Many of the most impactful moments in my life have come when I’ve chosen to let go and embark on a journey on my own. Pedaling my bike for the first time without my father’s hands on my shoulders. Getting the car keys to hit the open road without someone backseat driving. Waving goodbye to my […]
A backpacking trip can be the experience of a lifetime—as long as you’re properly equipped. Using a backpacking checklist is the best way to take stock of your kit before heading out. Our handy list covers the essentials for anything from an overnight to a week out in the wilderness. This list is meant for […]
When planning your backpacking trip, one important issue you’ll need to figure out before you go is how much water to carry between water sources. The last thing you want to happen is to run out of water and find yourself nowhere near a stream and then potentially getting dehydrated. On the other hand, you […]
Backpackers can be forgiven if they’re a little obsessive about the warmth-to-weight ratio of a sleeping bag. You can’t sleep well if you’re cold, and even an ultra-efficient ultralight bag will still be one of the heavier, bulkier items in your pack. So, time spent evaluating your backcountry sleep system is time well spent. When […]
Above all else, the best backpack for you is the one that fits your body the best. One of the keys to finding that right backpack is to get one that is the correct size (e.g., small, medium, large). Your torso length—not your height—is the key measurement. This article also covers how to adjust the fit […]
1. Simplicity: Frameless packs generally have simpler designs. Fewer zippers, fewer compartments, fewer straps, no stays – less that can break, rip, or go wrong. 2. Fit: With frameless backpacks, it’s the load itself that provides the structure. With an unrolled or folded sleeping mat (either CCF or inflatable) acting as a makeshift framesheet, ideally, a frameless […]
A combination of driving rain, high winds, and temperatures just above freezing, represents some of the most challenging weather that a hiker can face. In these conditions, hypothermia and frostbite (if the thermometer subsequently drops below 0°C / 32°F) are a very real possibility. Thankfully, cold-related maladies are far easier to prevent than they are […]
As far as how light your backpack should be before you can safely switch to running shoes, there’s really no magic number. It’s totally a personal preference thing. For me, I’d still wear running shoes even if I carried a 50-60 pound pack. The biggest negative impact of wearing lightweight shoes with a heavier load […]
There’s no doubt that rainy and cold conditions add an element of challenge to getting outside. But, don’t let a drizzly forecast stop you from being active and immersing yourself in nature. The right mindset and quality rain gear make all the difference. Whether you’re day hiking, backpacking for multiple days, or simply heading out […]
Running Shoes VS Hiking Boots “If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes.” ~The Houghton Line I get asked about backpacking footwear all the time and the question is almost always the same. Hikers want to know if it’s really okay to backpack in running shoes and how light their […]