Hiking with camping in the backcountry, carrying all necessary equipment in one's backpack.
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0answers
24 views
Memorial Day Backpacking in the Northwest
I've been set on getting my feet wet with backpacking this year. I did my first overnight trip along Thunder Creek a couples weeks ago, and was hoping to do a 3-day trip for Memorial Day weekend.
My ...
2
votes
0answers
26 views
How to prevent bear bag line from tangling?
While backpacking, I usually carry 50 feet of spectra cord (2mm) to be used as part of my bear bagging system. More often than I would like, I end up having to untangle the line before being able to ...
12
votes
3answers
127 views
Washing dishes with seawater or freshwater?
When backpacking in a coastal region, you sometimes have access to both fresh water (e.g. a stream) and salt water (sea, bay, etc.).
If you do not treat the water used for washing dishes, what are ...
3
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0answers
45 views
Two to four day backpacking trip in Washington for May
I am looking for a backpacking trip somewhere between two and four days long in Washington that is possible to do under current conditions (May). Any recommendations?
7
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1answer
76 views
How much warmth dead leaves add if placed under your tent/pad?
During the fall season, fallen leaves from deciduous trees such as maple, oak, etc. can be found in abundance. Dead leaves can be gathered and placed under your sleeping system in order to sleep more ...
4
votes
4answers
212 views
While backpacking, should one bring hand sanitizer, soap, or both?
What are the advantages of hand sanitizer over soap on a backpacking trip? Do they fulfill the same purpose?
What would you recommend for hand sanitization?
10
votes
2answers
109 views
Do kevlar sacks work against bears?
We ran into a hiker on the AT last year using a kevlar back to keep out bears and rodents. He said the product was an Ursack and seemed very happy with it. However he'd never had a bear try to get ...
4
votes
3answers
89 views
Can I get away with less advanced food storing methods if backpacking in areas where meeting bears is unlikely?
A page like this one, as well as a number of questions on this site, discuss how to pack food safely from bears.
What about other animals?
This post advices a pretty sophisticated way to protect food ...
4
votes
3answers
94 views
Should food be in a bear bag/canister even when I'm hiking?
I've read that in the western US, backpackers need bear canisters or bear bags, for bears or for other animals. For example, a post comparing different methods is here. I must admit I'm a bit ...
6
votes
2answers
156 views
Tips for travelling through Europe with just a tent
Myself and my girlfriend are hoping to start off in the Netherlands and hitchhike our way down to the south of Spain through various French towns / cities.
We are planning on just bringing sleeping ...
7
votes
2answers
103 views
Logs & Rocks - Step on or over?
Growing up we were always taught to never step straight over a rock or log because it is a good way to step on or startle a snake that you cannot see. However, on a lot of hiking forums I see it ...
4
votes
4answers
87 views
How small is “too small” for tent guylines?
In my ongoing effort to cut tent weight we have replaced stakes, changed ground pads, and we're looking at replacing the guylines (no really, it's amazing how much cordage weighs!).
At what diameter ...
4
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3answers
145 views
How should we split up a 3 person tent?
If carrying a three person tent when backpacking, what's the recommended way to split it up so that the weight is balanced out among all three people going?
12
votes
4answers
210 views
Is it ever safe to let a hypothermic person sleep?
My understanding is that with severely hypothermic patients you want to keep them awake if possible. However, if the hypothermia isn't too severe and it's several hours before you can get help - say, ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
Rapid backpack readying
I have noticed that preparing a backpack for a 1-2-10 day trip can take up to 3 hours. I would like to cut this time way down.
Concerning this, I have had several ideas:
Have a the pack outfitted ...
6
votes
3answers
72 views
What should I look for in hiking binoculars
I'd like a pair of binoculars for hiking. I don't have a specific use other than for looking off of overlooks, at animals, etc. What are the important things to look for in a good set of binoculars? ...
5
votes
1answer
57 views
What is a “fast pack” setup for a tent?
Reading around forums and in products, I see descriptions and weights for a "fast pack" setup for tents. What does this mean and what is it used for?
11
votes
3answers
168 views
What do you do if the fire does get “out of control”?
Let's say you are camping with a large group, and someone starts a camp fire. You're away for a bit and come back to find everyone panicking and the fire to be much larger than actually planned (ie, ...
8
votes
2answers
82 views
Do bag liners add the same warmth value to all sleeping bags?
I have a bag liner that claims to add 15 degrees to the "range" of a sleeping bag. Is it reasonable to assume that it would work the same for all bags? For instance, would it extend a 40 degree bag ...
5
votes
2answers
139 views
Advantages to hammock camping on multi-night trips
This question asks what the downsides are to hammock camping, but doesn't really address the reasons why you would want to sleep in a hammock to camp.
Let's say I'm backpacker new to the idea of ...
5
votes
2answers
64 views
Minimizing impact of small groups on wilderness areas
I have been given conflicting information for how to minimize the impact of traveling in small groups in wilderness areas.
For groups traveling off-trail in areas where it is appropriate I have heard ...
2
votes
1answer
55 views
Art supplies on backpacking trips
I have always been inspired by the sketches and watercolors of explorers, cartographers and scientists who lived before the invention of photography. I have tried bringing watercolors myself, but ...
0
votes
1answer
60 views
What are a few backpacking foods that have the calories yet are lightweight? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
A list of suitable foods for a long hike
I normally carry brown rice, oatmeal, instant potatoes, ...
6
votes
3answers
160 views
Walking trailers
Heavy backpacks can spoil the pleasures of being in the outdoors. There are two ways to resolve this:
Carry less
Find an alternative to the backpack
While the first option is usually the best one, ...
5
votes
2answers
86 views
What are some good gluten-free foods for backpacking?
I have quite unfortunately found out several months ago that I'm gluten sensitive. Nearly all my meals I've planned and eaten on the trail have included wheat, and thus gluten, in them in some ...
6
votes
3answers
157 views
How can you make a MSR WhisperLite stove simmer?
MSR WhisperLite backpacking stoves are ubiquitous, but they lack a key function: the ability to simmer easily. How can you set a WhisperLite to simmer without having to constantly watch the stove and ...
6
votes
2answers
163 views
Can I mix fuels when using the MSR whisperlite international stove?
I have an MSR whisperlite international stove. Can I mix fuels when both require the same jet?
Background: When backpacking I often just carry one fuel bottle, filled with white gas. On my last trip ...
8
votes
4answers
130 views
What are the key factors when choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking?
I'm preparing to go on my first ever backpacking trip and do not have a suitable sleeping bag. What are the factors I should consider when choosing one?
Personally I'm looking for the best value I ...
10
votes
2answers
165 views
What dried vegetarian foods have the highest ratio of calories to volume?
I mostly hike in bear country, which limits how much food I can take to the volume of my bear canister. This excellent question dealt with foods that are great on a trip where food-selection criteria ...
12
votes
4answers
253 views
Cheese and eggs on backpacking trips
I have taken some hard cheeses onto backpacking trips quite successfully without spoilage, but I have not dared taking more than I can eat in about 3 days. Eggs I have not dared to take. I am ...
12
votes
1answer
118 views
What is a good material to patch holes in backpack?
I have a backpack with rip-stop material that is quite beaten up from scrambling over granite boulders. What are some good materials for patching the holes, what kind of thread should I use, and how ...
5
votes
2answers
76 views
How do you determine current trail conditions before going on a hike?
In addition to getting the current weather report on the day of a hike, how does one find out if the trails are currently in good shape and what kind of gear may be necessary that day (i.e. crampons)?
...
7
votes
2answers
202 views
What makes nylon an effective material for hiking pants?
I often see 100% nylon pants a lot in stores. What properties does it have that make it effective when hiking? Is it effective in all seasons or just under certain conditions?
12
votes
2answers
504 views
Why don't we apply the principles of layering when it comes to pants?
Whenever I see clothing articles geared toward hiking and backpacking that discuss layering (base layer for wicking, mid layer for insulation, etc.), they always seem to discuss these things in terms ...
7
votes
2answers
170 views
What is a good tool for minor trail maintenance while hiking?
I hike a few trails in the lower Appalachians which are very infrequently traveled. Maintenance when it happens, is performed by hikers. I much prefer to just clear smaller blowdowns as I come to ...
8
votes
3answers
157 views
What is the true risk of suffocation from different combustion sources in a tent? (CO2, CO)
Aside from risk of fire (which for this question we will assume has been fully mitigated) what is the real risk of suffocation if one were to use a stove, lantern, or candle lantern in a tent?
There ...
6
votes
1answer
106 views
When is it too cold for Tarping?
I'm looking to get a tarp, and considering when I want to go out with it. My three season tent with the rain fly has pretty good heat retention, and while it doesn't get toasty, it does stay warmer ...
3
votes
3answers
203 views
Are 35mm film canisters safe for holding spices?
Some of you may remember 35mm film** and the black cases it came in. I have a few lying around, and have seen people use them as backpacking salt and pepper shakers. I have also heard that's a good ...
3
votes
1answer
82 views
How to seam seal Tyvek?
Tyvek generally comes in 4' and 5' wide sheets. To make a suitable tarp, footprint, groundcloth, etc. I will need to sew together a couple of sheets. How do I seam seal the Tyvek to prevent leaking ...
6
votes
5answers
78 views
What can I use to label my medicine tubes?
For my first aid kit, all of the medications are repackaged. I use nalgene snaptop vials like these.
I have found that even permanent sharpie marker rubs off fairly quickly when hiking. I can ...
4
votes
1answer
127 views
What kind of Tyvek is suitable for footprint material
When buying Tyvek online, there appear to be a myriad of options and numbers. Which numbers are suitable for making a tent footprint?
Known numbers: 1443R, 1622E, 10G, 10GX, 1460, RV, 14M... (may ...
5
votes
1answer
67 views
Trekking Pole Length
I was recently convinced to buy a pair of trekking poles for backpacking. But how long should they be?
What is the optimal length to adjust my trekking poles, when carrying a heavy pack?
I have ...
6
votes
2answers
156 views
In what conditions is a four-season tent needed?
Growing up hiking the southern Appalachians, I've never actually needed a four season tent. However we are starting to look at hikes around the country where the temperatures and conditions get worse ...
6
votes
2answers
107 views
How do I reseal a tent bottom with many pinprick holes
Our tent pan has a LOT of very tiny holes in it. We've never had to use a footprint, and our tent has always kept water out, but that is no longer the case. I don't want to carry a footprint due to ...
11
votes
1answer
82 views
How do you best treat a turned ankle in the back country?
Possibly the most common injury I see when hiking with groups is when someone turns or rolls their ankle. Assuming that access to a vehicle is not feasible, what is the best way to deal with the ...
6
votes
2answers
67 views
How can I locate the leak in a inflatable pad
I went camping last trip and my nice inflated pad... deflated. I always carry a patch kit but I discovered another issue: I couldn't find the leak. The leak was small. It took quite a while of me ...
12
votes
1answer
140 views
Will Iodine Tablets Ruin My CamelBak?
In the past, I have gone backpacking with some fairly expensive, heavy water purification tools. But the more I read about water safety in California's Sierras (here and here), the less I think these ...
9
votes
5answers
187 views
Can I replace Dish soap?
I have been trying to get my weight down on longer backpacking trips. I have already taken to buying very strong soap and using very little, but I was wondering is there something I can replace the ...
6
votes
2answers
133 views
Is there a portable / comfortable pillow suitable for camping / backpacking?
I quite like my pillows to give a lot of lift - I usually sleep with two relatively beefy ones. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good equivalent whilst camping, with the normal pillows ...
8
votes
2answers
857 views
Where can I find an iodine crystal water purification product?
For years I used a product called Polar Pure for water purification when weekend backpacking. It was an iodine based solution, so not great for a thru-hike, but fine for a week or less. Specifically, ...
