can stay in gîtes d'étapes, which are simple hostels provided for walkers and cyclists. There are some simple shelters and occasional mountain hut also provided in North America, including on the Appalachian Trail. Another example is the High Sierra Camps in the Yosemite National Park. Long-distance backpacking trails with huts also exist in South Africa, including the 100 km plus Amatola Trail, in the Eastern Cape Province. Backpacking is also popular in the Himalayas (often called trekking there), where porters and pack animals are often used. Equipment Backpacking gear depends on the terrain and climate, and on a hiker's plans for shelter (refuges, huts, gites, camping, etc.). It may include: A backpack of appropriate size. Backpacks can include frameless, external frame, internal frame, and bodypack styles. Clothing and footwear appropriate for the conditions. Food and a means to prepare it (stove, utensils, pot, etc.). Sleep system such as a sleeping bag and a pad. Survival gear. A shelter such as a tent, tarp or bivouac sack. Water containers and purifiers. Water Proper hydration is critical to successful backpacking. Depending on conditions - which include weather, terrain, load, and the hiker's age and fitness - a backpacker may drink 2 to 8 litres (1/2 to 2 gallons), or more, per day. At per water is exceptionally heavy. It is impossible to carry more than a few days' supply. Therefore, hikers often drink natural water supplies, sometimes after filtering or purifying. Some hikers will treat water before drinking to protect against waterborne diseases carried by bacteria and protozoa. The chief treatment methods include: Boiling Treatment with chemicals such as chlorine or iodine Filtering (often used with chemical treatments) Treatment with ultraviolet light Water may be stored in bottles or collapsible plastic bladders. Hydration bladders are increasingly popular. Food Backpacking is energy intensive. It is essential to bring enough food to maintain both energy and health. The weight of food is an important issue to consider. Consequently, items with high food energy, long shelf life, and low mass and volume deliver the most utility. Taste and satisfaction are issues that are of varying importance to individual hikers, as they consider whether it's worth the effort (and trade-off against other gear) to carry fresh, heavy, or luxury food items. The shorter the trip and easier the conditions the more feasible such treats become. In many cases, heat, fuel and utensils are used. Small liquid