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Bird Watching Essentials!
Be Prepared!
Like everything, the key to success is in the preparation. To ensue that you have an exciting and eventful Bird Watching event, it is important that you have access to the required equipment.
Some questionably feel that the most important item to have is a pair of binoculars; a pair that is lightweight and allows you to tackle long distances. But, there are also other influencing considerations that must be made to add credence and enhancement to the overall experience:
- A birding vest with various size pockets (10-15). This will give you easy access to bird identification guides, lens caps, lip balm, snacks, insect repellant, and other personal needed items.
- A lightweight rain jacket might be needed to protect you from the elements. Don’t forget a hat, it will not only protect you from sun rays but also keep hair out of your eyes.
- A written journal should be maintained explaining the – Who, What, When, and Where. If desired and time permits, the journal could be supplemented by photographs.
Some avid bird watchers like to pair their trips with extending hiking. If so, additional consideration should be made for a daypack. Depending on the trip, this might also include meals, bottled water, extra binoculars, socks, map/compass, and a charged cell phone. However, Don’t over Pack!
Backpack Comfort!
Comfortable!
Most important in choosing a backpack is comfort. The size of the pack is determined based on planned activities. The key is to be able to carry the most weight with the least amount of effort. To do this, the backpack must be constructed to distribute varying weights efficiently.
If not an experience camper/trekker, before purchasing, try it out. Most stores have weights that you can add/subtract to determine the optimal weight distribution. Other considerations are the support straps. The shoulder straps should carry approximately 30% of the weight with the remaining 70% supported by the hip strap. These straps should be comfortable and unrestrictive.
A properly fitted backpack should not constrict breathing nor reduce mobility. Only you can decide what weight is comfortable to carry.
Pack Accordingly!
Be Prepared!
Not all daypacks are created equal, so be sure to find the pack that best suits your purposes. Climbers will want enough space to fit their gear as well as an extra layer of clothing for higher elevations. Day hikers look for lots of water capacity and bonus pockets to accommodate miscellaneous items they find along the way.
Students might want to consider multi-use bags; hiking daypacks won’t be large enough to tote books from class to class during the academic term. Back-padding is crucial when carrying heavy objects with pointed corners, so be on the look out for packs that provide some cushioning. Beyond that, daypack selection can vary based on personal taste – for many, style is just as important as function.
Daypacks
A 1-3 Day Trek?
Today there are personal carriers for every occasion. The most common is called a Day-pack. It will normally hold more than what you would need for just a day. Most are capable of carrying enough supplies for 1-3 days. There is a range of sizes to choose from but staying at midpoint, in the 1500-2500 cubic inch range, should serve you well.
Daypacks must be waterproof. The clothes you pick and pack will depend on the current season and projected weather. It should be packed in order of use, the least frequent to more frequently use. The outside pockets or compartments would be for those small items, possibly a wallet, car keys, map/compass, energy snacks, water bottle, etc.
A little fore-thought might pay big dividends in the end. Remember to take enough food, a flashlight, fire and a first-aid kit. Let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll return. HAVE A GOOD TREK!
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