Jansport Wasabi Backpack

I'm going to do a mini-series on backpacks reviews starting with Jansport and one of ther most popular day packs the Jansport Wasabi Backpack.

You can read a more thorough review here by this new website that draws in, or is doing so over time, most of the backpacks available online.

Now, the Jansport Wasabi Backpack if great for day hiking as it is able to carry the most essential of hiking gear, and imprtantly...the water bottle!

You may laugh, but this is the one piece of your equipment you don't want to leave home without.

The bag itself it well made and has plenty of pockets, but should really be used only for day hikes. It simply isn't big enough for longer than 10 hour hikes, you will need a bigger backpack.

Saying that, the Jansport Wasabi is good enough for walking trips and offers a good level of comfort, or perhaps you could use it for city trips and even get it for students. It's big enough to carry a 15 inch laptop and a few text books, mp3 player and whatever a student hides away in the secret compartments!

A very good backpack...sorry, day pack...that will see you though most day hikes.

Great backpack reviews

Backpacks

The last entry into my top 10 essential for hiking is one of the most important...the backpack!

After all, what are you going to carry the other essentials in? A backpack can come in may shapes and sizes. If you're away for a simple day hike, a smaller version would be appropriate to use, such as a 15l or up to 25l size, anything bigger is just not needed.

Longer hikes, obviously could benefit from anything over 30l up to a full sized rucksack which can contain camping equipment and a small one man tent.

Try to get a backpack that is light, has plenty of pockets and a good zip motion. Some backpacks are let down by their flimsy build and rotten zips!

Your backpack doesn't need to be totally waterproof, but it helps. Without having a decent rain resistant material, the bag could get heavy and seep water into your dry items inside. A waterproof daysack or backpack would be the perfect answer, but these can prove expensive.

A cover that loops over the top of the bag should also be considered for even more protection of your goodies inside.

 Small Day SackCheck Price Medium BackpackCheck Price Large Hiking BackpackCheck Price

Get a backpack with a solid structure and built-in frame for sturdiness and comfort, some backpacks without an inner frame can become just a thing to hang over your back! They become uncomfortable to wear and tend to bulge in all the wrong places, digging into your sides and back.

The shoulder straps and waist straps should be padded so they don't dig into you and should be easily adjustable to fit your frame. Many cheaper backpacks are a devil to get on properly and, even worse, when in full motion. Make sure the adjustable straps are easy to figure out.

Another good idea is to get a pack that has an air flow system between the backpack and your back. This would be in the shape of a mesh area that sits just away from the contact with your back. This allows air to flow through and stops a sweaty back happening!

Lastly, though not essential, there are backpacks and day-sacks that allow a hydration unit to be fitting inside the backpack and allows the water pipe to be fed through a dedicated hole at the top of the backpacks. This means there is an easily reached supply of water just over your shoulder.

That's about it for backpacks, just try to get one with a decent reputation as well as being well built. This piece of equipment is a 'must have' in the 10 essentials for hiking equipment list.

Multi Purpose Tool

This essential will be short in description...a multi-purpose tool. Why do you need a multi purpose tool as part of your arsenal for essential hiking?

First of all, they are small. A little tool like this will fit easily into your backpack and will come in very handy when the situation arrives. There are several cases where you may need the help of a tool like this, starting with the pliers feature.

Once on a hike, I managed to break the zipper on my backpack leaving it solidly closed. the only way I would have been able to get into the backpack would have been to cut it open with a knife, another part of the multi purpose tool, and that would be just crazy!

The pliers on my tool were perfect to not only open the backpack, but to repair the zipper also.

Among the other uses afforded by this tool includes a can opener, something we all forget at some time or another, as well as a bottle opener.

 Multi ToolCheck Price Swiss Army KnifeCheck Price Leatherman ToolCheck Price

Even more tools you can find on a multi purpose tool are spring loaded scissors, essential for cutting bandages if you're unfortunate enough to suffer an accident, or maybe you just want to cut string or cord.

Then there's the file, screwdriver, awl, mini-saw, crimper among other smart tools you just don't think of.

These days, the tools are so light but also very strong and it makes sense to get a good quality brand to ensure all the parts work soundly. Try to get one that folds away to a small/rectangle square shape if possible so there are no parts that can damage the inside of you backpack, or any 'pointy' bits that can give you a surprise when fumbling around inside your pack.

A multi purpose tool goes on the list of one of the 10 essentials for hiking because the simple tools, and often forgotten ideas, sometimes come in the most useful.

Protection

Protection? For hiking? Sure! I'm not talking about arming yourself or hiring some heavies though...I'm talking about protection from the sun, snow and beastly insects that can blight your hike.

Firstly, protection of the eyes is important. The suns rays can be pretty relentless in their power and we don't want to be squinting all day, making our eyes tired causing headaches etc. The very simple answer here is take a pair of sunglasses with a high UV protection factor.

Try to get a pair that fit well so as not to steam up the lenses when sweating in the heat. A set of sunglasses that sit too close to your eyes, or sunglasses that are tight, may cause an enclosed area ripe for condensation to build up on the lenses. They should be light and comfortable.

Sunglasses are also important when there's snow on the ground because the sun reflects the white brightness up into your eyes. This can cause snow blindness (Photokeratisis), and although I've never suffered from it, by all accounts you really do go temporarily blind.

 Insect RepellentCheck Price SunglassesCheck Price SunscreenCheck Price

So slipping a pair of sunglasses into your backpack is an essential for hiking. Obviously, you won't particularly need them if your in an area where there's no snow, or the weather is cloudy, this is where common sense comes into the equation. If it's going to be hot and sunny, wear sunglasses, if it's going to be a white-out...wear sunglasses.

The sun also causes sun burn, so a good sunscreen is advised on those hot days, even when in the mountains where the air is thinner, the sun can be scorching above whilst your feet could be freezing. The sun will burn you in all kinds of weather conditions, so it's always good to slap on some high factor sunscreen to keep it at bay. If you're wearing shorts, don't forget rub in the cream, especially at the back of the knees.

Another form of protection is insect repellent. Those pesky little critters will bug you all day if you're in their territory and there's nothing worse than having your hike ruined by little bites and stings. Then there's all that swiping and slapping to be done!

I cover myself with a deet based formula when hiking in places where the little blighter's are rife. I hike around Scotland and always seem to run into clouds of midges unexpectedly, and whilst the insect repellent won't see off all the nasty biters, it will cut down the nuisance to an acceptable level.

In areas where mosquito's are known, the wearing of a strong repellent is essential. These little rascals can eat you alive! The stronger the deet formula, the better.

So, really we have 3 more essentials for hiking here, but as with all things, common sense prevails on what sort of things you take to what sort of hike you're taking on. You may well need all three in this section, but then again, you just might need one. Whether it's sunscreen, sunglasses or insect repellent, you're bound to need at least one in our 10 essentials for hiking list.

First Aid

OK...some folk might say this is a boring subject and may overlook the importance of taking a first aid kit along with you when out hiking, but let me tell you...it's a very important subject and should not be just brushed off as 'going over the top'!

What if you sprain an ankle and have no means of supporting the ankle? Surely a tight bandage would help? Or maybe you've cut yourself or been stung, or need cream to sooth a burn or rash?

When out on a hike, you can't just pop to a cupboard and get resources...you're miles away from any sort of first aid equipment. Many part time hikers think they don't need to be carrying around a first aid kit, they think it's not worth it, after all, they'll only be away for a few hours.

You can be an hour into a hike and receive a nasty cut from a jagged rock or branch or any number of other sharp objects...what are you going to do? Bleed to death?

Well, perhaps not, but you will need something to stem the blood and stop it becoming infected.

 Basic First Aid KitCheck Price WeekenderCheck Price Day HikingCheck Price

You may be only a mile away from human contact, but if you're ankle has been sprained or twisted, wouldn't it be easier to reach that contact in less pain with the support of a good bandage?

First aid kits don't have to be huge affairs. These day a good first aid kit takes up only a small part of you backpack, they are designed to be small and compact to allow easy carriage.

And, they're not expensive. you can pick up a decent basic kit for around £25 ($35) and it will include all the essentials like bandages, tweezers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, aspirin, creams and a whole host of other products that can aid you.

Don't ever take your safety and recovery for granted. Another common problem for hikers are blisters, taking a first aid kit with you will ensure you have the cream and band-aids to overcome this uncomfortable condition.

So, next time you're out and about and you haven't got a first aid kit with you, think of what you would do if you did get an injury. What would you be able to do to make that injury more comfortable and maintained. Nothing.

A First Aid definitely goes on the list of 10 essentials for hiking.

Safety

When you're out in the wilderness, one of the most important things to be is safe. Apart from clothing, water, food and navigation, staying safe is just as important. What do I mean by 'safe'?

Imagine being miles from anywhere and you've miscalculated the distance from your base, or there's a storm about to break out to which you were not anticipating...what can you do and use to remain safe and comfortable?

Firstly, we would need light to guide our way and help seek shelter, so a torch or flashlight would be a godsend. There are many torches available, some small enough to slip into your pocket or sit in a small compartment of your backpack, and then there's my choice...a headlight. These are powerful but light to carry, and the best thing is, you don't need to use your hands to work them and they're always pointing in the direction you want to see.

 Fire StarterCheck Price Head TorchCheck Price Survival KitCheck Price

It's a good idea to carry waterproof matches to light a fire for warmth, keep critters away and be a beacon for whoever might be looking for you, should you be lost. At the very least you should carry a flint fire starter to spark a fire from dry kindling. Again, these items are light enough to not cause you any bother whatsoever.

Another tiny piece of essential equipment for your safety is a whistle. They take up no room, but could be a life saver. 3 short hard blasts is the usual signal for a distress call. Don't discount this idea, a whistle can penetrate a thick wooded area much more effectively than your voice.

You could always take a basic survival kit with you if your in more hostile areas which would include, survival blanket, snare and sewing kit among other survival tools. It doesn't need to be big, just enough little tools to at least give you a better chance of being comfortable and safer.

I see many hikers not even giving survival tools a second thought. One day they just might take Mother Nature for granted and get caught out. Don't let this happen to you. Have a look around at some safety and survival tools that are available and realize, they don't take up much room and could save your life. It's so much better to be safe than sorry.

Energy Food

Food is important no matter how long you plan to hike, but obviously, common sense is needed to determine how much to carry and what type of food to prepare.

On day hikes of 5 hours plus it's best to go for high energy foods on a snack basis. Only take what you plan to eat as you may not eat all your food...carrying it around only adds weight to your backpack. Day hikes should include nutrient rich foods that give you a boost of energy.

Cereal bars are small and the goods quality ones are packed with dried fruit and oats that are both filling and energy rich. A chocolate bar will keep your spirits up, as well as giving you a sugar spike that will give you a lift. Don't forget to hydrate along the way.

Hot Soup can give you motivation on a cold hike and even a tasty sandwich can give you something to look forward to at the half way mark.

If you are taking shop-bought food, make sure you take the wrappers back with you and try to take the least amount of packaging beforehand. It would be a good idea to take all the packaging off before you set out and put the food into seal tight bags, this will reduce the size of waste packaging and keep things a lot tidier.

 Backpacking FoodCheck Price Freeze Dried FoodCheck Price

On longer hikes, say 10 hours plus or a weekend hike, prepare a good healthy meal to see you through the first day, then try to get food from a store en-route like pasta and sauce if you have cooking utensils, or simply fill up at the self service store before setting off for the day.

There are special precooked foods especially made for hiking trips that are small and packaged well. You would only need to heat the contents up to enjoy a tasty meal. Don't take tinned food...they are heavy, are an awkward shape and you will have to carry the tins back with you. Obviously it depends how deep your hike is, but these are the basic rules of eating food whilst out hiking.

A longer hike over a few days will need to be planned at lot more in detail. Make sure you can reach supply stores along the way at least once a day. Keep your money safe in a zipped pocket...you don't want to be in a back country store without cash!

Hiking for more than a day is different to day hiking. You will need to camp out so will need a bigger backpack with more supplies. Day hiking will only really need small amounts of energy foods, but even day hiking needs to be planned. Make sure you're not too far away from human contact or supplies.

Food is definitely one of the 10 essential for hiking, and be aware that these 10 essentials are only the basic needs...longer hikes need to be planned with a fair amount of common sense on board.

This video will go through the 10 essentials for hiking.