Learning how to properly pack for outdoor activities is requires a fair amount of hands on experience, but there are a number of common sense basics that you should load up on in order to enjoy yourself safety. When it comes to outdoor gear, you will find that experienced outdoor enthusiasts are fiercely opinionated about their equipment, and people who are relatively new to battling the elements will often find a great deal of conflicting advice. However, if you keep it simple and focus on only carrying what you will actually use, you will soon find yourself accumulating a solid collection of gear suitable for every terrain.

Packing for Rugged Mountainous Terrain

Regardless of weather you are rock climbing or you are hiking a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail, it is crucial that you pack up a few essential items for the unique challenges of traversing rugged mountainous terrain. One item that new adventures neglect at their peril is bringing an adequate supply of water. Even if you happen to have a good portable water filter, it may prove to be quite difficult to find any flowing water when you are exploring higher elevations, and running out of water in the wild is not much fun. A proper pair of hiking boots is also a must, as climbing over rocks and hiking up and down steep hills can wreak havoc on your feet if you do not have the proper shoes. These days there are some incredible hiking socks that can keep your feet in proper shape for an extended backpacking trip in the mountains as well.

Packing for Cold Weather Camping

Cold weather camping definitely is not for everyone, but some people happen to enjoy conquering the challenges of thriving in this harsh environment. The key to packing for any type of winter terrain is having the proper clothing and bedding. Dressing in layers is an absolute must, as you will invariably need to take off a layer or two when you are participating in strenuous activities and wear more clothing when you are resting. It is also incredibly important to stay dry in order to avoid hypothermia. If you are not willing to invest in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather camping, you should consider purchasing a sleeping bag liner and bed mat to provide you with some extra insulation during the night. With the proper equipment, there is nothing quite like settling in for the night in a cozy and comfortable tent knowing that you have successfully used your skills and your tools to overcome the challenges of the winter weather.

Packing for the Beach or Desert

As you might expect, packing for an adventure along the beach or in the desert requires a host of special items. Plenty of water is crucial, and many experts prefer to bring at least a liter more water than they expect that they will use just to be on the safe side. Plenty of suntan lotion and a wide brimmed hat are also important items to pack, and it is a good idea to wear lightweight long sleeved shirts in order to provide your body with as much protection from the sun as possible. If you are camping, be aware that both the beach and the desert can get quite cold at night, so be sure to bring some warmer attire as well.

Packing for an Extended Stay in the Wilderness

One hobby that many survivalist and outdoor enthusiasts have is maintaining a separate pack that contains everything that you could possibly need to survive for an extended period in the wilderness. Known as a "bug out bag," these are bags that most people hope that they will never use, but it is often comforting to know that you have are properly prepared if you ever need to grab a pack and head out into the wild at a moments notice. Every bug out bag is different, but some of the essential items include knives, fire starting tools, rope, containers and water filters. Most people do not include much in the way of food in their bug out bag, as it is generally assumed that you will possess the ability to forage and hunt your food if you intend to survive on your own in the wild.