When I was learning to backpack, I found it helpful when others posted their gear lists. It gave me a reference point for the kinds of things I needed, what I was doing right, and what I could be doing better. That said, there is no “one size fits all” gear list. There are a number of personal factors that go into making a gear list, such as size, weight, fitness level, and need for comfort. It also matters where and when you plan to go backpacking. One must factor in temperature, precipitation, terrain, water availability and natural shelter, among other things.
HVH Intro to Backpacking Gear List
Zpacks Hexamid Solo
This weekend I ran the third session of my very popular Introduction to Backpacking seminar. My goal with this event was to expose newcomers to some of the equipment that’s available out there and give them some buying advice. I like to help people avoid purchasing equipment before they get a chance to see it in real life. I saw a lot of busy note taking going on this weekend, so I decided to help out with a list of gear we looked at.
Rainwear for Hiking & Backpacking
A spider web on a rainy day.
A participant in one of my Introduction to Backpacking Workshops for Hudson Valley Hikers recently asked me for advice on rainwear for hiking. This reminded me that I’ve never written an article on this subject. Here we go… Continue reading
Winter Backpacking Gear List – 2016
When I was learning to backpack, I found it helpful when others posted their gear lists. It gave me a reference point for the kinds of things I needed, what I was doing right, and what I could be doing better. That said, there is no “one size fits all” gear list. There are a number of personal factors that go into making a gear list, such as size, weight, fitness level, and need for comfort. It also matters where and when you plan to go backpacking. One must factor in temperature, precipitation, terrain, water availability and natural shelter, among other things.
Paleo Beef Jerky Recipe
Paleo Beef Jerky
One of my favorite snacks while backpacking is paleo beef jerky. It stays fresh for days without refrigeration, tastes great, and provides the protein you need to keep moving. Unfortunately, most store-bought jerky is loaded with corn, wheat, soy, sugar, and artificial preservatives. Follow this easy recipe for making your own delicious, healthy snack! Continue reading
Fill Power – What is it?
Following my recent post on 10 Ways to Keep Warm While Camping, a friend asked me about the best clothing to wear when it’s cold. The answer to that question is technical, and you should see my article on Layering for more detailed information. We ended up talking about down jackets. I told her that the best down jackets are thick, have a hood, fall low on the hips, and have a high fill power. But what is fill power?