Category
Essentials
50 articles
Backcountry Skills
How to Be Environmentally Friendly While on the Trail
If you love being outdoors, then it’s safe to assume that you care about the land you are walking on, and you don’t want to harm it. While most backpackers try their best to be conscious of not leaving trash around or making sure to use gear that’s environmentally friendly, let’s face it; not all of […]
1 min read · Nov 12, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
A Backpacker’s Guide to the Night Sky
Though most backpackers rely on detailed maps or GPS devices to help them navigate through the wilderness, there are ways to use the sky to help guide you as well. Using stars was not only the first way explorers got around, but they were also used to determine many other things, like calendars, harvests, fortune […]
1 min read · Nov 6, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
How to Protect Your Skin While Hiking
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and thus very susceptible to damage. When you’re out in the backcountry, it’s essential that you take care of your skin just as much as you take care of what’s inside of it. No matter where you are or what time of year it is, taking […]
1 min read · Nov 5, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
8 of the Top Water Filters on the Market
When going out for a backpacking trip, it’s necessary that you have a source of clean water. Most backpackers either choose between a small filtration system or purifier. While both generally get the job done well, it’s important to know the different kinds of filters and purifiers that are out there, as well as the […]
1 min read · Oct 27, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
The Start-up Costs of Backpacking
If you’re from the US, the best part about backpacking state-side as opposed to going abroad is that you get to save some money. While backpacking may not be cheap at first, especially getting the gear you need, it’s one of those things that pays for itself overtime. Though you might have to dish out […]
1 min read · Oct 24, 2015 · hanalarock
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
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
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
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
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
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
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