We encourage all outdoor enthusiasts to extend the lifespan of their gear in order to reduce waste and lessen our impact on the environment. Nevertheless, if your damaged, worn-out gear is beyond repair, it is advisable to invest in new equipment. However, we understand that new gear can be costly and may not always fit within your budget. Conversely, purchasing used or discounted outdoor gear can … [Read more...]

Backpacking in Texas can be very rewarding, but it requires patience and a closer look due to the subtle landscapes. Texas is not often considered a top backpacking destination because nature here is not readily accessible. The mountains do not offer lush views or attract a large following like the Colorado or Pacific Crest trails. Additionally, coordinating logistics, water, and navigation can be … [Read more...]

If you plan on going on a day hike with friends or taking on a challenging backpacking route, it is important to wear quality hiking boots that can safeguard your feet and provide ankle support. With their breathable and waterproof materials, the boots offer reliable traction and support. Furthermore, they come equipped with important characteristics such as a spacious toe area, durable heel … [Read more...]

Hiking shoes are more fashionable now, making it challenging to find a balance between functionality and style. While there is nothing wrong with buying a less functional pair of boots for city strolls, finding the right trail shoes can be crucial. Scott Wilkinson, the Pacific Crest Trail Association communications director, emphasizes the importance of maintaining circulation in your feet when … [Read more...]

This post is intended for both newcomers to backpacking and avid gear enthusiasts (like myself). It aims to provide a thorough explanation of all the necessary and optional equipment required for your upcoming backcountry expedition, including the gear I personally use and where to purchase it. Over the course of multiple nights in the backcountry and numerous days on the trail, I have acquired … [Read more...]

The committed outdoorsman encounters poor weather, soggy trails, and tents enduring the harsh elements. While not a top choice for many, camping in the rain has provided me with some of the most enjoyable nights spent sleeping in a tent. Personally, I find the sound of raindrops hitting the flysheet and the cozy feeling of a warm, dry sleeping bag after a long day on a misty trail to be especially … [Read more...]

The great aspect of backpacking is that you can do it well without having expensive classes or extensive experience. To fully appreciate the wonders of the wilderness, such as stunning mountaintop views, starry nights, or challenging climbs, all you require is some gear, a basic level of fitness, and just one night. These one-night backpacking trips are not boring even though they are suitable … [Read more...]

Backpacking in the rain can be both one of the worst experiences and one of the best, depending on the situation and proper preparation. To give an understanding of how rapidly conditions can alter and the importance of being ready, I'll rapidly share one of my encounters with backpacking in the rain. With over 25 years of involvement in outdoor hiking, I possess extensive knowledge in this … [Read more...]

Each time I prepare for a backpacking trip, it is necessary for me to refer to my printed backpacking packing list to ensure that I have not forgotten anything. One might assume that, after years of experience, I would be capable of packing solely based on my memory, but it is astonishing how frequently my mind lets me down. Despite having been backpacking for more than 6 years, I consistently … [Read more...]

You have arrived. Traveling alone has become easier than ever before (and this includes female solo travelers as well). You are thrilled. You are prepared for what could potentially be the most remarkable adventure of your life. You have successfully accomplished the task. You have managed to condense your entire life into the luggage you are carrying. Carrying the weight of your life, along … [Read more...]