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