For the majority of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers find themselves firmly in black bear country. In the last 150 years, only one person has been killed by a bear in the PCT states of California, Oregon and Washington in the wild. So, you would be just as likely to die by falling over …
Backpacking
Let’s face it – we love our backpacks. We give them names, and they literally become part of us on the trail. Next to footwear, a pack is one of our most important choices of gear. And if you’ve chosen well, your pack will fit properly, provide ample storage capacity, and serve you well for …
As you begin to sweat while out hiking, moisture starts to get trapped between your body and your clothing. Polyester’s moisture wicking technology allows that moisture to escape into the clothing and then slowly evaporate back into the air. This feature of polyester keeps you much cooler than you might otherwise be in thicker or …
Tents come in all different shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of different activities. Some people need their tents to be light enough to carry on their backs for thousands of miles. Others just have to throw it in the back of the car for a weekend camping trip away. Some …
ALICE packs were originally designed for use by the United States Army, adopted in 1973 as a lighter alternative to the previous standard-issue backpack. Since it was so widely used (and continues to be used, in small capacities) by the military and is available for much cheaper than most packs that were designed specifically for …
Cheese can be one of the most delightful snacks to enjoy while out on a backpacking trip. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, and fat. All great nutrients for having long term energy and helping your body work efficiently. But, not all cheese is good to take out on a backpacking trip. The …
Backpacking involves getting off the beaten track, away from civilization, carrying everything you need to survive; including food, clothing, shelter and a sleeping system. But if you are looking to buy a backpack that is good for backpacking, but have no idea where to begin, then you can join the long line of people that …
Dental powder has been around for a long time dating back to evidence that it was used by Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Romans. Tooth powder has come a long way since those days. However, many ingredients are fairly similar today to what was being used back then. Baking soda is the main ingredient in …
If you are looking for a truly unique and off the beaten path destination for your next backpacking trip – look no further than Sri Lanka. Whether you want to see elephants and leopards in their natural habitat, or cruise around the coast on a jet ski, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. So, just …
Staying dry on a rainy backpacking trip is a two-pronged struggle: first, you need to keep the rain from soaking you, and second, your rain gear needs to be breathable enough that you don’t end up protected from the rain but dripping in your own sweat as you hike. A favorite rain jacket for thru-hikers …