Backpacking Hacks

The CAMP Corsa Ice Axe (8.8 oz) is one of the lightest weight walking ice axes 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …