GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS A tent is basically portable shelter that gives you protection from the surrounding environment. It protects you from rain, snow, wind, the sun, the cold, insects, and more. It’s also the focal point of any campsite and most, if not all, campsite activities center around the tent. So, having the proper tent in [...]

Sizing your backpack There are a number of misconceptions about sizing a backpack. The most common is that a tall person always needs a bigger pack than a short person. While this may be true, it is not necessarily so. Since Backpacks fit on your back, that is the part of you that we need [...]

Pack Capacity This is the third of three “Fit” sections and it refers to the capacity of your pack. It is important to have a pack that fits your body but it is also important to be sure that your pack fits the use you are buying it for. It does you no good to [...]

Pack size refers to how it fits on your body. It is a common mistake to think that the size of a pack is related to the height of a person. While this may indeed be true, the actual measurement is based on the length of your back. If you have long legs your “torso [...]

General Considerations The backpack is simply a backcountry device used to transport all your gear from point A to point B. However, choosing the specific backpack to accomplish this task is not so simple. Infact, it can be down right complicated. You must consider such variables as internal or external framed, load distribution, size, capacity, [...]

Since hiking and backpacking require that you transport yourself and gear by foot, it would be wise to ensure that you outfit yourself with a pair of quality boots that properly fit your feet. I’d be willing to bet that everybody who has spent any amount of time in the backcountry has at one time [...]

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Serious thought and research should be undertaken when purchasing a sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag provides warmth and comfort during the night so your body can adequately recover from a rough day on the trail and be fresh and ready for the next day’s adventure. Do your homework, as you should for every [...]

Listed below are the standard “Ten Essentials” for travel which should be carried even on a day hike: map compass flashlight with extra bulb and batteries candle or fire starter sunglasses extra clothing extra food and water pocket knife first aid kit, and waterproof matches Another perspective of “Essentials” for travel is listed below and [...]

So our list is hardly going to touch what billions have already been spent to tell you – and with a little common sense you can figure out yourself. A. If you are car camping and your tent will be 7 feet from your car – take anything and everything you might want – including [...]

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The main concept to remember when considering outdoor clothing is layering. Layering offers the hiker with various options of clothing combinations depending on the current weather conditions which, in the high country, can change dramatically in just a few minutes. There are three primary layers of outdoor clothing: 1.) the outer layer or [...]