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Backpacking Water Strategy

May 10, 2017 / CampingJay / Leave a comment

I used to use Poland Springs bottles to store water while hiking, but now I use Fiji Bottles.

Stopping for a drink from one of my 1.5 Liter Poland Springs bottles on a rainy day.

Today we will discuss a simple backpacking water strategy for staying hydrated. According to studies, up to 75% of Americans may suffer from chronic dehydration. Many of the signs of dehydration are overlooked or attributed to other causes. These include fatigue, headaches, dry/itchy skin or eyes, or dizziness. Proper hydration is critical for every system in the body. Water is necessary for carrying nutrients, regulating temperature, flushing toxins, purging digestive waste, and much more. When we’re exerting ourselves on hot days in the woods, it is all the more important to have a sound backpacking water strategy. Continue reading

Tarptent Notch – Long Term Review

May 9, 2017 / CampingJay / 4 Comments

TarpTent Notch

The Tarptent Notch is a single-person, trekking pole supported backpacking tent produced by Henry Shire’s Tarptent. With lines resembling a stealth fighter, the Notch is a 3+ season tent capable of fending off harsh rains and winds and light snow conditions. Its double wall design offers excellent breathability. The Notch has been my “go-to” shelter for the past 3 or 4 years. Continue reading

HVH Intro to Backpacking Gear List

May 8, 2017 / CampingJay / 4 Comments

Intro to Backpacking at Harriman State Park with HVH

This last weekend I hosted an intro do backpacking workshop with Hudson Valley Hikers. I worked with St Gregory and Kremlin to demonstrate various pieces of equipment each of use for backpacking at different times of year. During the workshop, there were many questions about where to purchase various pieces. I hope that this list helps those who attended and anyone else reading it make good choices: Continue reading

Backpacking Buy-In

May 5, 2017 / CampingJay / Leave a comment

My post yesterday was in response to a question about the cost of “gearing up” and who my favorite retailers were. I was unsatisfied with my answer to the first part of the question and wanted to provide a more scientific analysis of market options. What follows is a result of my combined obsession with both backpacking gear and probability. This should give you a fair estimate for the cost of backpacking buy-in. Continue reading

Ask CampingJay: Gearing Up

May 4, 2017 / CampingJay / 1 Comment

Campmor is a great retailer with an expert staff. They have been operating a paper catalog for as long as I remember and they have one retail store in Paramus, NJ.

A happy camper with a bag full of goodies from Campmor.

Holly asks, “What’s a realistic cost of “gearing up” and who are your favorite retailers?”

Holly will be participating in my upcoming “Intro to Backpacking” seminar at Harriman State Park. I’m Hosting the event with Hudson Valley Hikers. If you’re interested in the event, please leave a comment below. Continue reading

Ask CampingJay: Essential Backpacking Skills

May 3, 2017 / CampingJay / 4 Comments

Checking out my map one last time before we begin.

Ahead of my upcoming “Intro to Backpacking” event, Andre asks about Essential Backpacking Skills:

I have been attending the HVH Beginner Series hikes to get in shape and acquainted with the area and gear, and Mary F. and Timothy from HVH (Hudson Valley Hikers) recommended I sign up for this one. My medium-term goal is to be able to backpack on my own, which leads to my question: What kind of skills do I have to learn to do solo backpacking/camping, and what challenges can I expect as opposed to doing it with a group?