If you use a pillow at home, I recommend taking a camping pillow with you on your backpacking trips. You’ll almost certainly sleep better if you have one because your body is used to having the extra support. I learned this the …
Read More »Frequently Asked Questions
Backpacking Glove Layering Systems
I carry a multi-part glove and mitten layering system on day hikes and backpacking trips (mainly in spring and autumn) to keep my hands warm when it’s cold, windy, or raining. The “glove layering system” I use combines fingered gloves for dexterity …
Read More »Floorless Tents and Shelters 101
Floorless tents and shelters provide an ultralightweight option for backpackers who want to significantly reduce their backpacking gear weight. While that weight reduction might sound quite attractive, in most cases you’ll still want some form of insect protection like a bivy sack …
Read More »Best Backpacking Cook Pots: Titanium, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel?
Backpacking cook pots are available in titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel but there are significant differences in the cost, performance, and durability between them. What are the pros and cons of each material and other factors that you should consider when choosing …
Read More »What Are The Straps On The Outside of a Backpack For?
Many backpackers attach gear to the outside of their backpack because it’s too bulky, they need to carry extra supplies, they want to keep their gear easily accessible, or because it’s wet and they need to keep it separate from their dry …
Read More »Hiking and Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome, often abbreviated as ITB or ITBS, is an ailment common to hikers and backpackers, in addition to cyclists. It usually manifests itself as knee pain or pain along the side of your leg from your hip down to your …
Read More »Why don’t I have an Appetite on Backpacking Trips?
Have you ever been on a backpacking trip and not had an appetite? Even if you’re hiking 15 to 20 miles a day? It’s frustrating because you know you should be hungry, and you know need energy to hike the next day, …
Read More »Flat Tarps vs Catenary Cut Tarps
The lightest weight ultralight backpacking shelters are tarps, including flat tarps and catenary curve tarps, sometimes called “flat cut” or “cat cut” tarps for short. They both have their pros and cons as we discuss below, but if your goal is wilderness …
Read More »What is Skin Out Weight in Backpacking?
Skin Out Weight is the weight of your backpacking gear, water, food, fuel, the clothing you’re wearing, your shoes, watch, sunglasses, smartphone, trekking poles if you use them, and anything else on your person or in your pack. Backpacking Base Weight, in …
Read More »When are hiking boots better than trail runners?
Trail runners are all the rage in the hiking and backpacking community, but there are times when hiking boots really are better than trail runners. If you’re on the fence about whether to switch to trail runners or use them, take the …
Read More »Do You Need Insoles for Hiking Boots and Trail Runners?
Most of the insoles included in hiking boots, mids, trail shoes, and trail runners are crappy foam inserts that offer little to no support or protection for your feet. If you suffer from heel pain, arch pain, pain in the ball of …
Read More »When Should You Replace Your Hiking Trail Runners?
The problem with hiking with trail runners is that you must replace them frequently when the tread wears thin, the midsole cushioning breaks down, and the exterior mesh tears past the point of no return. Depending on the shoe and where you …
Read More »How Much Water Do You Need for Dry Camping?
When it comes to backpacking, many people like to dry camp at a considerable distance from a water source to enjoy a view, camp at a distance from other people, or because there’s less animal activity farther away from water. Dry camping …
Read More »Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out?
The biggest dirty little secret in the outdoor industry is that waterproof/breathable rain jackets won’t keep you dry and will wet out. It doesn’t matter if you buy a high-end $450 Arcteryx Gore-tex Parka or wear your bathrobe, they’ll both Wet Out …
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