Types of Backpacking
I’m intrigued by something like this item I’ve seen around the web. Its a little fashionista but I think it would work well with my setup – the pullover with the little pockets:
Just as the spring snowmelt provides a steady flow of water coming from the high mountains, there is also a steady flow of new water bottles flooding the market season after season. We waded through hundreds of options online and narrowed it down to the top 20 bottles.
For triathlon-specific swimwear advice, see the REI Expert Advice article, Triathlon Gear: How to Choose. Shopping links: Men's swimwear; Women's swimwear; Men's Swimsuits. Baggy swim trunks are fine for water exercise or the beach, but they inhibit effective lap swimming.
Living with bugs is a part of the trail, and you can get to a sort of zen state where they don't bother you; you can also develop ninja-like mosquito killing skills. I read a article by a forester who built the Poplar Ridge shelter back in the 60's, and still maintains that section of the AT near Rangely, who doesn't, and never has used bug dope.
The Cotton Buds Tissue To Go toilet paper comes in a handy dispenser that keeps the tissue neat, clean and dry while you trek and travel. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
If you are wondering how to pack for backpacking, the most important piece of information I can give you is this – pack light. Whether you are camping or hiking, going to Europe or Asia, traveling as a baller or on a budget, it doesn’t matter. You need to travel as light as possible.
Using deodorant/antiperspirant without complete washing is a waste of time as it only prevents odor, it doesn’t make it go away. Since thorough washing of underarms and groin is impractical while backpacking, use of deodorant would also be impractical. I find the idea of an Editor at Backpacker Magazine asking about controlling body odor laughable.
Long-term travelers aren’t the only ones that should pack fast drying towels. A travel towel like ... Microfiber Travel Towel . ... What is the best travel towel ...
This is a post in an ongoing feature on Her Packing List called “The One Little Thing“. Each week or two, I’ll be interviewing a traveling lady to find out the one little thing she just can’t travel without.
Extended trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or larger. These are also usually the preferred choice for: Winter treks lasting more than 1 night. Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent (which typically includes extra poles). Adults taking young children backpacking. Mom and Dad wind up carrying a lot of kids' gear to make the experience enjoyable for their young ones.
Expert rain gear reviews from the gear testers at Backpacker Magazine. We test the latest rain gear in rigorous backcountry conditions.
Learn how to stay dry & choose the right trail, clothing & gear with these 5 simple tips for hiking in the rain. Don't let wet weather keep you indoors. Learn how to stay dry & choose the right trail, clothing & gear with these 5 simple tips for hiking in the rain.
Gillette Mach3 Turbo razors for men feature stonger-than-steel blades that stay sharper longer (vs. Sensor3). With sharper, Turbo cutting blades (first 2 blades vs. MACH3), a MACH3 Turbo blade refill is engineered to last 15 comfortable shaves.
Take a Trail Shower: Take a trail shower by stripping down and washing yourself with biodegradable soap, a sponge or washcloth, and several liters of water. Shower at least 200 feet from any lakes, streams, or ravines.
Give your feet a break The old adage that "one pound on the foot equals five pounds on the back" is worth remembering. When backpacking we walk long distances, often wearing very heavy boots that we have to lift with every step.
Sunscreen expiration dates: A rule of thumb is that a sunscreen is good for up to three years, though the best indicator is the “use by” date on a product. Whenever possible, store sunscreen in a cool dry place because heat and humidity hasten its demise.
The 2 options that I suggest when camping/backpacking, are: #1 use a small amount of toothpaste (just enough to give you that clean feel), or, even better, #2 use a drop of natural peppermint oil on your toothbrush and brush as usual. Minty fresh, without the chemicals that sometime are found in toothpaste.
Cover up: It may seem counter intuitive to put extra clothes on in hot weather, but the added coverage can provide necessary protection from UV rays, especially for people with sensitive skin. A lightweight long-sleeve shirt, sun sleeves and a neck gaiter can provide effective protection.
A backpacking quilt (usually down-insulated) or hoodless sleeping bag can be a lighter-weight option to consider. While not necessarily lighter, some “bed style” backpacking sleeping bags feature an oval opening over the torso area with an attached, adjustable comforter.
Backpacking is an adventure that blends hiking with backcountry camping. It lets you broaden your horizons beyond the car campground to enjoy a richer, more immersive outdoor experience. A key distinction from day hiking is the size of your pack—your backpack (and you) must carry all of life’s essentials on your back.