Category: Outdoors for Beginners

Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners

Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack vs. Car Camp. (2022)

Post author By Dylan
Post date June 28, 2022

Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack Vs. Car Camp

If you are an avid day hiker but have yet to go on an overnight backpacking trip, the question you probably have is, “is backpacking worth it?” I mean, it’s a fair question. You are hiking many miles with fluctuating elevation changes while carrying a heavy pack for multiple days.

I don’t think anyone would characterize backpacking as a comfortable or relaxing vacation, and it is, without a doubt, a form of “type two fun”. So when is backpacking worth it? And when should you backpack vs car camp and do day hikes?

Soooo When Is Backpacking Worth It?

In short. Backpacking is worth it when going to a remote area that requires more miles of hiking than can be accomplished in a day hike.

As I said, backpacking is a lot of work, and for it to be worth it, the trip should cover the distance that cannot be done in a day hike while still having the spectacular views and solitude characteristic of all great backpacking trips.

Naturally, the distance that someone can cover in a day hike varies depending on the individual’s fitness, but the principle doesn’t change. If you want to cover more mileage into the backcountry than you are comfortable doing in a day hike, you should probably opt for a backpacking trip.

Soooo When Is Backpacking Not Worth It?

For me, backpacking is not worth it if the hikes you want to do are in the front country and are easily accessible by car. In these cases, it would be easier to car camp and drive to the trailheads for your day hikes.

You can make essentially anything a backpacking trip, but in my opinion, if you can hike the same trails with less weight and just car camp, why not do that?

Pro's Of Doing A Backpacking Trip:

Here’s the rundown of some of the pro’s of doing a backpacking trip.

#1 Enjoying Nature In Solitude

If planned right, a good backpacking trip will take you away from the crowds of people you will classically see on popular front-country hikes, such as Angels Landing in Zion National Park or Devils Bridge in Sedona. A backpacking trip should bring you deeper into the wilderness where the average tourist wouldn’t typically go.

During these trips you can truly experience nature without the hoards of humans, crying babies, and worst of all, the influencers trying to get that “perfect shot” for the gram.

Just you, a couple of buddies, enjoying your time in nature while catching sick views like these….

#2 Learn To Appreciate The Little Things

Whenever I return from a backpacking trip, I have much more gratitude and appreciation for the little things I have in my life. This is because backpacking reveals that your real needs are food, water, and shelter. When you realize that everything else is extra, appreciating what you have comes easily.

#3 Unplug

In a world where we are constantly connected through the internet and social media, it’s good to take a mental break now and then to reset. Let me tell you, backpacking through nature without any service will do the trick. It makes sense that spending time in nature does wonders for your mental health.

#4 Sense Of Accomplishment

Every time you finish a backpacking trip is an accomplishment. Conquering tall mountain passes, hiking many miles, and spending so much time in nature living just off the tools in your pack is no easy feat and it feels good to know that you earned your experience.

Cons Of Backpacking:

Here come the cons.

#1 Physically Challenging

Backpacking is tough. Carrying a heavy pack hiking a ton of miles, and climbing mountains is not easy work, but it’s the price you have to pay for seeing fabulous things.

#2 Logistically Challenging

Unlike most day hikes, backpacking trips require much more planning because you need to plan a route, acquire permits, and research the backcountry rules and regulations of the area you plan on visiting.

Whereas for most day hikes, you can drive up to a trailhead and get hiking.

#3 Requires Outdoor And Survival Skills

I do not recommend backpacking without knowing basic outdoor skills or going with someone who does. The wilderness can be harsh and dangerous, especially for those who don’t know what they are doing. If you are interested in backpacking and want a place to start, check out “How To Start Backpacking. A Beginners Guide By A City Boy.”

That's All!

Let me know when backpacking is worth it for you!

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How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking 4 Different Ways.

Post author By Dylan
Post date June 22, 2022

How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking? (4 Different Ways)

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.

If you are a fitness nerd like myself and obsessed with collecting data points throughout workouts surely the question of how to track your mileage while backpacking has come across your mind at some point. Fortunately for you, there are a ton of different ways to do this! The major ways you can keep track of your mileage while backpacking includes:

Recording your hike through a fitness app or smartwatch

Knowing your mileage before going out on the trail

Keeping Track Of Your Mileage Backpacking Using A Smartwatch:

There are a ton of different smartwatches available on the market that can track your mileage backpacking. But for this article, I am going to focus on the two most common ones.

Garmin smartwatch
The Apple Watch

A Garmin Watch

Garmin is a major player in the smartwatch market, with many different models available for purchase. I will specify the details of the Garmin Fenix as it is the watch I use. Garmin watches are designed with fitness and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, so they have great functionality when it comes to hiking or backpacking.

Not only can you track your mileage while backpacking with the Garmin Fenix, but you can also see your:

Pace
Elevation profile
Hiking time
GPS Location
Calories burned
Average heart rate
Training effect
And more!

Pros:

Excellent battery life will last about 14 days while tracking, give or take, depending on the version and other watch features you use while hiking.
It gives a TON of data points.
It can sync with other fitness apps such as the apple health app and Strava.

Cons:

Expensive
Low screen resolution compared to the applewatch

The Apple Watch:

One of the most popular smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch has several different features and downloadable apps that can be useful for any backpacker.

To record a hike, you don’t need to download anything extra you can just go to the workout app that comes pre-installed and select “hike.” While tracking with your Apple Watch, you will be recording several data points, including elevation gain, distance, and average heart rate. You can also upload your workouts to different fitness apps such as Strava.

I will say one of the significant drawbacks of the Apple Watch compared to a Garmin Watch has to be the battery life. If you are recording a hike using an Apple Watch on the trail for more than a day it will require additional charges using a power bank, whereas a Garmin watch can last multiple days of continuous tracking without needing a charge.

Pros:

High-resolution colorful screen
User friendly

Cons:

Poor battery life ~6hrs will require a charge when backpacking multiple days
Fewer data points compared to the Garmin
Expensive

Recording Your Mileage While Backpacking Using Strava:

The super-popular fitness tracking social media app Strava is an excellent way to track your backpacking mileage. All you need to do with this one is to have the app downloaded on your smartphone and start it when hiking.

You will get helpful data on your hike such as your time hiked, average speed, and of course your total mileage. After recording your hike you can then share it on the social media app to flex with your friends.

Pros:

Free to download
Easy to use
Can flex on your friends

Cons:

Can only last as long as your phone battery.
Few data points.

Tracking Your Mileage Backpacking With A Map:

Another way of measuring your backpacking mileage would be by simply mapping your route and elevation prior to your hike (which you should be doing anyway) while it may not be as accurate as using a smart device in tracking your exact mileage and data points t will give you a general overview of how much mileage you covered over the course of your backpacking trip.

Pros:

Free (other then map expense)

Cons:

Not as accurate as the above options especially if you are exploring side trails or venture off-trail during your trip
No other data points. You just get the elevation gain and mileage that you can read on a map.

That's All!

Although tracking your mileage isn’t a necessity for your backpacking trip, it is fun to see how far you hiked and to keep track of your progress as a hiker. Let me know how you track your hikes in the comments section below!

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Gear Articles Hiking Basics Hiking Boots Outdoors for Beginners

Can You Hike In Sandals?

Post author By Dylan
Post date June 8, 2022

Can You Hike In Sandals?

We all know that proper footwear is super important when hiking (if not, check out “Are Hiking Boots Necessary? Hiking Boot’s Benefits And Alternatives” post). But can you hike in sandals?

The short answer is that it depends.

Many factors can help decide if wearing sandals makes sense for your hike, such as:

What type of sandals you are hiking in.
What environment you are exploring.
How long have you been using the sandals, and the distance you plan on trekking.

Not to worry though I will go through all of this to help you decided if sandals make sense for your next hike!

What Type Of Sandals Can You Wear Hiking?

If you want to hike in sandals, you need to be wearing sandals that are, you guessed it, MADE FOR HIKING!

Hiking sandals are designed with long-distance walks in mind with a much thicker sole with, better tread, and more foot support than your average beach sandal.

That means leave your Gucci slides and flip flops at home. They are no good on the trail!

What Environments Are Best For Hiking In Sandals:

Some of the best environments to wear hiking sandals include:

Warmer desert-like environments
Areas with river or water crossings
Straightforward terrain with few rock scrambles.

Hiking Sandals For Desert Environments:

Hiking sandals can work great in a desert environment. As opposed to the traditional hiking boot, where your feet can overheat and get all sweaty, hiking sandals let your little piggies breathe.

Another great thing about wearing sandals for desert hikes is that you don’t have to deal with little rocks and sand getting into your hiking boots, as sandals allow that stuff to fall out as easily as it comes in.

Hiking Sandals For Water Crossings:

Hiking sandals are the obvious go-to footwear whenever you are hiking in an area that requires a lot of water crossings, the reason being:

You don’t have to worry about walking around for miles with wet socks and boots you would have if you wore boots
You don’t have to deal with taking off your boots at every water crossing to keep them dry. You can just hike through with your sandals!

Hiking Sandals For Scrambling:

Hiking sandals are best suited for a milder terrain that doesn’t require much scrambling or climbing. Although the tread on hiking sandals is much better compared to others, they are not optimal for steep scramble, leaving you susceptible to slipping and missteps.

How Long Have You Been Hiking In Sandals And How Far Is Your Hike?

Like all shoes hiking sandals take time to break-in. Unlike all shoes, the areas where sandal straps contact your feet create several hot spots, such as the heel, pinky toe, and big toe. This means it is essential to have hiking sandals that fit and are broken-in before hiking.

I made this mistake when hiking through Arches National Park. Here, I went on an eight mile hike for the first time in my Chacos, and man, did my feet hurt!

Do not be like me. If you are new to hiking in sandals, I would start by wearing them around your house to get a feel for them and learn how they fit best for your foot. Then work your way up to short hikes, day hikes, and backpacking trips. Some people even thru-hike in sandals!

Recap: Cons Of Wearing Hiking Sandals:

Like all hiking gear, there are plenty of pros and cons to everything you buy. But the two big cons of hiking sandals are that they are

Not as versatile as hiking boots: Not great in rainy/colder weather or technical scrambles.
Take some time getting used to: MUST properly fit and be broken in, or you shall be in pain!
Less support and protection: It should be no surprise that open hiking sandals do not lend the same protection as a full-fledged hiking boot.

Recap: Pros Of Hiking Sandals:

Cool: Hiking sandals keep your feet nice and cool in warmer climates.
Very comfortable: When they properly fit and are broken in.
SICK TAN LINES!

Best Hiking Sandal Brands

If you are ready to start looking into some hiking sandal brands here are my big three of hiking sandals.

Chacos
Tevas
Bedrock Cairn

Things To Know Before Buying A Pair Of Hiking Sandals

Hiking sandals are not something you want to order online blindly. Go to your local REI or outdoor store and try the different brands available and see which size and brand fit best for your feet. After you know the brand and size, go online to buy the style that looks best for you. Because looking good matters too!

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Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners Clothing

What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date April 6, 2022

What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Getting a good night’s sleep is important whether you are on the trail or not. Backpacking, however, requires more preparation when it comes to deciding what clothes to wear to sleep. It is essential to have the proper clothing to remain warm and comfortable when sleeping under the stars. In general, I would recommend the following when planning what clothes you should wear to sleep when backpacking:

Have a separate set of sleep clothes that you will wear to bed every night, typically consisting of:
1. Wool hiking socks
2. Thermal pants & shorts
3. Thermal long sleeve & shirt
4. Camp shoes
5. Sleeping bag with proper temperature rating (not clothing, I know, but still important to mention)
Keep extra clothes with you in your tent/hammock if you need to bundle up a bit more, such as:
1. Down jacket
2. Hat/beanie
3. Waterproof gloves
4. Extra layers

Have A Separate Set Of Sleep Clothes When Backpacking:

Whenever going on a backpacking trip, you should have a separate set of clothes dedicated for sleeping. Pack this set of clothes in their own section of your dry bag to keep them as clean and dry as possible throughout your hike.

Like with all gear preparation, the sleep clothes you bring backpacking should cater to the conditions you plan to hike in. In other words, the colder the weather, the more bundling up you should do, the warmer the weather, maybe less so.

There are many different options you can go with when it comes choosing what sleep clothes to wear for a backpacking trip. The below are what I typically wear on a summer backpacking trip.

Wool Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Hiking socks are a must-have for every backpacking trip. Although they are more expensive, quality wool hiking socks are worth it because they offer increased comfort, insulation, and protection. These guys are a must when sleeping because they will help keep your little piggies warm all night long! If you want to learn more about hiking socks and their benefits, check out my article “Are Hiking Socks Necessary? 5 Reasons Why You Need Hiking Socks”

Thermal Pants and Shorts:

Under Armor Leggings

For your legs, I recommend going with thermal pants and a pair of shorts. You do not need to go crazy with the kind of shorts you bring, but you should get a quality pair of thermal pants to last you a while. I recommend both thermals and shorts because if it turns out that you are too warm at night, you can always take off the thermals and just wear your shorts to keep you comfortable.

Thermal Long Sleeve And Shirt

Under Armor Fitted Mock

For your upper body, I essentially recommend the same thing with the same reasoning if you get too warm then you can always shed layers to keep you sweating in your tent.

Camp Shoes

Chaco Z/Cloud

Having a pair of camp shoes to give you a break from your hiking boots into is essential for any backpacking trip. Camp shoes should be a light-weight and comfortable shoes/sandals you can change into after a long day of hiking.

The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night to pee and have to put on your sweaty hiking boots or leave your tent barefoot to do your business. If you want to learn more about camp shoes, check out my article “What Are Camp Shoes? Are Camp Shoes Necessary?”

Pack A Sleeping Bag With The Proper Temperature Rating:

Okay, I know, this isn’t exactly sleeping clothes but it is still extremely important to mention. All sleeping bags have a temperature rating indicates the upper threshold that the sleeping bag will still keep you warm. Therefore you need to do the proper research on the weather and have an estimate for the coldest it can possibly get at night so you bring a sleeping bag that works below that temperature. If you want to learn more about the sleeping bag temperature rating system check out REI’s helpful article.

If you do not have a properly rated sleeping bag, you will likely be in for a miserable night no matter what sleep clothes you have!

Extra Sleeping Clothes To Keep Handy In Your Shelter For Colder Nights:

It is also a good idea to have a few other articles of clothing available to you should you encounter an especially chilly night when out on the trail. Whenever you are turning in for the night you should make sure these items are within arm’s reach to layer up easily.

Hat / Beanie

Northface Beanie

Cheap, lightweight, and warm beanies are great to have with you for those chilly nights!

Waterproof Gloves

A nice pair of waterproof gloves is a helpful item to have whenever backpacking, it is especially handy to have with you when sleeping should your hands get chilly.

Down Jacket

Northface Sierra Down Jacket

A down jacket is an vital piece of clothing that you should have with you on every backpacking trip. You do not need to buy a separate one for sleeping. That would be a bit of overkill, but you should always bring it with you in your tent or hammock to have another layer to throw on should the temperature start to drop.

Extra Layers If Needed:

This is something that you should be brought on an as needed basis. If you are preparing to to go on a backpacking trip where there is a possibility of encountering colder temperatures, bringing extra layers such as an extra long sleeve shirt may be beneficial to have if you encounter colder than expected weather. Worst case scenario, you have extra clothes to make a pillow!

Bonus Tip Clean Off Before Putting On Your Sleep Clothes

After a long day of hiking, you will be dirty, sweaty, and smelly, so it is a good idea to clean off using wet wipes or a nearby stream before getting into some cozy sleep clothes. The fact that we set aside a set of clean clothes won’t make a difference if we just put them when we are gross and sweaty!

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Food Hiking Basics Outdoors for Beginners

9 Best Salty Hiking Snacks

Post author By Dylan
Post date March 24, 2022

9 Best Salty Hiking Snacks:

Whenever out on the trail, you need to make sure you are correctly refueling! I can talk about hiking and backpacking food all day, but let’s focus on salty snacks for now. We will go over the best salty snacks for hiking and why they are so essential to have when hiking.

Why You Should Eat Salty Snacks When Hiking:

Whenever performing an aerobic exercise such as hiking, you will burn calories and sweat. Therefore you need to ensure you are taking in adequate nutrients and water to match what your body is using up.

Sidebar- if you want to learn how to treat and carry your water when backpacking/hiking, check out this article.

Salty snacks are especially important because they help replenish the precious electrolytes we lose through sweating while also providing calorie & nutrient dense to keep our energy up when hiking.

What Nutrients Should You Have In Your Salty Hiking Snacks?

When you are in the grocery store picking up your last-minute snacks for your hiking trip, you want to grab snacks with a good nutrition profile. Specifically, what you want are snacks that are:

Calorie & nutrient-dense: We want foods that pack a ton of calories and provide great nutritional value! Check out this article to learn more about calorie & nutrient-dense foods.
High in sodium (aka salt): Replete those electrolytes!
High in fiber: To help you go when on the go!
Lots of carbs: Carbs are your friend when on the trail!

Best Salty Hiking Snacks:

Okay, now for what you have all been waiting for here is my entirely subjective list on the best salty snacks for hiking:

Pretzels
Peanuts
Trailmix
Granola bars
Snickers
Justin’s peanut butter
Energy Chews
Crackers
Beef jerky

Pretzels

I go for a gluten-free option (because, celiac disease 🙁 ). These guys are salty and contain straight-up carbs. The only downside is that it is so easy for them to get crushed to bits in your pack!

Nuts

Nuts are super salty, rich in fats and protein, and come in various options, but my personal favorite is Trader Joe’s roasted almonds!

Trail Mix

These are one of my faves, and they can contain ANYTHING! Chocolates, raisins, peanuts, fruit, you name it, there’s a trail mix for it, and if not, you can make your own!

Granola Bars

One of the most popular snack options for hikers, and for good reason. Granola bars are a calorie and nutrient-dense food, with many brands available to choose from. I have always been a fan of Clif bars and will be to the day I die. They have a ton of flavor options, nutrients and are affordable, especially if you buy in bulk!

Snickers

I know what you might be thinking, why would I eat candy when I am doing a healthy activity like hiking? Remember, you are burning tons of calories when hiking or backpacking, so foods like snickers that are packed with sugars, calories, and salt are helpful to have on a long-distance hike. Also, come on, they taste amazing.

Justin's Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, oh my! Justin’s offers a variety of flavors with these on-the-go pouches. These little guys can be either a great addition to your morning oatmeal or can be enjoyed on their own straight out of the packet. While they are a bit more expensive, the taste is more than worth it.

Energy Chews

These gummies are specifically designed for endurance activities and come jam-packed with all your essential electrolytes and sugars needed for a long hike! The added bonus of these is that they are super small and easy to pack.

Crackers

Throw some peanut butter, cheese, or spread of your choice on these salty snacks, and you have an excellent mini-meal for whenever you need to stop and take a break. Again, avoid placing them at the bottom of the pack; otherwise, they will become dust.

Beef Jerky

High protein and salt content make this salty snack an excellent choice for your next hike. Warning not vegetarian!

Best Way To Pack Your Hiking Snacks:

Okay, now that you have your snacks, the last thing we have to do is pack them in our pack. The biggest piece of advice I can give is DO NOT put snacks in a rigid plastic container directly in your pack. These types of containers are bulky and take up unnecessary space.

To avoid this common pitfall, switch your snacks from their containers to a ziplock bag, so you don’t have to deal with bulky containers when packing your backpack.

Don't Forget To Properly Store And Dispose Of Your Food!

Make sure that you are following leave no trace principles, properly storing your food, and packing out your trash when on the trail. Check out our “how to store food while backpacking” post to learn more!

Tell Me, What Are Some Of Your Favorite Hiking Snacks?

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Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners

Backpacking Nightmare. 8 Biggest Backpacking Mistakes From My First Trek

Post author By Dylan
Post date March 9, 2022

backpacking nightmare my 8 biggest backpacking mistakes

Backpacking Nightmare | 8 Biggest Backpacking Mistakes From My First Trek

Holy crap, what did I get myself into?

I just wanted to catch some cool mountain views. Now I’m cold, sore, and my lips are bleeding. These were some of the thoughts going through my head during my very first backpacking trip. It turns out dropping a city boy in the middle of the wilderness without proper gear or preparation doesn’t go smoothly. Who knew?

My first backpacking trip was about five years ago. Prior to this I grew up in Long Island suburbia and spent my young adulthood in New York City. I was not an outdoorsman by any means.

So when my friend Joe, an experienced backpacker, asked me and our friend tom to go on our first backpacking trip, I was a little intimidated. But I figured how hard could it be?

Since neither Tom nor I had any experience backpacking, Joe sent us a list of the backpacking gear we needed for the trip, told us to get in shape, and assured us that he would walk us through the skills when we were on the trail.

We planned a three-night, four-day backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park. Let me tell you. I made many mistakes throughout this trip which left me cold, uncomfortable, and sore. While I still had a great time, this trip would be a nightmare for some and there are a lot of things I would have done differently. So I figured let me share some of my beginner backpacking mistakes with you guys, so maybe you can avoid making the same ones as me!

Backpacking Mistake #1 Missing Raingear (no rainfly for my tent):

We spent the night before the start of our backpacking adventure on a front-country campsite, and as I finish setting up my tent, Joe goes, “dude, where is your rainfly?”

“Rainfly? What do you mean?” Says I, the dumb city boy.

Joe explains that we will encounter rain on and off throughout the trip , and I need a rainfly to cover the outside of my tent. Without one, if it rains, both my gear and I would get soaking wet. This meant that my tent was essentially useless.

Fortunately for me and unfortunately for Tom, Tom had a two-person tent which meant that the two of us were getting cozy for the next three nights!

Backpacking Mistake #2 No Sleeping Pad:

That’s right. You know that thing you need to sleep on so you are not sleeping on rocks? Well, I slept without that.

Slept might be a stretch, more like I stared up at the ceiling of my, oh wait, no Tommy’s tent for three nights straight. By the end of this trip, I was tired, and my back was killing me from lying on the hard ground.

GET A GOOD SLEEPING PAD! It is more than worth the investment. A good night’s sleep will allow you to recover and enjoy your next day of hiking, and a bad one will leave you tired, sore, and cranky!

Backpacking Mistake #3 Hiking Out Of Shape:

I was no-neck-ed at this phase of my life, spending a ton of time weightlifting and avoiding cardio like the plague, so when I had to do an aerobic activity like hiking 10+ miles a day, I was in pain.

After just one mile, I asked how much longer we had to go, and when I heard ten more miles. I was devastated my precious biceps were doing me no good here!

Next lesson, you need to be in the proper shape for the distances you plan on hiking. The proper shape means good aerobic fitness. Activities such as running, long walks, or cycling can help improve your endurance for a long hiking trip. Don’t be like me. Prepare for your hike, so your legs don’t hate you.

Backpacking Mistake #4 No Trekking Poles:

But this one was terrible because, before our trip, Joe explicitly asked me if I bought the hiking poles he recommended. I laughed at him and said, “what do I need to buy hiking poles for? I got two right here!” pointing to my legs.

Fast forward to just our second day of hiking, we are climbing a steep uphill section of the trail, and Joe sees me struggling with the ascent. Like any friend would do, he proceeded to let me know how dumb I am for not listening to him and then let me use one of his hiking poles.

Yep, I’m a knucklehead. But I have learned my lesson and now I wouldn’t dare go on a backpacking trip without my hiking poles. I recommend them for anyone going on a backpacking trip no matter their age or skill level. Hiking poles help you keep your balance, hike faster, and take a load off your knees.

Backpacking Mistake #5 No Camp Shoes:

The gear blunders continue. At the time, I didn’t even know what camp shoes were, so I sure as heck didn’t bring them on our trip. But boy, I wish I did!

After each day of hiking, all I wanted to do was get out of my boots and slip into some comfortable sandals. Alas, I didn’t bring camp shoes. So at the end of each day, I had to either walk around in the cold barefoot or keep my sore feet in the same boots I’ve been hiking in for the past 8 hours.

Get a pair of camp shoes. They are inexpensive and an essential.

I’m sure you can probably tell by now, but gear preparation is crucial for any backpacking trip. Check out some of my recommendations on my “Backpacking Gear Guide.”

Backpacking Mistake #6 No Chapstick:

I didn’t even imagine this could be an issue, and it may not be a big problem for most of you. But for me, it turns out once I start hitting higher elevation, my lips chap, BADLY.

I’m not talking about just some dry lips. Oh no, these puppies look like they were put through a meat grinder. My lips were so chapped that they were straight-up bleeding for three of the four days while we were hiking. It was very uncomfortable, and I do not recommend it.

After this trip, I never leave my house, let alone a backpacking trip without chapstick on me.

Backpacking Mistake #7 Overpacking:

If you read this far, you can see that I was pretty unprepared and forgot to bring a lot of necessary gear. Tommy’s biggest backpacking mistake was that he overpacked BIG-TIME.

Jeans, hairbrush, and hair gel are just a few of the absurd things Tom brought on this trip. He brought so many nice clothes hiking we thought he had a Tinder date in the woods. The worst part about this was that I had to carry his extra things that wouldn’t fit in his pack! I can’t complain too much though, seeing as I was squatting in his tent the entire trip.

But I digress, the point is when you are backpacking, you need to find the balance of bringing all of your essential gear but not overpacking to the point where your pack is too heavy, and your friend is stuck carrying your hair gel!

Backpacking Mistake #8 No GPS:

This was a mistake that all of us made. While we expected to encounter rain during our trek, we did not anticipate snow.

We encountered a blizzard on the top of a mountain pass during our trek, which completely covered the trail. After several attempts searching for the trail, we still could not find it. This situation quickly became dangerous as the footprints we made were getting covered by the snowfall as soon as we were making them.

Fortunately, we got lucky and finally stumbled onto the trail, but this is a situation where having a GPS device such as a Garmin watch would have been extremely helpful to help us navigate the snow-covered path.

Also, it is worth mentioning that If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to pick up the trail confidently, it is a good idea to go back to your original path and head back. Safety should always be your number one priority whenever in the backcountry.

All In All Still A Fun Trip!

Believe it or not, despite all of these mishaps and uncomfortable moments, my first backpacking trip was still an incredible experience. While I did forget many important things on my first adventure, I did not forget a positive attitude!

It’s corny, but I always like comparing hiking as a metaphor for life. There will always be difficult moments, but if you take the time to appreciate the beauty around you, it becomes way more enjoyable.

If you are new to backpacking and want to learn some of the basics to avoid many of the pitfalls I ran into, you should check out my article “How To Start Backpacking A Beginners Guide By A City Boy.”

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How To Start Backpacking | A Beginners Guide By A City Boy

Post author By Dylan
Post date March 6, 2022

How To Start Backpacking | A Beginners Guide By A City Boy:

Hello friends! Since you are here, you must be looking to take a dive into backpacking (hiking in the backcountry not city hopping in europe). You’re right to be interested. Backpacking is an incredible way to get out of a stuffy city / boring suburb, unplug from social media, and explore some of the most remote areas of the world while connecting with nature.

Starting backpacking can be a daunting endeavor, especially if you are like I was and have no prior experience. But do not let this intimidate you. With the proper practice and preparation, you can enjoy an awesome backpacking trip too. Trust me. If I, a New Yorker without any hiking or camping experience, can learn how to backpack, so can you!

While backpacking is no walk in the park, proper outdoor skills, gear, and preparation are essential. It is more than worth the time and money invested, as these trips give you experiences that you will carry for the rest of your life.

Where Do I Start?

I find that there are two different approaches to get started backpacking:

Jump right in and learn as you go.
Take your time to gain experience, skills, and gear prior to embarking on your first backpacking trip.

Jump Right In And Learn How To Backpack As You Go:

Let me start by saying I DO NOT mean show up on a trail without any gear, skills, guidance, or preparation and go for it. That is dumb and dangerous. You need to know some of the basics or at least be hiking with a friend who knows what they are doing, so your first backpacking experience is a safe one.

In my case, although I had little to no prior experience hiking or camping, I had a friend who had backpacked all his life with me on my first trip and showed me the ropes.

There was still a steep learning curve, and I made A LOT of mistakes, having some very uncomfortable moments. But experience is one of the best teachers, and with each mistake, whether it be gear selection, skill or preparation, I learned and took that lesson with me on my next backpacking trip.

This approach isn’t for everyone. There is a lot of trial and error, and like myself you may have some uncomfortable nights sleeping and days hiking. But if you can keep positive outlook jumping right in is a great way to immerse yourself and learn quickly.

Build Up For Your First Backpacking Trip:

For those of you who prefer taking things slowly and want to avoid some of the common pitfalls of beginner backpackers building up your skills, gear, and experience is a great way to start backpacking.

This approach allows you to get a bunch of experience before heading out on the trail and will likely make your first backpacking trip a bit more comfortable than if you jump right into the experience.

First Start Hiking!

The first step to get started with backpacking is to get out and hike! It doesn’t need to be anything crazy long or difficult. Just go to a local park or nature preserve, pick a trail, grab a map and compass, and start hiking. Getting day hikes under your belt before going on a backpacking trip helps with the following:

Gets you in hiking shape: Hiking consistently will build a solid aerobic base which is essential to get into good backpacking shape. Keep in mind when you are on a backpacking trip, you are hiking long distances day after day with a full pack on, so your fitness preparation shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can consider hiking with a full pack to help you prepare for the extra weight you will be carrying with you when backpacking.
Allows you to practice basic outdoor skills: Spending more time walking on trails also helps familiarize yourself with some of the basic backpacking skills such as trail finding, navigation, and leaving no trace. These skills along with others are foundational for backpacking and should be honed before entering the backcountry.

Buy The Right Gear:

Having the right gear is an absolute must for any backpacking trip. Here are my tips when it comes to backpacking gear:

Create a gear list
Purchase High-quality gear
Know how to use all of your gear

Create A Backpacking Gear List:

Every backpacker needs to have a gear checklist listing everything needed for your backpacking trip, including the ten essentials. Having a physical list to reference will help prevent you from forgetting things on your journey. Keep in mind that different backpacking trips may require different kinds of equipment depending on:

The type of environment you are hiking in:
- Desert regions may need more water storage.
- Rainy areas may require extra rain gear, such as rain pants.
- Snow may require snow gear such as crampons, ice axes, or snowshoes.
How long you are hiking: the shorter duration of the hike the smaller of a pack you can use as you will need less space for food, extra clothes etc.

Check out my backpacking gear checklist if you’re not sure what to bring.

Purchase High-Quality Gear:

Alright, this one is big. Get nice gear. DO NOT be like me and get the cheapest equipment you can find. Sometimes you can get away with it, but odds are it will be crap and cost you more money in the long run with buying replacements. I strongly recommend going with higher quality gear, check out our backpacking gear guide or go to your local outdoor store to get assistance with gear selection for your needs.

Know How To Use Your Backpacking Gear:

It is not enough to have the right gear, but you need to know how to use all of it too. A water filter is no good to you if you are clueless about how it works! Try to avoid using equipment for the very first time in the backcountry, test gear out at home or on a day hike to make sure that it functions properly and you know how to use it.

Learn Basic Backpacking Skills:

One of the most important steps is knowing proper backpacking skills so you can enjoy your time in the backcountry safely and responsibly. Below are some of the basic skills you MUST have before entering the backcountry:

Leave No Trace:

The golden rule of doing any activity outdoors is to leave no trace. Leave no trace is a set of principles to be followed to help preserve the integrity of whatever wilderness you are backpacking in. Whenever entering a national park or forest, your goal would be to leave the area exactly as you found it packing out any trash and adhering to the leave no trace principles. You can learn all about these principles with our article “What Are The Leave No Trace Principles?” or at lnt.org.

How To Use A Map And Compass:

While GPS devices are a great luxury to have, knowing how to use a topographic map and compass is a mandatory skill to have whenever backpacking. Sometimes technology fails and in those instances, you need to know how to navigate on your own.

How To Set Up Shelter:

No matter where you are hiking, you should have some shelter system packed to keep you protected from the elements. Especially after a long day of hiking, you should know how to set up your shelter quickly and easily so you can get some much-deserved rest. While tents and hammocks are intuitive to set up, I recommend taking the time before a trip to know the ins and outs of your shelter setup.

How To Store And Treat Water While Backpacking

We always need water. So when backpacking it is important to know how to carry and treat water to keep us hydrated. The problem we run into when backpacking is that it is not feasible to carry multiple days of water in your pack, as it would be way too heavy. Therefore you need to rely on natural water sources such as rivers and lakes to keep you hydrated when on the trail.

Since natural bodies of water run the risk of carrying harmful bacteria and microbes, you need to know how to treat your water in the backcountry properly to avoid illness from drinking contaminated drinking water. Check out our article “How To Carry And Treat Water When Backpacking / Hiking” to learn everything about carrying and treating your water on the trail!

How To Plan And Cook Your Meals:

You are burning a TON of calories whenever you go on a backpacking trip, so properly refueling is an absolute must. When backpacking, you need to plan out each days meals thoroughly and be sure to pack a bit of extra food in case of emergencies.

When planning your meals it is a good idea to bring food that is calorie dense, high in salt and is easy to carry. Typically I do oatmeal for breakfast, granola bars/trail mix/ dried fruit for lunch, and a freeze dried backpacking meal for dinner.

Also, you need to be comfortable with using a backpacking stove for cooking your meals. These stoves are typically small propane-powered devices that release fuel when attached to the tank and ignite with a clickable flint (or you can use a lighter). You should make sure you have enough fuel for your trip and practice using your stove before heading into the backcountry.

How To Store Food While Backpacking:

An essential part of leaving no trace is to know how to properly store your food while backpacking. Improper food storage can be harmful to your well-being and that of local wildlife. Let me explain…

It’s harmful to you because improper food storage can lead to your rations being eaten by wildlife. This will not only leave you without food in the remote wilderness, but it can also put you at risk for a dangerous wildlife encounter.
It’s harmful to local wildlife such as bears because once they taste human food, they are much more prone to seeking it out. This can lead to more dangerous wildlife encounters with your fellow hikers and necessitate the need for the animal to be put down by local officers.

To prevent this, you need to properly store food and odorous items using approved storage techniques for whatever park you are visiting. To get a full rundown, check out my article “How To Store Food While Backpacking.”

Basic First Aid:

Conditions on the trail can be rough at times and you will encounter minor scrapes, sprains, and injuries. Therefore it is important to have a basic first aid kit as well as working knowledge on how to manage common injuries and ailments that you may experience when backpacking.

How To Pack A Backpack For Backpacking:

A good amount of gear comes with backpacking, so it is essential to pack it efficiently to carry your pack as comfortably as possible.

To start, you should have a pack that fits you well. You want most of the weight to be on your hips and the backpack to be close to your body so it is not swinging around when hiking, which can throw you off balance.

Next, you should aim to have the heaviest items at the bottom of the pack. This will help keep the weight near your hips and prevent your backpack from being top-heavy.

One of my last tips is to avoid attaching things to the outside of your pack. Items on the outside of your backpack can become loose and fall off, leaving you without a piece of gear and littering the park! Having equipment on the outside of your pack can also dangle around when hiking, which can throw you off-center on the trail.

How To Poop While Backpacking:

Okay, now I know this one sounds crazy for my fellow city people, but yes, you will have to poop in the woods, and yes, there is a right way to do it. The above infographic gives you a brief overview, but take a look at our “how to poop while backpacking” article to learn everything you need about pooping outdoors.

Practice Your Backpacking Skills:

Okay, you got your gear and learned some of the basics. Now it’s time to put them to the test!

A great way of doing this is by going on a car camping trip. Car camping is a great way to simulate the experiences of a backpacking trip in a more controlled environment. While doing shorter day hikes and camping in the front country, you can practice essential backpacking skills, but you still have the security of being a short drive from civilization.

Another great way to practice backpacking skills is by joining an outdoor club or taking advantage of some of the REI backpacking classes!

Plan Your First Backpacking Trip:

Look at you go! You got your backpacking gear and skills down pat now all there is left to do is plan your first backpacking trip!

The steps to planning your first backpacking trip are as follows:

Pick your backpacking destination
Research your backpacking destination
Create a backpacking itinerary
Plan out travel logistics

Pick Your Backpacking Destination:

First things first, you need to get inspired and find a park/wilderness/forest that excites you and fills you with wonder (#wonderfarr)! The best way I found to do that is with pictures!

Look at those views! Don’t they make you want to go out there and explore these areas in real life?! Check out our hiking destinations for some backpacking inspo or just type in “beautiful mountains” on a google image search either way you’ll find some cool stuff!

Research Your Backpacking Destination:

Now that you picked your dream backpacking destination your next step is doing some in-depth research about where you are going.

If you are going to a national park I recommend checking out the specific national park service website or see if we made a national park guide for where you are visiting. The following are questions you should be able to answer through your research:

What is the best time of year to visit the park for backpacking?
What will the weather conditions be like for your trip?
Are there special gear considerations (extra rain gear, snow gear, extra water storage for desert conditions)?
What are the backcountry rules and regulations?
Are backcountry permits required (learn about backcountry permits here)?
Is parking easily accessible?

Plan Out Your Backpacking Itinerary:

After you have completed your general research about the area you plan on backpacking in, it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty of your backpacking itinerary.

A backpacking itinerary is a day to day schedule of your backpacking trip which includes where you are entering and exiting the wilderness, which trails you will be hiking each day, and what campsites/shelters you will be camping at after each day of hiking.

You need to have a well-planned backpacking itinerary for every backpacking trip. When planning out your backpacking itinerary, some questions you need to answer during your planning include:

How many days do you plan on hiking?
How many miles and elevation gain do you want to cover each day?
What trails do you want to hike/views do you want to see during your trip?
What type of route you want to do (point to point, out and back, or loop)?
Which campsites or shelters do you plan on staying at?
How to apply for permits for your desired itinerary?

Feel free to check out some of my pre-made backpacking itineraries within our national park guides!

Review Your Backpacking Itinerary With A Park Ranger:

After you complete a rough draft of your backpacking itinerary, I recommend going over your itinerary with the park rangers. No one knows the park better than the rangers who hike it on a daily basis, so get their input before applying for backcountry permits. Keep in mind that no one knows your physical limits and ability better than you so be sure to create an itinerary suitable for your skill level.

Plan Your Travel Logistics

Okay, now we are cooking with gas! All there is left to do is plan the final travel logistics. Feel free to use our free trip planners within our national park guides for guidance. Some of the basics you will need to consider include:

Flights
Hotel stays before and after your trip
Travel insurance
Rental car insurance
Apply and get backpacking permits

Have Fun And Stay Safe!

That’s all guys! I hope this was a helpful starting point for those of you interested in backpacking. Feel free to reach out to me for any beginner backpacking questions you may have!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

Best Hiking Boots For Morton’s Neuroma:

7 Best Backpacking Tools:

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

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Do You Need Travel Insurance For Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date February 12, 2022

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Backpacking?

Some of you who may be looking to save a buck may ask “do I need travel insurance for backpacking.” The answer is yes. Yes you do.

While I understand we all want to save money travel insurance (also known as backpackers travel insurance) isn’t where you should cut costs if you are going on a backpacking trip. The reason being is that no matter how much you prepare for your trip, you can still encounter inclement weather, broken gear, or injury on the trail. Good travel insurance helps keep you financially covered for any mishaps that may come your way.

We will go over the benefits of travel insurance, what’s not covered, and the best one for you!

What is Backpackers Travel Insurance?

Backpackers travel insurance is a type of travel insurance that caters to the needs of those participating in adventure activities when traveling. These policies also have extended coverage options such as gear, emergency medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. I will be using “backpackers travel insurance” and “travel insurance” interchangeably throughout this article as the names don’t matter as much as what their coverages include.

What Should Your Travel Insurance Cover If You Are Backpacking?

When researching the best backpacking insurance for your next trek, you want to ensure that the following is included in your policy.

Trip Cancellation
Emergency Medical Expenses
Emergency Medical Evacuation
24-hour Assistance
Broken / Lost gear
Covid 19 Related Cancellations

Trip Cancellation

No matter what the trip, you should have trip cancellation coverage. This coverage helps get your money back for nonrefundable trip expenses in situations of such as illness, accident, or bad weather. It is a nice safety net to have should you have to cancel your trip altogether.

Emergency Medical Expenses

While this is a benefit that I hope you never have to use, emergency medical expenses must be included in any travel insurance you consider purchasing for your next backpacking trip. As we said, regardless of how much you prepare for your trip, accidents and injuries can happen, making it essential to have emergency medical expenses included in your travel insurance.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

This is a biggie. Again I hope that none of you have to use this benefit. Still, in situations where you are injured in a remote region and can’t continue hiking, emergency medical evacuation may be needed. These evacuations are costly and can put you in financial trouble if you have to pay out of pocket, so make sure they are included in your plan.

24-Hour Assistance

It would be best if you had an insurer available 24/7. Accidents can happen anytime, so you need an insurer that is always available to help you through any situation that comes up.

Broken / Lost Gear

Say your baggage is lost or damaged during travel. Without this coverage, you may be stuck with footing the bill for new gear. With gear protection, you are covered up to a certain amount of money for any lost or damaged equipment, so you can continue on your adventure without missing a beat!

Covid-19 Coverage

Especially in this day and age, with the ever-evolving rules and regulations of travel restrictions regarding Covid 19. I recommend purchasing a policy covering Covid 19 related trip delays or cancellations.

What Does Backpackers Travel Insurance Not Cover?

Pre-existing conditions: Your backpacking/travel insurance provider will likely punt the claim back to your health insurance.
Travel In Areas Of Political Unrest: Probably best to avoid these destinations altogether. It’s a big planet pick a safe place to hike.
Travel Less Than 100 Miles From Your Residence: That’s what we have medical insurance for.

What You Should Know Before Buying A Travel Insurance Policy For A Backpacking Trip

Before you jump right in and buy your plan, you should make sure you do your due diligence and ask yourself the following questions:

What will I be doing on this trip?
How much coverage do I need?
Is the plan I am considering purchasing fulfill all of my needs?

After answering these questions, do a bit more digging into reading some of the policy’s fine print, especially regarding medical evacuation. Unfortunately, many of these companies use a lot of legal wording when describing their policies, making it difficult to understand. If you find this to be the case, give the company a call to make sure the plan you want to purchase will handle all of your needs.

Backpackers Travel Insurance Agencies

insuremytrip.com

Insure My Trip is the kayak of travel insurance. All you have to do is plug in some of your trip details, such as:

The type of coverage you are looking to have (recommend the comprehensive for backpacking)
The estimated cost of your trip
Who needs to be insured

Then, insuremytrip will hook you up with a tone of different insurers to help you compare prices and coverages to find the best policy for you.

World Normads

World Nomads is an excellent travel insurance company for us adventure folk! It has a TON of coverage options you can choose from and is an insurance designed for people participating in adventure activities. Depending on how extreme of a trip you’re going for, you can choose from “the standard plan” or “the explorer,” the explorer being more pricy but covering many more activities with a higher payout.

Travelex

Travelex is a travel insurance company that has been operating for over 55 years. They offer a number of different plans at affordable rates. Click the link below to see if any of their plans would be suitable for your travel insurance needs.

What Is Digital Nomad Insurance

Since the boom of WFH, Digital Nomad Insurance has become essential for those individuals traveling the world while working remotely. SafetyWing is a company that has sprouted up in this time of work from home and offers several different policies for digital nomads. The two major policies they offer include:

Nomad Insurance: covers medical and travel insurance expenses when traveling outside one’s home country.
Remote Health Insurance: This is health insurance that caters to remote workers abroad from or within their home country.

Click the logo below to read more into SafetyWing’s insurance options to see if any of them would work for you.

Do I need Travel Insurance If I Am Just Camping And Doing Day Hikes?

Even if you plan on doing day hikes, I think it is better to air on the side of caution and get travel insurance anyway. All it takes is one hospital visit to make many years of purchasing travel insurance well worth it.

Now, this does not mean you need the most comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you are doing shorter day hikes you can probably get one with a bit less coverage but I would still make sure it includes trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses and 24/7 customer support.

Get The Travel Insurance!

I hope this article has been helpful and answers your questions on backpackers’ travel insurance. As I said I think it is money well spent. Have fun and stay safe out there!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

Best Hiking Boots For Morton’s Neuroma:

7 Best Backpacking Tools:

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

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5 Tips On How To Enjoy Hiking In The Rain

Post author By Dylan
Post date February 10, 2022

5 Tips On How To Enjoy Hiking In The Rain:

Hiking is fun, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and you are stuck hiking in the rain. For some, rain can be the end of a nice hike and the beginning of misery. If unprepared, rainfall during a trek can leave you cold, wet, and can even be dangerous depending on how harsh conditions are.

I know this all too well, as my first backpacking experience in rainy weather was NOT a comfortable one. I was basically dropped from Manhattan into the wilderness of Grand Teton National Park with the wrong gear and no backpacking skills, so at the time, I was miserable. However, after discovering the following tips, I learned how to enjoy hiking in the rain!

To enjoy hiking in the rain you need to be safe, comfortable, and have a positive outlook. If you master the below, you will enjoy hiking in the rain:

Research and prepare for trail conditions
Get the right gear
Dry Out Your Gear
Safety
Perspective

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, if you go through them to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Using these links does not affect the cost of the product, the price remains the same link or not.

Research And Prepare For Trail Conditions:

When heading out in the wilderness, the last thing you want is to be in a situation where a strong storm can bring on dangerous events such as river floodings, avalanches and mudslides.

The best way to avoid these situations is to make sure you thoroughly research and prepare for the conditions you will be hiking or backpacking in. The best ways to do this include:

Researching the weather
Discuss park conditions with rangers
Read trip reports on the park

Research Weather Conditions

Researching the weather you are hiking in is easy nowadays. Just check your phone to see the chances of encountering rain or snow during your hike. Then make sure you bring the right gear and choose a trek that will be safe even if you encounter inclement weather. Better yet, pick a date without a forecast of rain!

Discuss Your Hike Or Backpacking Itinerary With Rangers:

After you have an idea of what weather conditions you can expect, you should touch base with the park rangers to ask if any particular trails or hikes should be avoided in situations of inclement weather. Some areas that can be dangerous in times of rainfall are river crossings and steep rock scrambles. Park rangers are the most knowledgeable people in the park and can provide reliable information on trail conditions.

Read Trip Reports To Learn More About Trail Conditions:

Another helpful resource for preparing for your hike is by using trip reports. There are many websites where backpackers and mountaineers submit trip reports detailing the park’s weather and trail conditions.

Trip reports are a great way to have up-to-date information on the latest trail washouts or downed bridges to give you a better picture of park conditions. By knowing the most recent trail updates before a hike, you will avoid potentially dangerous situations that can arise from heavy rainfall keeping your hike fun and safe.

Have High Quality Rain Gear:

Having high-quality rain gear is essential whenever heading out on the trail, rain gear being no exception. On my first backpacking trip, I made every gear mistake possible. I had no rain cover, no dry bag, all my clothing was cotton, and I was a mess. After several more equipment fails, I finally got myself some high-quality rain gear that worked. It turns out good rain gear keeps you dry and helps you enjoy hiking in the rain. Who knew!?

You should be using the research you have done above on the expected weather and trail conditions to help guide you on exactly what pieces of gear you will need. But we will go over some of the essentials.

Raincover For Your Pack:

A rain cover is a simple yet crucial piece of equipment. It is essentially a waterproof, elastic piece of plastic that wraps around your pack protecting the contents from the rain.

YOU NEED THIS. If you are caught in the rain without a rain cover, you risk ALL of your equipment getting wet. I’m talking spare clothes, sleeping bag, tent, ALL OF IT. Not only will you be cold, but all of the rain getting absorbed into your pack will significantly increase the weight you are carrying around, and you will have a terrible time.

**Pro Tip** if you arrived at the trail and forgot a rain cover, you can use a garbage bag! Just cut holes for your straps, and you will be good to go!

Osprey Ultralight Raincover

or

Rain Jacket:

A rain jacket is another mandatory piece of gear to carry with you no matter where, when, or how far you are hiking. Not only does it help keep you dry, but it also keeps you warm. Without a rain jacket, you are far more susceptible to developing hypothermia in situations of cold weather and heavy rainfall.

North Face Venture 2 Jacket

or

Water Resistant Hiking Boots And Socks

Hiking boots and socks are a must when hiking in the rain as they offer a degree of water resistance are quicker to dry than many other options out there. While there is no such thing as entirely waterproof hiking boots, what is on the market works quite well and dries off rather quickly.

Wool Hiking socks are also essential as their moisture-wicking properties are great for hiking in the rain and drying quickly.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boots:

Darn Tough Hiker Cushion Sock:

Dry Bag

A dry bag is another helpful piece of equipment to bring with you when hiking in the rain. Dry bags are waterproof stuff sacks that add an extra layer of water protection for your gear. I typically keep extra clothes or electronics in dry bags when hiking. When I am at camp, I use them to make a bear hang when storing my food and odorous items. Read “How To Store Food While Backpacking” to learn more about food storage when outdoors.

Sealine Dry Bag

or

Rain Pants And Rain Boot Covers (Gaiters)

So rain pants and boot covers are not always essential like the above pieces of gear but can be useful in certain situations. I would recommend getting rain pants and rain boot covers on longer backpacking trips where you are gauranteed to encounter rain. While I personally have never used these I wish I had them on my trek of the Tour Du Mont Blanc where it rained for four of my eight days on the trail!

Marmot PreCip Eco Pant

or

Outdoor Research Helium Gaiter

or

How To Stay Safe When Hiking In The Rain

Hiking in the rain can lead to dangerous situations such as:

lightning storms
River floods
Slippery rock scrambles

These situations can be sudden, and you may face them regardless of how much you prepare or the quality of your equipment. So knowing how to respond to these events safely is crucial.

Hiking Safety In Lightning Storms

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. One moment you may have clear skies, the next, you are caught in a raging lightning storm. Whenever hiking with lightning present, safety is your number one priority. Here are a couple of tips to keep you safe when hiking in a lightning storm:

Find Low Ground: If you are on a summit or ridgeline, get down from there and find lower ground immediately.
Ditch The Metal: you should keep all of your metal equipment (metal frame backpacks, trekking poles, ice axes, etc) at least 100ft away from you if you.
Take Cover: Avoid open spaces such as large fields or hillsides. These areas act like magnets for lightning. You need to take coverage, whether in a cave or the forest. If you go in the woods, be sure not to take shelter under the largest tree in an area as it can act as a lightning rod.
Read through the Washington Trail Associations article for more information on lightning safety

River Flooding

During heavy rainfall, rivers can flood, which can cause strong currents, trail washouts, and destroy bridges. If you find yourself in a situation where a river is overflowing onto the trail, DO NOT attempt to cross it. River currents are fastest during and after periods of heavy rainfall and can sweep you away if you try to cross their strong currents. You should seek high ground immediately and either wait out the storm or begin planning an alternate route.

Rock Scrambles In The Rain

Rock scrambles can be challenging enough in dry weather. When it’s raining, the rocks can be extremely slippery, making them dangerous to scale. Should you encounter a rock scramble when hiking in the rain, I recommend:

Evaluate the situation do not attempt a technically difficult scramble in the rain.
Wait for the rain to clear and consider setting up camp.
Consider taking an alternate route to avoid the scramble.

Dry Off Your Gear And Clothes After Hiking In The Rain

After you spend a day hiking in the rain, you need to make sure you are drying out your gear and clothes for your next day of hiking. If you are going on a day hike, this is easy. Once you get home, just wash your clothes and throw them in the dryer.

However, when it comes to backpacking, you need to get creative to dry off your gear and clothes for the next day of trekking. The last thing you want to do is a hike in wet clothes. It’s uncomfortable, cold, and can cause blisters. A couple of ways to dry off your things after a day of hiking in the rain include:

Have a dry change of clothes
Remove the soles of your hiking boots
Put wet clothes in your sleeping bag while you sleep.
Avoid cotton

Have A Dry Change Of Clothes

While this isn’t exactly drying off your gear, it is still helpful to have another set of dry clothes to wear after a day of hiking in the rain. When backpacking, I usually have a set of sleep clothes and extra hiking clothes to change into, which comes in handy if my clothes from the previous day are still wet. Having a dry set of clothes makes your next day of hiking infinitely more enjoyable.

Remove The Soles Of Your Hiking Boots

Once you arrive at camp, kick off those wet hiking boots to put on your camp shoes. Then remove the soles from your hiking shoes and them both in the sun to dry. By separating your soles from your boots, you give the sun a bit more surface area to hit, allowing them to dry quickly for your next day of hiking.

Put Your Wet Clothes In Your Sleeping Bag While You Sleep

When you get back from hiking in the rain, you are soaking wet! So you want to try to dry those clothes off as quickly as possible. You’ll find that simply leaving them out overnight to dry doesn’t get the job done. A little trick I like to use is to put some of my wet clothes in the bottom of my sleeping bag when I am sleeping. This helps dry them off faster by using my body heat!

Avoid Cotton

The classic hiker’s line is “Cotton Kills.” While that may be a bit of exaggeration, cotton is a material that will retain more water and will take longer to dry out, making it less than ideal for hiking in the rain. So whenever purchasing hiking gear, you want to do your best to avoid cotton products when possible. Maybe instead of “Cotton Kills,” we’ll go with “Don’t use cotton for hiking because it retains water and sweat will leave you super uncomfortable.”

Keep A Positive Perspective

The next tip is to keep a positive outlook when hiking in the rain. Staying positive when you are cold and wet can be challenging, but if you use the following tips, you may start to actually enjoy hiking in the rain!

Appreciate nature in rain
Let loose
Be grateful for the little things

Appreciate Nature In Rain

As I said it can be tough to stay positive when cold and wet, but it is essential to realize hiking in the rain gives you a unique way to experience nature. Rain makes the smells of the forest and plants come to life, and you get to hear is a symphony of raindrops playing as you trek. To put it simply, nature is pretty cool when it is raining, so take a second to appreciate it and don’t get bogged down by the inconvenience of rain.

Let Loose

Let loose! Don’t worry about being wet anymore. It doesn’t matter. Nothing you can do will stop the rain, so why worry about it. Keep on hiking, and eventually, being cold and wet won’t bother you. You may even start to feel free, running and yelling like a wild child through the wilderness (or maybe that’s just me). Either way, you need to finish your hike, so you might as well do it with a smile on your face enjoying yourself in nature!

Be Grateful For The Little Things

When you finally arrive at camp or your car you will be so excited and happy because you are now free to relax, change your clothes and get comfortable. When you get warm and have your first bite of food, it will taste amazing no matter what it is!

There are very few times I have been as happy as when I arrive at camp from a rainy hike treating myself to the most basic needs shelter, dry clothes and a warm meal.

Hope This Helps!

I hope these tips help you out for your next hike in the rain. Post your hiking in the rain tips in the comments!

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Outdoors for Beginners Hiking Basics

Why Is Hiking Fun? 6 Reasons Why You Should Hike

Post author By Dylan
Post date January 31, 2022

Why Is Hiking Fun? 6 Reasons Why You Should Hike.

Why is hiking fun? It’s something that my city friends constantly ask me and is a fair question. Hiking is physically challenging, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. But despite all that, hiking is the single greatest hobby that I have taken up.

I was not always a hiker. As a New Yorker, six years ago, the closest I have ever come to hiking was walking to the subway and certainly never considered it as something I would do “for fun.” However, after my first trekking vacation, I fell in love with the freedom and beauty of hiking in nature. Below are some of the reasons why hiking is so much fun and why everyone should do it!

#1. Great Exercise

Hiking is a great form of aerobic exercise that, if done regularly, can improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. What’s great about it is that people of all fitness levels can do it; after all, all you have to do is walk! Some health benefits of aerobic exercise include:

Weight loss
Lower blood pressure
Boost mood
Boost immune system
Lowers bad cholesterol raises good cholesterol

If you want to learn more about the health benefits of hiking, you should check out my article “Is Hiking Aerobic Or Anaerobic Exercise? 10 Health Benefits Of Hiking”.

#2. Unplug:

One of the best parts about hiking and something our society needs most is that it allows you completely unplug from the crazy tech world we live in. It’s easy to get lost in the endless barrage of emails, texts, and social media feeds. Hiking gives you an escape from it all and an opportunity just to enjoy yourself in nature. Although it may be daunting for some of you to spend a day without wifi or cell service, you may realize that hiking is a fun way to cut loose. You may even find that it helps you recenter your headspace, focusing on more important things.

#3. Amazing Views:

Hiking has given me breathtaking experiences seeing the beautiful landscape views from the trail. Coming from the concrete jungle, I always found it so much fun to experience different environments when on a hiking trip. But keep in mind that these views aren’t free. Your payment for these incredible vistas includes sore legs, swollen ankles, and a whole lot of sweat. But it is the struggle and difficulty that makes the experience and the views you witness that much more special. You had to earn them. You didn’t take the easy route because there is no easy route. If you want to see beautiful things, you have to hike the trail like everyone else!

#4. Improve Your Mental Health

Hiking through nature can also do wonders for your mental health. As we previously mentioned, aerobic exercise helps with boosting mood and decreases stress. This, combined with being outdoors allows you to relax and enjoy the present moment. For me, I compare hiking to wringing my mind out like a dirty sponge getting all of the unnecessary thoughts and stresses out of there.

As someone who used to suffer from anxiety, it can be difficult to break the cycle of having a thought, worrying about it, then having anxiety. Hiking serves as a great way to break this cycle. When out hiking, I am not worrying about the past or future but enjoying myself in the present. If you want to learn more about the mental health benefits of hiking in nature, you should check out this article from heart.org.

#5. Connect With Nature

Hiking is an amazing way to connect with nature. Especially if you are from a city like myself, being in a wilderness is a much-needed break switching the concrete sidewalks and skyscrapers for a footpath and beautiful mountains. Like me, you may find that you get this strange feeling of connectedness when you are spending a prolonged time in nature. It’s weird to say or describe and is almost a mystical experience where you feel like you are exactly where you belong among the trees, mountains and wildlife. If you get into hiking, you may even start to look at hiking trails like amusement parks where you can climb mountains, hike through deserts, and sleep under the stars.

#6. Get A New Perspective

Hiking and backpacking are great ways of putting things into perspective. Unlike everyday life when on the trail you do not have wifi, a laptop, or even toilets. All you have is the clothes on your back and the gear in your pack. But if you spend enough time hiking, you realize that there is not much you need to be happy. Sometimes all you need is a goal, good friends, and to enjoy the views along the way despite those sore legs!

Now Get Out There And Hike!

I have always thought of hiking as a metaphor for living a good life. Hiking, like life, is about making progress and enjoying your time during the journey. It can be tempting to put your head down and just trudge along a trail until you reach your destination. But if you do this without picking your head up to enjoy the view, you may miss the best parts.

Coming from a guy who lives in one of the funnest cities on the planet (NYC), I can tell you that hiking in a beautiful national park is an experience unlike a night out in any city. You learn about yourself and experience nature with every trail you walk. So If you have never been give hiking a shot, you’ll find it is a fun way to explore the world and unleash your sense of wonder.

Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack Vs. Car Camp

Soooo When Is Backpacking Worth It?

Soooo When Is Backpacking Not Worth It?

Pro's Of Doing A Backpacking Trip:

#1 Enjoying Nature In Solitude

#2 Learn To Appreciate The Little Things

#3 Unplug

#4 Sense Of Accomplishment

Cons Of Backpacking:

#1 Physically Challenging

#2 Logistically Challenging

#3 Requires Outdoor And Survival Skills

That's All!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking? (4 Different Ways)

Keeping Track Of Your Mileage Backpacking Using A Smartwatch:

A Garmin Watch

The Apple Watch:

Recording Your Mileage While Backpacking Using Strava:

Tracking Your Mileage Backpacking With A Map:

That's All!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Can You Hike In Sandals?

What Type Of Sandals Can You Wear Hiking?

What Environments Are Best For Hiking In Sandals:

Hiking Sandals For Desert Environments:

Hiking Sandals For Water Crossings:

Hiking Sandals For Scrambling:

How Long Have You Been Hiking In Sandals And How Far Is Your Hike?

Recap: Cons Of Wearing Hiking Sandals:

Recap: Pros Of Hiking Sandals:

Best Hiking Sandal Brands

Things To Know Before Buying A Pair Of Hiking Sandals

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Have A Separate Set Of Sleep Clothes When Backpacking:

Wool Hiking Socks

Thermal Pants and Shorts:

Thermal Long Sleeve And Shirt

Camp Shoes

Pack A Sleeping Bag With The Proper Temperature Rating:

Extra Sleeping Clothes To Keep Handy In Your Shelter For Colder Nights:

Hat / Beanie

Waterproof Gloves

Down Jacket

Extra Layers If Needed:

*Bonus Tip* Clean Off Before Putting On Your Sleep Clothes

I Hope This Was Helpful! What Do You Sleep In When Backpacking?

Best Backpacking Clothes!!!

9 Best Salty Hiking Snacks:

Why You Should Eat Salty Snacks When Hiking:

What Nutrients Should You Have In Your Salty Hiking Snacks?

Best Salty Hiking Snacks:

Pretzels

Nuts

Trail Mix

Granola Bars

Snickers

Justin's Nut Butter

Energy Chews

Crackers

Beef Jerky

Best Way To Pack Your Hiking Snacks:

Don't Forget To Properly Store And Dispose Of Your Food!

Tell Me, What Are Some Of Your Favorite Hiking Snacks?

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

Backpacking Nightmare | 8 Biggest Backpacking Mistakes From My First Trek

Backpacking Mistake #1 Missing Raingear (no rainfly for my tent):

Backpacking Mistake #2 No Sleeping Pad:

Backpacking Mistake #3 Hiking Out Of Shape:

Backpacking Mistake #4 No Trekking Poles:

Backpacking Mistake #5 No Camp Shoes:

Backpacking Mistake #6 No Chapstick:

Backpacking Mistake #7 Overpacking:

Backpacking Mistake #8 No GPS:

All In All Still A Fun Trip!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

How To Start Backpacking | A Beginners Guide By A City Boy:

Where Do I Start?

Jump Right In And Learn How To Backpack As You Go:

Bonus Tip Clean Off Before Putting On Your Sleep Clothes