stg-sectionhikercom-buttons.kinsta.cloud Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs

Had a good question from a reader about camp security and keeping your gear safe during backpacking trips. For example: Do you hang your backpack up with others in the shelter? Do you leave your stove or your sleeping bag out when you go to get water? I think a lot depends on where I’m backpacking and my assessment of …

We called off our hike up to Mt Adams (5774′) this past Monday because conditions were just too severe. With subzero temperatures, -40 to -50 degree (f) wind chills, and winds blowing over 100 miles per hour, it would have been too dangerous to climb the second highest peak in the White Mountains, which has over 1 mile of above-treeline …

Mt Liberty and Mt Flume are two 4000 footers at the south end of Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.  They’re usually climbed on the same day because their summits are only about a mile apart and connected by a ridge. In winter, the most popular route is to climb Liberty first and then do an out and back …

Ultralight backpacking requires an extreme form of self-reliance where backpackers compensate for bringing less gear by having more advanced backcountry skills. While many other backpackers and day hikers have these same skills, “going ultralight,” or the less extreme “lightweight” is more committing, since ultralight backpackers carry less navigational, comfort, and convenience items in their packs. For instance, if gear weight considerations make it infeasible to …