Stocking My Backpack

Lucky Cynic

Hello H/A. As a photography major, I do a lot of travel by foot and by car and something of a recent acquisition is my badass new backpack from Lowepro, linked here, which has a stupid amount of pockets and spots for all my camera gear which makes it a great central base. I also have a shoulder bag for when I am just taking a single item or two with me on lengthier walks or hikes which saves my back.

My trouble isn't so much my backpacks, but what to put inside to make sure they are successful.

Sometimes I am out and about for hours at a time and having some sort of protein bars to munch on would be good, but I'd like to get something that is genuinely refreshing and re-energizing, not just heavy and filling like some protein bars out there. What do you normally munch on?

I honestly don't think I will be bringing a bottle of water as it begins to add on tons of weight but maybe I can carry a small flask and fill it up with Gatorade or something to keep me going. What would you guys suggest to put into my flask? Also I need a flask.

Sometimes I do go on hikes however and carrying a decent flashlight would help for those darker sections of the forest or trails on a moonless night.

And what should I look at to offer protection from would be thieves. I have had a few creeps follow me in some rough neighborhoods, but nothing confrontational yet.

And could there be something that I have possibly forgotten that you would think would be a good idea? Thanks folks.

NotYou

First off, you should definitely bring a bottle of water if there isn't easy to get water around you. That's your best source of energy right there when you're hiking. Some fruit, nuts, trail mix, cliff bars, or whatever is also good.

If you want a self defense weapon, pepper spray is a good bet. You can keep it on a keychain.

EggyToast

I agree that water is where it's at. It also has the benefit of being heavy while you start and, as the day goes on and you start to get tired, you drink water and the pack gets lighter. There's not much of an alternative, especially if you're concerned about feeling refreshed and energized. Nothing is more of an energy sapper than dehydration when out and about. An aluminum bottle, like a SIGG, will be lightweight and very durable. If you're going to be outside a lot, get one in white, silver, or other light color.

I normally pack Kashi bars because they're not super sweet nor are they super proteiny, but rather a good balance. They're lightweight and taste good, too, without any chalky aftertaste like some protein bars. For anything that's around 4 hours or less, it's 2 kashi bars and water -- that's it. For anything longer, it's 2 kashi bars and an actual light meal, like a sandwich or sliced summer sausage and triscuits, etc.

That's it for me. If I take a tripod, I lash it to the outside of my bag (my bag has straps on the side for this), but the rest of it is camera stuff. So far all of my excursions are day trips, so I'm not living out of the backpack, and the longest I've done with my current setup is around 6 hours.

Dr. Frenchenstein

you can always get a camelback for pretty cheap. usually you can strap those to most packs. water is definitely a necessity though.

schuss

Water is better than Gatorade in a lot of cases, plus you won't have to worry about cleaning it as often. As far as energy - trail mix, pb+j, clif bars - they all work. Best thing to do with confrontations is run.

Niceguy Myeye

Backpack should have sunscreen, some insect repellent that also repels ticks, and travel sized hand sanitizer in case you need to eat on the trail

the flask should have bourbon.

Also, keep a handkerchief in the bag.

Chickeen

Something for chapped lips is a good idea. Chapped lips suck.

Organichu

i strongly recommend sport beans

http://sportbeans.com/

a burst of energy, electrolytes, and maybe most importantly, much much much lighter than a big bottle of gatorade

CycloneRanger

Organichu wrote: »

i strongly recommend sport beans

http://sportbeans.com/

a burst of energy, electrolytes, and maybe most importantly, much much much lighter than a big bottle of gatorade

These look like dressed-up caffeine pills.

Organichu

CycloneRanger wrote: »

Organichu wrote: »

i strongly recommend sport beans

http://sportbeans.com/

a burst of energy, electrolytes, and maybe most importantly, much much much lighter than a big bottle of gatorade

These look like dressed-up caffeine pills.

they have an 'extreme' line that has caffeine but the original product line (the one i'm recommending) has no caffeine. it's just some carbohydrates, sodium, etc.