There’s a learning curve with any new hobby you pick up. If you’re new to backpacking or hiking you surely have lots of questions regarding the rules of backpacking. Generally speaking, experience is the best way to learn the answers to those questions. Of course, doing your homework can save you from doing some of the legwork. Here’s some information about backpacking clothes, specifically how much clothing you need while more »

Blisters happen, right? They’re beyond your control like the weather or what time the sun rises. Not quite. While you can’t always prevent blisters there are several things that you can do to help avoid blisters. Try these tips to help prevent blisters on your next hike. What causes blisters? Understanding what causes blisters is key in blister prevention. Heat, friction, and moisture are the three main causes of blisters. more »

Summer is the most popular season for camping and outdoor recreation. It’s also the busiest season for ticks. Ticks can carry a number of diseases and bacteria, and their bites can cause a lot of discomfort. Here are six ways to prevent tick bites. Wear insect repellent Ticks are arachnids rather than insects, but you get the idea. Choose an insect repellent that protects against ticks. Applying bug spray before more »

Many different things can lead to a broken tent pole: gale force winds, an accidental stomp while pitching your tent, or maybe your tent is just old. Regardless of how your tent poles break, you need to know how to patch them up for use while camping. Here’s how to repair broken tent poles in the field. Always pack a repair sleeve and some tape It’s a good idea to more »

Looking for ways to hike farther? Maybe you ran out of steam on your last outing, or you’re gearing up for an epic thru-hike. Hiking is as fun as it is challenging. Here are 10 tips to up the mileage on your next hike or backpacking trip! 1. Rest well Everybody loves sleep, but it’s also incredibly important to performance. Making sure that you get enough sleep the night before more »

A lightweight and portable travel hammock is a great shelter alternative to a tent. Hammocks are quick and easy to set up, they’re lightweight, and they’re super comfortable. One of the areas where hammocks come up short, however, is protection. Unlike tents, most hammocks don’t offer protection from rain or insects. Adding mosquito netting for hammocks is a great way to keep bugs and insects away! Hammocks offer nothing in more »

Some people want to get their base pack weight below 10 pounds. Others just want to take the strain off their knees. While there are many specific things that you can do to reduce backpack weight, embracing some general concepts is the best place to start. Here are 5 things that you must do if you want to reduce backpack weight. Plan accurately and thoroughly There’s a fine line between more »

What do you wear while hiking in the summer? Some people like the freedom and comfort of a pair of shorts, while others prefer the security of a pair of technical hiking pants. So is it better to wear pants or shorts while hiking in the summer? The short answer is that it’s up to you, but here are some things to consider that can help you make your decision. more »

That big down sleeping bag that keeps you toasty warm while camping in the winter is pretty much useless when camping in the summer. Those features you look for in a winter bag – loft, fill-power, and warmth – aren’t relevant when choosing a summer sleeping bag. So, how do you choose a summer sleeping bag? Here’s what to look for! Look for a lightweight sleeping bag Backpackers already know more »

You simply can’t carry all of the water you need for a multiple day backpacking trip. Water takes up too much space and it’s too heavy. While some trails cut through maintained campgrounds with running water, many prefer the reliability of a portable water filter or portable water purifier for backpacking trips. But do you need a water filter and a water purifier, or can you get by with just more »