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

My hiking and backpacking trips start well before I ever step foot on the trail. I like to plan out my route by reading maps and trail guides, figure out what gear I need to bring depending on the terrain or expected weather conditions, plan out my menu in great detail, get packed, maybe practice using some of the gear in advance, …

Plum Island Date: 1-21-15 Starting Location: Joppa Flats Wildlife Refuge Destination: Newbury Lower Green BCT Map: Section 1, A to D Distance: 6.6 miles; 14.2 miles RT back to car When I got to the beach and stood on the sand, I was filled with a feeling of contentment. I’d picked a good winter day to hike to the Northern Terminus of the Bay …

One of my readers, a guy named Tim, is having problems getting all of his backpacking gear into his backpack. This is something I’ve wrestled with too. I had a few breakthroughs this year though, based on some advice from a more experienced mentor that I thought I’d share. Feel free to chime in with your own suggestions to help Tim …

The Backpacker’s Field Manual, A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills is still the most complete and readable handbook of backpacking instruction available today. Written by Rick Curtis, Director of Princeton University’s Famous Outdoor Recreation Program, it provides a gear-agnostic approach to the skills and techniques required for enjoyable and safe backcountry hiking. First published in 1998, and updated and revised in …