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 Skills
Staying in Shape After Your Hike
Hiking is fantastic exercise. While you’re out on the trail, the strenuous nature of hiking up and down hills with a backpack on definitely helps you burn the fat and sometimes shed unwanted pounds. While it’s great to lose weight on the trail, often times hikers tend to gain back the weight that they lose […]
1 min read · Sep 19, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Hiking in Bear Country: Tips to Stay Safe
Hiking in bear country is something that most hikers will end up doing at some point in their travels. As exciting as it is to spot a bear, it can be a bit of a nerve-racking experience. The backcountry is filled with animals – some dangerous, some harmless – and one of the more common […]
1 min read · Sep 15, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Polls
Backcountry Poll: What Do You Think of Deet?
Deet. Some people hate it because it's an all chemical addition to an all natural environment. Others swear by it because it's the only thing that will keep the bugs away while they're out in nature. Where do you fall in the Deet debate?
1 min read · Sep 15, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Love the Backcountry’s Guide to Lightweight Backpacking
When going backpacking many take the concept of being prepared a little too far and end up throwing everything that they think they might possibly need in their pack. Being prepared is vital but a big part of preparation is knowing exactly what you need to take with you versus what’s just nice to have. […]
1 min read · Sep 9, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
10 Rules for Cooking in the Backcountry
Cooking great meals in the backcountry is never an easy task. Most commercially available trail food isn’t exactly stellar. To make your backcountry bites more enjoyable, there are certain guidelines that most trail cooks follow. Here are our top 10 rules to make cooking in the backcountry simple, healthy…and delicious. Be Prepared Be sure to […]
1 min read · Sep 2, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Prepare for a Thru-Hike
Thru-hikes aren’t for beginners. These typically longer hikes need preparation both physically and mentally. Before jumping on the trail head, it’s important to start training yourself. Here’s how to start. Get in Shape Physical training is essential in order to get yourself fit. Develop a program with a good mix of cardio and weight lifting. […]
1 min read · Aug 29, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Improvise a Splint
Knowing how to improvise a splint can be an incredibly useful backcountry skill to know when hiking on your own or with a group. Accidents happen just as much, if not more, when you’re hiking with a group of your friends as they do when you’re walking around town so being prepared for one of […]
1 min read · Aug 17, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Pack a Backpack
It’s exciting to get out on a backpacking trip but don’t let your haste keep you from properly packing your backpack. Knowing how to properly pack your backpack will mean the difference between a pleasant hike and a back injury. Too many people toss their gear and clothes into their backpacks and hit the trail. […]
1 min read · Aug 12, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Destinations
7 Hikes for the Whole Family
Backpacking can be a lot of work in and of itself – even more so when children come along. It’s not always an activity designed for families, however, nowadays getting to the outdoors can be a beneficial experience for children. It’s also a great way for growing families to spend time together, and to teach […]
1 min read · Aug 11, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Orient a Map
Knowing how to orient a map is important to all hikers and backpackers. It can be pretty easy to get yourself lost in the woods but, with the right skills, you can decrease the likelihood of getting yourself lost. Orienting a map is one of the simpler steps you can take to prevent yourself from […]
1 min read · Aug 8, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Treat a Burn in the Backcountry
Being out in the wild can be overwhelming at times. Carelessness around a fire, a hot stove or pot is an easy way to get yourself burned. As a fairly common backcountry injury, knowing how to treat a burn is important to prevent them from becoming a trip halting problem. In order to properly treat […]
1 min read · Aug 7, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking
A long hike out in the wild can take its toll on your feet. Blisters are a common problem for hikers caused by friction on your feet as they get sweaty and rub against your socks and boots. As a result, you end up developing hot spots and ultimately develops that all too familiar bubble […]
1 min read · Aug 3, 2015 · Ian Campbell