There are several kinds of zippers used on backpacks, tents, and outdoor apparel. Vislon zippers are made from molded plastic and are commonly found on apparel. Coil zippers have two coils that look like teeth, which are sewn to separate pieces of …
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Dyneema Composite Fabrics FAQ
What is Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)? Dyneema Composite Fabric is a non-woven, laminate material that is used to make ultralight backpacking gear including backpacks, tents, tarps, footprints, stuff sacks, and backpack rain covers. It is made by sandwiching ultra-high-weight-molecular polyethylene Dyneema fibers with polyester to produce an …
Read More »Why Do Hikers Ignore Hot Spots and Blisters?
Everyone knows you need to pay attention to hot spots before they become blisters. But many hikers ignore them until it’s too late and then continue hiking on blisters, only to make them worse. Why is that? I’ve been reading Fixing Your Feet …
Read More »How to Pack a Hiking Backpack for International Plane Travel
If you plan to go hiking or backpacking in a foreign country or travel out-of-state by plane, here are 10 packing tips to help guarantee that your backpacking gear does not get lost, destroyed by luggage handlers, stolen, or confiscated by airport security. …
Read More »Why Do Some Hikers Prefer Trail Runners?
Many hikers and backpackers prefer wearing trail runners instead of hiking boots or mids. Trail runners are basically running shoes that are designed for running on trails and cross-country terrain with larger lugs for better traction on uneven terrain. But trail runners, …
Read More »How to Filter or Purify Water in Freezing Temperatures
Water filtration and water purification are as important in freezing weather as they are the rest of the year. Giardia, bacteria, and cysts don’t go to sleep when temperatures dip near or below freezing, nor do beavers, mice, deer, rabbits, and all …
Read More »Running Packs 101: Fit, Features, and Storage
Running packs and vests are very different from most of the backpacks that day hikers and backpackers are familiar with. In this article, I’ll explain the differences between a running pack and other backpacks, and detail how the special features of a …
Read More »Wool Baselayers vs Synthetic Baselayers: How to Choose
Wool vs synthetic baselayers: which is better? Wool baselayer garments feel warmer than synthetic baselayers, but synthetic baselayers dry more quickly than wool. What are the pros and cons of each and which should you buy for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing? …
Read More »How to Size a Backpack: Daypack and Backpack Volume Guide
Recommended Backpack Volumes How much volume should you get in a daypack, weekend backpack, multi-day backpack, or expedition backpack? Here are some volume guidelines and advice so you can start shopping for backpacks in the appropriate size range. Hiking Backpack Volume Guide Hiking …
Read More »Do You Need Rain Pants for Backpacking?
Hiking rain pants are designed to protect you from the chilling effects of rain or wind. If you plan to hike in a climate where it rains frequently, carrying and wearing rain pants or a rain kilt is probably advisable. If it …
Read More »How to Determine Wind Speed by Observation: The Beaufort Scale
Wind and wind chill can be a real issue when you’re out hiking, and being able to accurately estimate wind speed without a weather forecast or an anemometer can save you from frostbite or worse. But people’s ability to do so is woefully …
Read More »Hiking and Backpacking Survival Gear
Day hikes and backpacking trips don’t always go as planned and it pays to equip yourself with extra survival and emergency gear if you get lost or injured when hiking in a more remote area like a national park, national forest, or …
Read More »Is it Better to Buy a Sleeping Bag with a Gore-Tex Shell or to Use a Bivy Sack?
Is it better to buy a winter sleeping bag with a waterproof/breathable shell fabric or to just use a waterproof/breathable bivy sack instead? The idea of covering a sleeping bag with a waterproof/breathable shell fabric is appealing because it would mean that you don’t need …
Read More »Ultralight Cooking without a Stove
How would you like to eliminate the weight of your backpacking stove and the fuel container (canister, liquid fuel bottle, or alcohol bottle) that you use to carry your cooking fuel on backpacking trips while still being able to boil water and …
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