Section Hikers Backpacking Blog Hiking and Backpacking for Beginners and Experts

If you’re thinking about buying a camping hammock or looking to upgrade, the length of a gathered-end hammock can make a big difference in your comfort. The 4 foot rule Most hammock experts recommend getting a hammock that is 4 feet longer than your height so you can lie nearly …

The REI Dash 2 Ultralight Tent isn’t made anymore, but it was the lightest weight tent that REI ever manufactured, weighing just 2 pounds and 7 ounces.  I have a near mint one in my gear review closet I’d like to give away to a good home. The Dash 2 …

It’s important to bring water with you when you go day hiking to replace the fluid you lose to perspiration, help keep you more alert and flush waste products out of your body.  Not bringing enough water can lead to discomfort, while bringing too much can slow you down. How …

What is the right footwear for spring conditions: winter hiking boots or trail runners? When can you switch between the two? There is a point where avoiding frostbite trumps lightweight footwear and wearing insulated boots still makes sense. Knowing when to choose between them requires understanding: where is the snow …

The Tarptent Bowfin ($309) is a 1 person double-walled tent with two large, well-ventilated vestibules that weighs 37 ounces. It requires a long but lightweight center pole to pitch, making it remarkably fast and easy to set up. It comes with a mesh inner tent that has plenty of interior space for …