The parallels between backpacking and relationships are innumerable, if not completely contrived for the sake of this introduction. For instance, take Paul Simon and me. We’ve never been in a relationship, but he thinks there are 50 ways to leave…
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Planning ahead is crucial to, not only the enjoyment but the safety of your next backcountry adventure. Get our tips for better planning that lead to better times in the great outdoors.
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Imagine waking up backpacking in a tropical paradise surrounded by fresh coconut, the waves of the ocean crashing in the distance, and a climate warm enough that you get to leave the puffy jacket behind. I had never considered tropical…
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After guiding backpacking trips across the West for over six summers, I’ve learned something: people love campfires. The smoldering embers, the dancing smoke, the popping and crackling and whistling… Campfires evoke a certain nostalgia and add coziness to any experience….
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My best friend Heidi and I laid all the gear on the living room floor while August, Heidi’s two-year-old son, danced through the piles asking if he could eat the Snickers bar that was going into our food bag. When…
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I barely slept my first night of backpacking in the desert. Howling winds unrelentingly assaulted my tent poles, bending them close to their breaking point. I knelt for hours with my back against the tent wall, arms pressing upward to…
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So you are taking your friend on their first backpacking trip. This is exciting! There’s nothing like introducing a friend to a new hobby and seeing their satisfaction when they successfully push themselves out of their comfort zone. These tips will help you pull off a successful trip for your friend.
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Backpacking is not so much about the miles–or even where you go–as it is about taking responsibility for the journey. These tips will help a beginner backpacker, or those leading beginners, create a positive and rewarding backpacking experience.
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The art of a responsible backcountry campfire is right up there with the art of the backcountry poo. Both are incredibly enjoyable, in their own unique ways, and both are more frequently practiced poorly than we all might like, leaving…
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Backpacking TV is a one-stop-shop to get all the basics before you head out on your first backpack. This week’s episode gives you the essentials of choosing your first sleeping bag and mattress. Down vs. synthetic, warmth ratings, and what…
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