I’m afraid of bears. There are a lot of people who would thoroughly enjoy a far-off bear encounter, but I’m not one of those people. When I’m backpacking, I carry bear spray, because I am 0% interested in making either… Read More »The Best Bear Spray for Backpackers, Hunters, and More [2023]
Base weight, a term that describes the total weight of your backpacking gear, minus food and water, is an important measurement. It can tell you whether or not you’ve packed too much, and it can help you avoid injuries or… Read More »How to measure base weight for backpacking
Backpacking is a type of camping; the main distinguishing aspect of backpacking is that, rather than driving to a campsite, backpackers load all of their gear and food into a backpack and hike to their campsites. Backpacking is a great… Read More »What is Backpacking? A simple, straightforward definition
One of the biggest challenges before a backpacking trip is selecting a backpack that actually works for you. Planning a trip longer than 3 days means you’re going to need more than just the bare essentials- plus lots of extra… Read More »Backpacking Basics: What Size Pack for a 5-Day Trip?
Buying a sleeping bag is, for some reason, harder than it should be. There are dozens of sleeping bags at any one outdoor store, and they all seem simultaneously different and the same. One of the main ways you’ll eventually… Read More »Sleeping bag temperature ratings, explained
Heading out into the wilderness is exciting, inspiring, and sometimes terrifying. While seeing a bear from a distance is a magical part of any hike, having one charge you is anything but. If you ever find yourself in this situation,… Read More »Does Pepper Spray Work On Bears?
Backpacking is a wonderful way to get in touch with yourself and with nature, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park… Even though that’s exactly what it is. Anyway, this guide aims to teach new backpackers how to… Read More »Backpacking fitness: How to train for backpacking
Backpackers, guides, and websites like this one like to make a big stink about all the different terms and concepts invented to describe what we do. Base weight, worn weight, sleep system, the list goes on… all terms invented to… Read More »What are the Big 3 items in backpacking? What to know
Your first backpacking trip will never be your most successful, but it will always be your most meaningful. That said, the more you learn before your trip begins, the better your chance of having a perfect first time is. With… Read More »First Time Backpacking? Remember These 10 Tips
Sometimes, the “backpacking vs hiking” discussion is mostly just about definitions. Other times, it’s about the various disciplines and skills that belong to each. On rare occasions, it’s about a pretentious backpacker who looks down on hiking as somehow less… Read More »Backpacking vs hiking: what’s the difference, and why should you care?
