Break in out of doors is a precious commodity to the outdoor enthusiast – but are we acquiring the most out of this time. Fantastic way to ensure the best back country enjoyment is to get the most possible value from the gear you develop and use. Here are hints to aim the most out of your back country gear and truly enjoy your back country experience.

Buy the best gear you can potentially afford. If you’re going to spend a year planning your next excursion on the continental divide, spend three months acquiring into great shape, take three weeks vacation when it is time for the hike, purchase an airline ticket, and so on – then how come you are using the cheapest backpack you can find? A good backpack will make all the difference in the world. This employs to all of your back country gear. Whether it is your GPS unit, rain gear, sleeping bag, or dual-fuel portable stove, make sure to carry beneficial equipment in order to get the most value for your money. Buying cheap outdoor gear often leads to many regrets.

Learn how to use all of your gear right and practice using it. When you are entirely lost, it’s not the time to learn how to pilot with a compass and map. When you and your firewood are wet, it’s not the time to learn how to start a fire with the flare you have been carrying for 5 years in your pack. Take time to learn the complete features of your gear. You might be amazed to learn just how useful your GPS really is when you understand how to use the backtrack feature. You will be mighty grateful when you learn the proper weight distribution for your backpack.

Take time to learn and practice using your accessories and outdoor gear. Keep your gear with you and use it as much as possible. Your back country gear is not just for the back country. It has unlimited uses in everyday life. Never go on a road trip without your pack. You’ll almost always find an opportunity to use your binoculars or GPS unit. If you do not have your gear with you, you will need it never fails. Find and learn to practice your outdoor lifestyle.

Take great care of your gear. Basically, you have learned this from your parents and not necessarily from experience. Your gear will only take good care of you if you take good attention of it. At all times, your gear will let you down if you do not have a good maintenance. That’s a bad situation to be in. Inspect everything before you start up your adventure. Have you check your gear’s straps, waterproofing, fuel, batteries and overall condition lately? Taking good care of your gear is an crucial part of enjoying your back country trip. Clean and properly store all of your gear upon your return.

When you’re done with certain outdoor gear, donate it and some of your time to a local scout group. They are always looking for help from outdoor enthusiasts. You will feel great getting this last piece of benefit out of your old trusty gear! Optimize your time in the back country. The lightest way ensures maximum outdoor enjoyment is to get the most imaginable value from your gear. Let these outdoor rules of thumb guide you in aiming the most out of your back country gear – and your back country experience.

Adventurer and Author Ethan O. Tanner explains the different types of outdoor gear the checklist in camping for the thrill and maximum backcountry enjoyment.