What's in your Backpack?
What to bring in your walking backpack to go farther, more comfortably.
On a fine October Saturday I was walking along the MKT Trail in Columbia when I noticed something that befuddled and bewildered me.
There were many people on the MKT Some of them were walkers, some cyclists, and some runners. While I can mostly understand the runners and the cyclists, I was shocked that none of the walkers had backpacks. Really, none of them.
I found this odd because to me the backpack is essential for all but the shortest walks. I cannot imagine going on any sort of semi-serious walk without my backpack. I can hardly leave the house without instinctively grabbing it. Yesterday I took it to PetCo for a purchase that in no way required it.
Last week’s post was about the three rules of walking. Rule #2 is "be comfortable”. The backpack is key to rule 2. As your feet and legs get accustomed to long walks, other discomforts will arise. You will get thirsty, hungry, hot, cold, or in need of diversion. The items in your backpack are your first defense against these discomforts. For the modern American pedestrian a backpack is a range-extender. The things in your backpack will help you walk farther more comfortably.
So, for what it is worth. Here is what is in mine. As we are entering the season of purchasing, I've included links to products I would recommend.
The Backpack
I have a Timbuk2 backpack of some variety in my favorite color (gray).
I got it because it had a laptop sleeve and was water resistant, and therefore would be good for taking my laptop to class. It is not specially designed for walking, nor does it need it be.
Water Bottle
Nalgene, classic (32oz), lots of stickers. I think this is about the right amount of water for one person for most urban walks. I certainly wouldn't take anything less for a long walk, and would consider taking more, especially if I was going to be away from water sources or it was hot.
As I typically leave the house in the morning I will also usually bring a small thermos of coffee. Sip some in the morning, and then leave a bit for when you need an afternoon boost. This is especially welcome on colder days.
Electronics
The phone is essential for walks. It is navigation, notebook, camera, emergency contact, step tracker. I always have it, and it always needs to have charge.
I also take a portable battery and the requisite cables. The portable battery charger has been a huge improvement. Not having to worry about if my phone battery will run out, has helped me walk farther. These batteries can be heavy, and I recently switched from a massive heavy power brick to a somewhat less massive one, in order to save some weight.
I also bring headphones, and I usually have some podcasts and books downloaded before I go.
Food
Bringing something high energy and durable (energy bar, nuts) is probably a good idea. There are always a few Cliff Bars in the backpack, whether I like it or not.
Often, my first stop on a walk is to buy a sandwich. It provides a nice break, and I hate packing lunch. Depending on timing the sandwich might get carried for a little while. If I deserve a treat, I'll get a cookie and stuff it in the backpack for later.
Light and Visibility
I carry a Noxgear tracer2 light up vest. It seems to be the Cadillac of light up vests, and I like it a lot, for its brightness, lightness, and comfort. In the summer I won't bring in on most long walks, but in the fall and winter where darkness creeps up quickly, I throw it in the bag.
Wearing the backpack and the light up vest together, is slightly awkward, but only slightly. Since the backpack blocks the light from the vest behind me I also carry a couple of small bike lights that I can attach to the backpack, to provide visibility from the rear, though I haven't used them in a while. As shown in the above picture I have reflective stickers on the backpack. Some in the shape of an unhappy face, which amuses me. There is also a small rechargeable headlamp, which I’ve only used a couple of times.
Rain and Sun
If rain is forecasted, I'll throw my wonderfully waterproof, but not at all breathable Helly Hansen Moss Rain Jacket. If it is raining hard, or is raining but very warm, I may throw an umbrella into the bag as well. But only keep an umbrella in my backpack when I forget about it. This happens a lot.
For sun I carry a floppy hat I bought at Walmart. Its great, and may be my most used item. I also have sunscreen and Chapstick for sunny days.
Other Items
A backup pair of socks. I’ve only needed these once, after soaking my feet on the Hominy Creek tunnel under I-70, when it was flooded. Also, in the summer, bug repellant.
How to build your backpack
There are tradeoffs when it comes to carrying things with you. Each item enhances your comfort or safety if you find yourself needing it, but it also adds weight. Carrying heavy things is not comfortable, and carrying things you don’t use is pointless. I don't find my backpack too heavy, though I think it is getting close, and I am now thinking mostly about what I don’t need to bring. Your preferences on this may differ. Walking blogger Chris Arnade for example, says he does not carry a backpack, saying it is unnecessary and soaks your back (which it does).
My current backpack setup has developed over time. I have slowly added more things, when I needed them. When I got hot in the sun I added the hat. When I started going further afield at night, I added the lights, when I started to run out of battery on my phone, I added the backup battery. This would be the process I suggest you use when building your own walking backpack. Head out, see what discomfort you experience and then add what you need to go more comfortably. If there is something you are carrying but not using, leave it at home.
What do you take with you on your walks? Please let me know in the comments.
Happy Walking
-Chris