Hiking with camping in the backcountry, carrying all necessary equipment in one's backpack.
18
votes
4answers
250 views
What precautions should I take to protect myself and my camp from bears?
Most of my prior hiking experience has been in areas that are not home to bears, so what precautions should I take to protect my camp (and myself as I am hiking) from bears.
I am aware of a couple of ...
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 ...
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 ...
12
votes
3answers
146 views
What are some proven methods of training for week long backpacking trips in high altitude?
I'm going to Colorado to visit a friend and we will be going on a week long trek across a couple of 14'ners. I'm looking for some ways to help prepare my body for trip.
17
votes
2answers
210 views
As an experienced backpacker in the Eastern US, what should I know before hiking in the Western US?
I have done a good deal of hiking and backpacking in the Eastern US (mostly in New England), but I recently moved to California. What are the major differences in terms of preparation or equipment ...
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 ...
12
votes
1answer
250 views
Am I likely to need multiple pairs of boots on the AT?
Reading up on a hiking boot size question, I came across this review from Silver Spring, Maryland for a wide hiking boot.
This boot has a "lifespan" of 400 miles. Is that typical of a hiking boot? ...
16
votes
2answers
300 views
What to look for in a durable, 3-season sleeping bag?
I'm looking to purchase a camping sleeping bag. I'd like one that's high-quality, durable, and suitable for weekend hiking/camping trips during spring, summer, and fall in New England. (Most of my ...
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 ...
12
votes
3answers
207 views
Bear bags vs Bear canisters: which is better?
Most people I know and myself store food in bear bags. However, I have heard that some parks have banned bear bags and require canisters. I've also heard there is a bear in New York that has figured ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
4
votes
1answer
126 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 ...
