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related article: Travel Bag Sizes

You should consider on what season and how long you’re going to go on your trip when looking for the right backpack size. More than anything else, these two factors should decide what the dimensions of your backpack should be.

Summer Hiking Backpack

For day hiking you will need a backpack capable of carrying 1,500-2,000 cubic inches or 25 to 35 liters. Increase this total to 2,500 or 3,000 cubic inches (40 to 50 liters), if the trip lasts for two nights.

For a 3 to 5 night trip, the size should be 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inches or 50 to 65 liters. The capacity should be 5,000 cubic ft minimum for a hiking trip that lasts at least five days.

Spring and Fall / Autumn Hiking Backpack

For a day hike, the capacity should be 2,000-2,500 cubic inches (equal to 35-40 liters). If the trip lasts for one or two evenings, the capacity should be 3,000 to 3,5000 cubic inches (or 50-55 liters).

For a 3 to 5 night trip, the size should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches or 65 to 80 liters. If it is for at least five nights, the capacity should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches or 50 to 65 liters at the minimum.

Backpack for Winter Hiking

The requirements for winter hiking are a bit different. The backpack size for day hiking is 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40 to 55 liters). If the trip lasts for one or two nights, the capacity should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches (or 65-80 liters).

If you’ll be hiking for a minimum of three nights (maximum five nights) the capacity should be 5,000 cubic inches (80 to 90 liters). The capacity should be 5,000 cubic ft minimum for a hiking trip that lasts at least five days.

Backpack Types

Daypacks are very popular among summer hikers. These are basically small backpacks. Their small size makes them ideal to carry during hot days. When shopping for daypacks, think of the trip duration.

If you’ll be hiking for at least a couple of days, make sure the backpack has enough room for extra clothing. The backpack size for winter hiking needs to be a little bigger. You’ll need thicker clothes.

Backpacks use internal or external frames. The internal frames are more popular nowadays because it provides mobility and balance. This is most suitable for hiking and mountain climbing. However the external backpack is preferred by some as there is space between the backpack and one’s back.

What to Carry

Food, water and clothing are the bare necessities. Make sure to carry the amount of clothing needed; you don’t want to run short, but don’t fill your backpack with stuff you won’t use. Don’t forget to carry medical kits.

Having a compass with you is also a good idea. A flashlight, batteries and a cell phone are also essential especially for new hikers.

While manufacturers may use the same backpack size measurements, each has its own nuances. Spend some time trying them to see which one you’re most comfortable with.

looking for some extreme mountain hiking? check this out:
How High is Mount Everest?
How High is Mount Kilimanjaro?

related reading: Travel Bag Dimensions

You should think of the season and duration of your trip when searching for the right backpack dimension. More than anything else, these two factors will decide your ideal backpack dimensions.

Summer Hiking Backpack

For day hiking you will need a backpack capable of carrying 1,500-2,000 cubic inches or 25 to 35 liters. The backpack size / capacity should be 2,500 or 3,000 cubic inches or 40 to 50 liters if you’ll be camping out for two nights
.

The capacity should be 3,000 to 5,000 cubic inches (80 to 90 liters) if you’ll be hiking for a minimum of three nights (maximum five nights). If it is for at least five nights, the capacity should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches or 50 to 65 liters at the minimum.

Backpack for Hiking in The Spring and Fall / Autumn

The backpack size for day hiking is 2,000-2,500 cubic inches (35 to 40 liters). If you’ll be camping out for two evenings, the backpack size / capacity should be 3,000 to 3,5000 cubic inches or 50 to 55 liters.

The capacity should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches (65 to 80 liters) if you’ll be hiking for a minimum of three nights (maximum five nights). For a hiking trip that lasts at least five days the capacity should be 5,000 cubic ft minimum.

Backpack for Winter Hiking

The requirements for winter hiking are a little bit different. For day hiking, the backpack size should be 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40 to 55 liters). Increase this total to 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches (65 to 80 liters) if the trip lasts for two nights.

If you’ll be hiking for a minimum of three nights (maximum five nights) the capacity should be 5,000 cubic inches (80 to 90 liters). If it is for at least five nights, the capacity should be 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches or 50 to 65 liters at the minimum.

Types of Backpack

Daypacks are very popular among summer hikers. These are basically small backpacks. Their small size makes them ideal to carry during hot days. When shopping for daypacks, think of the trip duration.

If you’ll be hiking for at least a couple of days, make sure the backpack has enough room for extra clothing. The backpack size for winter hiking needs to be a little bigger. You’ll need thicker clothes.

Backpacks use internal or external frames. The internal frames are more popular nowadays because it provides mobility and balance. This is most suitable for hiking and mountain climbing. However the external backpack is preferred by some as there is space between the backpack and one’s back.

What to Carry

Food, water and clothing are the bare necessities. Make sure to carry the amount of clothing needed; you don’t want to run short, but don’t fill your backpack with stuff you won’t use. Don’t forget to carry medical kits.

Having a compass with you is also a good idea. A flashlight, batteries and a cell phone are also essential especially for new hikers.

While manufacturers may use the same backpack size measurements, each has its own nuances. Spend some time trying them to see which one you’re most comfortable with.

looking for some extreme mountain hiking? check this out:
How High is Mount Everest?
How High is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hiking consists of walking often on hiking trails in the great outdoors. Hiking is available for almost everyone regardless of age or ability level to discover the outdoors. Hiking times show the time in hours it takes to make one complete trip around the trail. Trails in state parks lead to lakes and vistas teaming with wild life and uncountable adventures. It’s always best to backpack with another person and we don’t recommend hiking alone. Be sure to take precautions should you decide to ever hike alone. Combine hiking’s physical exhilaration with the mental lift that comes with being in touch with nature. You probably live close to a state park.

Arkansas trails are designed for day hiking with trails typically found in the Ozark Highlands. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, chimneys, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Included in Arkansas’s over 1500 hiking trails are two in Eureka Springs.

Just two miles west of Eureka Springs off U.S. Highway 62 is Lake Leatherwood Park;  a 1600-acre municipal park surrounding an 85 acre spring fed lake. It is a place of natural serenity. Lake Leathewood was formed by the largest hand-cut native limestone dam in Carroll County. The dam and several structures at the park were built in the early 1940s by the WPA.Lake Leatherwood Park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lake has about 15 miles of trails around the lake and in the park. No motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails. Hikers and bikers alike can enjoy the beauty of nature and see birds, springs, creeks, unusual rock formations and bridges. The hiking trail circles the lake and is about 4 miles long. The lake is sheltered and great for kids and beginners; you can probably explore it completely in one afternoon. One end of the lake is shallow and has lily pads and moss growing here. You will see all varieties of wild life. The water at the other end of the lake is deep and clear. Fishing is good here because few people use the lake.

Black Bass Lake has great hiking in Eureka. Black Bass Lake is located off U.S. Highway 62 behind businesses including Community First Bank and the Inn of the Ozarks Best Western. In the heart of Eureka Springs is a new 1/2 mile hiking and biking trail around the lake. Black Bass Lake is a 13 acre spring-fed lake great for cork fishing which as a 115 year old limestone dam. The multi-use, three-foot wide trail was designed to provide access to the shore for fishing, hiking, and biking. “This is truly undiscovered country,” remarked Jeff Feldman, Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce President. Most locals in Eureka Springs do not know that it’s here. This area still looks like the Ozarks before the white man came; except for the dam. Visit the Lake in winter for a special treat especially after a snow.”

The plan is to connect all the trails in Eureka Springs, including connecting Black Bass Lake and Lake Leatherwood to the town of Beaver on Table Rock Lake. Come to Eureka Springs for the hiking trails and to see the town. Whether you stay in a cabin or camp out; hiking is close by.

Are you interested in going on a camping trip in your Open Range RV? Choose your campground as soon as possible if you do not know where you want to go already. In the summer months, camping is a popular activity; therefore, you will want to make sure that you are able to get a camping reservation at the RV park of your choice.

Another one of the many reasons why you may want to think about making your camping reservations in advance is because many campgrounds allow their guests to handpick which camping spots they want. Of course, not all campgrounds allow this, but you will find that a large number of them do. In terms of getting a good campsite, you will find that the earlier you make your reservations, the more campsites you have to choose from.

In all honesty, the “perfect,” campsite is likely to vary from person to person. Think about what you want to do as well as what those in your group want to do and choose accordingly. Although there may be some variations of what you are looking for, you may want to take some of the factors mentioned below into consideration, when choosing the perfect campsite.

If you are going camping with small children, you may want to think about making sure that your camping site is a good distance away from any bodies of water or any dangerous hiking trails. You will also find that many campground parks have on-site playgrounds and such. It may be a good idea to try and get a camping spot that is located near a playground or other locations that are designed for children.

In addition to the safety of those that you will be camping with, preferences are also something that should be taken into consideration. If you want to spend your time on the water either swimming, boating or fishing, then you will want a campsite close to the water. If you want to spend time hiking on the other hand, try to get a campsite close to the hiking trails and so on.

Size is also another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a campsite. Most campgrounds have different size campsites to choose from. For the most part, the larger campsites are reserved for campers with Open Range RVs or multiple tents. Before agreeing to rent a particular camping site, you will want to make sure that the site in question is large enough for your entire camping group.

If you are camping in an Open Range RV, then you will want to make sure there are hookups such water and electricity. Camping in an Open Range RV is so much better when you can utilize the benefits of your RV.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration when choosing a camping spot for your next camping adventure. Most campgrounds do allow you to choose your own campsite, remember however, not all of them do.

Ultralight to lightwieght backpacking gear part 1

If you like to hike or trek over 20 miles in a day you will know how the weight of the gear you carry with you is a very significant factor. Experiences hikers, trekkers and backpackers know that to reduce the weight of your gear you need to concentrate on the three main items: your sleeping bag, shelter and the backpack itself.

So you will want to leave your huge 10 pound tent and snug 5 pound sleeping bag at home and get yourself the lightest backpack you can find.

It may be hard to believe but there are some really good quality backpacks that weigh in at less than four ounces. That’s no exaggeration. The typical capacity for a bag like this will be between about 1500 and 2000 cubic inches which is more than enough space for about 15 pounds of equipment. This should be more than enough for a lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin and a few vital necessities like some food and a first aid kit. And you mustn’t overlook the need to carry some water with you.

In fact the water that you need to carry when trekking can become the heaviest item. You can reduce the amount of water that you need to carry with you by planning your route to take you via locations where you can refill.

Another big benefit of going ultra light weight is that the equipment tends to be much cheaper than the heavier, tougher alternatives. You can even find some perfectly adequate lightweight backpacks, often sold as day sacks, in various bargain disount store costing only a few dollars. They can be a very simple in desgn with only a few, if any, external pockets. But they can be excellent for lightweight trekking.

If you are going lightweight it’s also worth considering your clothing. Forget your all weather outdoor clothing and instead go for an ultra lightweight rain and wind proof fold-up cagoule and some light weight sports shoes rather than heavy walking boots.

If you lighten your load by reducing your clothing weight, equipment and using a lightweight backpack you should find that a 20 mile hike is suddenly much easier to complete.

Hiking is the one sport that anyone in basic shape can participate in and have fun, but it helps having the right hiking and backpacking gear. Hiking keeps you active, offers you a healthier life and you will live longer.  Health is important regardless of age, and many young adults want to stay in shape. By enjoying hiking and other fun activities you will stay healthy no matter what your age. The country has a magical beauty everywhere in the world and with very little effort, hiking is a way to discover this grandeur. For those who are older and retired, hiking in the national parks is a great way to see nature.

Hiking in itself is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout which is why you need the right hiking and backpacking gear. You need to take a few supplies and water on your hiking trip. Always have a check up from your doctor, especially if taking medication, or recovering from an illness, before beginning any type of physical activity, including hiking. The goal is to enjoy the scenery and get a decent workout at the same time.  Making sure that you are fit to go hiking, means that you do not plan a trip and once there, be unable to do the task.  Start walking to build up your endurance and extend the distance every day, prior to setting off on a hiking trip.

Many people do not want to plan a trip to a far away place, but rather take some daily trips closer to home.  This is easier to plan and can be done without spending much money.  Even when taking a day trip, be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning.  Once you have the okay from your doctor, you can begin walking around your neighborhood. Once you are confident that you are in good enough shape to tackle a more challenging walking experience, you can plan a day of hiking.  Plan your first day of hiking on level terrain and set a short distance to travel.  As you get more confidence, you can explore more difficult terrain and go farther. Even for one day of hiking you still need the necessary gear such as a hydration pack for hiking.

When you are out hiking, the sounds of Mother Nature are beautiful compared to the sounds of the city and hiking can become very addictive.  Hiking can be therapeutic, because all of the things that stress you on a daily basis will slip away while walking.  If you enjoy hiking on a regular basis, your body will feel the difference. Your blood pressure becomes lower and the serenity that you feel while hiking is very good for your peace of mind. This activity is good for everyone in mind, body and spirit. So put on your hiking gear backpack and enjoy life.

Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. Camping in an RV is what you need if this doesn’t really appeal to you. This is the ultimate outdoor adventure.

RV’s come in many sizes and shapes. RVs start with campers that fit in the bed of a pickup truck. These can have a shower and toilet, beds and even a full kitchen in them.

Next there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. Many even have a rasied roof for more head room. These units, like the truck camper, will have the same amenities.

Next up is the Class C motorhome. Although it looks like a pickup or van from the front, the similarity ends there. You are probably familair with motorhomes and this one has a sleeper extension over tha cab and the rear looks like a regular motorhome. Basically a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all the amenities of home. A kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. You could live in a Class C.

The next step us is the Class A motorhome. This has the most room of all motorized RVs. RVs and motorhomes are like little one bedroom apartments. They are fully self contained. You will find luxury from the four person dinnette to the queen size bed. You even have a microwave oven in addition to a refirgerator and a stove. You might even have an ice maker capable of making over 20 pounds of ice a day. Party ready!

If that weren’t enough choices, there are still the trailers. First of all, a travel trailer is one you can pull behind a truck or a large SUV. A 5th wheel travel trailer hooks onto a hitch in the bed of a truck. Each type of these trailers are as good as the best motorhome. They cost a lot less and that is the biggest advantage.

You can buy new or used. Whichever way you choose, you should do a lot of research on the internet first. Find out as much as you can about RVing. There are RV forums that you can find by doing a search in your favorite search engine.

When you decide that an RV might be for you, attend an RV show or two. There are major RV shows at fairgrounds and stadiums where many dealers and vendors are selling every type of RV there is. You can always find and RV show where several dealers come together to display and sell their inventory.

If you really are not sure you would like to spend $40,000 or $250,000 on a hobby you are not sure you would like, buy a used RV. There are pre-owned RVs you can get into for under $5,000.

Camping in an RV is a fun adventure awaiting you and your entire family.

From the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are not much to look at and consist of several gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. However, step inside and this is one of the most astonishing landscapes to be found anywhere on Earth and, with more than 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander through the caves for years and not see the same thing twice.

The Bat Cave is not for the feint hearted and is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room is breathtaking and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers an amazing 360,000 square feet. Within all of these, and many more rooms, you can discover Mother Nature at her most creative.

The Witch’s Finger, a giant stalagmite, is a corkscrew structure that is more than five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock seem to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings resemble a demon’s lair glowing from within.

Within the caverns you can either take self guided or staff guided tours which vary in their degree of difficulty from simple hikes through large open spaces to tackling ten foot high walls and crawling through narrow openings into large chambers.

One particular takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is America’s deepest cave. The cave covers a total of more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.

For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up and be mesmerized by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room which is filled with amazing rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit underground pools.

If you want to see the bats though you must visit between April and September as the 300,000 Mexican free tailed bats who live here fly south for the winter. A short half mile hike from the natural entrance leads to a plateau from where you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.

And do not forget to pop on your favorite pair of waterproof hiking boots and explore the area outside the caves as there are a number of fascinating things to both see and do. Despite its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to encounter the dangerous snakes from which the place gets its name.

A final favorite with visitors to the area is the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.

Of course the Carlsbad Caverns are merely one of the splendid hiking areas in America and rank alongside such other great pleasures as the Yellowstone hiking trails.

Are you trying to put some romance back into your relationship? Are you looking for something exciting to do with your honey this spring? If you answered yes to either of these questions, I have an interesting idea for you. Take her hiking. Once you try it, you’ll have a fun new activity for life.

First you’ll want to consider where you want to go for your hike. You can select a nice flat trail and make it more like a leisurely walk or you can pick a mountain and make it into excellent exercise. National and State Parks make excellent hiking locations. Every state has them and you can learn all about them on the world wide web. Many areas have wildlife refuges and nature preserves too. Here you can take a hike and have a chance to see plants and wildlife that you wouldn’t see in everyday life. Make sure you take your physical condition into consideration when deciding on your place to go hiking because if you don’t, you could end up turning a romantic hike into a real nightmare.

Next you’ll need to think about clothing and equipment. I’d suggest that you avoid tight clothing and shorts. There are often thorny plants on hiking trails and poison ivy is prevalent. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself or get posion ivy. You should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. I’d suggest that you invest in a quality pair of hiking shoes because they’ll be more comfortable than sneakers.

You also want to decide what to carry in your picnic backpack for two. You’re going to need to take a food break some time during your hike and today’s picnic backpacks come with equipment like lightweight plates, glasses and silverware. Once you have one you won’t have to deal with disposing of paper products. This is good for you and part of living a green lifestyle. As for food, my favorites are high carb foods such as granola, fruit and nut mixes and sandwiches to help keep your energy level up. Hiking while on the Atkins Diet probably isn’t a good idea. Regardless of your choice of food, make sure you bring lots of water because no matter how clean the stream you’re hiking by looks, the water might not be safe to drink.

Now you’re ready for your hike. I hope you have fun and find romance. At worst, it’s another hobby for you to enjoy together and at best, it might help save your relationship.

Attracting nearly three-million visitors annually, Glacier National Park‘s abundance of natural scenery, countless adventures, and rich naturual history is a testament to itself.  Glacier National Park is a natural haven for those who love the outdoors, boasting nearly one-million-and-a-half acres of all-natural beauty and adventure.

Glacier Park is home to more than 50 spectacular glacier’s, (as it’s name would imply), not to mention over 200 mountain lakes, tarns and swift flowing rivers and more than 730 miles of backcountry hiking and biking trails ranging   from expert mountaineering trails to simple beginner trails and even handicap-accessible trails.

Fortunately for the less adventurous, and or the more laid-back traveler, Glacier park also offers several alternatives to foot powered transportation.  Glacier also offers one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the United States.  Going-to-the-Sun-Road (which was built in the 1930′s) is mind-boggling to behold.  Going-to-the-Sun-Road traverses the park and connects St. Mary village on the eastern perimeter of the park with the town of West Glacier in the south-west corner of the park.

For those who prefer to be chauffeured, the 2007 introduction of the Glacier Park Transit System will be a welcome service.  This popular service offers free shuttle rides approximately every half-hour between the Apgar transit center on the west side of the park (near Lake McDonald) and the St. Mary transit center on the east side of the park. The ability to relax and enjoy the beauty of Going-to-the-Sun highway without worrying about keeping an eye on the road has proven to be a popular new feature for Glacier’s many annual visitors.

It is not hard to see why Glacier National Park has become such popular vacation destination for so many.  No matter what sort of natural adventure you are seeking, you owe it to yourself to spend some time exploring the scenic beauty, flora and fauna that makes up Glaciers spectacular ecosystem.  For more details on all that Glacier National Park has to offer, visit NationalParkReservations.com .

I have built a lifestyle that enables me to travel all over the country and around the world at my leisure and actually get paid for doing so, and I can be honest in telling you that Glacier is one of my favorite spots to relax and enjoy.  If you would be interested in learning how I travel the world for free and actually get paid to vacation to exotic destinations around the world, check out the resorts 360 site at www.resorts-360.com.