Frequently Asked Questions

Women’s sleeping bags differ from those designed for men because women sleep colder then men, they’re not generally as tall or heavy, and they’re shaped differently with curves and body mass in different places. While the key design elements such as the …

When sizing a day pack, you want to aim for 20-30 liters of volume in order to carry drinking water, extra clothing, food, and other essentials. The easiest way to decide how much capacity (in liters) you need is to ask yourself …

The longer the hammock, the more comfortable you’ll be. Sleeping comfort in a hammock is often equated with being able to lie flat at night instead of sleeping in a curved position like a banana. One way to accomplish this is by …

Jacket pit zips are zippered openings located under the armpits on many rain jackets and winter shells. They’re designed to help you vent excess body heat, so you perspire less when wearing waterproof/breathable or non-breathable jackets. Pit zips are positioned in your …

When you boil water with a canister stove, it’s very easy to tip a top-heavy pot full of scalding hot water all over yourself or the ground. It’s dangerous because you can get seriously burned and it uses up precious stove fuel …

When planning above-treeline hikes, particularly in winter, we pay particular attention to two variables: temperature and wind speed. The best source for this information is the NOAA National Weather Service forecast available on weather.gov which covers all of the United States. You …

Backpacking wood stoves are a great weight-saving option for boiling water on backpacking trips because they eliminate the need to carry fuel and a fuel container, such as an isobutane canister or alcohol bottle. As long as you can find dry wood …

There are two types of tents: single-wall tents and double-wall tents. Both have their pros and cons in terms of weight, weather-resistance, and comfort. What is a Single-Wall Tent? Single-wall tents are popular with backpackers and climbers who want to carry lightweight …

Morton’s Neuroma is an inflammation of the nerves leading to your small toes and presents itself as a burning or tingling sensation or the feeling that your sock is bunched up in the front of your shoes, even when it isn’t. Once …

What is the best backpacking tent or camping shelter for thru-hiking or section hiking all or some of the Appalachian Trail? Running over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail travels across heavily forested and mountainous terrain, with widely varying …

Ultralight backpacking tents and shelters come in all shapes and sizes, but each type has pros and cons for different camping conditions. It’s best to understand these before you waste money on a tent or shelter that doesn’t suit your needs or …

River and stream crossings can be intimidating for many hikers, even on small streams where the consequences of getting wet or falling are minor. Here are 9 expert tips for river and stream crossings that can help you master this important wilderness …

One of the most important backpacking skills is learning how to take care of yourself if you have to hike in sustained rain. Foot care, campsite selection, thermoregulation, pacing, layering, cooking, hydration, packing, and gear selection are all factors in learning how …

A backpack rain cover serves several purposes. It prevents rain from leaking through the fabric and making your gear wet. It also can protect your backpack from getting torn if you have to hike through dense vegetation. However, whether you need a …