Backpacking Hacks

I broke the binding on a pair of MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes when the pins that hold the binding to the snowshoe frame busted. I’ve used these snowshoes pretty hard for the past 10 years, so it’s not like they’ve let me down. But the pins broke two miles into …

I have torn holes in the side pockets of many backpacks, enough that I now ding manufacturers in product reviews that include them on backpacks because they’re not durable enough. External mesh pockets are nice to have, but the only “safe” place to put them so they don’t get ripped up …

Have you bought a backpack, only to discover that the shoulder straps made your shoulders sore or rub you the wrong way? I’ve certainly owned a few backpacks that needed some extra padding on the shoulder straps. While you can stuff socks or clothing under your straps for temporary relief …

I’ve been breaking trekking (hiking) poles since I started using them. Aluminum or carbon fiber, it doesn’t matter. The same with three-piece, two-piece, and one piece poles, and twist lock or flick-lock style poles. I used to break a pole every 6 months, on average, usually by catching the lowest …

The Double Black Diamond Down Throw is a 60″ x 70″ down comforter with a nylon cover that weighs 15 oz. It’s insulated with 700 fill power down and you can usually buy them on Amazon for under $40. I bought two when I saw them on sale at Bed …

The most challenging thing about hanging a bear bag is throwing a rock attached to a bear bag line over a tree limb, so you can pull your bag up into the air. Many people tie their slippery Dynaglide line to a rock using a crude knot and pray it …

Winter hiking, backpacking, and camping in snow and mountainous terrain requires additional skills and experience that are hard to come by unless you do it and make a few mistakes along the way. I was fortunate to have some excellent mentors who taught me the basics and I picked up …

There is really no substitute for experience when it comes to winter hiking, backpacking, and camping. You can read about it in books and watch videos, but the best way to learn is to go out with an experienced friend who can teach you the ropes. Here are a few …

A wet rib is a high volume accessory pocket that hangs from your backpack’s shoulder straps, below the padded part, in front of your ribcage. It’s super handy for carrying extra hiking gear, like a map, compass, gps, extra gloves, or hats, especially in winter, because it doesn’t interfere with …

The CAMP Corsa Ice Axe (8.8 oz) is the lightest weight walking ice axe available today, which explains its popularity with thru-hikers, ultralight backpackers, and ski mountaineers. It’s a straight-shafted walking axe designed to stop uncontrolled slides down snow and ice covered slopes, as opposed to a curved and shorter …

Most MSR Snowshoes have a rear binding that closes with a stretchy ski-style strap. It’s designed that way so that the snowshoes lay flat when lashed to a backpack, making them easier than snowshoes with bulky ratchet-style bindings. They’re also compatible with all boot types, virtually indestructible, and easy to …

Many of us shy away from eating dried pasta on backpacking trips because it takes so long to cook and uses too much stove fuel. But did you know that you don’t have boil dried pasta using the amount of water recommended on the package or for the entire boil time? Simply …

Reynolds Oven Bags! work great as vapor barrier liners for your winter boots because they’re super durable, and relatively inexpensive. Vapor Barrier Clothing If you’re not familiar with Vapor Barrier clothing, you haven’t been reading Section Hiker long enough. I’ve been messing around with the idea for years after being introduced …