Frequently Asked Questions

Floorless Tents and Shelters 101

Floorless Tents and Shelters

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 …

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What is Diurnal Heating?

What is Diurnal Heating?

If you hike in the mountains or above the treeline, you’ll find frequent mention of the term “diurnal heating” in mountain weather forecasts, often accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and high wind. What is diurnal heating, and why should you be cautious when …

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What is Fastpacking?

What is Fastpacking?

Fastpacking is a hybrid form of backcountry travel—think of it like a combination between trail running and backpacking—which means there’s no simple, satisfying answer to this question. Fastpacking means the athlete can cover big miles in the backcountry with a combination of …

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