Get the most out of trips by tailoring plans to meet your needs and interests with the “How to Plan Backpacking Trips” PDF guide. I’ve used this method to plan over 70 backpacking trips throughout Oregon and Washington.
Like pretty much everyone who backpacks, I learned that I needed to lighten my load to take less of a toll on my body.
There are many approaches to backpacking gear checklists – and most contain extra gear that can weigh down a backpack. This is my minimalist approach to what I take on three-season trips.
Setting up a tarp can be useful for rainy backpacking trips – or in an emergency while hiking, a tarp can provide crucial shelter from the elements.
Having a campfire is often synonymous with backpacking, but before you build a campfire, consider the potential wildfire danger as well as the impact on the local environment.
Finding a suitable campsite can make the difference between getting a good night’s sleep, or tossing and turning most of the night. Where you set up camp also can have impacts on the natural environment, so it’s good to be aware of a few guidelines.
There’s no one way to pack a backpack, instead, practice loading until you find a method that works best for you. A well loaded backpack will feel balanced and won’t shift around when hiking, providing stability on trail.
Tips for setting up a camp kitchen, how to store food in the backcountry, and a step-by-step guide to hanging food using the PCT method
One of the biggest obstacles for new backpackers is how to deal with going to the bathroom in the backcountry. There’s really nothing to fear, but before you go, learn how to lessen your impact on the local ecosystem following these guidelines.
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