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