Trail Skills

Embracing the grime is an accepted part of the backpacking experience. After a few days of hiking through dust, mud, and sweat, you will not smell like a rose. However, there is a massive difference between being a little dirty and having poor hygiene. Poor hygiene on the trail quickly leads to severe chafing, painful … Read more

It is the one topic every new hiker thinks about but rarely wants to discuss: how to poop in woods. While we spend hours agonizing over the weight of our sleeping bags and the material of our tents, we often neglect the fundamental skills required for backcountry sanitation. Doing this incorrectly is not just an … Read more

For generations, the standard image of backcountry camping has featured a domed nylon tent. However, as hikers push to travel lighter and faster, many are realizing that a fully enclosed tent is often unnecessary. Tarp camping strips wilderness shelter down to its absolute, most efficient core: a waterproof roof over your head. Transitioning from a … Read more

For most backpackers, setting up a tent is the universal signal that the hiking day is over. It provides a familiar psychological barrier between the hiker and the wild environment. However, a growing number of ultralight enthusiasts and long-distance hikers are choosing to leave the tent packed away in their backpacks, opting instead for a … Read more

A common trap for new backpackers is believing that the solution to every backcountry problem can be purchased at an outdoor retail store. If you are cold, you buy a thicker jacket. If the wind blows your tent down, you buy a heavier, bombproof shelter. While gear is important, relying on it to solve every … Read more