Author: Dylan

Is A Backpacking Chair Worth it? A Complete Guide

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 13, 2021

Are Backpacking Chairs Worth It? — Two Empty Camping Chairs Standing on the Top of the Mount. Perfect Place for Watching Sunset. Actice Relaxation Lifestyle

Is A Backpacking Chair Worth It? A Complete Guide

What Is A Backpacking Chair?

Backpacking chairs are lightweight, foldable chairs that are an added luxury when taking a load off while camping. These are not to be confused with camping chairs which are typically larger and bulkier (are seen in the cover photo above).

For some people, this is a must-have when on the trail, and for others, it is, to put it bluntly, is a massive waste of space and money. The decision to purchase one all depends on what type of trip you are going on and who you are as a hiker (if you don’t know the difference between car camping and backpacking, click here). For me, I do not find it to be worth the money, mainly because many of my trips consist of backpacking, and I do not see the value in spending over a hundred dollars on a piece of equipment that I would only use a small fraction of the day.

To help you guys decide for yourselves, we will go over the use of backpacking chairs for both car camping and backpacking.

Backpacking Chairs For Car Camping:

With car camping, people typically spend more time around the camp, making camp luxuries very convenient, and a great chair is no exception. Especially if you are at a front country campsite without picnic tables or benches, backpacking or camping chairs can make your time at camp much more comfortable.

If you are debating between getting camping or a backpacking chair, it is no contest. Get the camping chair. Since your car is doing most of the heavy lifting, you can get away with having a larger and more comfy chair, so you might as well use one! A backpacking chair would work as well, but they are typically smaller and more expensive, so I would recommend sticking with a camping chair since you do not need something ultralight for car camping.

If you are looking for a camping chair to buy for your next trip, check these out!

Mountain Summit Gear Ultra Comfort Camp Chair (click here to check prices at US Outdoor)

Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Chair (click here to check prices on amazon)

The Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table (click here to check prices on amazon)

Backpacking Chairs For Backpacking:

Despite the name, I am firmly against using a backpacking chair when on the trail for many reasons, some including price, packability, and functionality.

If you even want to consider using one of these, you need to purchase a high-end one. Typically these fall in the price range of greater than a hundred dollars. These chairs are usually made of lighter materials and can pack down to significantly more than a standard camping chair.

The issue I have with purchasing one of these chairs is that although they can pack down relatively well, there are so many alternatives that you can use for simply sitting down at camps, such as a sleeping pad, a hammock, your backpack, or a bear canister. All of these pieces of equipment should already be part of your backpacking gear, so why spend more money on something when you already have gear that can perform the same function.

For me, I do not find the backpacking chair to be worth it when trekking through a park. Like I mentioned, I feel like the little functionality it does provide can be satisfied with other pieces of equipment that should already be part of your backpacking gear arsenal.

Now, if you love your comforts and think that a backpacking chair is for you, I recommend that you check out some of the models below.

Big Agnes Skyline UL (Click here to check prices on US Outdoor!)

Helinox Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair (click here to check prices on amazon)

Clic Camping Chair (click here to check prices on amazon)

Is A Backpacking Chair For You?

At the end of the day, the decision depends on what you prioritize and the type of camper you are. While it is my opinion that purchasing one is unnecessary when going on a backpacking trip, if you enjoy extra comfort and are willing to sacrifice some space and a lighter pack, go for it. If you are a car camper, I think buying a camping chair would be worth it since, as I mentioned, you will be spending much more time in camp and it would be worth it to buy something that can provide more comfort. If you want to see more of our backpacking gear recommendations, check out our backpacking gear blog!

Outdoors for Beginners Hiking Basics

6 Best Things To Do After Setting Up Camp

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 10, 2021

6 best things to do after setting up camp

What to Do After Setting Up Camp?

When you are backpacking, you typically hike most of the day until you reach camp. When you arrive at your campsite you typically do some of the following:

Set up camp
Cook dinner
Wash up
Switch into sleep clothes
Store your odored items

But after you finish setting up camp what are you to do with the rest of your evening? I have gone on many backpacking trips where I failed to consider what to do with these few hours of the trip and I must say it can get quite boring. Below are some ideas for things to do after setting up camp.

Stretch Out:

Stretching out is a great way to cool down after a long day’s hike and offers many physical benefits, including reducing the risk of injury and speeding up recovery. The main muscle groups used when hiking include both of your legs, shoulders, and back, so it is a good idea to focus on these when stretching.

Pro tip: A Nalgene bottle is not only a great way to carry water but can also work as a great muscle roller to help get some nice deep stretching in when at camp. If you do not already own a Nalgene bottle, click here to check out prices on Amazon or head over to our backpacking gear blog!

Review Your Route For the Next Day's Hike:

When you are lounging around camp thinking of something to do, good use of your time would be to pull out your map and take a peek at what your next day has in store for you. I enjoy doing this because it allows me to mentally prepare for my next hike, whether it be a more leisurely day or a difficult one. Planning your next day of hiking is helpful to determine what areas would be good to stop and take a break, as well as where you can refill on water.

Read On Your Kindle:

It is nearing the end of your day. You are in your tent or hammock, but you are not yet ready to go to sleep. Reading on your Kindle is another excellent way to spend your time! I specify a Kindle is because it is, in my opinion, the best way to read when backpacking because they are light-weight, waterproof, easy to pack, has long battery life, and can hold thousands of books.

The problem I always have with bringing a classic paper book is that it was always very cumbersome to pack, and with all of the things in my bag, it was so easy to tear a page or get it wet or dirty. But either way, reading can be a great way to unwind from a long day and can even help you fall asleep. Check out prices on Amazon for Kindles here or our backpacking gear blog.

Reflect On Your Day With Journal Writing:

Backpacking in the wilderness is a fantastic experience filled with breathtaking sights, grueling climbs, and many emotions. At the end of a long day, I enjoy putting pen to paper and just reflecting on how my day was, what I saw what happened, and ideas that I had during my hike.

It is nice to be able to look back on unique experiences and to be able to reconnect with the person you were on your hike. All you need for this activity is a notebook and a pen, both of which take up little space in your pack.

Playing Cards:

A simple deck of cards can help you and your hiking buddies pass hours just by playing games. Here are some fun card games that my friends and I typically play when out on the trail. Here is a great site for card game ideas and rules for each game!

Star Gazing:

Being from Manhattan, one of my favorite things about hiking is looking at the constellations usually blocked by the big city lights. I am not much of an astronomy buff, but it does not take an astronomer to appreciate the beauty of a night sky.

Happy Trails!

I hope these tips help you guys make more memories on your future hikes comment below with your favorite things to do after setting up camp!

Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners

Most Important Things to Know About Backcountry Permits

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 8, 2021

backcountry permits great smoky mountains — Wilderness permit required signpost on the wooden post in the national forest.

Everything You Need To Know About Backcountry Permits.

What Are Backcountry Permits?

In short, a backcountry permit is a permit issued by a park that allows you to enter their wilderness and camp overnight at designated campgrounds or shelters. Different campsites will have a different amount of nightly permits available depending on the size of the campground and the regulations of the park.

What Is On A Backcountry Permit?

The typical information found on your permit includes:

Dates you are spending in the backcountry.
Your Hiking itinerary.
Which campsites or shelters you will be camping at.
How many people are in your party
The name of your “party leader” (person who reserved the permits

You are required to have your backpacking permit on your person at all times while backpacking in the backcountry.

Why Do We Have Backcountry Permits?

These permits allow the park to keep track of how many people are entering into and out of the wilderness and how many people are staying at a campsite on a given night. With this information, parks can quota the number of people entering the wilderness. The reason for this is that the more people that enter the park, the more damage that is done to flora and fauna of the park due to overuse. With the permit system, parks can control how many people use the wilderness, thus limiting the impact of visitors on the environment within the park.

Permits protect visitors by providing the park ranger with your expected time for exiting the wilderness. Also, you provide an itinerary where you will be hiking in the park when you obtain a permit. By giving your itinerary, park rangers know where to start looking for you if you do not exit the backcountry at your expected time. This is hopefully never the case for you!

Do Backcountry Permits Cost Money?

Yes, you typically have to pay some sort of registration or service fee for backcountry permits. However I will say that they are typically inexpensive, I have never spent more than $30.00 on permits.

But keep in mind that permit prices can vary based on several factors such as:

The number of days being spent in the backcountry.
How many people are at your party.
The park that you are backpacking

Do All Parks Have The Same Backcountry Permit System?

No, this is entirely dependent on the park that you are visiting because nearly all of them have their own rules and regulations for their backcountry permit system.

Some parks require permits and some that do not. Some have their own reservation portal and some use recreation.gov to book permits. Some offer walk-up permits and some only have permits available by reservations. Some use a lottery system and some do not. I can go on all day.

As you can see there can be a ton of differences between the ways parks run their permit systems so I would refer to a park’s website for details or check out our national park guides.

Do You Really Need to Get Permits When Backpacking?

Yes, you absolutely should have permits if they are required by the park. Now I know some of you may be thinking “who’s going to be checking these permits?” and that you can probably get away with not getting permits in a massive park. Can you get away with hiking without permits? Maybe, but does it make it the right thing to do? Definitely not. Not only is it morally wrong, but it is also illegal and if caught by a park ranger, can lead to criminal penalties and fines.

When backpacking in the park you are expected to carry your permit with you at all times. This is because park rangers scout the backcountry and can ask to see your permits whenever they run into you. With this in mind remember to clip your permit to your tent or hammock when setting up camp. That way if a ranger comes by at night they can see your permits and pass rather than wake you up from your sleep! So to reiterate yes, if backpacking permits are required by the park you need to consider them like a backpacking essential just like your gear. Check out other essential backpacking gear here.

Walk-Up Permits

Some parks offer walk-up permits which are distributed on a first come first serve basis. These are permits are perfect for people who are going on an impromptu backpacking trip and do not have reservations booked in advance. Typically walk-up permits can be obtained either the day before or the day of the start of your hike at one of the park’s visitor centers or ranger stations. One thing I will recommend which if you are trying to get walk-up permits, make sure you are at the ranger’s office as soon as it opens so you will be the first one requesting permits.

Booking Your Backcountry Permits

Here are some of the basic steps to planning your backcountry permit itinerary.

Figure out what dates and trails you want to hike. (if you need some inspiration check out our National Park Guides)
Then determine how long you want to hike each day and find a combination of campsites you want to stay at that fit your desired daily mileage.
Go to your park’s website to figure out how and when you can book permits.
Check if your desired itinerary is available.
Book your campsites.
Make sure you have the right gear for your trip. (check out our gear blog for our recommendations)
Enjoy your trip!

I hope you guys now know a bit more about backcountry camping permits and it is important to keep them in mind when planning your next backpacking trip. To be kept in the loop on all of our new backpacking posts sight up for our email list!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Best Hiking Boots For Morton’s Neuroma:

7 Best Backpacking Tools:

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Outdoors for Beginners Hiking & Camping

Hiking With Bad Knees 5 Tips To Protect Your Knees

Post author By Dylan
Post date October 29, 2021

hiking with bad knees. how to protect your knees when hiking. — Injury from workout concept : The asian man use hands hold on his knee while running on road in the park. Shot in morning time, sunlight and warm effect with copy space for text or design

Hiking With Bad Knees. 5 Tips On How To Protect Your Knees When Hiking

We all love hiking in the great outdoors, but if you have bad knees, it is essential to take the proper precautions to prevent knee pain from ruining a good hike. Knee pain alone can be very debilitating, but when coupled with a long-distance hike, it can be downright miserable and, if bad enough, can keep you off the trail for a while. That is why it is essential to know how to protect your knees and manage your knee pain when hiking.

As both an avid hiker and an orthopedic surgery physician assistant, I have experienced and treated knee conditions both on and off the trail. Here are five tips that will help you protect your knees for many miles to come!

Stretch/warm-up
Wear Proper Hiking Boots
Use Hiking Poles
Pack Smart
RICEN (pain relievers, rest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAID’s/Pain relievers)

Stretch/Warmup:

Stretching and warming up are crucial aspects of the pre and post-workout ritual whenever doing any exercise. This get’s your muscles moving and your body ready for exercise.

Now I know there are a bunch of weekend warriors out there who do not stretch ever, but I encourage you to do so before embarking on your hike because it is a simple activity that can help prevent a sprain or injury when out on the trail.

For lower intensity exercising such as hiking, it is a good idea to perform static stretches for your major muscle groups, including your quads, hamstrings, calves, and back. Here is a link to some helpful stretches.

Wear Proper Hiking Footware:

Okay, this may seem like a no-brainer, but it must be said. You need to wear a supportive shoe whenever you are hiking, but this is even more so when trekking with bad knees. The reason is that with every step we take, pressure is distributed throughout our leg (our knee), and each step begins with our boot hitting the ground, making it essential to have adequate footwear to help dissipate that pressure.

If you have bad knees and typically hike with running shoes, I would say a change in footwear is a great place to start getting those knees back on track. Learn about all of the different hiking footwear options out there and the best one for you!

Use Hiking Poles:

Now, these are an absolute must-buy and are something that you will immediately take notice of when you use them for the first time. When I first saw these things, I thought, no way am I using those sticks, but then I started injuring my knees, and I decided to give them a shot. Boy, was it worth it! Although they looked dorky, I will say I immediately noticed the difference when using them, and now I will never go on a hiking trip without them!

One of the reasons these poles work so well is they act as another shock absorber for your knees, and each time you take a step while using them, you reduce the pressure and load on your knees. Not only do they take a load off of your joints, but they also provide fantastic stability when hiking on uneven terrain, especially on the downhill, which is every hiker with a lousy knee’s worst nightmare! If you’re not sure what kind of poles to purchase, check out our recommendation here!

Pack Smart:

Be mindful of how much weight you will be carrying in your pack. An overweight pack can cause severe discomfort during your hike and can even lead to injury. Be sure to try on your backpack before going out on a long trek to ensure that it is something that you and your knees can handle.

It is crucial to make sure that you are hiking with a reasonable-sized pack, but it is also essential that the method you use for packing makes for efficient hiking. Be sure that most of the weight from your pack is focused on your hips, a good way to do this is by making sure that most of the weight in your pack is at the bottom.

Having weight distribution that is too focused on the upper portion or outside of the backpack can throw you off balance during your hike, leading to falls or twisting injuries to the knee.

RICEN (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate, NSAID's):

For many years, rest, ice, compression, and elevation have been the go-to first-line treatment for joint pain. These strategies are beneficial after a long hike where your knees are achy, and you need a speedy recovery!

You can follow this tip is exactly how it is written! After you finish a long hike that took a toll on your knees, take a load off and rest. Relax and use either an ace wrap or compression brace for support. You can keep your knees compressed while hiking as well for added support. Icing your knee after a long day hike while keeping it elevated above your heart can bring down any swelling that you may have.

Finally, consider taking pain relievers such as Tylenol or NSAIDs before/during/after your hike as needed for knee discomfort. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

That's All!

Hiking is a physically demanding exercise and is even more challenging for people with bad knees. But with the proper practices and equipment, you will realize that managing your knee pain may be easier than expected. I hope the above tips will help you in preventing/managing/treating your knee pain. Happy trails!