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Feet in Snow and Cold

September 13, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

In colder weather, people often struggle with their feet getting cold.  There are a number of reasons for this Feet are the furthest point from your core which is generating heat. Feet are subjected to conductive cooling through the soles of your shoes/boots. Feet sweat … “Feet in Snow and Cold”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Feet in Wet Conditions

September 13, 2013September 12, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

One of my footwear posts. In general you want to keep your feet dry.  There are a variety of ways you feet can get wet. The most dramatic are river crossings, followed by rain, snow, and slush. The final issue is sweat from your own … “Feet in Wet Conditions”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Goto Backpacking Gear

July 06, 2013May 20, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Thought it would be interesting to see how my primary items have changed over time:  I am ignoring items that were used briefly or for testing purpose. For a while I was regularly purchasing new gear and trying it our. When I found something that … “Goto Backpacking Gear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacking on the Cheap

May 09, 2013April 25, 2025 Mark Verber1 Comment

Every year I help organize several backpacking trips for the communities I participate in. Typically we will have several first time backpackers. I often get the question “What should I buy?” Everyone expects the first thing I will suggest is a good pair of boots … “Backpacking on the Cheap”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacking Resources

May 09, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Part of Mark’s Backpacking Guide Getting Started Individuals’ Notes / Sites Books Online Communities Orgs Research Articles

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking

Food for Backpacking

May 09, 2013March 14, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

There is a saying that an army runs on it’s stomach. The same could be said for most backpackers and outdoor adventurers. For most, food is not only fuel for the journey, but also a source of enjoyment, comfort, and motivation. There is a wide … “Food for Backpacking”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking

Cookware for Backpacking

May 09, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

If you want to cook food, you need something that holds the water and/or food as you heat it up. They best cookware will vary depending on the size of a group and the type of cooking. My Choice When I am traveling solo I … “Cookware for Backpacking”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Stoves for Backpacking

May 09, 2013October 06, 2024 Mark Verber2 Comments

A portable stove enables you to cook nearly anywhere. Most stoves burn clean which makes cleanup easy. While a stove will add weight to your pack, the combination of a stove and foods which you cook are often lighter than ready to eat foods. Cooked food typically provide … “Stoves for Backpacking”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Food Storage for Backpacking

May 09, 2013September 11, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

In most parts of the country correctly hanging food in a bear bags can be effective though it takes a bit of skill. Unfortunately bags won’t protect your food in the more highly trafficed parts of the Sierras were the bears see backpackers and think “Great, I … “Food Storage for Backpacking”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Hammocks

April 30, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

I have tried using hammocks several times and never enjoyed the experience. Furthermore, I am near or above tree line which makes hammocks useless.  I would suggest you check out people who love hammocks such as Sgt Rock’s Hammocks 101. In warm weather nothing will … “Hammocks”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Bivy

April 30, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Bivy’s are minimalist shelters which have a footprint no larger than the person they are protecting. They have the advantage of being very quick to set up and have a very low wind profile. Full Protection / Waterproof In most cases I would not use … “Bivy”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Shelter Fabrics

April 30, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Shelters are made from a variety of materials which have a variety of strengths and weaknesses.  One of the important properties of a shelter is being able to keep you dry. Many fabrics, even those that aren’t “waterproof” can keep you drive in moderate conditions. … “Shelter Fabrics”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Winter Shelters

April 30, 2013September 17, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Actually, this should really be called shelters for extreme conditions with snow since there are many places where “winter” could be handled with a traditional “three season” tent.  When I think “winter shelters” I am thinking something that can survive 50+mph winds, and a foot … “Winter Shelters”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Tents

April 30, 2013April 29, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Tents are structures made from fabric that provide an enclosed space which protects the occupants from environment conditions. Historically tents were made from canvas, but now are typically made from nylon or polyester with some some of waterproof treatment. Most tents are double walled, though … “Tents”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Selecting Campsites

April 30, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

PLACEHOLDER Some brief notes by other sectionhikers campsite selection and a thread about selecting sites in the high sierras.

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Stakes

April 30, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Most shelters need something to keep them from blowing away. Most people carry metal or plastic stakes, though it is often possible to improvise using local material. A decent video of the big/little rock anchor is what I often do above treeline. Ultralight backpackers often … “Stakes”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Backpacking

April 06, 2013September 26, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

The following posts can provide an overview for someone who is thinking and trying backcountry / “wild” backpacking for the first time. I plan to write up something about what changes on hut-2-hut, hostel-2-hostel treks, but haven’t gotten around to that yet. For the time … “Backpacking”

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Posted Under: health, outdoorsTags: backpacking

Backpacking with Kids

April 06, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

One of the common questions is how young can start taking a kid backpacking.  The answer is, it depends on you, the child, and your expectations. If you are expecting the child carry their own stuff and cover mileage like an experienced thru-hiker, than the … “Backpacking with Kids”

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Posted Under: outdoors

Backpacks for Kids

April 06, 2013March 15, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

I strong encourage keeping kids packs as light as possible. A 60 pound child shouldn’t be carrying more than a 15 pound pack, and I think it would be best if the pack was closer to 6lb. A 100 pound child shouldn’t be carrying more … “Backpacks for Kids”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacks

April 05, 2013May 24, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Choosing a backpack can be tricky, especially for someone who is just starting out.  You need to know what you are carrying  to choose the right pack, but if you are just starting out you don’t know what you are going to be carrying.  I … “Backpacks”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

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