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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 was “better” than what I was using, I would potentially…
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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 which isn’t the case. I typically ask people if they…
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Part of Mark’s Backpacking Guide Getting Started Individuals’ Notes / Sites Books Online Communities Orgs Research Articles
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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 range of approaches taken by people. Some people have strong…
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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 use a MLD 850ml titanium Pot/Mug. I use an Evernew…
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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 more energy than raw food. Boiling water is an effective purification…
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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 get another treat filled piñata tonight”. In the Sierras protect…
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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 keep you as cool as a nice hammock. In moderate…
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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. Just think about the materials used in many umbrellas. Storms…
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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 of snow or more falling overnight. Things that help make…
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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 single walled tents are still in use. There are a…
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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 a waterproof bivy sack. In mild to hot weather they…
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PLACEHOLDER Some brief notes by other sectionhikers campsite selection and a thread about selecting sites in the high sierras.
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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 use titanium stakes because they are strong and reasonably light.…
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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 being I have notes I wrote up about walking the…
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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 answer is likely the late teens. If you have kid…
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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 than 25 pound, and I would recommend keeping it below…
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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 suggest start with trips you expect to take (duration &…
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Remember the 3s You need air in 3 minutes (and to stop severe bleeding), to get warmth in 3 hours, water in 3 days, and food in 3 weeks. The Wisdom of Abo Dude touches on most of the survival principles I learned growing up. Cody also has a book called 98.6: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive! which…
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My recommendations on the following pages originated with backpacking, but most of the observations are applicable to a variety of outdoor activities. Related: Packing for the Camino (or other other hostel-2-hostel pilgramages) plus notes about packing light for travel. I also keep a list of my “gear for life“. I have pages covering: Ultralight Approach Around 2000…