Contrary to popular opinion, backpacking, not the wheel, is the greatest invention ever. Want proof? How many backpacking traffic jams have you been in? How much does backpacking cost per gallon? When was the last time going backpacking caused air pollution? Okay, a few backpackers have been pretty ripe after not showering for a few days, but you know what we mean!

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I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides, altitude sickness, and twenty-mile days - all in a summer weekend. Wilderness trips can be dangerous, but you can make them less so, by having the following ten essentials in your backpack.

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