- Buy the best gear you can possibly afford. If you are going to spend a year plotting your next excursion on the continental divide, spend three months getting into fantastic shape, take three weeks vacation when it’s time for the hike, buy an airline ticket, and so on ‘ then why are you using the cheapest backpack you can find? A excellent 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 dual-fuel portable stove, be sure to carry excellent 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 know 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 nearly 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 fantastic care of your gear. Hopefully you’ve learned this from your parents and not necessarily from experience. Your gear will only take excellent care of you if you take excellent care of it. Conversely, your gear will let you down if you don’t take excellent care of it. That’s a terrible 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 excellent care of your gear is an vital 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 help from outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll feel fantastic getting this last piece of benefit out of your ancient trusty gear!

Optimize your time in the backcountry. The simplest 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!

Author: Chuck Fitzgerald