Category
Backcountry Skills
132 articles
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
Backcountry Skills
Hiking in Extreme Weather
Some of the most difficult hikes in the country aren’t just difficult because of the slopes or rugged trails; they’re difficult because of the weather. While weather conditions shouldn’t deter you away from hiking places, it certainly should be something you consider before making a trip. Extreme weather can be very dangerous, so make sure […]
1 min read · Oct 12, 2015 · hanalarock
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
Backcountry Skills
Preparing for a Long Backpacking Trip
Experienced backpackers typically aren’t too worried when it comes to trip planning. After all, there are many things that you’ll hit along the trail that are unpredictable, anyway. That being said, there are some things that are always worth organizing before you go, no matter how much or how little experience you have. Planning for […]
1 min read · Oct 7, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
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 yourself saying, “I’ll get this for now, and I can […]
1 min read · Oct 6, 2015 · hanalarock
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
6 Backcountry Dangers…and How to Deal With Them
Experienced hikers are perfectly aware of the dangers outdoors. No matter how much you prepare for these situations, sometimes they can happen unexpectedly. While a typical survival guide might have all the answers, it seems like they can never quite prepare you for the worst case scenario. If danger approaches, these easy steps will help […]
1 min read · Sep 24, 2015 · hanalarock
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
Backcountry Skills
A Guide to Eating in the Wilderness: Berries and Plants
While a smart backpacker should always bring enough food when heading outdoors, it doesn’t hurt to know what’s safe to eat along the trail. Whether you’re just looking to have some fun by trying to identify these foods or you’re actually in a situation where you’ve run out of supply, then use this guide to […]
1 min read · Sep 22, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Fact or Fiction – 8 Myths About the Outdoors Revealed
There’s a lot of urban legends out there in the backpacking world. Whether you’ve seen them on TV or heard them from other backpackers, it’s hard to know what to believe. Sometimes going by these stories, when they might actually not be true, can be dangerous. Here are some of the most talked about myths […]
1 min read · Sep 21, 2015 · hanalarock
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
The Invisible Threat: Lyme Disease and How to Avoid it On the Trail
Lyme Disease is terrifying illness that can impact its victims long-term. Today, we know more about it than ever before, and still each year, more than 30,000 cases are reported to the CDC. Nowadays, doctors and scientists can diagnose the disease more confidently than in the past. However, before you go backpacking, know how to […]
1 min read · Sep 18, 2015 · hanalarock