What's in my Backpack?

 I usually keep my backpack loaded up and ready to go either hiking or geocaching.  It makes it a lot easier to pick up and go at a moments notice.  All I usually have to add is a couple water bottles and something to eat.  Let's take a look at what I have....

My backpack is a SwissGear brand.  It's nothing fancy and it's not made for heavy duty backpacking because it's on the smaller size.   I'd call it more of a "day" pack.  Clipped to it is my Traveling Snoopy.  He goes everywhere with me and I usually like to take photos with him.

One of my favorite items and a necessity in my book, is my Jackery External Battery Charger.   I make sure it's fully charged before I go anywhere and it comes in very handy in case my GPS or my cell phone go dead.  I also have a Garmin GPS.  I mostly use this to mark the trailhead or where I parked my car.   It's a nice piece of equipment to have along in case you get confused in the woods and need to find your way back to your car.  

I always keep a small notebook and pen with me.  You never know when you might need it.

I love this Streamlight ProTac 1L flashlight!  It's 3 1/2" long so it doesn't take up much room but it packs a solid punch in terms of providing light.  It's super powerful and mine came with a little carrying case.

Next is my Go-Bag which says Geo Tools.   I use alot of this stuff when geocaching, but it's all things that come in handy anytime you're out on the trail.  It's just a heavy duty pencil case.

It contains a spare pair of reading glasses, a compass, a Coleman emergency poncho and a reflecting emergency blanket....

I'm extremely allergic to any type of sting, so I carry an Epi and Benadryl with me everywhere I go.  I also have an emergency whistle, a small mirror to use for signaling, a pill container filled with fire starter (cotton balls dipped in Vaseline) and a lighter.  The whistle has come in handy more than once - one time we were geocaching in the woods with my parents and we got separated.  We eventually found each other by using our whistles.

Also in this bag I have a sharp knife, a flint for fire starting and a survival knife....

I'm a huge fan of Ebags and this one is filled with toiletries...

Suntan lotion and bug spray....

Hand sanitizer, aspirin, Neosporin, lip balm and band aids...

My Go-Girl, toilet paper, and wet wipes....

My other Ebag contains clothing items...

A windbreaker with a hood, spray mace, and a couple carabiners..

 A  skull cap, a buff, a pair of work gloves and a bandana.  That bandana has come in handy more times - I particularly like it on a hot day because I wet it down and tie it around my neck....

I'm a fan of Lightload towels.   These things are great because they come in super small packages and take up next to no room.  The larger one can be used as a bath towel and the smaller ones are great for just about anything...

And last, but not least is my survival bracelet.  In an emergency I can untie it and have about 15 feet of paracord.

So that's my basic backpack and what works for me.  You may decide not to take some of the items and you may have others that you need.  A backpack is kind of person specific.  All loaded up, mine usually weighs between 10-15 pounds.  I've heard that the general guideline for backpack weight should be between 10-15% of your body weight.  I weight 108, so I'm within the guidelines and I've found this is a good weight for me to carry.   I grab my hiking sticks and I'm good to go.  Happy trails!!

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Gear Review - Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack

Gear Review - Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack

I recently discovered Lewis N. Clark Travel Accessories and Outdoor Gear and I couldn't wait to share this company with you.  The first product I was given to try out is their ElectroLight backpack.  They come in several color combinations and I'm partial to the blue/green colors.

(image courtesy of Lewis N Clark)

The backpack is constructed using an ultra light fabric that is water and stain resistant.  It comes with 2 adjustable shoulder straps, a top loop for hanging, a double sided zipper and a roomy interior with a large interior pocket. 

From their website:

ElectroLight is the packing solution that’s perfect for everything from camping to overseas trips.

Featuring bright bold colors and durable silnylon, these items are so lightweight that they will meet the needs of even the most minimalist travelers and backpackers.

With the ability to organize daily essentials and equipment alike, ElectroLight is the collection for anyone who doesn’t want to put up with heavy bags or disorganization.

• Ultra-lightweight packing organization
• Durable silnylon fabric is water- and stain-resistant
• Unfolds from compact pouch to full backpack
• Pouch can be used as a separate ditty bag
• Non-slip, adjustable straps
• Internal pocket
• Great for a light jacket, book, magazine, water bottle, and other small essentials
• 17in x 13in x 6in

Weight 3 oz.

I've been looking for a small, lightweight backpack.  Anyone who follows my blog knows how much time I spend outside hiking, geocaching and taking pictures.  A lightweight, yet durable backpack is a must for me and this one fits the bill perfectly.  There was ample room for my camera in the large compartment, and a water bottle and my wallet in the side pocket.  I tested the backpack at the RV Show last weekend.....

 After 2 hours of climbing in and out of RV's, I noticed how comfortable the backpack was and how my lower back was not aching at all.  The ultra light material is also cool.  I imagine this will be a huge bonus this summer when I'm hiking in the woods.

I also tested the backpack while we were out hiking and geocaching yesterday and it was fantastic!  I noticed a nice feature about this backpack - I could easily reverse it and wear it with the zipper side facing my back, making the inner contents inaccessible to anyone else.  I felt this was an added security feature, especially when I'm using the backpack out on the street or in a mall.

I guarantee that this backpack will be getting a lot of use.  It looks like it would be easy to toss into the washing machine if it gets dirty too.  How many backpacks can you say that about?

There's another reason why I'm crazy about this backpack - it comes with a ditty bag.   Check this out - the entire backpack easily folds up and fits into this 4" x 3" bag.

Can you imagine how convenient this is??  Simply fold up your ElectroLight backpack, stuff it into its sack and toss it into a suitcase, your purse, the glove compartment, a larger backpack, a gym bag, even your jacket pocket!  The Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack is perfect for camping, traveling and every day use.

Go over and visit the Lewis N. Clark website.  They have an amazing line of travel accessories and outdoor gear including electronics, health and personal gear, luggage and packing solutions, outdoor gear and travel security.  You can also visit their Facebook Page.

(I was provided a backpack for review purposes and asked to give an honest review.  All opinions are my own.)