Author
Ian Campbell
Ian Campbell is the founder of Love the Backcountry and a long time lover of adventure travel. When not writing about the backcountry, he can typically be found hiking, backpacking and camping in the mountains and looking to lay his head beneath as many trees as he can find.
55 articles
Backcountry Destinations
10 Amazing Facts about the Adirondack Mountains
At 6 million acres in size, the Adirondack Mountains – the Northeast’s best kept secret – are hiding in plain sight. It’s only a few hours drive from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Montreal. With just a half a day of travel, you can be in the middle of the wilderness, hiking some of […]
1 min read · Jan 5, 2017 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Sweeten Up Your Camping Trip with Pull Apart French Toast
Are you tired of carrying around the same egg salad sandwiches and diet soda for every camping adventure? Maybe you should start looking at an easier, but definitely tastier option. French toast! I know you’re thinking, “But that’s a knife and fork meal”, and you’re right. French toast can often be a messy affair – […]
1 min read · Dec 16, 2016 · Ian Campbell
Uncategorized
Here are Some of Our Most Popular Articles from the Past Year
First Time Gear for Beginner Backpackers: What to Invest In If it’s your first time backpacking, it’s easy to get lost in all of the gear for beginner backpackers. Don’t get carried away with new gear. Necessary items can be difficult to decide on, especially when it comes to the price tag. You might find […]
1 min read · Sep 24, 2016 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Destinations
7 Reasons to Camp in Utah
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from the folks at Authorized Boots Utah is a great place for camping. The good news for all campers and hikers is that all that scenery has been preserved by the park service for all to enjoy. If you look at a map of Utah, you’ll see that almost […]
1 min read · May 27, 2016 · Ian Campbell
Polls
Backcountry Poll: What’s Your Favorite Piece of Survival Gear?
Every time you head out to the backcountry, you pack your backpack with your clothes, your food and the rest of your gear. What's your favorite piece of survival equipment - the one thing that, no matter what, you make sure is in your backpack? (I know it'll be tough to pick just one)
1 min read · Oct 27, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Wearing the Right Clothes for Winter Camping
Winter camping and backpacking can be exhilarating. Looking out a beautiful winter wonderland and experiencing the true essence of winter is an amazing experience – one that can turn sour pretty quickly if you’re not prepared for it. There are a lot of things to consider when you’re getting ready to go out on a […]
1 min read · Oct 22, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Backpacking for Beginners – Tips for Getting Out Your First Time
Recently I took a couple friends out for their first backpacking trip. Having seen first time backpackers overreach and find themselves in trouble before, I recommended that we tackle a short weekend loop of about 10 miles with minimal elevation change. When one off my friends heard this, however, he wanted to do more. When […]
1 min read · Oct 16, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Polls
Backcountry Poll: What’s Your Favorite Car Camping Accessory?
We all pack a little extra when we're out car camping. Whether it's a bigger tent, a large camp stove or an air mattress, having your car with you makes it easier to pack for comfort, not survival. What's your favorite accessory too make your campsite a bit more comfortable?
1 min read · Oct 12, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Treating Wounds in the Wild
In the wilderness, things can be very unpredictable. That is why it is important to be prepared. One of the first steps towards preparation for going out in the wild is your first-aid kit. There are various techniques you can perform to treat an injury in the wild if you forgot to properly pack your […]
1 min read · Oct 10, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Camping
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
Sleeping in a tent can be one of the great joys of the wilderness. If you don’t have the right sleeping bag, however, that joy can turn to misery quickly. There are a number of factors to take into account when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. Here are the main things that I look at […]
1 min read · Oct 9, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Navigating in Low Visibility
If you spend enough time in the backcountry, you’re going to come across situations where you can’t see well – if at all. Whether the result of low fog, dense vegetation or anything else, low visibility makes navigation difficult to say the least. As a result, your hike becomes as much of a mental game […]
1 min read · Oct 2, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Backcountry Nutrition – What to Eat on Your Multi-day Hike
When you’re out backpacking for days at a time, it is important to take food that gives you enough energy to power through the ups and downs of the trail. You also need to make sure that the food is nutritious and healthy so that it doesn’t wear you down. Make sure that the food […]
1 min read · Sep 23, 2015 · Ian Campbell