Episodes

Ep. 1 – A Backpacker’s Oath – Leave No Trace

Ep. 1 – A Backpacker’s Oath – Leave No Trace

Learning to practice leave-no-trace backpacking is one of the most important skills any backpacker can learn.

Ep. 2 – 12 Tips for Planning Great Backpacking Adventures

Ep. 2 – 12 Tips for Planning Great Backpacking Adventures

Having an awesome adventure in the wilderness starts well before you step onto the trail.

Ep. 3 – How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack

Ep. 3 – How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack

If you’re uncomfortable while you hike, you probably won’t enjoy backpacking very much and you certainly won’t be excited for your next trip.

Ep. 4 – How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack

Ep. 4 – How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack

How you pack your backpack on a daily basis is very important for efficiency and enjoyment on the trail.

Ep. 5 – How To Find Great Campsites

Ep. 5 – How To Find Great Campsites

Choosing great campsites will lead to incredibly memorable trips, but it’s not as simple as just throwing a tent down on a flat piece of dirt.

Ep. 6 – Navigation #1 – Staying Found

Ep. 6 – Navigation #1 – Staying Found

Complications can arise even on the simplest of backcountry trips, so it always pays to be prepared.

Ep. 7 – Navigation #2 – Map, Compass & GPS

Ep. 7 – Navigation #2 – Map, Compass & GPS

No matter how simple your route may be, understanding how to use basic navigation equipment is a crucial skill for any backpacker.

Ep. 8 – Protect Your Food – Keep Wildlife Wild

Ep. 8 – Protect Your Food – Keep Wildlife Wild

Storing your food properly at night is not just a skill that’s good for you, it’s also good for the wildlife around you.

Ep. 9 – Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain

Ep. 9 – Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain

If you’re properly prepared and cultivate a positive attitude, backpacking in the rain can be a lot of fun.

Ep. 10 – Building Fires in Harsh Conditions

Ep. 10 – Building Fires in Harsh Conditions

Having a campfire while backpacking can be a lot of fun, but it can also be the type of skill that can save your life in an emergency.

Ep. 11 – Emergency First Aid Skills for the Backcountry

Ep. 11 – Emergency First Aid Skills for the Backcountry

You’ll hopefully never have to use them, but emergency first aid skills can literally save your life, so don’t overlook them.

Ep. 12 – Lightning Danger and High Elevation Hiking

Ep. 12 – Lightning Danger and High Elevation Hiking

Hiking above treeline will give you fantastic sweeping views, but you’ll also be much more exposed.

Ep. 13 – Backpacking Bear Encounters – Truth & Myth

Ep. 13 – Backpacking Bear Encounters – Truth & Myth

Bears are the animals we want to see the most while we’re backpacking, but they’re also the animals that we’re most afraid of.

Ep. 14 – Snake & Cougar Safety

Ep. 14 – Snake & Cougar Safety

In this episode we’ll take a look at the real danger snakes and cougars present on the trail.

Ep. 15 – How to Safely Ford Backcountry Rivers

Ep. 15 – How to Safely Ford Backcountry Rivers

River crossings are one the most dangerous parts of backcountry trips. Learn the skills that will get you and your group safely across.

Ep. 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe Self-Arrest

Ep. 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe Self-Arrest

Snowfield crossings are common on winter and early spring trips. This video will show you proper ice axe self-arrest techniques and teach you about the gear you’ll need. 

Ep. 17 – 5 Essential Backpacking Knots

Ep. 17 – 5 Essential Backpacking Knots

This episode focuses on the most important and commonly used knots that will be helpful on trips in the backcountry.

Ep. 18 – Backpacking Blades – Knife Safety, Sharpening, & Types

Ep. 18 – Backpacking Blades – Knife Safety, Sharpening, & Types

In the wilderness, your knife is a very important tool, and knowing how to use it properly is a key skill.

Ep. 19 – Insect Protection & Poisonous Plants

Ep. 19 – Insect Protection & Poisonous Plants

Ticks, mosquitoes, and poisonous plants are not just annoyances worth avoiding. They can also carry serious diseases that come with long-term health problems.

Ep. 20 – Backpacking Hygiene – Keeping Clean in the Wilderness

Ep. 20 – Backpacking Hygiene – Keeping Clean in the Wilderness

Keeping good trail hygiene is an important part of staying healthy and feeling good while you backpack.

Up next

View video series

Lightweight Backpacking Video Series

10 Episodes

Our team of outdoor experts have created a collection of tutorial guides to help you level up your outdoor skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our videos and articles will make your next adventure safer and more enjoyable.

Lightweight Backpacking Basics – Episode 1

Episode 1

Lightweight Backpacking Basics –

Backpacking with a lighter pack will reduce stress on your body, give you more free time on the trail, and allow you to hike farther with less effort. 

Ultralight Tents, Tarps & Bivys – Episode 2

Episode 2

Ultralight Tents, Tarps & Bivys –

Your shelter will be one of the most important pieces of gear you bring on your backcountry trips for both safety and comfort. 

Related tutorials

Lightweight Backpacking Video Series

Lightweight Backpacking Video Series

Our team of outdoor experts have created a collection of tutorial guides to help you level up your outdoor skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our videos and articles will make your next adventure safer and more enjoyable.

The post Essential Trail Skills Video Series appeared first on DuskHiker.

1) Plan Ahead and Prepare

Any good backpacking trip starts with proper planning. Reducing impact on your surroundings is the same way. By planning properly for your trip, you’ll reduce the possibility of unexpected situations arising, which is critical to leave no trace backpacking. Proper planning will also lead to much more enjoyable trips where you’re able to reach your goals, and increase your safety level on the trail.

Know the regulations for the area you’ll visit. An example of this would be arriving at a trailhead to find out that a fire ban is in effect, but you were planning to cook your meals over campfires. Now, because of poor planning, you’re stuck with the choice of eating cold meals, delaying your trip to go buy a stove, or breaking the rules and possibly starting a devastating forest fire.

Learn about the area that you’ll be visiting. Use maps, guidebooks, and online resources to plan your route and learn about current conditions so there aren’t any surprises. Also, pay close attention to where your water access points will be along your route.

Set appropriate goals based on the abilities of your group and train properly before your trip. Attempting to cover too many miles in difficult terrain is a common error that can lead to unplanned camping sites that will damage the environment. Take into account the amount of elevation you will need to climb and also add in extra time in case of bad weather conditions. 

Visit in small groups when possible and schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Larger groups need more space and leave a larger impact on the environment. Visiting wilderness areas during off peak times will also reduce your impact.

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Always be prepared for worst case scenario weather conditions, bring an appropriate first aid kit, and know how to perform emergency first aid treatment.

Plan your meals properly. Repackage food to minimize waste, reduce your pack weight, and make meals easier to cook.

Small stoves and one-pot meals will help reduce impact on the land. Always store your food properly at night to keep it away from animals in the area.

2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

The important takeaway from this principle is that even your footsteps will leave a lasting impact on the environment. Traveling on trails and hard packed surfaces is the best way to minimize the impact of your footsteps.

Never cut switchbacks or take off-trail shortcuts. Camping in established campsites is the best way to reduce the impact of your campsite. Never camp in areas that are undergoing restoration.

Remember, good campsites are found, not made. Arrive in camp a few hours before dusk so you’ll have time to select a good site. Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources to allow animals undisturbed access to the source.

If you’re traveling in an area with no previous impact and no trails, stick to durable surfaces and minimize you damage by dispersing your impact. Spread your group out so you are not walking in one straight line when walking through undisturbed areas. That will allow the area to recover faster.

Avoid walking and camping on living vegetation whenever possible. If there is no other choice, minimize your impact by traveling on rocks or hearty vegetation, like dry grasses. Always avoid trampling soft leaf plants and wetland areas, which will be very slow to recover.

3) Dispose of Waste Properly

The main thing to remember with this principle is: if you pack it in, pack it out. There’s absolutely no reason to leave any waste in the wilderness except human waste, and even that needs be disposed of properly.

Little bits of trash add up quickly and will take a lot longer to decompose than you might think. Even waste from organic materials like apple cores and orange peels can take months, or even years to decompose. And worse than that, organic waste can alter the foraging habits of animals in the area; so remember, always pack out your trash, even if it’s organic waste.

Repackage your meals into plastic bags to reduce the amount of waste you’ll have to carry out when you’re done with them.

Don’t burn trash or food because it often won’t fully burn. Animals may dig up the remains and little bits of trash will stay there for years to come. Prepare your meals properly to avoid uneaten food, and pack it out if you can’t finish it.

Clean your dishes at least 200 feet away from water sources and your campsite. Strain out food particles and disperse the residue water by throwing it out in a wide arc.

For human waste, get at least 200 feet from the trail, your campsite, and any water source. Dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and squat over the hole to do your business. Then cover up the hole with the dirt you dug out. If you’re using toilet paper, use it sparingly and pack it out in your garbage bag. If you’re camping in an area for multiple days, spread out your catholes. 

If you see trash along the trail left by other visitors, do your part and pick it up. You’ll be helping to reverse the damaging impacts that careless visitors are leaving behind.

4) Leave What You Find

There’s a common saying among backpackers that applies to this rule; Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Resist the urge to leave your mark on an area or take a small souvenir. The whole point of leave no trace backpacking is to minimize your impact so it appears that you were never there.

Don’t scratch rocks or carve trees to leave a message for future travelers. Don’t alter natural environment or build lasting structures at campsites. And don’t take anything home with you, like rocks, flowers, bones, or artifacts. All of these things are directly opposed to the principles of leave no trace backpacking.

5) Minimize Campfire Impacts

Having a campfire while backpacking can be a good way to keep warm, cook food, and add an element of entertainment, but it also leaves lasting impacts on the environment. Fortunately, you can still enjoy campfires and practice leave no trace backpacking at the same time. 

Make sure to check fire danger levels and fire regulations before you travel. Also take into consideration the possibility of rain and the amount of dry wood that is likely to be available.

Use existing fire rings in established campsites whenever possible. Do not build a new fire ring if one isn’t present. Instead, use a fire pan or build a mound fire to minimize impact.

Keep your fires small and burn all the wood you put in it to ash. Stop adding fuel to the fire well before you plan to go to bed to give it enough time to burn the fuel that’s in it.

Only collect firewood that is already on the ground and is about the size of your wrist or smaller, and can be broken by hand. Leave all standing trees and bushes alone, even if the limbs appear to be dead.

When you’re done with your fire, scatter any unused wood back into the wilderness. Put your fire out completely by soaking it with water and stirring the coals.

The ashes should be cold to the touch. When you’re sure that there is no heat left in the coals, scatter the ashes over a wide area far away from your campsite.

Remember, not having campfires on a backpacking trip isn’t the end of the world, so set your groups expectations before your trip. It is often much quicker and easier to cook over a lightweight stove and enjoy the stars from the warm of your sleeping bag.

6) Respect Wildlife

The wilderness is a fantastic place to glimpse wildlife that we might not ever encounter in our daily lives. The key to respecting their natural habitat is to reduce the amount of interaction between humans and animals as much as possible.

Never feed wild animals and always protect your food by storing it properly. Feeding wild animals can damage their natural instincts, alter their behaviors, and expose them to more danger. Animals fed by backpackers can become a nuisance and can become dependent on humans.

Keep your distance from wild animals and don’t stress them out by following them, approaching them, or trying to get a reaction out of them. Breaking these rules can be harmful to animals and can also put you in danger.

Don’t bring pets into the wilderness unless you can control them and plan to keep them on leash. Allowing your dog to run through the woods chasing wild animals is one of the most stressful and disrespectful things that you could do to other wildlife. 

If you want to see more animals, travel in smaller groups and keep noise levels down. Large groups and talking backpackers will rarely see much wildlife and there’s a good reason for that.

7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Avoid making loud noises, be friendly and courteous to other people, try not to stand out or make a scene, and whenever possible, give other travelers their space and privacy.

Show respect by stepping off the trail to let larger groups and hikers heading up hill have the right of way. And when you see horse travelers on the trail, have your group step off to the same side on the downhill slope to allow them to pass.

Simply put, treat other backpackers with the same respect that you would like to be treated with.

Now that you understand the principles of leave no trace backpacking, you’ll be able to enjoy wilderness areas without leaving any lasting effects.

If you follow this simple commitment, we’ll all be better off and our wilderness areas will remain beautiful and pristine for decades to come.

—

The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org

The post Ep. 1 – A Backpacker’s Oath – Leave No Trace appeared first on DuskHiker.

1) Research

When you’re searching for great backpacking locations, you can always start with a little online research. A few quick clicks will give you a lot of information about great backpacking locations in your area.

Google image searches will also give you a great idea of the pictures that others have taken in an area and how scenic the location is.

Backpacking guidebooks are a fantastic resource for trip planning, location ideas, and much more. Money spent on guidebooks and maps is generally well worth the expense, especially considering how affordable backpacking is once you’re on the trial.

If the dates of your trip are set in stone, search for locations that will be fitting for that time of year that you’d like to travel. Many high elevation locations will have trails covered in snow well into the spring and summer, so it’s important to know when the best travel times are.

Once you’ve decided on a location for your trip and set some trip goals, it’s time to learn more information about that area and plan your route.

2) Regulations

Check online to see if the area you’re traveling in requires permits or parking fees. Popular locations may require permits to be secured weeks or months in advance.

Also check on any specific regulations that the area might have well before your trip. There may be regulations like campfire bans, bear canister requirements, or closed sections of trail at certain times of the year.

3) Plan Your Route

Once you feel like you have a good understanding of the area you’ll be traveling in, it’s time to plan a route for your trip. Start out by looking at simple two-dimensional maps of the area, and then take a closer look using topographical maps.

Simple maps can often be found online and in guidebooks. They can be a great help when you’re trying to understand the general layout for a given area and the major highlights.

A topographical map will give you a lot more detailed information and will be necessary for navigation on the trail. You can purchase them online, at outdoor retailers, and some ranger stations have them as well.

4) Mileage Targets

When you start planning your route, have a general idea of the mileage that you would like to cover each day.

Pay close attention to the experience level and physical ability of all members in your group. Planning a trip that is too difficult won’t be enjoyable and could put your group in danger. Take a close look at the difficulty of the terrain and the total amount of elevation gain over your trip. These two factors could greatly slow you down.

Experienced backpackers traveling with lightweight packs can generally travel around 15-25 miles a day depending on the terrain. Beginner backpackers should plan on shorter days of around 5-10 miles until they feel more comfortable and experienced.

5) Hike Light

You don’t have to hike 20 miles a day to have fun in the backcountry. Spending days with short hikes and a lot of downtime in camp can be very enjoyable. You might also find that exploring new terrain and covering a lot of ground with a lightweight pack can be very rewarding. So choose a daily mileage targets that fit with the goals of your group.

Learn more about the benefits of lightweight backpacking here.

Remember, hiking more miles during the day is not a function of hiking faster, it’s a function of spending more time on the trail hiking at a steady, comfortable pace. If you like to get up early and hit the trail, you’ll probably cover more miles than hikers who prefer a mellow start to their day with a warm breakfast.

If you carry a light pack, you’ll probably need fewer rest breaks than hikers with heavy packs, which will also allow you to travel more. Remember, there’s no wrong way to hike, so choose whatever method works best for you and fits with your group’s goals.

The average hiker covers about 2-3 miles per hour, which will help you to plan your daily mileage depending on how long you expect to hike during the day.

6) Campsite Plan

Plan your route with a good idea of where you’d like to camp, but always leave room for flexibility. You’ll rarely find that you follow your itinerary exactly and it can be fun to make changes on the fly.

Loop hikes are generally preferred, but can be harder to organize because the mileage will have to fit closely your daily mileage goals.

Out and back hikes are also very common and can be a flexible way to travel, especially on shorter trips.

Hiking from one trailhead to another is a way to avoid retracing your steps, but can add logistical difficulties, like needing to bring two cars or hitchhike.

You could also consider hiking in, setting up a base camp, and doing day hikes to explore the area. That can also be a lot of fun.

7) Water Plan

Pay close attention to water sources while you’re planning your route. You’ll need to know where to find reliable water along your trip and when you’re going to be traveling for long stretches without reliable water.

If you’re traveling in a dry area, call a ranger station ahead of time to see how well the water sources are flowing.

8) Food Plan

Put together a food plan well ahead of time and make sure everyone’s needs are met. It’s pretty common for every hiker to bring their own snacks but to share communal dinners.

You’ll be burning more calories than normal on your trip, but you don’t need to go overboard. Try to bring an appropriate size of lightweight calorically dense foods.

9) Get the Gear

Make sure you have all the gear you’ll need for your trip at least a couple of weeks in advance. Always test your gear before you taking it into the field.

Check out my favorite lightweight backpacking gear. 

Consider going on a one night shake down hike to practice using all of your equipment on a short trip before you go out on a longer backpacking trip.

If you’re a beginner, see if you can borrow gear from friends for your first trip. Once you have some trail experience, it’ll be easier to know what you need and avoid spending lots of money on unnecessary gear.

10) Packing List

Always use a detailed lightweight packing list to ensure that you’re bringing the correct items for your trip. Forgetting a simple piece of gear like your headlamp or pocketknife can cause major problems.

Compare gear with your hiking partners and leave behind items that you can share. Split up the weight of common gear to equalize pack weights.

11) Current Conditions

As your departure date nears, try to find out as much as you can about the current trail conditions in the backcountry to minimize any surprises you might face. You might find out about snow-covered trails, forest fire closures, trail maintenance projects, washed-out bridges, and more.

Sometimes it will be easy to learn about current trail conditions and sometimes it won’t be possible at all. Some areas have regularly updated websites and social media sites with current trail conditions and you can often learn about conditions by calling a ranger station or searching online forums.

Sometimes there won’t be much information available at all, so you’ll just have to prepare as best as possible and be flexible with your route. 

12) Final Preparations

When you head out on your trip, make sure to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Let them know when you will be returning and make sure to contact them as soon as you get off the trail.

You’re finally ready for an awesome adventure and you’re as prepared as you’re going to be for your journey. Make smart decisions on the trail and you’ll have an incredible journey.

As you get more experienced, trip planning will get easier and take much less time. You can add more spontaneous elements to your trips and explore areas making more decisions on the fly.

However you choose to travel, a good trip plan will make all the difference in how much you enjoy your adventure.

The post Ep. 2 – 12 Tips for Planning Great Backpacking Adventures appeared first on DuskHiker.

Lightweight Packs

Over the years, I’ve found that simple, minimal, lightweight packs fit my needs much better, but that’s also because I’m carrying lightweight gear in my pack. A lightweight bag can quickly become uncomfortable if you try to stuff it full of heavy gear.

On the other hand, heavier packs with sturdy frames have more adjustments straps and are made to carry heavier loads comfortably, but remember, the more weight you carry on your back, the more stress you’ll be putting on your body. At some point in time, there’s really nothing you can do to make a heavy pack comfortable.

Whatever your preferences might be, take time to buy the right pack for your needs. You’ll probably have your backpack for years and it will be one of the most important pieces of equipment you own.

If you’re uncomfortable while you hike, you probably won’t enjoy backpacking very much and you certainly won’t be excited for your next trip. So take time and choose a bag that will fit you well.

Backpack Measurements

Choosing a pack to fit your body type is generally a function of two simple measurements, your torso length and your hip size.

Being tall or short doesn’t have anything to do with your torso length, so make sure to measure. One of the biggest mistakes new hikers make is choosing a backpack without measuring their torso size first. If you don’t take the time to measure your torso length, you won’t know the right size pack to buy. It’s just that simple. 

To find your torso length, grab a soft tape measure and a friend. If you don’t have a soft tape measure, just use a length of rope and then lay it out flat to measure the length.

• Step 1) Tilt your head forward and find the bony bulge at the base of your neck. That’s your C7 vertebra and the top of your torso length.
• Step 2) Next, find the tops of your hipbones and place your hands on your hips with your thumbs pointing towards your spine. Where your thumbs would meet in the back of your spine is the bottom of your torso length.
• Step 3) Have a friend use the tape measure to follow the contour of your back and find your torso length.

Knowing your torso length will make buying the correct size pack much easier, especially if you’re buying from an online retailer where you won’t be able to try on the pack.

I’ve ordered several packs from online retailers and I’ve always been happy with the fit of my pack. Also, it’s easy to exchange or return a pack if the fit isn’t correct.

Hip Belt measurement

The next important measurement is hip belt size. You’ll want a comfortable hip belt with enough room for you to adjust it tighter and looser. You also might loose a little weight on longer trips, so make sure you have plenty of room to cinch down your hip straps.

Your hip belt is the most important load bearing structure on your pack, so make sure to get this measurement right.

Most companies will allow you to choose the hip belt size and torso size of your pack separately and some even have exchangeable belts. If a pack’s hip belt doesn’t fit you properly and you can’t change it, look for a different pack.

• To find your hip size, simply take your tape measure and wrap it around your waste at the top of your hips. That’s your hip belt measurement and it’s also the center point of where you want your pack to rest.

Pack Volume

The last size consideration for buying a new pack is its capacity. It is common for lightweight backpackers to use a pack that holds around 50 Liters of volume or less.

Backpackers carrying heavier loads should choose a pack that will hold around 60-70 Liters of volume. Just remember, more volume is not always better. More room often means that you’ll fill that space with unnecessary gear and add weight to your pack. 

Pack Adjustments

Once you get your pack on the trail, you’ll want to make sure that it’s adjusted properly to fit your body.

The general rule of thumb for fitting your pack, especially for the first time, is to make sure that all of your straps are loose, and then to tighten them when you put your pack on.

Lightweight backpacks are very simple and often don’t have many adjustments to be made. Packs that are made to carry heavier weights will have a few other adjustment to make, but don’t worry if your pack is simple. More often than not, simple is better.

Start off by adjusting your hip belt. Your hip belt is meant to be the main load-bearing element of the pack.

Your hip belt should straddle the top of your hips, right where you measured your hip belt size. Make sure to readjust your hip belt every time you put your pack on to get the proper fit.

Shoulder Straps

Next, adjust your shoulder straps. Your shoulder straps are the second load-bearing element of your pack, but shouldn’t carry as much weight as your hips.

You shouldn’t feel a lot of strain in your shoulders while you hike. If that’s the case, your hip belt might need an adjustment or you might have a pack that’s torso length is too small.

Other Pack Adjustments

Other common pack adjustments are load lifter straps, sternum straps, and cinch straps.

Load lifter straps are located on top of your shoulder straps and they help to take pressure off of the top of your shoulders by pulling the weight of your backpack closer to your back. When you adjust your load lifter straps, they should be pulling at about a 45-degree angle away from your back.

Many lightweight bags don’t have load lifter straps because they’re not necessary if your bag is light enough. I generally find that load lifter straps don’t make a big difference for me.

Sternum straps are designed to pull your shoulder straps closer together, which will release some of the backwards pulling tension of your shoulder straps. Sternum straps are a minor adjustment that shouldn’t be considered mandatory.

I use mine sometimes to ease tension in my shoulders, but I also find that they can restrict my breathing slightly by compressing my chest. A small elastic section on a sternum strap can help with this.

Cinch straps can be used to compress the weight of your bag closer to your back and make your pack more efficient to carry.

After you’ve made these final adjustments, you should be good to hit the trail with a comfortable fitting backpack.

Adjust As Needed

Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your pack throughout the day while you hike. I often find that I make small adjustments to let up pressure when certain parts of my body start feeling sore.

• I might let up my shoulder straps to carry more weight on my hips and release pressure from my back.
• I might clip, unclip, or adjust my sternum strap to change up my shoulder strap positions.
• I might even unclip my hip belt while I hike for a while to place all of my pack weight on my shoulders and give my hips a brief rest.

Remember, with a really light bag it’s easy to make quick adjustments that will allow you to hike comfortably. And when you’re more comfortable while you hike, you’re going to have much better time on your trip.

The post Ep. 3 – How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack appeared first on DuskHiker.

General Rules

1. Use hip pockets for items that you’ll need during your hike.
2. Gear that you’ll need in camp should be placed towards the bottom.
3. Gear that you may need during the day should go towards the top.
4. Heavy items should generally be placed close to your back.
5. Lighter items can be placed farther away from your back.
6. Keep your stove fuel away from your food.
7. Keep an equal balance in your pack so one side isn’t heavier than the other.
8. Don’t hang items off the back of your pack if at all possible. 

Here’s an example of how I typically pack my bag on an average 3-5 day trip:

1) Hip belt and shoulder strap pockets:

I usually start by packing my hip belt and shoulder strap pockets for the day. These pockets are always easily accessible, so they’re a great place to put small, important items that you’ll need throughout the day.

In one hip pocket, I’ll put a few bars and snacks because it’s important to have lots of small meals throughout the day.

In my other hip pocket I always carry sunscreen and lip balm along with my knife, a small lighter, and my headlamp.

If I have room and the trip necessitates it, I might also carry my compass, bug spray, and hand sanitizer in my hip pockets for easy access.

I use my shoulder strap pouch to cary my camera and sunglasses, which are also items that I use constantly throughout the day.

My shoulder pouch is easily accessible and a more protected area than my hip belt pouches, which rest on the ground when I take my pack off.

2) Main body of my backpack:

Remember that with an ultralight backpack, you’ll probably have a more minimal frame. If you’re not careful, you may end up with items that form weird pressure points in your back and you’ll have to readjust.  

The bottom of your pack is a good place to store gear that you won’t be needing throughout the day.

I always put my sleeping bag at the bottom of my pack first, which is a common approach. Consider leaving your sleeping bag’s stuff sack at home, because you probably won’t need to use it on your trip and you’ll free up additional space in your pack.

If it looks like rain, now would be a good time to line the inside of your pack with a trash bag, to add additional protection to your sleeping bag, which is one of the most important items in your pack to keep dry.

Next, you’ll want to continue packing the main body of your bag with items that you won’t need until camp. Your sleeping pad, cookpot/stove, and your shelter should go in next, assuming your shelter is dry.

If your shelter is wet, you can put it in the mesh outside pocket of your pack to help it dry out and to keep the rest of your gear from getting wet. You can put the poles and stakes of your shelter on the outside of your pack for convenience.

The next items that I generally pack are my puffy coat and my extra clothes bag, which I rarely need until I get into camp for the night. If the weather looks nice, I’ll pack my raincoat in too.

Then I put in my food bag, which I’ll have to pull out for lunch, but there won’t be too much gear above it. If you pack your food bag on the very top of your pack, it will heat up from the sun and some items will melt.

If you’re sharing food with a partner, consider breaking your food into two bags, one with dinner and breakfast and one with lunch and snacks.

That way one of you can put the dinner and breakfast at the bottom of your pack, because you will only need those items in camp, and you can put your lunch and snacks closer to the top of your bag.

The last things I usually put in my main compartment are my rain gear and a stuff sack with items that I might need during the day, like my first aid kit, toiletries, duct tape, and Ziploc bags.

Stuff sacks are good for organization but don’t overdo it. I like to carry a couple of different colored stuff sacks for organization, but I rarely put larger items in stuff sacks.

3) Mesh outer pocket and water bottle holders:

The mesh area on the outside of your pack is a great place to store gear that you want easily accessible, but won’t often need to grab while hiking.

It’s also a great place to put wet items, like your shelter or wet clothing that you’re trying to dry while you hike.

I often carry my map in a waterproof case in my mesh back pocket. If I’m hiking with a partner, they can easily grab it out, and it I’m not, I can swing my pack around to grab it if necessary.

I also often carry my water filter in my back mesh pocket for easy access on quick breaks. I generally also put my trash bag, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer in my back mesh pocket as well.

Many ultralight backpacks also have external loops that are great for carrying your trekking poles or ice axe when they’re not in use.

Packing Water

For water, I rarely find that I need to carry more than 3-4 liters when I hike, so I always use the water bottle holsters on the sides of my pack.

If I’ll be camping at a dry campsite or going on a long dry stretch, I fill up my entire water supply at the last reliable source and make sure to drink until I’m well hydrated.

Some hikers use water batters in their backpacks while they hike, but that’s generally not my style. If you do this, be very careful about gear that could poke a hole in your bladder and cause a leak in your bag.

Cinch Straps

When you‘re done packing your bag, make sure to tighten any compression straps that seem loose to pull the weight closer to your back.

Always try to avoid hanging extra items from the outside of your pack. They will sway from side to side while you hike which can throw off your balance, can make unwanted noise, and can snag on tree limbs or brush.

Now your bag is packed up efficiently, you’re ready for a fantastic day on the trail!

The post Ep. 4 – How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack appeared first on DuskHiker.

First of all, make sure to know the regulations of the area that you’ll be backpacking in.

Many wilderness areas have established campsites that they ask you to camp in. In very popular areas, you might even have to reserve specific sites before your trip.

For this reason, finding great campsites often starts at home, when you are planning your trip.

Established sites might be marked on your map or guidebook and they might even be marked with signs on the trail.

Other times you’ll have to find established sites on your own, which is generally easy to do. When planning your trip consider the locations that other travelers would likely want to camp.

For example, if there is a river crossing or a lake in an area that’s a few miles from another water source, it’s likely that other backpackers have wanted to camp nearby, so there is probably an established campsite there.

Have a general plan for where you’d like to camp but make sure to leave room for flexibility.

Sometimes you might get to a spot that you planned to camp, but you feel like going farther. Or maybe the weather is bad and you’re ready to stop early. Either way, being flexible is an important part of all successful backpacking trips.

It’s generally a good idea to plan on reaching your campsite with a couple hours of daylight left. It’s not a lot of fun trying to setup camp in the dark, and can be even worse if it’s raining.

Setting up camp will take some time. You’ll want time to pitch your shelter, clean up after your hike, cook dinner, and pump water.

Also, finding a good stopping point for the day can sometimes be tricky. You won’t know what the campsite looks like until you get there, but a topographical map can help you make an informed judgment ahead of time.

Established campsites are often in beautiful areas, not far from the trail, with easy water access.

They often have fire pits, a few spots to pitch your shelter, and might even have good rocks or logs sitting. All these factors make them very convenient and desirable.

Camping in previously established sites is also the best way to minimize your impact on the environment, rather than impacting a pristine area for the first time.

—

The majority of established campsites are close to easy water access, which is a convenient feature. Camping by water will make it easier for you to wash up after your hike, cook dinner, clean dishes, and purify drinking water.

Camping by water is nice, but you should always camp far enough away to give wildlife an unobstructed path to the water. The leave no trace guideline is to camp at least 200 feet away from water sources.

Some established campsites are dry sites, meaning that they won’t have any water access. A dry campsite will require you to carry extra water to your camping destination, but can be very pleasant way to camp as well.

Dry camps often have great views and fewer bugs. Dry camps can also help you to avoid cold and wet conditions.

Low spots in valleys by rivers are generally the wettest and coldest spots to camp. So, camping away from water can be a good way to reduce the amount of condensation on your shelter and provide a warmer nights rest.

—

While camping in established campsites is the preferred method for most backpackers, there are some downsides to established sites as well.

The ground in established sites is usually packed down hard and might have exposed rocks and roots. This isn’t a problem for inflatable pad users, but it can be lead to an uncomfortable night’s rest for foam pad users.

Also, established campsites can sometimes attract unwanted animals attention. If backpackers don’t properly protect their food, they make it possible for animals to have an easy meal.

Once animals learn that backpackers provide easy food, they’ll keep coming back to scavenge for more food.

For this reason, established campsites can sometimes have nighttime rodent problems, like mice looking for food or materials to build their nests. 

In rare cases established sites are frequented by larger animals, like bears or deer, so always make sure to store your food properly, for your benefit and for future backpackers.

—

An alternative to camping in established sites commonly used by ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers is called stealth camping.

Stealth camping is when hikers walk away from the trail to find unused and secluded sites to make camp for the night.

Hikers who practice stealth camping only do it in areas where it’s allowed and always minimize the amount of impact that they make on the environment.

Stealth camping can be a good option especially for long distance backpackers that are attempting to hit daily mileage targets. However, it’s never ok to disrupt an area when you make a stealth site.

One of the most important rules of stealth camping is that you must leave the area exactly as you found it, without any trace of you’re presence. Be careful not to trample any vegetation or harm any animals and their habitats.

It’s best for stealth campers to stay away from building fires. The danger of starting a forest fire is increased at a non-established site and signs of campfires fires are hard to erase.

—

When considering camping in an area, whether it’s an established site or a stealth site, make sure to pay close attention to where you’re going to setup your shelter.

The most important factor to look for is proper water runoff, not a perfectly flat area, so take a very look at the ground where you plan to pitch your shelter.

If a rainstorm were to break out, where would the water go? Make sure to check for signs of previous puddles and look for good drainage.

Perfectly flat spots are good for comfort, but bad for water drainage.Try to choose a site that’s on a slight angle, which will be both comfortable and dry.

Also, pay close attention to the wind exposure of your shelter site. It can be great to have a campsite with an open view, but make sure you’re not dangerously exposed if a storm rolls in.

Using small trees and bushes for cover is a great way to reduce wind exposure and protect yourself from storms.

Set up your shelter away from cliffs or any area that might have falling rocks. Also, take a look at the trees around your site to make sure there aren’t any dead limbs or trees that could fall on your shelter if strong winds start to blow.

—

Choosing good campsites will make your trips a lot more fun, and will also help to keep you safe and dry.

The post Ep. 5 – How To Find Great Campsites appeared first on DuskHiker.

Know Your Limits

First and foremost, always know your limits.Don’t plan a trip involving difficult navigation without the proper skills and experience. Knowing how to read a topographical map and use compass is very important. If you don’t know how to use them, you really shouldn’t be on the trail.

If you’re unsure about your abilities, take a practice trip before you head out or take a navigation course to brush up on your skills. Never put yourself in a bad situation by being unprepared.

Always inform someone of your trip plans before you leave home. Give a friend a detailed itinerary and let them know when to contact authorities if they don’t hear from you.

Pay Attention

The number one rule for on-trail navigation is to pay attention. If you want to stay found, you need to know where you are and where you should be. It’s very easy to get distracted and make simple mistakes that will put you off track.

Pay attention to your map and track your location as you hike. Use main landmarks to verify your location and to ensure that you’re heading in the right direction. Pay close attention to all trail junctions. Don’t assume you know the correct way to go. Read all trail junction signs thoroughly and consult your map to make sure you’re taking the correct route.

If you’re hiking behind other members in your group, don’t assume that they are making the right decisions. Be careful not to get lost in conversations and always stop the moment you feel something might be wrong.

Pay attention to time. Wear a watch and calculate when you should be hitting your next landmark. The average hiker covers 2-3 miles per hour and you’ll quickly learn your average pace by using your watch. You should always have an idea of how far away your next landmark is and when you’ll be encountering it.

Pay attention to your elevation. You’ll quickly learn if you’re going in the wrong direction if you’re hiking down in elevation, when you should be going up.

Pay attention to the trail. Are you still on a well-traveled trail or is it getting thinner and more overgrown? Always stop the as soon as the marks along the trail look incorrect. Blazes on trees will help to signify your trail and rock cairn piles will help you find your way when the trail is tough to follow.

You can also look for trekking pole marks on the side of the trail or your other hikers footprints. All of these are good clues about the trail you’re on so trust your instincts.

Pay attention to the sun and shadows. You’ll quickly feel it when the trail makes a significant change and you can easily know if you’re headed in the right direction.

Know When To Stop

The moment you feel confused or unsure about your location, stop immediately. If you catch a navigation mistakes early, it’s generally very easy to fix. Take a few minutes to look around and see if you can find the right way. The correct trail might just be a few feet ahead or behind you.

Sometimes you’ll have to backtrack a little bit to verify your path, but turning around can be a tough decision to make. Don’t be stubborn about walking backwards on the trail. It might be the quickest way to getting back on track.

Stay Calm

If you do start to feel lost, stop, stay calm, and try to find your position on the map. More often that not, you’re just confused and you’ll be able to find your location with a little rational detective work.

Be real with yourself when you start to feel lost. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re on the right track and press on, even though deep down you know better. You might force a landscape feature to fit your map or make irrational justifications about hiking times. So trust your gut and don’t make matters worse.

Ask yourself when was the last point that you knew you were on the right track. Can you retrace your movements back to that spot? That’s generally the best way to find your correct location again.

Choosing to bushwhack a new trail rather than hiking back to familiar trail is a common mistake made by lost hikers. If you don’t know the terrain, bushwhacking can get you into much more trouble when you’re lost. You might hit an impassable river, a steep cliff, or dense forest that you can’t safely pass through.

If you do realize that you are lost, it’s important to stay calm. Rational decision-making and smart choices are the keys to staying safe and getting found again.

When you feel lost, your adrenaline will spike. This can cause hikers to move quickly and franticly, often in the wrong direction. Avoid the impulse to run. This will waste your energy and can often make matters worse, like if you twist your ankle. Instead, sit down, take a deep breath, and try to rationally analyze your situation.

Have a drink of water and eat some food. Take note of how much daylight is left and what the weather conditions are. If the weather is getting bad or daylight is fading, it probably makes sense to setup your shelter, rather than wondering around and getting more lost in the dark.

When You’re Totally Lost

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re completely lost, you really only have two options. Either stay put, or try to walk out.

Staying put is generally the best way to stay safe and get found quickly, but only when you know that someone will be looking for you. Most lost backpackers are found within a matter of hours so reducing exposure should be your main goal. Keep yourself hydrated, dry, and warm while you wait.

Find an open space and make your presence well known. Wear bright clothing and lay bright objects out in patterns to be seen. Use a whistle to blow three short blasts at a time, which is a signal for distress. Build smoky signal fires during the day and bright fires at night. You can also use a signal mirror to try to attract help.

If You Must, Walk Out

If you’re in a situation where you’re unsafe or you know that no one will be looking for you for a number of days, walking out might be your only option.

If you do have to walk out, try to head for a road. Roads lead to people and will increase your chances of finding a car, or a house, or a town. 

Use your map and compass if you can to give yourself the best chance to find civilization. In general, heading away from mountains and following large rivers downstream will give you the best chance to hit roads and find civilization.

Leave signs or notes in highly visible places while you travel. If you don’t have pen and paper, be creative and use other items from your pack or from nature. That will let searchers know of your intentions.

You Got This

Remember, if you follow simple navigation rules and pay attention to your location, its doubtful that you’ll ever get seriously lost on the trail.

If you do get lost, stay calm, make smart decisions, and it’s likely that you’ll be found again very soon.

The post Ep. 6 – Navigation #1 – Staying Found appeared first on DuskHiker.

Orienteering courses can be a lot of fun and they will give you great practice in a safe environment.

Topo Maps – Contour Lines

The first navigation tool you need to understand is your map. Maps come in all shapes and sizes and they will provide a detailed image of the land you’ll be traveling through. Guidebooks and online resources often have simplified maps that show trails over basic terrain. Simple maps can be a great help with trip planning but they’re not as useful for on-trail navigation.

A topographical map is the tool that you’ll need to navigate in the wilderness. Topo maps are much more accurate, detailed, and they provide an elevation profile of the area. Understanding contour lines is really the key to understanding topographical maps. Contour lines are the small squiggly lines that cover the entire map.

A single contour line marks a given elevation on the map. For example, a 5,000 foot contour line will touch every point on the map where the elevation is 5,000 feet. If you travel up or down in elevation from the 5,000 ft line you’ll hit a new contour line, which will denote a different elevation.

Contour lines never intersect. When contour lines are close together, it denotes very steep changes in elevation, like a steep cliff. When they are far apart, it denotes more gradual or gentle changes in elevation, like a valley floor or a field. 

Topographical maps will help you to orient yourself by showing the terrain features of the area. You’ll see peaks, valleys, rivers, cliffs, and other prominent features in the landscape. When you understand the features in the landscape, you’ll be able to understand your trip better and plan your route from one point to the next.

Good topographical maps may also have colors and shades to help you orientate yourself. For example, heavy vegetation areas may be shaded in green while areas above tree line may be left white. There also might be shading to help you distinguish the slopes of north and south facing ridges and valleys.

All topographical maps will also have a scale to help you understand the size of the terrain and a legend to help you understand the symbols on the map. Good backpacking maps will list hiking distances on well-defined trails, but that isn’t always the case, so make sure to look for trail mileage.

Understanding Declination

Declination is another measurement that will be listed on a topographical map. Declination is a concept that can be somewhat confusing, but it’s easy to understand once you know the principle behind it.

Maps are oriented with lines pointing towards true north, the North Pole. But your compass needle actually points towards magnetic north, which is slightly different than true north. The degree to which they are different depends on where you are on the earth and declination is simply a correction that will account for the difference between your map and compass.

Sometimes the declination is so small, especially over short distances, that it won’t really matter. For maximum accuracy, especially when hiking long distances, it’s important to correct for declination.

A simple saying that will help those of us in North America to remember is: Declination east, compass least. Declination west, compass best. Meaning, if the declination on your map is to the east, you will subtract degrees from your bearing, declination east, compass least. And vise versa for west declinations.

Using A Compass

Your compass is the tool that you will use with your topographical map to help you locate yourself and plan a route without using any trails to get to a destination. Even if you plan on traveling on-trail for your entire trip, knowing how to use a compass can come in very handy.

For example, you might loose the trail and need to locate your position on the map or determine the best direction to hike back out to a road. The trail could be covered in snow near the top of a ridge and you need to know witch way to travel to meet back up with it on the other side. Or maybe you just want to explore an off-trail area, but you need to be sure of which direction to go and keep yourself from getting lost lost.

To learn how to use a compass, let’s start out by taking a look at the parts of the compass.

Parts of a compass:

• Needle – always points to magnetic north
• Dial or bezel – is that part that spins
• Orienting lines – are on the back of the dial, they spin when the dial spins
• Degree or index lines – are the 360 marks around the dial
• Direction of travel arrow – is the direction you’ll walk after you take your reading

Taking a compass bearing is pretty straightforward. Lets say for example that our trail has been covered in snow, and we don’t know which way to travel. Here’s what we’d do:

Taking a Compass Bearing 

1. Locate where we are on the map
2. Then, we would line the edge of our compass up with the direction we want to travel being as precise as possible.
3. Next, we turn the dial on our compass until north on the bezel lines up with north on the map and the orienting lines on the compass line up with the north south lines on the map.
4. Once we have it all lined up and we’ve double checked our route, we remove the compass from the map, correct for declination if necessary.
5. Hold the compass away from our body, and turn our body until the compass’s needle lines up with the orienting arrow pointing north. Put the mouse in the house.
6. Now, the direction of travel arrow is pointing towards our destination. If we’re in a large open area, you can pick a defined point on the horizon and walk directly towards it. Or if we’re in a forest, we can pick an object like a tree, walk to it, then hold up our compass and pick another point to walk to.

Traveling by Compass 

If you’re traveling by compass for long distances, it’s important to get very accurate readings and to use landmark clues like rivers, peaks, roads, and ridges to make sure you hit your mark. A 1 degree mistake on a compass reading can put you off your mark by over 100 feet after you’ve traveled a distance of one mile. So planning a smart route is key to succeeding over long distances.

Don’t shoot for a small target that is many miles away, because you’re likely to miss your target. Instead, use the terrain to your advantage and pick shorter goals to make sure you stay on track.

Line Location by Compass

Another common use for a compass is to find your location on the map using your compass as a guide. This is called line location and triangulation.

In order to use your compass for triangulation, you’ll need to find at least two or three prominent features in the landscape that are also on your map. It’s best if the features are somewhat spread out, and not right next to each other. To triangulate your position, you’re going to use a similar technique that we just used for taking a bearing, but we’re going to reverse the order. 

1. Take your compass and point it at the first prominent feature that you know is on your map.
2. Then, with the direction of travel arrow pointed at that object, twist the dial to line up the needle with north on the dial.
3. Now, take your compass and place it on your map, lining the orientation lines of the dial up with the north south lines of the map.
4. Slide the compass up and down so that the object you were measuring is lined up with the edge of the compass.
5. Now use a pencil to draw a line on the map. Because of your calculation, you know that you must be somewhere along that line.
6. If you repeat the same steps two or three more times using different objects, your exact location will be where the lines intersect.

GPS Devices

Another very helpful tool for navigation is a GPS device. If you’re going on a trip that will require lots of off trail navigation, a GPS device can be a very useful tool to have.

If you get lost, a GPS unit will give you your exact coordinates, which you can use with your map to pinpoint exactly where you are. GPS units can also be used to store waypoints, which are saved locations that you’ve been to, like the trailhead or your vehicle.

You can input one or multiple coordinates into a GPS unit from a map or guidebook. Then, you can use the GPS to route you from one coordinate input to the next. Most GPS units will only give you straight line directions though, so you’ll still need a map to see what the terrain looks like, and to see if there are any obstacles in the way, like cliffs, steep valleys, or large rivers.

A GPS unit can also track your hike as you go. It will take readings to put together a loose route of where you’ve been. Most units can tell you your mileage, speed, and elevation gain.

GPS units do have their shortfalls though, so always be careful when you take technology out on the trail. GPS units are powered by batteries, and batteries will run down over time. Don’t get caught without the proper knowledge and tools because you ran out of batteries in the woods.

Also, GPS units can loose their signal when in dense brush or in deep valleys. You usually need a clear view of the sky and 4 satellites to be able to pinpoint your location. Even if you do have a GPS unit, always bring a map of the area and compass as a backup.

Wrap Up

Now that you know the basics of navigation, you’ll feel much more comfortable finding your way on the trail. Make sure to practice your skills and consider taking an orienteering class to master wilderness navigation. 

If you enjoyed this video and article, let me know by clicking the little heart below. If you have any questions or comments, leave a message and I’ll respond as soon as possible. Thanks! 

The post Ep. 7 – Navigation #2 – Map, Compass & GPS appeared first on DuskHiker.

Food Storage Tips

Take your food with you when you’re on a backpacking trip. Even if you’re setting up a base camp and doing day hikes, you should always bring your food bag. Small rodents can easily chew through a shelter or a backpack to get into your food supply if it is left unattended which will ruin your gear and your meals.

Items that smell strongly should be treated like food too. Bug spray, sunscreen, toothpaste, and other strong smelling items are also attractive to animals, so they should be stored with your food at night.

If you’re leaving your pack outside overnight, consider opening the zippers so small critters will easily be able to see that there isn’t any food in your pack. Some animals may gnaw through your bag during the night in the hopes of finding food even if there isn’t any there.

Store your food at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area to give yourself adequate distance from any animals that might be trying to get at your food.

Sometimes your larger animals like bear and deer will be interested in your food, but often it’ll be smaller rodents like mice, chipmunks, and squirrels that you’ll need to deter.

Food Storage Methods

When it comes to nighttime food storage, there are two common methods that backpackers use.

1) The fist technique is to keep food away from animals by hanging it in a bag that will be out of reach.

This method is commonly referred to as bear bagging and there are a few different effective techniques to do it.

2) The second technique is to put your food in a container that animals won’t be able to get into.

Bear canisters and ursacks are two common tools used for this method and both are quite effective.

How to Hang a Bear Bag – PCT Method

If you’re planning to use the bear bag method, make sure you do it correctly. Bears are very smart and a poorly hung bag won’t be much of a challenge for a smart bear.

It’s a good idea to hang your bear bag well before it gets dark. It’s much easier to hang your bag while you still have daylight and it will often take longer than you think, especially on your first few attempts.

One of the easiest and most commonly used methods is the PCT style of bear bag hanging. There are plenty of other methods, but I find that this one work very well. For this method you’ll need: lightweight chord, a weatherproof sack for food, a small carabineer, and a small stuff sack for holding a rock.

PCT Method

1. First, put all of your food and any strong smelling items in your weatherproof sack. Some backpackers use odor resistant bags to reduce the scent of your food as well.
2. Find a tree with a solid trunk and a tall branch (about 20 feet or so) that sticks out at least 4 feet from the base of the tree. Picking the correct tree and branch is key.
3. Next, tie a rock to the end of a lightweight nylon rope or use a small stuff sack to hold your rock. Tie the other end to an anchor tree, so you don’t loose the entire rope up in the tree.
4. Then toss the rock and rope over the tree branch. Repeat this step until you get it right.
5. Tie your carabineer to the end of the rope and clip your food bag to the carabineer. Clip the other end of your rope through the carabineer and pull the bag up to the top of the limb.
6. With your food bag at the top of the branch, tie a stick into the rope.
7. When you let the bag down, this stick won’t allow the rope to pass through the carabineer, so your food bag will be suspended in the air.

Make sure your bag is hanging at least 12 feet in the air and at least 4-5 feet away from any trees.

If you can’t get your bag far enough away from the base of the tree, lower the bag and use the alternate PCT method.

Alternate PCT Method

1. Don’t clip the rope into the carabineer this time, pull the bag up to the limb and tie the stick into the rope.
2. Then lower the bag and clip the rope into the carabineer.
3. Now the stick won’t let the bag slide any farther up the rope so you can pull it away from the tree and tie off the base to another tree.
4. Tie the rope high so bears won’t be able to claw at it.

Bear bagging can be effective if done correctly, but there are some downsides to this method. It will take time and practice to perfect your method. A poorly hung bag will be an easy target for bears.

Finding the right trees can sometimes be difficult. And even if you do your absolute best, there are some very determined bears out there that might be able to get into your food.

Bear Canisters and Ursacks

The alternative to bear bagging is placing your food in a sealed container that animals won’t be able to get into. Bear Canisters and Ursacks are the two containers that are most commonly used. This method will save you time and give you more piece of mind about the safety of your food, but it will also require you to carry more weight.

Bear canisters are considered the most secure way to store your food and, for that reason, they are mandatory for travel in some popular backcountry areas. The downside to bear canisters is that they are heavy, they have limited storage space, and they can be obnoxious to pack in your bag.

An Ursack is a strong bag made out of Kevlar fabric that will to protect your food like a bear canister. You tie the bag securely to a tree at night and animals can’t get in. An Ursack will be lighter than a bear canister and easier to pack in your backpack. Ursacks are a very effective food storage method but they aren’t currently approved for travel in many areas that require bear canisters for backcountry travel.

Wrap Up

Whatever method you choose to use, always make sure to secure your food and scented items before you turn in for the night. Remember, it’s for the animal’s protection as much as it is for your own.

If you enjoyed this article and video, click the little heart below to give me a digital high five! Also, leave me a comment below with any questions or thoughts and I’ll respond as soon as possible. Thanks! 

The post Ep. 8 – Protect Your Food – Keep Wildlife Wild appeared first on DuskHiker.

Positive Mental Attitude

One of the most important factors to having a good time during a rainy backpacking trip is having a positive attitude. If you’re mentally prepared to be wet and still have fun, you’ll probably have a great time. You can sing, and dance to keep warm, or bring fun games to play in your tent.

One concept that’s tough for beginners to accept is that, if it rains for an extended period of time on your trip, you’re going to get wet, and there’s really no avoiding it. Waterproof gear will keep the water out, but it also forms a barrier that holds your body heat in, which leads to condensation and increased perspiration.

Even the most expensive and breathable rain gear won’t keep your body completely dry while you hike in extended rain. The same is true of waterproof shoes. Waterproof shoes don’t breath well and your feet will sweat while you hike. 

When it rains, water from brush along the trail will run down your legs and into your shoes. Gaiters and rain pants can delay the effect, but eventually, your feet are going to be soaked one way or another.

Rather than trying to prevent getting wet, it’s better to just accept that you’re going to get wet and learn how to best adapt to it. With the right skills, you can still stay warm, hike comfortably, and have completely dry evenings, even during days of nonstop rain. Here are some tips that will help you to stay positive and continue to have fun on the trail, even during days of downpour.

Wet Weather Tips

First, always know the weather forecast for the area that you’re backpacking in. That will give you a good idea of what to expect on your trip. It can be tough to pinpoint the exact wilderness area that you will be hiking in, but you can get a good idea by looking at weather reports for small cities around the area.

Even after you know the weather forecast, be prepared for bad weather. Weather patterns are very tough to predict, especially around mountains and at high elevations. Always take rain gear and be prepared for showers. Being unprepared for a rainstorm can be uncomfortable and very dangerous. Without raingear you won’t be able to regulate your body temperature and hypothermia can quickly set in.

When it first starts to rain, or if it looks like it will rain, take five minutes to make sure your backpack is properly packed for showers. Don’t assume that your backpack is waterproof, even if it claims to be. Even light showers can penetrate your backpack through seams in the stitching.

One big beginner mistake is to continue hiking in light rain without checking to make sure your equipment is properly stored. If your gear gets wet, it could be days before you can dry it again. 

The best way to ensure that your gear will stay dry in your backpack is by lining the inside of your backpack with a waterproof bag. Trash bags work great for this purpose. You can also use waterproof stuff sacks and plastic food storage bags.

You’ll want to make absolutely sure that you sleeping bag, headlamp, electronics, fire starters, first aid kit, maps, and extra clothes and stay dry. Consider bringing a waterproof map case because you’ll still need to use your map in the rain.

Over the years I’ve found that pack covers just don’t cut it in the rain. Pack covers don’t protect the back of your backpack. Water that lands on your jacket will run down your back and soak through the uncovered side of your pack, so it’s usually better to focus on protecting items on the inside of your pack.

Clothing, Jackets, & Footwear

For clothing, choose synthetic layers that will dry quickly and retain heat when they’re wet. Avoid all cotton and denim clothing, which will be heavy and cold.

Choose a lightweight rain shell with good ventilation that is breathable and test it before you take it on the trail. You don’t need an expensive jacket to protect against the rain, just something that will repel water and allow you to control your interior body temperature. Check out our favorite jackets here. 

When you’re hiking in your raincoat, you can use your hood, pit zips, wrist straps, and the main zipper to regulate your body temperature. Leave them open to reduce overheating or close them up to keep warm.

Rain pants won’t ventilate your body heat as well, but they are good to have, especially on cold weather trips. I rarely wear my rain pants when hiking, unless it’s very cold outside. My hiking pants or shorts will dry quickly and it’s easy for me to keep warm if I keep moving.

For footwear, choose lightweight running shoes that won’t hold water in and will dry quickly. Your feet are going to get wet if it rains, even if you have waterproof shoes. Running shoes will still be comfortable, light, and keep your feet warm when it rains. The main difference is that running shoes will dry much quicker when the rain stops. 5 Reasons to Ditch Your Hiking Boots. 

If your feet remain wet throughout the day, make sure they are clean and dry throughout the night. If it’s still wet in the morning, put your wet socks back on and save your dry socks for when the rain stops and your shoes are dry. You’ll be very happy you did later on.

A hat with a bill is good to have in the rain too. It will keep water off of your face and will provide warmth for your head, which will be your main source of heat loss in the rain.

Managing Body Temperature

Managing your body temperature is very important when hiking in the rain. It’s usually easy to stay warm if you keep moving, but you need to be careful not to sweat too much. Use clothing layers and ventilation to keep from overheating. Also, regulate your pace so you don’t sweat too much while you hike in the rain.

It’s also important to stay well hydrated and well fed when it’s raining. Hikers generally drink and eat a lot less when it rains. Your body needs fuel and water to stay warm and regulate your temperature, so force yourself to eat and drink regularly.

You’ll also probably take fewer breaks when it’s raining, because your body will quickly cool down when you stop walking. Take shorter breaks more often to keep your body from wearing down.

Know the symptoms of hypothermia and know how to treat it. If you or a hiking partner starts to show signs of hypothermia, stop immediately, pitch your shelter, and get dry and warm as quick as possible.

Smart Choices in Bad Weather

Pay attention to your surroundings in heavy rain and make smart choices. Flash flooding can occur in heavy rains and river crossings can become very dangerous. Heavy rains also increases erosion and can cause mudslides and rockslides. You’ll want to avoid hiking in slot canyons during heavy rain as well. Never camp in a dry riverbed. Rain could start during the night and your tent could quickly be in the middle of a flowing river.

When you setup your shelter after a day of rain, keep the inside of your shelter dry by leaving all of your wet items outside. Don’t bring your backpack, your raincoat, or even your wet clothes inside your shelter. That will help to separate your dry items from your wet ones and you’ll be able to keep items dry for much longer. 

Test your shelter in the rain before you take it on the trail and set it up in an area with good water drainage. Waking up with standing water in your tent is a surprisingly common mistake and it’s completely avoidable.

Own Your Hike

If you think a rainstorm might be short and you have time to spare, you could always pitch your shelter during the day and wait it out. Also, don’t feel guilty about changing your plans if you have enough food and flexibility built into your itinerary. It’s your hike, so do what makes you happy.

Remember, having a positive attitude will make all the difference when it’s raining outside. And it’s always important to consider, even if you’re backpacking in the rain, you could be sitting in a cubicle somewhere doing work instead. And backpacking in the rain is surely better than that!

The post Ep. 9 – Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain appeared first on DuskHiker.