If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here, remembering to clarify whether it is a Wilderness or a Travel related question. Please also remember to visit this thread even if you consider yourself very experienced so that you can help others!
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I've not used Mystery Ranch packs because, to my mind, they are always incredibly heavy. If you're doing 7 days and over 75 miles, I think I'd go with something 3lbs lighter.
Anyone have advice on a decent backpacking sleeping bag? Something good to around 0C, is a good small sized packed and budget friendly? I’m looking for something to use just like 2-3 times a year and won’t hurt my wallet. Could be down or synthetic (and probably will be for a lower price point). Thanks!
The REI Co-op Trailmade 20 is probably a good budget option. It's rated down to -6°C, however, I do believe that's closer to the lower limit rating. I would trust it to be comfortable to 2-4°C. Budget friendly usually means a little heavier and a little bulkier.
A couple steps up would be most things from Big Agnes.
(Wilderness backpacking) Hi !! After a few trips with scouts providing gear, I’m really interested in solo & duo backpacking myself over the summer but I don’t have a massive budget as I’m 15. tents are the main thing that’s confusing me as I’ve researched loads of tent reviews and recommendations and keep getting mixed opinions. What tents would you guys recommend? My budget is roughly £250 and I’m from the uk, so looking for a good weatherproofing, 2p, 3+ seasons, non-trekking pole, and as compact as possible since I don’t have the most bag space. I’m not really concerned about weight though as I’m quite a fit and strong person. Thanks !
Big Agnes and Nemo brand make excellent freestanding tent options. I believe they are available in Europe.
Hey all, I’m new to wilderness backpacking and am shopping for cooking gear. I like the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, but I’m worried about pots/pans staying stable on those little arms.
Any recommendations for a non-MSR cooking pot that will balance easily on an MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe? (I’m worried about buying MSR-brand pots/pans rn because of the active recall, and saw a bunch of scary reviews about their trail mini kits, but I really like the stove.Voluntary Safety Recall)
Also open to recommendations on other brand stoves/kits if that’s what it takes to cook in the wild. & to clarify, I don’t want to only boil water, I want to sauté stuff. I’m sticking to 3-seasons for now so I can use canisters just fine. Thanks!!
Used the pocket rocket for years with a Toaks Titanium Pot. Works great. Never spilled while cooking. The important part is leveling out the surface you put it on. My trowel has helped out here a couple times.
Aluminum might be a better option for real backcountry cooking. It distributes heat better than titanium.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/cookware.html
Figure out your material first, then the size you want. Go for the best pot you can; it will last the rest of your life so it's worth it to get exactly what you want.
Thanks for the article! Very helpful!
When i watch some YT videos of thru hiking sometimes i see a clear easy trail to follow , other times i see no trail at all (desert, snow, etc) . Are you constantly checking a map or gps etc OR is there something you follow by eye that im not aware of?
Yes, sometimes we have to check the map constantly. GPS on phones has gotten very good in the last few years / models.
Often - even when the trail is not visible - you kinda just know. It's obvious where other people have walked or where the natural trail would continue. There may be rock markers or other non-natural signs (like cut trees) that signal the trail.
Other times - we get lost. Then backtrack and re-find the trail. Getting lost is definitely a thing that happens.
Hi!
I'm in Canada, Quebec, planning a bike trip down the St-Laurent and into Michigan. This is my first, big, long trip, and i need advice. In hindsight, i should probably have asked earlier, considering i'm supposed to leave in a few days. I have a solid, near new travel bike with a rack, extra bags, and a few travel essentials such as a repair, a cooking and a first aid kit.
I'm not going out of my way to go into the woods, so i'm not too worried. All in all, it should be 8-12 days out one way then the same back.
My biggest questions at the moment are concerning what kind of dry foods i should bring along, how much water i should plan on carrying, and what kind of rules are there about camping at random points along that road.
I'd be more than happy to have a chat with anyone willing to help me out.
r/trailmeals is a good community, check out the wiki.
r/HikerTrashMeals is also good.
Here's some great ideas for food:
Thanks!
Anyone been to dolly sods yet this spring? Just curious about conditions, I'm going in a week or 2 (not a beginner).
Hi, person interested in travel backpacking here. Is it possible as a person dependent on psychological prescription medications to go backpacking internationally? I know I won't be able to do some things for the rest of my life, and I was wondering if backpacking is one of them as I've been interested for years now.
I want to know too. I didn't even think that would BE a problem until I Saw your comment which then reminded me I have to take a monthly injection in the butt at a pharmacy, how'm I going to do that while backpacking?
I luckily only rely on pills, but I'm worried about the legality and all that. I also kinda rely on testosterone shots, but I'm sure I could just not take it during backpacking trips.
Question about lightning/summer storms in the Sierra Nevada.
If you're on the peak, get off the peak. But if you're a thousand/few thousand feet down down in the valley, should you still pitch? is it cool to keep hiking? I usually pitch out of anxiety, but never had the forethought to ask the question.
There is no safety guarantee when it comes to lightning storms. As I have been taught in WFR training, lightning can travel down an open slope, down creek beds etc. Also, if it is a major storm, it is likely to come with intense rain, wind, and/or hail. I would definitely keep hiking if I hear the thunder, but it is not directly above my head (as determined by time between sound and light) but hunker down and get off the ground if it is right above me.
I'm in the market for a new pack and wondering if anyone has had experience with either the Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50 or Terraframe 65 or if someone could comment on which one would prove to be the better option.
They both appear to have the same suspension and frame system, with differences mainly in their compartmentalization. I'm just unsure as to which one would be the better option.
My use case would be for 7+ day backpacking trips roughly covering 75+ miles.