| There are many things that can happen on a | | | | you do both boots so you do not end up having |
| backpacking outing. When something untoward | | | | to stop a few moments later to tie the one you |
| occurs it can be frustrating and slow you down. If | | | | didn't. |
| you do not know how to handle the problem, | | | | Food thieves |
| then you may have to terminate your trip early. | | | | In the wilderness there are many thieves waiting |
| The following list explains some helpful tips and | | | | to steal your food. Packing it in containers will only |
| tricks to solving some common backpacking | | | | keep the smallest critters away. Make sure they |
| problems. | | | | are not only closed, but securely tied up too. In |
| Repairing a broken backpack | | | | areas where bears are prominent there are often |
| There are many ways a backpack can break | | | | poles offered to tie up food. Use them. Make sure |
| while on the trail. A broken pack can be awkward | | | | the bag hangs loosely and is not tied to a tree or |
| to carry, so being able to fix it would be a useful | | | | pole directly. If the food bag swings it makes it |
| capability. You can try duct tape, which for tears | | | | even harder for a critter to get into it. |
| works great, but you may need something else if | | | | Forgot an Item |
| you have a strap break away. One alternative is | | | | When you are out on the trail, one of the worst |
| wire, which can be used to easily attach the pack | | | | realizations is when you know you've forgotten |
| to a frame or to attach a broken strap. | | | | something. Unfortunately, you can't simply go |
| Clogged poles | | | | home and get it. However, if you feel you can't |
| If you have a tent with hollow poles and they | | | | go on without the missing item, you need some |
| settle into the dirt or mud, they can get clogged | | | | creative thinking. Can any of the other items in |
| up. This may seem like a small, unimportant | | | | your pack double up for the missing item? Many |
| problem, but if you are trying to pack light even a | | | | times you will find that a lot of items you pack |
| few clogged tent poles can add some extra | | | | can be used in more than one way. Think outside |
| unnecessary weight. One method you could try to | | | | the box and you'll be amazed at the multiple uses |
| remove the debris is a corkscrew. | | | | you can come up with for the items in your pack. |
| Boot lace hassle | | | | So, don't give up. There will always be a solution |
| Boot laces that loosen or come untied can really | | | | to your problem. It may not be in your backpack, |
| be an annoyance. You should always double or | | | | but don't forget to check out the fellow travelers |
| triple knot the laces. Also try lacing them different | | | | in your group. |
| ways. Always be sure if you stop to retie that | | | | |