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Latest
An Introduction to Map & Compass Navigation
An online live (and recorded) webinar introduction to map and compass use for hiking and backpacking.
How to Use Gaia GPS Slope Angle Overlays & Satellite Imagery to Plan Off-Trail Routes
In this video, I walk through how I use slope angle overlays and satellite imagery to plan off-trail mountaineering routes, focusing on Gaia GPS as the digital mapping software.
How to use the Garmin inReach Mini without a smartphone
Learning how to use the Garmin inReach Mini (or Mini 2) satellite communicator without a smartphone opens up opportunities for overall battery management and more efficient messaging, navigation, and tracking.
Why is it hard to freeze-dry liquids?
In part four of his ongoing series, Drew Smith tackles freeze-drying a smoothie.
The Backpacking Poncho: An Ultralight Alternative to Rain Jackets
Drew Smith makes the case for backpacking ponchos. They provide more ventilation vs. rain jackets and can also function as ultralight tarps.
Why Freeze-Dried Food Retains Taste and Nutrition
In part three of his ongoing series on freeze-drying, Drew Smith explores the science behind how freeze-drying preserves important nutrients - and why it matters.
Where Do I Put My Waterbottles When Backpacking?
What's the best way to store water bottles while backpacking? You've got some options, but the answer depends on what you want to achieve.
Mindfulness Meditation for Backpacking
Andrew Marshall explores an ancient life skill that is surprisingly applicable to backpacking - meditation.
How Does Freeze-Drying work? (The Physics of Making Freeze-Dried Backpacking Food)
Why and how does freeze-drying work? The physics and science of freeze-drying your own backpacking food, plus a killer freeze-dried hash browns recipe.
Freeze-Drying Your Own Backpacking Meals: How to Eat Your Favorite Town Food on the Trail
In this freeze-drying installment, we discuss the history of freeze-drying and experiment with using a freeze dryer to prepare our favorite take-out town meal for enjoyment in the backcountry.
Using Alum to Clarify Muddy Water on Trips
A lesson in chemistry provides the solution for how to treat extremely muddy water sources in the backcountry.
Why and How to Organize and Pack Backpacking Gear on the Trail and in Camp
Having an intentional, consistent, and efficient approach to packing your gear for a backpacking trip saves time and energy while hiking and in camp.
How to Use an Ursack
Ursacks are lighter alternatives to bear canisters for food storage but require the right knots and tying locations to protect your food.
Leave No Trace Winter Backpacking Best Practices
An overview of how Leave No Trace techniques can be applied to winter backpacking.
Thinking Behind the Gate
Now when I'm reading on an NPS or USFS website and see "gate closed until..." I don't see a barrier - I see an opportunity for solitude.
Using a New Sport to Refine Your Ultralight Philosophy
Single-speed all the way, baby.
Backpacking First-Aid Philosophies
Two ibuprofen and a five-year-old Band-Aid ain't gonna cut it.
Winter Backpacking When There’s No Snow?
My shelter, sleep, clothing, water, and cook system for when temps drop but full-on winter snow and wind hasn't yet arrived.
How to Get Water Out of a Frozen Stream Where the Ice is Several Inches Thick
We invited this challenge from our community on the forums and Instagram. Here's our solution - thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
Keeping Gear Handy on the Trail with Multi-Use Accessory and Utility Pouches
Having accessible "pockets" on your pack is useful for keeping little bits of gear handy without taking off your pack. But consider a multi-use pouch that can also be worn as a standalone fanny-style pack.
