| Packing for a day-long backpacking trip is one thing. | | | | One and a half pairs of footwear is enough to |
| Packing for a week-long trek is another thing. But | | | | bring along a month-long backpacking trip: one pair of |
| how about packing for a month-long backpacking | | | | comfortable shoes or boots, and one pair of flip-flops. |
| excursion? Many of us may cringe at the thought of | | | | An MP3 player can conveniently provide hours |
| preparing for a trip lasting for 30 days, let alone one | | | | upon hours of rock, jazz, country, rap, classical, or |
| that requires us to transform our backpack into the a | | | | polka (yes, polka!) music for you to enjoy. But make |
| snail's or turtle's shell. While hauling our household | | | | sure not to overdo it. Items such as portable game |
| appliances with us on a month-long backpacking trip is | | | | systems can become too heavy and bulky. |
| impractical, enjoying a month-long backpacking trip | | | | 3. Packing light is still right. If you will be camping and |
| can be easier than expected. We can certainly take | | | | backpacking for a month, it may seem logical to pack |
| some steps to make our trip as practical as wearing | | | | everything except the kitchen sink. However, while |
| Metal Tags: | | | | you should bring the necessities, such as Military Dog |
| 1. A huge feat for feet. In the grand scheme of | | | | Tags, it is still advisable to pack light. In fact, while |
| things, what is a month? But without the proper | | | | deciding which items to include on your trip, and |
| footwear, every step will seem like forever and a | | | | which items to leave at home, it is wise to leave out |
| day, to your feet. Along with your Metal Tags, you | | | | items that you stack in your "maybe" pile. As a |
| should wear your hiking footwear whenever possible. | | | | general rule, "when in doubt, leave it out." |
| The trick is to wear a pair of shoes or boots that | | | | 4. Learn to layer. When backpacking, keep in mind |
| have some space between your feet and the | | | | that you are not in a fashion show. So it is always |
| footwear-but not too much space. From my | | | | better to choose function over form, and only wear |
| experience, three-quarter or high-top footwear is | | | | practical accessories, such as a hat with a broad brim, |
| ideal, to provide your ankle enough support while | | | | and Rectangular Tags. In particular, tend to choose |
| hiking. You may have some knowledge about the | | | | lightweight clothing over heavier pieces, to conserve |
| general terrain that you will encounter while | | | | weight in your camping backpack. For instance, a |
| backpacking. That said, it is better to always be | | | | Coleman Emergency Poncho or Coleman for Kids |
| prepared for the unexpected boulders that you may | | | | Disposable Rain Poncho would be better options than |
| have to climb up or across. | | | | a bulky raincoat. Also, you could opt for a few |
| 2. Separating needs and wants. When going on a | | | | long-sleeved t-shirts, over a heavy sweatshirt. |
| lengthy, month-long backpacking trip, some items | | | | One month is a relative drop in the bucket, in the |
| may seem as crucial as outstanding Military Dog | | | | average American lifespan of 912 months. But a |
| Tags, when in fact they are best left at home: | | | | month-long backpacking trip can seem like an eternity |
| One book is enough. If you like reading as much | | | | if you haul more than the essential items, which |
| as I do, you probably take a library of books with | | | | include Rectangular Tags. So before you start your |
| you on vacation, but end up reading none to one of | | | | month-long expedition, always make sure to pack |
| them. | | | | light, and pack right. |