Many people like to carry a hydration system (reservoir and hose) on day hikes and backpacking trips, but others prefer carrying water bottles. While you can chalk up the difference to personal preference, there are definite pros and cons to hiking with …
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Backpacks: J-Shaped vs S-Shaped Shoulder Straps – Which is Right for You?
J-shaped shoulder straps and S-shaped Shoulder Straps are two different styles of shoulder straps found on backpacks for hiking and backpacking. They differ in their shape, how they conform to the body, and in the placement of the sternum strap affecting comfort …
Read More »Choosing Your Adventure: Different Styles of Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and get some exercise. But there’s more to hiking than just hitting the trails. There are many different types of hiking, each with its unique challenges and rewards. Here are some of …
Read More »Vest Style Backpack Straps vs Conventional Backpack Shoulder Straps
Backpacks with vest-style shoulder straps, inspired by the trail running community, are increasingly popular. Vest-style backpack straps work best on lower-volume backpacks with a maximum of 40L of volume and maximum recommended loads under 25 pounds. This is because the pack weight …
Read More »Demystifying DWR on Rain Jackets: How Does it Work?
Waterproof/breathable rain jackets are coated with a polymer called DWR (Durable Water Repellency) that makes rain bead up and roll off the exterior surface of the jacket. Many, but not all, DWR coatings are based on fluoropolymers that have a fluorine atom …
Read More »Spring Hiking Preparation: Backpacking Gear Maintenance in April
With spring hiking and backpacking season on the horizon, here are some important gear maintenance tasks for you to perform to prepare for your next trip. If you have other spring gear maintenance tips you’d like to share, please leave a comment …
Read More »Essential Foot Care Tips for Desert Hiking
After hiking hundreds of miles in New Mexico, Arizona, and California, I have a good understanding of how to take care of feet in desert conditions. My main goal is to keep my feet dry, cool, and debris free. I accomplish this …
Read More »Treating your Clothes with Permethrin Insect Repellent
Permethrin is a pesticide that you spray on clothing to kill black flies, ticks, and mosquitoes but has no harmful side effects on humans if used properly. It is the active ingredient used in the Insect Repellent Clothing sold by Outdoor Research …
Read More »Insect Protection with Ultralight Tarps and Shelters
There are four different types of ultralight bug shelters suitable for cowboy camping, sleeping in a lean-to, or underneath a flat tarp: Bivy Sacks Bug Bivies Net Tents Floorless Tarps w/ no-see-um Skirts While they’re all similar in certain respects, they have …
Read More »Choosing the Right Backpacking Sleep System
A backpacking sleep system refers to the collection of gear and clothing used for sleeping in camp. It’s called a system because the items have to work together and complement one another to perform a common function. For example, a sleeping pad, …
Read More »Why do I get wet inside my rain jacket?
The leading causes of wetness inside your rain jacket are condensation and perspiration. Condensation occurs water vapor encounters a colder surface and changes from a gaseous form into a liquid one. When the air is humid it has a lot of water …
Read More »Adjustable Torso Length Backpacks 101
There are two kinds of backpacks you can buy: ones with fixed-length torsos and one with adjustable-length torsos. Fixed-length packs tend to be a little lighter weight than packs with adjustable lengths, but they either fit you or they don’t. Adjustable length …
Read More »How to Pitch a Tent on a Wooden Platform
Many state parks, national forests, and national parks have campsites with wooden tent platforms. If you’ve ever tried to set up a tent on one of these, you know what a challenge can be if you have a tent that’s not freestanding …
Read More »What is a Single Wall Tent?
There are two types of backpacking and camping tents: single-wall tents, which are popular because they’re lightweight, and double-wall tents which are heavier but provide more protection for their occupants. The best way to describe the pros and cons of a single-wall …
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