Because one of the main reasons to pack a bag and head into the wilderness is to get away from civilization, the last thing backpackers are usually thinking about is what technology to bring along with them. Of course, some things are necessary – a compass or a GPS, a flashlight, a water bottle or […]
Camping
7 Romantic Backcountry Destinations
Backpacking and ‘romantic getaway’ don’t always go hand in hand. Usually, the exhausting hikes, dirty clothes, and the inability to take a shower or clean off can sometimes take away from the romance. Most couples might prefer to stay at a resort or lodge instead of pitching a tent. However, some of the most romantic […]
Hiking with Teens – The Pacific Northwest
While many people head to the backcountry regions of the US with a friend or a significant other, over the last few decades there have been more and more teenagers who try backpacking with hardly any experience. Some have never even left home before. Lauren Langer, a counselor for a summer program for teens looking […]
How to Improvise a Splint
Knowing how to improvise a splint can be an incredibly useful backcountry skill to know when hiking on your own or with a group. Accidents happen just as much, if not more, when you’re hiking with a group of your friends as they do when you’re walking around town so being prepared for one of […]
How to Treat a Burn in the Backcountry
Being out in the wild can be overwhelming at times. Carelessness around a fire, a hot stove or pot is an easy way to get yourself burned. As a fairly common backcountry injury, knowing how to treat a burn is important to prevent them from becoming a trip halting problem. In order to properly treat […]
Beginners Guide to Camping
Camping is an incredible experience letting you get in touch with nature in ways few other experiences can. In order to discover the wonders of the great outdoors, it’s important to adopt appropriate camping etiquette to ensure a peaceful experience for you and anyone else who may be camping nearby. Be Considerate As you arrive […]
How to Prepare for a Camping Trip
Camping is a great way to get in touch with the great outdoors. Nothing can beat the feeling of waking up to the sound of a river, stream or a waterfall. The best part of camping is that it is an activity enjoyed with family and friends, so it makes for a great outing. However, as […]
The Basics: Building a Campfire
Building a campfire is one of the great treats of camping. There’s almost nothing more relaxing than the smell of burning embers, the orange glow of the flame and the sound of crackling firewood. Besides, do s’mores ever taste better than when they’re cooked on an open flame? Learning the proper technique of building a […]
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
When you’re on the trail a good tent can be one of the most important items in (or sometimes on) your pack. Your tent provides you shelter from in-climate weather, privacy from other hikers and protection from bugs and (some) other critters out on the trail. Knowing how to choose a backpacking tent is a […]
First Aid Checklist
In the backcountry, regardless of how careful you are, there’s going to be a point at which you’re going to need a first aid. Whether it’s you or someone else, when you’re spending that much time in the outdoors, someone’s going to get hurt. It’s just the way it goes. We’ve scoured our books, checklists […]