Hiking with camping in the backcountry, carrying all necessary equipment in one's backpack.
8
votes
2answers
845 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, ...
1
vote
0answers
22 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
23 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
123 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
votes
0answers
43 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
votes
1answer
74 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
206 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?
16
votes
5answers
473 views
Selecting backpacking cooking pot – teflon, aluminum, steel, titanium, or cast iron?
What are the relative advantages / dangers of different cooking wear? I'm a one-pot gourmet that has been using the same stainless steel pot for 15 years, but am considering an upgrade.
Some things I ...
4
votes
3answers
88 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 ...
17
votes
5answers
438 views
What is the best way to cross streams while backpacking?
I'm curious of a good technique to cross a stream while backpacking that's above the boot's waterproof line but no higher than the knees. I typically face upstream and use my hiking poles for ...
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
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 ...
10
votes
2answers
115 views
How are backpacking conditions at Yosemite in April?
Looking at the webcam, it looks like things are still pretty wintery in that area. Being Michiganders, some snow is not going to deter us (we love winter camping), but we at least want to be prepared ...
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 ...
8
votes
6answers
886 views
What is the proper way to tarp tent to avoid condensation?
I tried pitching a tarp instead of a tent this weekend. In worked well, kept off the rain etc, except for the condensation. It was far worse than any condensation I've ever had in a tent. We had ...
34
votes
9answers
1k views
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
Last summer I spent 15 days hiking with my boyfriend, in Sarek National Park, where there are no places to restock with more food.
The food issue was a major part of the pre-planning, as weight was ...
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
84 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 ...
12
votes
4answers
209 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, ...
4
votes
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?
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? ...
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 ...
26
votes
6answers
3k views
What are good knots to know for camping and backpacking?
I once tied a bear bag with a haphazard bundle of knots, and despite being seemingly impossible to untie, it came loose when lowering the bear bag and nearly smoked my friend standing under it. What ...
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?
12
votes
4answers
1k views
Are there any low sodium freeze dried meals?
For health reasons, I usually try to keep my sodium intake fairly low. However, most freeze dried dinners offered in camping stores contain an more sodium than I'm looking for. I consider 800mg a ...
11
votes
3answers
167 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
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 ...
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
159 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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
18
votes
5answers
2k views
Tent and sleeping bag: pack inside or strap outside a backpack?
When I bought my pack, we were told to always pack the tent and sleeping bag in the pack. Since then I have seen a lot of articles and hikers doing the outside. What are the benefits on packing the ...
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 ...
5
votes
2answers
84 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 ...
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
66 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 ...
6
votes
3answers
156 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
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 ...
8
votes
6answers
2k views
How long does mayonnaise last unrefrigerated in the back-country?
Yes, mayonnaise. It is sold unrefrigerated, and is an essential component of any back-country sandwich. Has anyone reached its limit and had it spoil on them?
(I haven't. Of course, I've never had an ...
6
votes
2answers
162 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
163 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
1answer
114 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 ...
12
votes
4answers
250 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 ...
7
votes
2answers
199 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?
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)?
...
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
169 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 ...
