Latest Posts

10 Tips for Beginner Backpackers

Buy a local guidebook to plan your hike and a waterproof map that you can carry in the backcountry

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 …

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Intro to Lightweight Backpacking

Hiking in the Catskills

If you’ve ever been backpacking, you’ve probably heard people boast that their pack weighs 50 or 60 lbs. Those days are over. With a little knowledge, it is possible for anyone to reduce their pack weight to a comfortable 25 or 30 …

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How to Choose a Backpacking Stove and Pot

Trail Designs Caldera Cone Alcohol Stove

A lot of backpackers own multiple pots, stoves, and windscreens, because like other backpacking gear, there’s often no perfect combination of components that will fit all of your needs. Here are some factors that you should weigh when selecting the components of …

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