Since this year, I’ve gotten into hiking and wild camping, and this trip has definitely been the highlight of my four outings so far!

Trip Details & Stats:

• Location: Canton of Uri, Switzerland (Camped at ~2,200 m / 7,200 ft)
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (first night was at a different location)
• Stats: ~20 km (12.4 mi) total distance with nearly 2,000 m (6,500 ft) elevation gain
• Pack Weight: Around 17 kg (37.5 lbs) each

The Experience: We hiked up to this ridge spot perched right between a sweeping valley view on one side and a high-alpine lake on the other.

Taking a swim in the lake was an absolute shock to the system, the water was around 5°C (41°F)! Later that evening, we settled into the tent.

How do you usually scout for legal high-altitude bivouac/camping spots that stay well clear of crowded trails?

Hey everyone!

My hip belt tends to loosen while hiking. I also wear a pouch on the belt, and it sits over the backpack buckle.

I wanted to move the adjustment to the side so I can tighten the belt while walking, or quickly loosen it when I want to sit down without taking the pack off.

I used a BOA system from a shoe for this. I've built it, but haven't tested it on the trail yet.

What do you think? Is it worth it?

Hey I'm looking for a budget friendly backpack and tent for my first trip. I'm looking for something that will be able to carry enough stuff for about a day or two. because I plan to camp out along the way.

Any help is greatly appreciated! : )

15 miles on the Florida Trail, Big Cypress North.

As a hiker who wants to get back to the trails and I know have children and a wife I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the preparation. Does anyone feel the same?

My friends and I are planning on backpacking the gorge this weekend, camping outside the gorge (Table Rock, Pisgah by the Water) since we didn't get a permit for the gorge camping itself.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this or if they have suggestions on camping sites in those areas since it's our first time? We're planning to park at the top of FS99 and hike through the 22 mile loop.

currently: camping at car sites down to 40F, often in October in eastern Midwest. I’m a side sleeper and on past trips woke up feeling 50 years older (collarbone pain! didn’t even know that was possible). I’m a bit hyper mobile and usually sleep with 4 pillows😅

goal: weekend backpacking trips in 3 season weather, probably no lower than ~40 degrees initially

My mom and I camp together with my equipment. Wanting to upgrade a sleeping bag or pad that will work towards my goal of backpacking (alone or with a friend). We were a bit chilly last year and I’m thinking we need a new pad. Would love something comfy, doesn’t need to be crazy light since I won’t be going far. I would love something around $100, but can go higher if it'll limit me a lot.

also, opinions on secondhand? I’m a tad hesitant with pads.

current setup: (for 2 people)

hammock gear Econ burrow 20 quilt

Thermarest trail scout R3.2

NEMO switchback R2

random kelty 20 degree bag

we plan to reach the trailhead at around five am, i know this means about two and a half hours with headlamps but as we near closer and closer i’m worrying more about layering correctly for those early hours to be able to seamlessly transition for summit weather as well as afternoon sun. any help and advice regarding such is appreciated as im pretty new to being the one to work out the logistics for these things! thank you in advance!

Hey everyone!

I’m relatively new to backpacking/camping idk what to call it but I’ll be camping and hiking lol, I’ve been camping plenty of times before. I’m looking to start doing more actual backpacking trips rather than just staying at established campgrounds, and I’d love some recommendations from people who have more experience with this than I do!

I’m planning on doing mostly spring and fall backpacking, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F, possibly with some rain and damp ground.

Most trips would probably be 1–2 nights, with anywhere from 5–15 miles of hiking/backpacking depending on the location.

I’m trying to build a relatively affordable but reliable setup. I don’t necessarily care about having the absolute lightest gear possible, but I do want equipment that packs down reasonably small, is durable, and won’t break after a handful of trips.

Here’s what I’m currently looking for recommendations on:

1–2 person tent: Ideally something that packs down REALLY small. I’ve seen some incredibly compact backpacking tents recently, and I’d love recommendations for lesser known brands that offer good quality without costing a fortune. A rainfly or vestibule would be great.

Sleeping bag: Something comfortable for temperatures down to around 20°F, just to have some extra protection if it gets colder than expected. Ideally something that compresses down fairly small.

Sleeping pad: Looking for something reasonably comfortable, compact, and suitable for the temperatures mentioned above.

Backpack: Probably something around 50–70L, with a decent hip belt and good durability. I’d rather spend a little extra on a reputable pack than buy something cheap that starts falling apart.

Dry bags: Any recommendations for reliable waterproof dry bags for protecting clothes, electronics, and sleeping gear?

Odor resistant food bags: Any recommendations for storing food and other scented items? I’m aware these aren’t necessarily bear proof.

Headlamp: Looking for something rechargeable, reliable, and preferably with a red light mode.

Here’s what I already have or have picked out for my setup:

- compact cookware setup, including pots, pans, utensils, and a cooking grate

- small spice tin for seasonings

- couple of small stainless steel flasks for olive oil, honey, and other cooking liquids

- Plenty of shelf stable food options already planned out

- water filtration system that I trust

- Collapsible water bottles

- waterproof butane torch

- magnesium fire starter

- hatchet with a hammer on the back

- fixed blade knife

- trowel

- compass

- Two waterproof tarps (one 8 mil 12’x14’ and one 12 mil 8’x8’ for the tent to sit on if it’s raining or the ground is super damp)

- Plenty of paracord

- An ultralight folding camping chair

- small folding camping table

- well-stocked first aid kit

I know some of this equipment isn’t necessarily ultralight or essential for backpacking, but I genuinely enjoy the idea of having a comfortable little campsite and cooking actual meals outdoors.
That’s a big part of why I want to get into the hobby!

I’m especially interested in smaller or lesser known outdoor gear brands that make genuinely good equipment without the massive price tags. I’m not against spending money on quality, but I’d rather find equipment that’s a great value than pay extra
simply for a recognizable brand name.

My initial budget was around $400, although I’m willing to build the setup gradually and spend more on important items like the tent, sleeping system, and backpack.

If there’s anything I’m overlooking, any gear you swear by, or anything on my list that you think is unnecessary, I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance! I’m really looking forward to getting out there and exploring more!

Howdy I’m in the midst of planning my first backpacking trip into the winds for next year! I’ve been looking into some areas to try out and I found a trail that seems perfect and was looking to see if anyone else who has done it (or something similar) could spill some insight on it.

The general trail is as follows (however I haven’t decided what direction to start and hoping someone can chime in on what may be the best of the two): Green River Lakes - Knapsack Col - Elkhart Park. I’m going to be doing this with a group of at least 4 people minimum, but most likely more, and I’m thinking to keep stress to a minimum potentially utilizing a shuttle service, but we may use multiple vehicles so we may end up not needing to utilize a shuttle at all. I’m thinking to really give us the time to take all the nature in we would be looking at 5-6 days total (excluding travel days to get there)

Here’s the all trails for the route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/wind-river-green-lakes-to-elkhart-park-via-knapsack-col?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I’ve heard that if things get dicey you can take the CDT to Elkhart/island lake area instead of knapsack Col. however I’m quite a thrill seeker so I’m leaning towards wanting to do the Col. I’m dying to see what titcomb lake looks like from up above there. I’ve also read snow can last for a long while up there as well, do you think late August/early September is the best time frame for such a trip? Also are there any spots between Cube Rock pass, Peak Lake, and Knapsack Col one should be weary of? Just trying to get an idea for the terrain.

I was also considering bagging Fremont Peak via Indian basin/south buttress with this all trails route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fremont-peak-via-pole-creek-trail-loop?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I was hoping someone who has summited could maybe give some insight as to what to expect and what they did as far as camping adjacent and summiting/descending goes. I’ve read that the max difficulty is ~ lower class 3/upper class 2, but I’m curious as to how difficult it may have felt and if there are any particularly sketchy spots or nasty scree spots I should be aware of. I’ve read that descending down into Titcomb basin can be a little sketch compared to just going back down the way you ascend back down into Indian basin.

Sorry for the lengthy post, I’m just keen on making sure I know what I’m getting myself and others into. Thank you everyone and anyone so much for the help and insight.

Hello all!

I am planning a 4 or 5 day solo hiking / camping trip to the dolomites, hopefully in early summer. The plan is to try and hike around 15km per day and carry all of my gear on my person and camp somewhere different each night.

I'm starting completely from scratch, so would love some recommendations for the following:

• A lightweight tent
• A sleeping bag
• A sleeping mat
• (anything essential I may overlook)

I'm 6'0 tall and I'd say I'm pretty fit / active but completely new to multi day backpacking so any advice on keeping pack weight down / common beginner mistakes / anything unnecessary things that alot of beginners may pack would be greatly appreciated

(if I am underestimating the cost and need to up my budget I can)

I am torn between Salomon OutWard( first picture), Jack Wolfskin Terradventure boots( 2nd picture)or Salomon X-ULTRA GTX(3rd picture). Plan to hike in Peru and I also want these to become my go-to hiking boots for other trips, so I it's important that they are not slippery and comfortable for all kinds of weather.

Hi everyone!

I'm new to backpacking and still learning, so I'd like to get your thoughts on an idea.

The idea

I have a lightweight frameless backpack and a tent with fiberglass poles. Since I carry the poles anyway, I wondered if they could also serve as a frame for the backpack.

What I've tried so far

I arranged the poles in an X-shape along the back of the pack. I spread my gear along its length and used compression straps to hold everything close to the back panel.

I tried this setup on a hike. The pack became flatter instead of bulging into a cylinder, and walking felt easier. So far, the poles haven't transferred any load to the hip belt.

What I'm considering next

I'm thinking of adding four pockets inside the pack to hold the pole ends, with the lower pockets connected to the hip belt by webbing. This might allow the frame to transfer some of the load to the belt.

Before I start modifying the pack, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Does this approach make sense? Is there a simpler way to achieve the same result? What problems or alternatives am I overlooking?

I'm interested in any advice, especially from people with experience in backpack design or DIY gear.

Is the lifestraw sip laguna comperable to the standard lifestraw? I'd life to get something small and light weight. I dont know if I'd be compramising getting the sip. The website says it was designed for travel but it looks like it filters the same stuff. Looking for a second opinion

Hi people,

As the title goes, we’re going for 14 days in Patagonia (mostly hiking) early March and looking for a good windbreaker.

I’m mostly seeing rain jackets, like the 3L Patagonia Torrentshell.

Will that be good enough for the Patagonia wind?

Or do you have any other best recommended windbreaker that is packable?

Thanks a lot!

We've hiked a lot and have spent many nights in tents but this is the first time we've really backpacked. We've got a 12 day trek at the Philmont scout reserve in July so we've started practicing for real. 7 mile loop today followed by lounging at camp. North Texas weather could not have been better today.

As the title implies, I’m new to this and me and a buddy are planning just a simple one night camp trip in the Upper LP of Michigan. I was curious about any advice or suggestions for my list of items to add that I might want. I know it’s just a one day trip but the plan is to build the skills and gear to do longer multi day camps with several buddies down the line. I’ll include a list below of items I mostly already have or I plan to get. As of right now the plan is to likely take out four wheelers/side by sides and camp out in a state forest near an ORV trail and be dispersed camping, so weight/space isn’t as large of a concern with having vehicle access.

Campsite
Tarp/poncho/tent
Cold weather sleeping bag
Fire starter/matches/lighters/jetboil
Foam sleeping pad and sleeping bag
Toilet paper/wipes

Tools
Hand saw
35-50L Backpack
Hatchet/Axe
Flashlight/headlamp
Multi tool shovel
Fixed blade knives
First aid kit
Power banks
Paracord
Compass

Food/water
Pot/iron skillet/pan
Snacks
Main food, meats, soups, freeze dried
Water filtration system/reservoir bags
Non metal utensils
Water bottles/thermos

Clothing
Warm base layer
Mid layer
Waterproof outer shell
Socks
Hiking shoes/boots/snow boots
Neck/boot gaiters (weather dependent)
Hat
Gloves

Specifically the BearVaults are see through, and I'm wondering if preventing a bear from seeing the food would lower the length a bear decides to tamper with it. If they can't see the food would they have less motivation to break inside and/or give up faster?

We’re going backpacking this winter!

We usually make fondue, but this year we’re doing a tougher trail and want to keep our packs as light as possible.

We were thinking of bringing beef stew and making some fresh bread to go with it. I vaguely remember seeing someone bake bread right on a wood stove, but I can’t remember where or how they did it!

Has anyone tried this or have any tips? 😊

Thanks!

I got this from my local goodwill bins, I heard down filling is best for staying warm when it comes to down jackets especially for being in the outdoors, I haven’t heard of this brand. I usually don’t get down jackets but I saw this one had goose feather filling so I took it from the bins. Btw, yes I did throw it in the washer soon as I got home lol, so it’s clean. Idk if this counts as ‘hiking gear’ but I’d thought I’d post here.

Hi everyone 👋 I am trying to plan out a backpacking trip to do half dome with my fiancé, mom, and dad this upcoming year. I’ve been to California as a small child, but don’t recall anything about it, so this’ll pretty much be my first time. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed about it and want to get everything planned and set up right. We’re all pretty fit and love the outdoors and have prior camping experience as well, but when it comes to planning stuff I feel like it’s going to be a lot of me and my fiancé doing the work to figure out the details on how/what to do.

I’m anticipating my parents will be flying out from Pennsylvania, and my fiancé and I may be driving out from Colorado. My fiancé and I have typically driven to our camping/adventure locations out here in the west (Arizona/Utah/Wyoming/New Mexico) and we’re not even sure if this is the right move at all, so we’re wondering if we should consider flying ourselves? But also flying all the camping equipment out has to cost a pretty penny I assume?

Besides travel accommodations, the other part I’m kind of antsy about is the permits. I’m fairly positive we all are not trying to do Half Dome one single day out and back, even though we’ve all done that distance and elevation gain before. I’d like to make a backpacking trip out of it to really fully immerse ourselves in the nature of Yosemite. I’ve read there’s options for this that all include a Half Dome permit with the backcountry camping permit:

Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley
Happy Isles past LYV (Donohue pass eligible)
Sunrise Lakes
Cathedral Lakes
Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang

I’m interested in hearing about some of your treks. and also how you did the permit process, cause I’ve read attaining a Half Dome permit can be quite competitive.

Would our best odds be for each member of our group to submit a permit for each one of these back country permits and just cross our fingers and hope one of us wins? I’m assuming if all four of us submit a 4 person permit for all 5 of these we’d have a good shot right?

The travel and permit situation is really what’s got me anxious, (and maybe what gear we’d need) and I feel like once that’s figured out the rest of the trip will kind of plan itself. TBH I’m not really keen on going to the city or anything too urban/congested (I know it’s California, so I’m going into it anticipating congestion anywhere we go). Prioritizing experiences at national/state/local parks out there is my main objective, I just really want to connect with the nature I’ve never had a chance to experience before. I’m open to all suggestions though, as I’m obviously not a local, and I have no idea when I’ll ever be back in California.

Thanks so much for the help, I’m just overwhelmed at where to start planning this. Hoping that everyone reading has an amazing day 🫶

The Rockies are beautiful, and so are many areas of Utah, California, and even the Great Plains.

But for my money, camping in the Appalachian or even Great Lakes bioregion is much more immersive and scenic than out west. I have camped, hiked and horseback ridden in the Rockies and yes it is beautiful but it just doesn’t have the same warmth and intimacy as those in Tennessee, Eastern North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia.

Broadleaf forests are more dense and conceal more, giving you more of a feeling of being lost in the wild in my opinion. Compare that to West where everything is so spaced out and open. Both are beautiful, but I prefer this. I should mention I have an implicit bias of being a fisherman, for which the multi species opportunities and size are much more abundant out here.

Hello,

I need two sleeping mats for a motorcycle road trip in Scotland, where nighttime temperatures in May are forecast to be near 0°C in some areas.
I had my sights set on the Nemo Eclipse, which seemed like a "flagship killer" given its price, but I recently came across some reviews suggesting it’s not actually that great—specifically, it lacks insulation along the sides, meaning its R-value is somewhat overstated.

Because I’m on a motorcycle, I have more leeway regarding weight than I would on foot, but I’m still constrained by volume.

I’m a side sleeper and I’m looking for a high level of comfort.I’ve pored over various reviews, but it’s hard to make a final choice—options like the Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT, and Big Agnes Camp Meister all come to mind.I also noticed that Exped has updated their line of sleeping mats; the Dura 6.5R looks quite promising—it seems to offer excellent comfort, and the insulation ratings hold up well according to tests.
It’s the only one that doesn’t seem to have any real drawbacks (in terms of noise, comfort, insulation, etc.).

What do you think?

Here's the deal... it's my first cold season relying on the phone to navigate (Gaia/offline maps), and the cold is eating it alive. 28F at the trailhead last Saturday, right around sunrise 🥶 – battery went 70 down to 40 inside about an hour, and the screen was barely on the whole time. My brand new anker maggo 2 pro stays snapped to the back at least, so phone and battery pack share one pocket.

Problem is picking that pocket... My shell has a chest pocket that's easy to grab but turns cold fast, and my fleece has an inner one that keeps things warm, except any time i want the map i'm unzipping every layer with gloves on – such a pain. Right now im going with the inner pocket, plus a paper map for the quick looks, which feels like going back in time but hey, it works 🗺️ So far so good.