Camping

What backpacking gear do you need? Which features are the most important? Which manufacturers make the best backpacking gear? Who can you turn to for advice? Where can you get the best deals? The amount of information new backpackers need to digest can be overwhelming at first. Here are 12 of the …

Some people go backpacking for the adventure, some live to climb new mountains and some just like the simplicity and solitude. I like all of those things, but my favorite part of backpacking is sleeping. During the week, I  get about 6-7 hours of sleep each night. But on the …

We’ve all brought dumb things on backpacking trips. Oh yeah. I’ve certainly had my share. But it’s still fun to laugh about them. Here are 10 epic examples that I collected from SectionHiker readers, that I think you’ll find humorous along with some valuable insights for the beginner backpackers in our midst. …

Had a good question from a reader about camp security and keeping your gear safe during backpacking trips. For example: Do you hang your backpack up with others in the shelter? Do you leave your stove or your sleeping bag out when you go to get water? I think a …

When selecting a place to camp at night, most backpackers like to choose a location close to water. At 2 pounds per liter, water is often the heaviest thing in your backpack and you don’t want to have to carry it very far if you can avoid it. Especially at …

Here are the 10 most popular items that Section Hiker readers bring along on trips: Zeiss Binoculars Frisbeee Hip Flask Kindle GSI Outdoors French Press Coffee Maker Helinox Camp Chair Therm-a-Rest Z Seat UCO Candle Lantern NEMO Camping Pillow Exped extra thick sleeping pad This was a popular survey. Check …

These are all great questions. First off, shelters that have a removable inner tent are a great way to ease into tarp camping. A lot of tarp campers use an inner tent like this during bug season or in wet climates too. You also inner tents used by people who …

I get a lot of email from experienced day hikers and car campers who want to try backpacking and are looking for help on how to plan their first overnight backpacking trip. Here’s the advice I give them. 1. Buy a Local Guidebook and a Waterproof Map Buy a local guidebook to learn …

I do a lot of solo camping before and after day hikes when I’m up in New Hampshire’s White Mountains for the weekend. It’s a great way to save money, get a good night’s sleep between hikes, and get a little privacy to think. I know a lot of hikers …

Stealth Camping has become a fashionable term in backpacking circles, but I’m convinced that most people don’t know what it means. They confuse it with pre-existing campsites, which are very different. Stealth Campsites Most stealth campsite have never been used before. They’re called stealth campsites because: No one should be able to …

Maintaining dental hygiene is just as important when backpacking and camping as it is at home. But the question arises, what’s the best way to practice leave no trace toothbrushing and rinse out the toothpaste in your mouth after your brush? My answer may surprise you. Swallow It! While many …

I recently met a pair of new backpackers, Bill and Elena, and they asked me my opinion about the 200 foot rule. This is a  a backcountry camping rule in many federally regulated forests. Check your local regulations for specifics because they vary accross different federal and state jurisdictions. If you hike …

One of my facebook readers left a comment yesterday, questioning why anyone would bury the ash generated by a wood stove (see my Solo Wood Stove Review) when it would naturally dissipate on its own. Burying my ashes is one of the things I do to practice Leave No Trace …

Do you snore on backpacking or camping trips? Does it disturb the people you’re with or others who share the same campsite with you? If so, you need to take responsibility for your ‘condition’ and reduce its impact on others. Here are some camping etiquette guidelines for backpackers and campers …