Dear Heloise: A lot of people will be taking a backpacking trip this summer, and as a veteran of many backpacking trips over a number of years, I have a few hints for backpackers:

— Invest in a good compass, a GPS device that is designed for outdoor travel, and a personal locator beacon. If things go wrong on your trip, you’ll be glad you have these items because they work where a cellphone might not.

— Always pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat of some kind to protect your face. Sunburn or snow blindness is a serious problem for backpackers.

— Buy a good-quality knife. You’ll use this tool more than you know.

— Take a small first-aid kit. Make certain it has disinfecting ointment, bandages of various sizes, disposable plastic gloves, over-the-counter painkillers, and hand sanitizer.

— Take a headlamp, lighter and/or matches in a waterproof container.

Believe it or not, these are things that so many backpackers forget to include when they are hiking through the backcountry. — Jacob, in Colorado

MY PET PEEVE

Dear Heloise: My “pet” peeve is people driving with a pooch on their lap or hanging out the driver’s side window. This is dangerous for the driver, other drivers and the dog!

Animals are unpredictable and get excited easily. — Bev, via email

Bev, I agree completely. If the air bag were to deploy, disaster would ensue. The dog should ride in the back seat on the floor in a carrier or on a seat that is fastened with a special doggie seat belt. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.