I’ve gone through a number of sleeping pads over the years. While I’ve previously found some comfort in inflatable sleeping pads, I’ve also had some that just didn’t hold air. All of a sudden I’d wake up in the middle of the night with a rock jabbing me in the back. So, I’ve pretty much …
Hammock camping is my preferred method of sleeping for any trips under a week in length. And I find myself leaning towards a hammock set-up that can function for even longer trips (like the JMT or PCT!). But for many hikers and backpackers, sleeping all night in a hammock either sounds uncomfortable or impractical. Today, …
I’m fortunate to have grown up in a place where most summer nights are clear and dry. Because of that, I’ve gotten to spend a considerable amount of time sleeping out under the stars. Over the years, I’ve really come to appreciate the benefits of carrying a hammock for backcountry sleeping, as opposed to lugging …
For experienced backpackers, the process of putting on a pack is probably second nature. But for all of you just getting into backpacking, it’s important to know that there is actually a preferable technique for putting your backpack on and adjusting it for comfort. In this article, I’ll cover some easy tips on how to …
My active lifestyle has led to many broken phones over the last five or six years. Because of this experience, I went a long time opting for the cheapest (and by proxy the most easily replaceable) phone available whenever I needed a new one. I failed to realize, however, that I could choose a nice …
As a former Wilderness First Aid instructor and certified waterfront lifeguard, I’ve heard this familiar saying often: “It’s not a matter of if [an emergency occurs], but just a matter of when.” To some, that might represent a brand of negative thinking that invites unexpected circumstances to sidetrack our hiking adventures. To others, it’s merely …
As I was loading my old green REI backpack down for our trip to the tropics back in the fall, I started taking stock of the broken zippers, busted clips, and frayed seams dotting the pack’s landscape. I realized that I have had that pack for 10 years and, while I still trust it as …
It’s essential to put a solid foundation in place before you start building up. This goes for construction as well as when preparing for day hikes or backpacking trips. If you don’t take the time to take care of your feet, it simply doesn’t matter how nice the gear is on your back. I learned …
It’s never a bad time to invest in your personal health. As the spring progresses, I’ve found myself starting to dream about the summer backpacking trips I hope to take once I land back in Tahoe. With those dreams, though, comes the realization that it might take a few small trips to work my way …
No day trip in a kayak is complete without snacks and lunch. Keeping food dry and cold while you paddle to your lunch destination is a matter of preparation and requires entrusting your food supplies to the proper container. If you’ve uncomfortably muscled through a soggy PB&J or two in your time, you know what …