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!
About the author: 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.
