h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Backpacking - A4533914
Author: baldeagle072 - U1662435

Backpacking is a lot of fun!

A timely entry, as I'm trying to do more walking, which means tramping about with a backpack on.

Some comments for you:

You talk about external- and internal-frame packs, and which one is best, but you don't actually say what they are. I can sort of get an idea, but it would be better if you could explain what they are, or add a link with some pictures.

You've linked to a commercial site - REI. This is generally frowned upon by the BBC, because they don't carry advertising. I suggest changing the link to this one - http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/camp/rghbkpk3f.jsp&vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING because it contains the information that you are trying to get across and will satisfy the Beeb that it's 'editorially justified'. Can you change the wording of the link? Not everyone will know what an REI is - I know that I didn't. Perhaps to something like - 'If you have access to a good camping supplier' etc.

The EG likes their numbers under ten to be written in words, so there are a few there that you can change.

Light-wieght super-absorbent towel -> Light-weight super-absorbent towel

Sierra Cup - a general cup for all food needs - the link seems to be broken

If you're going number 2, you have to dig a whole -> If you're going number 2, you have to dig a hole

We don't tend to get too many bears in the UK, but I guess they are a problem in the rest of the world! We also don't always get warm enough weather to dry clothes that quickly, so what do you do with wet washing?

One more thing - you've got loads of footnotes there (I don't like them very much I have to admit!). Some of them could be worked into the entry itself, to cut the amount of scrolling up and down that people have to do.

I really enjoyed this entry! I look forward to seeing it in the EG.

'Trash' = Americanism. Prefer 'Rubbish'.

'If you're going number 2, you have to dig a hole'. With the Scouts, they suggest marking the said filled toilet with a cross made from sticks. (Maybe this applies only to regularly used campsites, where there's a danger of s'one else trying to use exactly the same spot.)

'We don't tend to get too many bears in the UK, but I guess they are a problem in the rest of the world!'. Always remember, when I was in St Petersberg (C.I.S.)I once saw a guy with a human adult-size bear on a doglead walking along the pavement.

Typos:

Throw a rope ove a high tree limb and attatch it to your bear bags ...>

over, attach

"With any trash you bring with you or find on the trail, you have a choice of two options.

Pack it out...
... or burn it"

1. Well , one wouldn't actually bring anty rubbish with one! It would just accumulate.
2. What does 'Pack it out' mean?

<>

Take it out of the forest/site/trail with you. It's a commonly used Americanism.

Burning it is most definitely not recommended in drought conditions and in certain places, and may actually get you a hefty fine or land you in the jug.

Mina-it wouldn't let me use your web address because of the ampersands. I'll try and find another one close to that.

Thanx though

You get over the ampersand problem by typing in something like &amp (can't recall if it has to have some punctuation around it though. Perhaps s'omne else can help out here?

I beleive I've made all the changes. I did take out 4 footnotes and put them in the entry itself. If you see any more that could be changed, let me know.(although, I think the rest are a little necessary, the way I've written them)

Thanx all!

There is more than one kind of backpacking, so it's worth pointing out at the beginning of the entry that this is about the 'camping and hiking' sort, not the 'buying a round-the-world-ticket and staying at backpackers hostels and hotels like the ones around Paddington, Bayswater and Earls Court' kind of backpacking - the kind that Aussies and Kiwis engage in when they're doing their OE. That's another definition of the word 'backpacking', although I know that there's often a bit of hiking and camping involved in the more adventurous OEs. A lot of round-the-world backpackers simply stay at hostels though, and never get near a campfire or a tent.

OE?

let me guess. Outdoor Experience? (I considered Outdoor Expedition but it would be difficult to conceive of an expedition held indoors!)

Overseas Experience?

You have a good point, but I thought I made it clear with the traipsing through the mountains part. I don't want to be to redundant, but if you absolutely think it needs to be done, I'll change it.

Outdoor education, round here....

It is indeed Overseas Experience Ivan

Good entry!

I wonder if it would be worth changing the title to 'backpacking in the wilderness' I don't think we've got enough spare space that allows camping to be able to do this much in the UK. I could be wrong of course. Most backpackers here, even if they're walking tend to stay in Youth Hostels or on campsites.

I was also wondering if it would be worth putting a bit in on places you can go backpacking. Where in the US is the best sort of area, North, South, East etc. Do you have any advice for people who are unfit? Are there easier hikes they can start on? Or should they start training before they go? Would you say that someone ourght to be able to walk a mile in say 15 minutes before they considered themselves fit enough.

All just ideas of course, you can add them in if you would like to, or you can ignore them completely

I believe I have addressed everything. I didn't put anything about the best places to hike, just because I think that could be another entry all by itself. This is more along the lines of just knowing how to do it best. Hope you guys like it!

If you're going number two, you have to dig a whole > dig a hole.

Ref 'Take your toilet paper with you so you can burn it later'. Would you really do this... and carry it around!? Why not bury it with the poo, after all, it is biodegradable.