I have used hand-pump water filters like the First Need or the Katadyn for years, believing them to be the only “real” option for filtering out cryptosporidium, giardia and other bacteria from the water sources in the Pacific Northwest where I hike. But I’ve been forced to consider other options in an effort to move towards lightweight hiking and backpacking. Chemical and Ultra-Violet Water …
Read More »Latest Posts
What is a 4 Season Tent?
“What is the difference between a four-season tent and a three-season tent?” It’s a good question because the distinction is blurry. Moreover the phrase “four-season tent” is a misnomer since it refers to winter tents, which you might not use the rest of the year because they could be too heavy or too hot. The chief differences between winter …
Read More »Tips and Tricks: How to Pack a Food Bag
One of the secrets of successful backpacking is learning how to become extremely organized and to stay organized throughout your trip. That might sound obvious but it’s actually a skill that requires a lot of practice and the development of a set of rituals that you can “do in your sleep”, regardless of the weather or your level of fatigue. …
Read More »Twelve Ultralight Tents and Shelters: Part 2
This is a continuation of Monday’s post about the dozen ultralight tents and shelters I’ve owned over the past six years that explains why I bought them and why I eventually sold most of them. Here’s the entire list. I cover shelters 1-6 in Twelve Ultralight Tents and Shelters: Part 1 and shelters 7-12 below. Tarptent Squall 2 Six Moons …
Read More »10 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024 (with Frames)
Backpacking packs and backpacking gear have gotten …
Read More »10 Best Synthetic Insulated Hiking Jackets of 2024
10 Best Men’s Hiking Pants of 2024
10 Best Backpacking Quilts of 2024
10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024
10 Best Freestanding Backpacking Tents of 2024
10 Best Budget Backpacking Tents under $250 (2024)
10 Best Ventilated (Suspended Mesh) Backpacks of 2024
10 Best Backpacking Rain Jackets of 2024
10 Best Down Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking in 2024
10 Best Hiking Foot Care Products
10 Best Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes of 2024
10 Best One Person Backpacking Tents of 2024
10 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2024
5 Best Leave No Trace Trowels for Backpacking and Camping (2024)
10 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024
10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents Under $300 (2024)
Mountainsmith Zerk 25 Backpack Review
Zpacks Duplex Lite Tent Review
Leki Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles Review
Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody Review
REI Traverse 32 Backpack Review
Superfeet Run Support Low Arch Insoles Review
NEMO Coda 10/20 Down Sleeping Bag Review
REI Big Haul 90 Duffle Bag Review
Altra Timp 5 Trail Runner Review
REI Trailmade 60L Backpack Review
Possum Down Gloves Review
REI Flash 3 Tent Review
Hiking Navigation: GPS Handhelds vs Smartphone Apps
There are two types of electronic devices …
Read More »How to Backpack in the Rain
Flat Tarps vs Catenary Cut Tarps
Non-Breathable Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking
Permethrin Soak Method Guide
How to Treat Hot Spots and Pop Hiking Blisters
How to Pitch a Tent on a Wooden Platform
How to Poop in the Desert
Why don’t I have an Appetite on Backpacking Trips?
stg-sectionhikercom-buttons.kinsta.cloud Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs