| Any backpacker will tell you that unexpected | | | | triple knot the laces. Also try lacing them different |
| problems are something you will likely come | | | | ways. Always be sure if you stop to retie that |
| across on the trails. The outdoors environment, | | | | you do both boots so you do not end up having |
| being away from all the modern conveniences and | | | | to stop a few moments later to tie the one you |
| simply just being in a challenging environment all | | | | didn't. |
| can lead to problems that will need to be handled | | | | In the wilderness there are many thieves waiting |
| right away. | | | | to steal your food. Packing it in containers will only |
| You can't afford to wait to fix a problem. If you | | | | keep the smallest critters away, so instead be |
| do not know how to handle a problem, then you | | | | sure to tie it up. In areas where bears are |
| may have to forego your trip. By fixing it when it | | | | prominent there are often poles offered to tie up |
| occurs you can get on your way and enjoy your | | | | food. Use them. Make sure the bad hangs loosely |
| experience. | | | | and is not tied to a tree or pole directly. If the |
| There are many ways a backpack can break | | | | food bag swings it makes it even harder for a |
| while on the trail. A broken pack is a hassle to | | | | critter to get into it. |
| carry, so fixing it is critical. You can try duct tape, | | | | If you are out on the trail and realize you forgot |
| which for tears works great, but you may need | | | | something you may not have to go home or go |
| something else if you have a strap break away. | | | | on without it. Think about the other items you did |
| Wire can be used to easily attach a pack back to | | | | pack. Can any of them double as the item you |
| a frame or to attach a broken strap. | | | | need? Many times you will find that a lot of items |
| If you have a tent with hollow poles and they | | | | you pack can be used in more than one way. Just |
| settle into the dirt or mud and get clogged up, | | | | think outside the box and you'd be amazed at the |
| you can use a corkscrew to get the debris out. | | | | multiple uses you can come up with for items. |
| This may seem like a small, unimportant problem, | | | | Solving problems while backpacking is just part of |
| but if you are trying to pack light even a few | | | | the experience. It really helps when you set off |
| clogged tent poles can add some extra | | | | on your trip armed with simple knowledge on how |
| unnecessary weight. | | | | to handle some of the more common problems, |
| Boot laces that loosen or come untied can really | | | | like the ones above. |
| be an annoyance. You should always double or | | | | |