Backpacking
© Nicholas Bittner
Now, the first requirement says Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while backpacking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, and hyperventilation. Well, look at almost any of my other merit badge articles and you'll find all the information you need.
The second requirement wants you to do the following. List 10 items which are essential to be carried on any overnight backpacking trek and explain why each item is necessary. Ok, here they are. By the way, these are commonly called the ten essentials. They are a pocketknife, first aid kit, extra clothing, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight, trail food, matches and fire starters, sun protection, and a map and compass. The next part of this requirement says: Describe 10 ways you can limit the weight and bulk to be carried in your pack without jeopardizing your health or safety. Ok, this is simple. To get the weight down, carry different kinds of stuff. An example, small, lightweight plastic flashlights found in camping supply stores weigh much less than the heavy metal kind. Also, if you get a powerful medium sized flashlight, it can be more effective than two or even three heavy floodlights. You only need one flashlight and extra batteries, not two flashlights. This will greatly decrease the weight.
You can continue to do these types of things. Try taking small bags of nuts for a snack. Nuts and dried fruit are very filling, and light. Another thing. Don't bring toys. If you want something to do, try a book, or maybe a small deck of cards. Radios, electronic games, none of these are essential and they take up too much weight. Number four, don't bother with air beds. Just use a light-weight foam pad to sleep on. Five, depending on how long you're staying, don't bring more clothes than needed. For an overnighter, one pair of pants, a shirt, and two pairs of socks will do fine. You never really need more than that. Also, don't bring several jackets. Look at how the weather will be, and dress accordingly. If it's supposed to be cold, bring one heavy jacket and a sweater. In the summer, a light jacket will work. Ok, on to number seven. A light sleeping bag and a fleece blanket is almost as good as a heavy sleeping bag, depending on what
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