Category

Backpacking

131 articles

Leaderboard · 728×90
Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Backcountry Destinations

8 of the Best Hiking Spots to Watch the Sun Rise

Backpackers will tell you that some of the best parts of hiking are seeing the rewards at the end of a long trek. One of these great gifts of nature is being able to watch the sunrise. While it’s certainly not easy having to wake up early and navigate through the trails in the darkness, […]

1 min read · Oct 15, 2015 · hanalarock

Thoughts Every Backpacker Has on the Trail

Backpacking

Thoughts Every Backpacker Has on the Trail

Backpacking is a great opportunity to be with yourself and connect with nature. By being away from your daily routines, there’s a lot more time to let your mind drift off and think about things. Without everyday distractions, being outside and carrying your life on your back can really make your mind wander to places […]

1 min read · Oct 13, 2015 · hanalarock

Hiking in Extreme Conditions

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

Pocket First Aid Kit

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

Preparing for a Long Backpacking Trip

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

First Time Gear for Beginner Backpackers: What to Invest In

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

Between-posts · 728×90
9 Ways to Meet Other Backpackers

Backpacking

9 Ways to Meet Other Backpackers

While backpacking can be an empowering solo sport, it can be comforting to hike a trail with companions. If you’re new to backpacking, it’s important to have a supportive community of other backpackers to teach you the ropes, and suggest places to go. Nowadays, in a world that’s so connected, the ways to meet other […]

1 min read · Oct 5, 2015 · hanalarock

How to Orient a Map

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

Park Ranger

Backpacking

Great Jobs for People Who Love Backpacking

If you’re the type of person who loves the outdoors and hates the office, then it’s likely you’ve considered leaving it all to live off the grid. However, due to circumstances, you have obligations that prevent you from living this way, and you’ve resorted to hiking only on weekends and vacations. Well, what if we […]

1 min read · Oct 1, 2015 · hanalarock

The Risk Taking Backpacker

Backpacking

The 8 Types of Backpackers You’ll Meet on the Trail

While you might have a lot of common with other backpackers, sharing the same passions and love for the outdoors, each person you hike with brings a different attribute to the table. At times, it might be hard to determine what kind of backpacker you are, but if you hit the trails often, then there’s […]

1 min read · Sep 30, 2015 · hanalarock

Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Backpacking

Another Appalachian Trail Record

A young woman from Seattle who goes by the name ‘Anish’, broke the record for completing the Appalachian Trail in the quickest time ever as an ‘unsupported’ backpacker. This means that Anish, who formally goes by Heather Anderson, made the 2,189 mile backpacking trip without any help from others along the way. And, she did […]

1 min read · Sep 29, 2015 · hanalarock

What to Do If You are Being Chased by a Mountain Lion

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