FOOD

HOW MUCH FOOD TO BRING

You’ll need between 2,000 – 4,500 calories of food per person, per day, depending on the individual.

You should plan to pack 1.5 – 2.5 pounds of dry food per person per day.

Things like elevation gain, distance traveled, and speed will affect how often and how much you actually want to eat.

If you’re new to backpacking, pack more food than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have too much than to run out.

Also, make sure you bring some extra food in case of an emergency.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD TO BRING

1. Bring food you know you’ll enjoy

Make sure to try out your food beforehand so you know you like it.

2. Remember that calories keep you energized and active

Don’t start or continue a diet before starting or during a multi-day hike. You’re going to need all the calories and water to fight off fatigue and headaches and to fuel your body to keep moving through the hike.

3. Focus on calories and nutrient rich foods

It’s fine to eat a candy bar during your trip as a pick-me-up, but for the long haul, you’ll want to rely on proteins and complex carbs. Things like dried fruit and nuts will provide you with a much more stable energy when snacking on-trail.

4. Ditch packaging for less bulk

Stick to lightweight and low-bulk foods as much as possible. Consider repackaging food into plastic baggies to cut down on bulk and trash. Be sure to clearly label the bags and include cooking directions.

5. Keep cooking simple

Consider the ease of preparation. Unless you’re an experienced camp chef, always bring backpacking meals that are easy to cook. Also make sure to bring some non-cook meal items in case your stove malfunctions.

6. Look for nearby water sources for convenience

Check what water sources are available on your trip. The availability of water along the trail will greatly influence the types of food you can bring

7. Consider convenience vs. price

Convenience has its price. Freeze dried meals and high energy foods can be expensive, but at the end of a long day when you’re tired and all you can do is boil water, these luxuries are justifiable.

WATER

1. Plan to drink between 2-4 liters of water/day

You should drink more water when backpacking than you normally do at home. 

2. Consider bringing a water bladder 

Water bladders (also known as CamelBaks) make drinking water more convenient while you’re hiking because you don’t have to stop and grab your water bottle to hydrate – you can drink out of your hose on-the-go!

3. Don’t carry more water than you need

You only need to carry enough water at one time to get you to the next refill point, plus a little extra, just in case.

FUEL

1. Take account of all actions that require fuel

How much you eat determines how much fuel you’ll need to bring. 

Will you be making coffee every morning? Do you need to melt snow for hot water bottles to put in your sleeping bag? Are you making freeze dried food or regular food? 

If you’re going to eat things like pasta or potatoes or rice or any other starches, you’ll need to pack more fuel because those things take a deceptively long time to cook.

2. Practice cooking meals and making coffee with your camp stove ahead of time

Doing so will give you an idea of how much fuel you’ll use while doing all of these activities. That will help you learn how much fuel you need to bring on your trip.

3. Plan time to purchase fuel at your destination

Remember you can’t bring fuel on an airplane, so if you’re flying to your hiking destination, you’ll need to buy the fuel once you land.

Use these tips to plan how much food, fuel, and water you’ll need to bring on your next backpacking trip and don’t forget to have fun!

The post How Much Food, Fuel & Water To Bring For An Overnight Hike appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Now let’s look at each of these things in more detail.

1. ANIMAL RESEARCH

It’s important to know what type of animals you can expect to encounter on the trail you’ve chosen to hike. 

The most common animals you’ll come across while hiking are scavengers, like raccoons, mice, and other rodents.

Also find out if you’ll be hiking in an area populated by dangerous animals, like cougars, bears, or venomous snakes.

Know if you’ll be hiking in bear country and educate yourself about what to do if you encounter a grizzly bear or a black bear.

If you are in bear country, there’s a good chance there will be food storage requirements you’ll have to research beforehand, so make sure you’re informed before you head out.

2. INSECT RESEARCH

Research what types of insects will be present on the trail you’ve chosen to hike. 

You’ll need to know whether there will be biting insects where you’re hiking. There are plenty of things you can use to help you protect against them, such as:

• Insect repellent clothing
• A sleeping net to go over a hammock to protect you while you rest
• A head net to protect your head and torso while you’re eating

Some hikers also use rain gear to prevent against mosquito bites, even if it’s not raining.

3. CAMPSITE RESEARCH

Look into whether there will be established campsites along the trail you’ll be hiking. If there are established campsites on the trail, look at the distance between each of them and think about whether you’ll be able to make it from one campsite to the next in a single day. If not, you’ll want to figure out a place to stay in between far apart campsites ahead of time.

You’ll also need to know if you need to book a campsite beforehand or if you can just show up and set up camp without a reservation.

4. WATER SOURCES

You’ll need to bring a filter to get clean water while you’re hiking in the backcountry, but you’ll also want to know exactly where your water sources are along the trail.

Will you have a stream that might dry up? Will you be hiking by a lake or a river? Do you have to go off-trail in order to find the water? These are all important questions to ask and find out the answers to before you hit the trail.

If you’re hiking in the winter and plan on getting your water from snowfields, you’ll have to factor in carrying enough fuel to melt the snow. 

Also, if the water is murky, you’ll need a specific type of filter to make it potable or a pre-filter to use with your regular water filter.

5. AREA MAPS

You should get a map of the area that you’ll be traveling in well in advance of your trip. A map will give you a really good idea of what you’re getting yourself into. It will also help you find water sources and tell you where your elevation gain is, where you can take rest breaks, and where the views will be.

Check out our guide about online resources for more information about where you can get maps online.

6. RIVER CROSSINGS

If there are river crossings without a bridge, you’ll want to research how to cross those rivers safely before you go and have a backup plan in case you can’t ford the river. Will you return to camp if the river can’t be crossed, or will you find an alternative route?

7. RESEARCH TRIP REPORTS

Trip reports from hikers who’ve already completed the trail you have in mind will let you know if there are any access issues with the trail, such as closed sections of road or rerouted sections of trail.

Trip reports also detail trail conditions so you can know in advance if there’s snow on the ground, lots of mud, a fallen tree, or poisonous plants.

You can also read blogs and watch Youtube videos about your chosen trail to give you a good idea of what to expect on the trail.

8. PERMITS

If the trail you choose does require a permit, you’ll need to figure out how and when to get it before you head out.

The post What You Need To Research To Prepare Yourself For An Overnight Hike appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

1. PICK A TRAIL CLOSE TO HOME

It’s always nice to spend more time on the trail and less time in the car.

Also, it’s great to have as many daylight hours as possible to make it to camp before dark.

2. PLAN A SHORT TRIP

Plan to hike fewer miles than your typical day hike. 

When you’re carrying a heavy pack, the hiking is more difficult and you can’t move as quickly.

3. CHOOSE A ROUTE WITH MINIMAL ELEVATION GAIN

Look for a trail with just a few hundred feet of elevation gain. If you’ve done any hiking at all, you know that hiking uphill is much harder than hiking on flat ground!

4. CHOOSE A POPULAR ROUTE

Pick a well-traveled trail in an established camp. It’s nice to have fellow hikers and backcountry campers nearby in case you run into difficulties.

5. PICK A TRAIL WITH RELIABLE WATER RESOURCES

For your first time backpacking, it’s great to camp near a water source so you can filter water for cooking and drinking.

Lakes and rivers are reliable water sources, but creeks and streams can dry up, so it’s good to check with land managers before heading out.

6. CONSIDER GOING WITHOUT YOUR DOGS OR KIDS

Kids and dogs can be a lot of fun, but they can also complicate the logistics of your trip and add undue stress. 

7. PLAN YOUR TRIP IN SUMMERTIME

Seek out prime summer weather conditions except in cases of extreme heat or fire danger. It’s always good to have as many daylight hours as possible and comfortable conditions even at nighttime for your first overnight hike.

Always check weather conditions ahead of time and don’t hesitate to cancel/postpone your trip or turn around in case of bad weather.

8. CONSIDER WALK-IN CAMPGROUNDS

Many state and national parks have walk-in campgrounds that are within a mile or so of parking. Staying in one of them is a perfect way to transition into backpacking.

The post The Perfect Backpacking Route For First Timers appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

1. ALLTRAILS

The first site is Alltrails.com. 

It’s easy to find a trail to hike by entering a trail, park, or city name in the search-box at the top of the landing page.

Alltrails.com also has a great mobile app with a user-friendly interface that you can use on-the-go. But for now, let’s focus on the desktop version.

If you’re looking for a longer backpacking trail, you can enter in a place you’d like to hike, such as Victoria, Canada. When a drop-down box appears after you type in the location, go ahead and click on the city you’re looking for from the list.

Once you click on the city, a new page will open with a bunch of different trails listed, a map of the city, and some reviews of the trails in the area.

It can be helpful when you’re first getting started to use the “Map” view and then narrow down your search using the filters listed at the top of the screen.

You can adjust the distance of the hike you’re looking for to find something long enough for an overnight trail by setting the “length” parameter to more than 10 miles. 

If you see a pinpoint with a number larger than “1” on it, then it means there are multiple trails in the area that meet your search requirements.

You can select a pinpoint on the map that interests you to get more information about a particular trail – like the Juan de Fuca trail in this example.

There’s a lot of information you can get for each trail. Along the bottom of the screen you can see distance, elevation, and grade. 

On the left you can see Feature Markers and Reviews. This is a good place to get trail info from recent hikers. Make sure to pay attention to when the last review was posted; if it was more than a few months ago, then it may mean the trail is closed for the season or that it’s not a very popular route.

There are some options listed along the top left of the page like “Get Directions”, “Favorite Trail” and a few other options like “Share Trail” and “Download Route”. 

You can sign up for the Pro version of alltrails.com to print off a PDF version of the map to take on-trail with you. Other things included in the Pro version of All Trails are:

• Off-route notifications
• Real-time map overlays
• Printable PDF map
• No adds
• Subscription gives 1% to the Planet

2. WIKI LOC

The second site we’ll cover is wikiloc.com. 

To search for trail on wikiloc.com, you can use the icons listed at the top of the screen. You can click on the little hiker icon to search for hiking trails.

You can then search for a specific trail or area where you’d like to hike by using the search bar at the top of the Hiking Trails page.

As an example, we’ll look into the Haute Route as an option for a thru-hike.

Once you search, you can scroll down to see all the options that come up for the trail name or location you entered. Under each one you can see a quick view of the mileage and difficulty rating. 

Since some trails may bring up a lot of options, it might be best to click on the top on to see if it’s the one you’re looking for. When you click on one of the options, it will bring you to a new page with more information about that particular trail.

You’ll be able to see a map and elevation gain and loss throughout the trail (at the bottom right-hand corner of the map).

You can also view waypoints on the map and when you scroll down on the information page, there will be a step-by-step guide to each waypoint. If you keep scrolling further down, you’ll see the waypoints conveniently laid out in a list.

There’s more information about the trail on the right-hand side of the screen like:

• Total mileage
• Whether the trail is a loop, out-and-back, or point-to-point
• Elevation gain and loss
• Difficulty rating
• How much time the specific user who uploaded the information page and map took to do the trail
• And when the specific user uploaded the trail information

Wiki Loc is user-generated so there are a lot of different trail options and you can see each person’s individual trail – so if someone took a variation, you’ll be able to see that mapped out and decide whether or not you’d like to follow their trail or do a variation of your own.

Wiki Loc offers a free 14-day trial for Wiki Loc Premium. With Premium, you get a lot of the same services as you do with AllTrails Pro. Things like:

• The ability to send trails to your Garmin or Apple watch
• Live track your route so other people can see what you’re hiking
• Explore by photos
• No adds
• Gives 1% for the Planet

3. HIKING PROJECT

The last site we’ll go over today is hikingproject.com.

You can search for a new or an old favorite trail using the search box at the top of the landing page. We’ll search for the Four Pass Loop as an example.

Once you find the trail you’re looking for or one that interests you, you can click on the trail information page to see photos of the area as well as distance, elevation, grade of ascent, and whether or not dogs are allowed on the trail.

As you scroll down, you can see a visual version of the route by hovering your curser over the elevation diagram located at the bottom of the map to see a little hiker icon going around the trail as you move your curser over the diagram.

You can also see an overview and description of the trail below the map. As you continue scrolling, you’ll be able to see more photos from other users, trail rankings, and difficulty ratings. You can also see trail reviews at the bottom.

On the right-hand side of the screen you can see popular hikes nearby as well as the weather in the area. You can also get driving directions to the area directly from the trail map itself.

Hiking Project also has a mobile app you can use on your phone for on-the-go assistance with finding and completing hiking trails near you.

The post 3 Online Resources You Can Use To Find A Hiking Trail appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Before going on your first hike, there are 9 things to consider when choosing your first backpacking trail.

1. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT HIKE?

If you only have a weekend available to get away, you will need to choose a shorter trail.

If you can commit to hiking for several months at a time, then a long trail or a thru-hike is worth considering.

Consider your own fitness level and how much elevation gain there is on the trail. Keep in mind that a 1,000ft. elevation gain will be way harder than a gain of just a couple hundred feet.

Also think about how much time you have to get to and from the trail. If you only have a weekend, it’s good to choose a trail close to home so you can spend more time on the trail and less time in the car.

2. HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO GO? 

Think about how many miles you can hike in day – this will determine the distance of your hike and how many days you will spend on the trail.

3. TYPE OF REGION (TERRAIN WILL INFORM THE DIFFICULTY OF YOUR HIKE)

There are so many beautiful regions to backpack in, from the snowy mountains to arid desert and the humid Pacific Northwest. The weather and terrain of your trail will determine the logistics of your trip.

4. GROUP SIZE 

When you’re hiking solo, you get to set your own pace and choose where you camp at night. A single person tent is usually quite small, which means you won’t take up much space and therefore have a lot of options for where to camp.

But if you hike with a large group you can shed pack weight by distributing communal items throughout the members of the group, like tent components, stoves, and food.

Also keep in mind that many places can’t accommodate enough tent space for a large group. And remember that if you choose to hike with other people, you’ll need to adjust your speed for the slowest member of your group.

5. PREPARATION TIME

How much time do you have to prepare for your overnight trip? Whether you want to get out this weekend or a few months from now will determine how much preparation time you’ll have and need to be adequately prepared for your trip.

Some hikes will require more physical training to complete than others, so make sure to assess your current fitness level and leave yourself enough time to train accordingly for a big backpacking trip or a long overnight hike.

6. TIME OF YEAR AND WEATHER

It’s important to take into consideration what time of year you’ll be hiking and the type of weather you think you’ll encounter. 

Also, is the place you’re trying to go open to the public? Keep in mind that a lot of places close during the winter and early spring because they’re still covered in snow.

7. TRANSPORTATION

Will you need transportation to get back to the start of the trail (and/or to where you parked your car) after your hike?

If you’re hiking a loop or an out-and-back, it’s really easy; you’ll just end up back where your car is.

But if you’re hiking point-to-point, you’ll need to find a way to get back to your car and head home. 

There are a few ways to do this:

• You can drive to the end point ahead of time and stash a bike or some other form of transportation for yourself.
• You could take two cars and ask a friend to leave one car at the end point for you.
• You could bribe a friend with a beer or a snack and ask them to pick you up.
• Or you can see what shuttles are offered in the area. On popular hiking trails, there are often shuttles that will take you from point-to-point to alleviate these issues. Make sure you book your shuttle ahead of time and you know what time it leaves so you aren’t stranded at your end point.

8. PERMITS

Depending on where you decide to go, you might need a trekking permit and you might need an overnight permit. Depending on the popularity of these places, you might need to apply for your permit days, weeks, or even months in advance.

9. REGULATIONS

It’s imperative that you check on the regulations of the place you plan on hiking and camping before you head out on any overnight trip into the wilderness.

For example, look into things like: 

• Are you allowed to bring a dog?
• Are you allowed to have fires at the campsite?
• And where are you actually allowed to put your tent?

The post 9 Things To Consider When Choosing A Hiking Trail appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here at the Adventure Junkies, we understand the persistent tug and call of the thru-hike. We know what it’s like to want to always be hiking. We also know that planning and completing a thru-hike is a daunting, life-altering challenge, especially when you’re just starting out. In this article, we answer your questions about getting started thru-hiking, defining the fundamentals and explaining the risks and rewards.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. WHAT TURNS A REGULAR HIKE INTO A THRU-HIKE

Completing a “long trail” in a single hiking season, which is generally March or April through September or October — that’s the short definition of thru-hiking. But there’s no fixed definition of what exactly makes a trail “long.”

Some say a trail becomes “long” at the 50-mile mark, but most experienced thru-hikers would consider that a brief stroll. For most who do it, thru-hiking is truly defined by its legendary top end: Thousands of miles, up to half a year on the trail, and hiking experiences from which you never return unchanged.

2. WOW. SO I GUESS I NEED TO BE AN ELITE ATHLETE TO DO IT?

Not at all. Ideally, you should already be an experienced hiker before taking on a thru-hike but more important to success on the long trail is a strong mind, a solid will and a flexible nature.

Thru-hikers are often middle-aged or retired, even elderly. They’re often at a crossroads in life, looking for new challenges and new answers. Hikers who complete a 2,000-plus mile thru-hike typically have one thing in common — they really, really wanted to do it.

3. WILL I BE ON THE TRAIL FOR MONTHS?

Yes, if your ambition is to thru-hike one or more of America’s classic long trails. A typical south-to-north thru-hike along the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,190 miles across 14 states, takes five to six months.

But there are other long trails on which a thru-hike could take far less time. The 800-mile Arizona Trail, for example, could take less than two months to complete, crossing the state from Mexico to Utah.

Hiking a state-traversing or state-looping long trail close to home is a good way to get thru-hiking experience before taking one of the big multi-state hikes.

4. HOW WILL I FIND MY WAY?

Most of the long trails popular with thru-hikers are well marked and well traveled, and there’s a kind of thru-hiking subculture on the three big U.S. trails that looks out for its own. But you still need to take a compass or GPS, trail guides and maps just in case.

5. SHOULD I GO ALONE, WITH A FRIEND OR A GROUP?

Those who thru-hike alone, especially on the most popular long trails, aren’t always alone. There’s a thru-hiking social scene and sub-culture on the big trails, and one of the many rewards of the thru-hiking experience is meeting new and interesting people and creating close friendships strengthened by adversity and joy.

If you’re thinking about hiking with friends, relatives or your spouse, think again. Is your relationship strong enough to withstand the trials and petty annoyances that are sure to come up during several months in the wilderness? The company you keep on the trail can easily become the cause of your failure, just as it can be the main cause of your success.

6. AM I GOING TO BE SAFE OUT THERE?

That all depends on you and your decisions, your planning and your stamina. Are you starting your thru-hike at the right time to avoid dangerous weather? Do you have the right gear and the right attitude? Have you trained enough to safely complete this grueling walk?

That said, many long trails pass by towns with medical services and all the other comforts of civilization. You can always take a break and stay a few nights in a hotel. Also, along with the three big thru-hiking trails in the U.S., a network of “trail angels” gives thru-hikers aid, advice, necessities and treats.

THRU-HIKING GEAR

7. WILL I HAVE TO BUY A BUNCH OF EXPENSIVE NEW GEAR?

Maybe. The tools of the thru-hike are essentially the same as those of a standard backpacking trip, so if you already have gear that you like there’s no reason to replace it. It all depends on how much weight you want to carry. Many thru-hikers use lightweight or ultralight gear, carrying only essentials and sleeping under tarps or in hammocks rather than tents.

8. WHAT’S THE ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR THRU-HIKING?

You’ll need a backpack that you’ve tested and grown to love; you’ll need a lightweight but warm sleeping bag and pad; and you’ll need a lightweight, durable and waterproof tarp or tent.

9. WHERE CAN I FIND ADVICE ABOUT BUYING GEAR?

Browse online and check out the many blogs, articles, posts, and podcasts by successful thru-hikers.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we offer gear reviews and guides. Here are a few of our gear articles to get you started.

Backpacks

Backpacking Tents

Backpacking Tarps

Backpacking Bivy Sacks

Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Backpacking Stoves

Backpacking Food

READY TO GO

10. HOW DO I PLAN A THRU-HIKE?

Carefully. You will spend more time planning than hiking. You’ll have to gather multiple permits, find and test your gear, save money and work through a long list of other details. You should start researching and planning for your thru-hike at least a year out.

11. HOW DO I TRAIN FOR A THRU-HIKE?

In the year before your hike, follow a training schedule for as long as you can keep it up. You’re going to have to be driven, disciplined and tough-minded to complete a thru-hike, so you should start getting used to it. Also, spend as much time as possible day hiking and backpacking.

The important thing to remember is that this is your journey and your decision. Do you want it bad enough to work out and eat right?

12. WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR THRU-HIKING TRAILS?

The three big thru-hiking experiences in the U.S. are the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail. Thru-hikers who complete all three are called “Triple Crowners.” There are also many similarly long trails around the world on which thru-hikers test their mettle and search for answers.

13. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THRU-HIKING?

The websites for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition have a lot of information on thru-hiking, including advice and tips from successful thru-hikers. There are many blogs by thru-hikers that feature stories, lessons, wisdom and tips from the trail.

There are several good guidebooks on thru-hiking as well. One of the best is Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide To Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking (Falcon Guides, 2013) by Triple Crowner Justin Lichter.

The post How to Get Started Thru-Hiking – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

The following gift guide is sure to have an item for every person on your hiking gift list. We have suggestions for on-the-trail gear, techie instruments, snacks, books and more. To make it even easier, we’ve grouped items to match every budget.

GIFTS FOR EVERY HIKER UNDER 50 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

BUFF

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Amazon | REI

GEAR AID FIELD REPAIR KIT

DARN TOUGH MICRO CREW CUSHION SOCK

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Amazon | REI

LEAVE NO TRACE BOOK

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Amazon

GUYOT DESIGNS SQUISHY BOWL AND CUP

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Amazon

AEROPRESS COFFEE MAKER

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Amazon

ALPINE START COFFEE

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Amazon | REI

CLIF BAR

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Amazon | REI

MOUNTAIN HOUSE ICE CREAM SANDWICH

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Amazon

THEO CHOCOLATE BAR

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SEA TO SUMMIT ALPHA UTENSIL SET

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KATADYN BEFREE COLLAPSIBLE WATER FILTER BOTTLE

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NALGENE WATER BOTTLE

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NUUN ACTIVE HYDRATION TABLETS

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SKRATCH LABS HYDRATION MIX

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STANLEY CLASSIC FLASK

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STASHER REUSABLE SILICONE FOOD BAG

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Amazon

AQUA TABS WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS

MOON CHEESE

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BIG AGNES MTNGLO TENT LIGHT ACCESSORY KIT

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SOL EMERGENCY BIVY

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DUCT TAPE

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MSR GROUND HOG STAKES

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOW GAITERS

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REI CO-OP DUCK’S BACK RAIN COVER

ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS ULTRALIGHT/WATERTIGHT FIRST AID KIT .7

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CAMPING MAT SEAT

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Amazon

CHAWEL

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Amazon

SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS PILLOW

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ULTIMATE SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGIES SPARK FORCE FIRE STARTER

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LEATHERMAN SQUIRT PS4 MULTITOOL

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Amazon

LEAVE NO TRACE CAP

KISS MY FACE SPORT LIP BALM

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LUCI INFLATABLE SOLAR LIGHT

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SEA TO SUMMIT POCKET HAND WASH SLIPS

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BLACK DIAMOND WINDWEIGHT CONVERTIBLE MITTENS

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PACKTOWEL PERSONAL TOWEL

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PETZL ACTIK HEADLAMP

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THERMOS COMPACT BOTTLE

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U-DIG-IT HAND SHOVEL

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SEATTLE SPORTS E-MERSE WATERPROOF CASE

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RITE IN THE RAIN JOURNAL

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WHISTLES FOR LIFE TRI-POWERED WHISTLE

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ZIPPO HAND WARMER

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SPENCO 2ND SKIN BLISTER KIT

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TRIGGER POINT PERFORMANCE GRID FOAM ROLLER

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BACKPACK GOURMET COOKBOOK

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Amazon

LIPSMACKIN’ BACKPACKIN’ COOKBOOK

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BACKPACKER MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

SMART PHONE APP FOR ADVENTURE

GIFTS FOR EVERY HIKER BETWEEN 50 – 200 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

CABINISTE DOWN BOOTIES

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SMARTWOOL MERINO 150 LONG SLEEVE

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PATAGONIA BETTER SWEATER JACKET

PATAGONIA HOUDINI

REI CO-OP DOWN JACKET

MOUNTAIN HOUSE CLASSIC ASSORTMENT BUCKET

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URSACK MINOR CRITTER BAG

ALITE MONARCH BUTTERFLY CHAIR

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NEMO HELIO PRESSURE SHOWER

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THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XLITE SLEEPING PAD

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ENO DOUBLENEST HAMMOCK

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RUMPL DOWN PUFFY BLANKET

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NORTH FACE FURNACE 20 SLEEPING BAG

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BIG AGNES ENCAMPMENT 15 SLEEPING BAG

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HIKER HUNGER TREKKING POLES

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KINDLE PAPERWHITE E-READER

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JADE HARMONY PROFESSIONAL YOGA MAT

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OLLOCLIP CORE LENS SET

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GARMIN ETREX 20X GPS

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GOAL ZERO GUIDE 10 PLUS ADVENTURE KIT

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JBL CLIP PORTABLE SPEAKER

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SPOT GEN3 SATELLITE GPS MESSENGER

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GIFTS FOR EVERY HIKER OVER 200 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

OUTDOOR RESEARCH ALPINE BIVY

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BIG AGNES MTNGLO TENT

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SUUNTO TRAVERSE GPS MULTIFUNCTION WATCH

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GIFTS FOR EVERY HIKER ANY AMOUNT

GIFT REVIEWS

WHOLE FOODS MARKET GIFT CARD

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REI GIFT CARD

FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS

GIFTS FOR HIM UNDER 50 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

PRANA MOJO SHORTS

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SAXX KINETIC BOXER BRIEFS

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THE TOTAL OUTDOORSMAN MANUAL

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GIFTS FOR HIM BETWEEN 50 – 200 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

PRANA MEN’S WOODMAN SHIRT

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TILLEY LTM6 AIRFLOW HAT

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GREGORY PATOS 28 DAYPACK

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GIFTS FOR HER UNDER 50 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

OUTDOOR RESEARCH OASIS SOMBRERO HAT

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PIBELLA TRAVEL FUD

GIRL IN THE WOODS BY ASPIN MATIS

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A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO THE WILD

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GIFTS FOR HER BETWEEN 50 – 200 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

ARET BASEWEAR TOURA TOP

GREGORY JADE 28 DAYPACK

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GIFTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES UNDER 50 USD

GIFT REVIEWS

“I’M TOLD I LIKE HIKING” ONESIE

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH KID’S RAMBLER SOMBRERO HAT

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TURTLE FUR DR DINO HAT

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OSPREY JET 12 DAYPACK

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GEAR AID TENACIOUS TAPE TATTOOS

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MOUNTAINEERS BOOKS DON’T DIE OUT THERE! CARD DECK

LOVE LETTER

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Amazon

BANANAGRAMS

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EXPLODING KITTENS

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OUTSIDE INSIDE BACKPACKER BOCCE SET

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The post 100 Best Gifts For Hikers – The Ultimate Gift Guide appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to help make your hiking experience as enjoyable as possible. Making sure your backpack fits great and is comfortable is just one step. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of fitting a backpack, whether it’s in a store or while on the trail.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BACKPACK FOR YOU

It all begins with picking the right backpack. If you start off with a pack that’s too big or too small for you, no matter what you do, it will never feel comfortable. So what are the most important things to consider when buying a new backpack?

Forget about colors, features, capacity and weight. The one and only characteristic that determines whether a backpack will be a good fit is its size. To find out which size is best for you, you need to measure your torso length—not your height.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR TORSO LENGHT?

Measuring your torso length is quick and easy, you just need a flexible tape measure and a friend.

1. Tilt your head forward and have your friend feel along the base of your neck for a bony bump. This is the top of your torso length (aka C7 vertebra). The bottom of your torso length is at the top of your hip bones. An easy way to find this spot is to put your hands comfortably on your hips, it’s where your thumbs point to on your back.

2. Have your friend measure between these two points – this is your torso length.

All modern hiking backpacks have a recommended torso length. In case yours falls between sizes (small, medium, large), Backcountry.com says that you shouldn’t worry. Many backpacks have a shoulder harness that you can reposition to fit your needs.

Here’s a guide to find the right size for you:

Extra Small: up to 15 ½”

Small: 16″ to 17½”

Medium/Regular: 18″ to 19½”

Large/Tall: 20″ and up

When trying out backpacks in a store, it’s vital to make sure the shoulder harness is in the right position for you. When you’ve adjusted this and found the right setup, keep it that way.

VIDEO: HOW TO MEASURE YOUR TORSO LENGTH

In this video by REI, an employee explains briefly and clearly how you have to measure your torso length.

HOW TO FIT A BACKPACK: 7 STEPS

Now that you’ve found a backpack that’s right for you, let’s go over the steps to fit it properly. You’ll want to fine-tune your new backpack’s fit to make it as comfortable as possible. The shoulder harness should still be in the position it was in when you bought it.

It might be smart to double-check this before adjusting all the other straps and belts, though. If the shoulder harness isn’t positioned well, the other adjustments won’t be able to compensate for it. Torso length and the position of the shoulder harness are the most important things when fitting a backpack.

STEP 1: PUT WEIGHT IN YOUR BACKPACK

Before you start adjusting the straps and belts, put some weight in your backpack. Ideally, this would be the amount of weight you expect to carry on your hikes. Aim for at least 20 lbs.

At this point, it doesn’t matter what you put in your backpack. Bottles of soda, clothes, shoes, anything is fine. If you can, try to distribute the load according to the principles listed in this article about how to pack a backpack. The closer you get to what your backpack will feel like when actually hitting the trail, the better.

STEP 2: LOOSEN ALL BELTS AND STRAPS

Next, before putting on your backpack, make sure to loosen its straps and belts. That includes everything—the hip belt, shoulder straps, load lifters and sternum strap. We’re going to fasten all of them properly in the next few steps.

STEP 3: PUT YOUR BACKPACK ON

Hoist your backpack on your back.

VIDEO: HOW TO SAFELY HOIST A BACKPACK

Here’s another great video by REI that shows you precisely how to hoist a backpack. Knowing how to do this well—you’ll do this countless times on a long hike—protects both your body and your gear.

STEP 4: FASTEN THE HIP BELT

Now, you’re ready to actually secure your backpack snugly and comfortably to your body. The first thing to tighten is the hip belt. Fasten the hip belt so that it hugs the top of your hips, also known as the iliac crest. Make sure the belt is not entirely above or below your hips. According to EMS, the top of the belt should be one inch above your iliac crest.

Don’t overtighten the hip belt. It should feel snug while at the same time not pinching the skin around your hips. When done correctly, you’ll feel your hips carrying most of your backpack’s weight. Moving around should be comfortable, the belt should be secure.

STEP 5: TIGHTEN THE SHOULDER STRAPS

Once the hip belt has been adjusted, you can tighten the shoulder straps. Pull down on both ends of the straps until they feel tight and secure. The straps should be wrapped snugly around your shoulder.

If your backpack is the correct size for you and the shoulder harness is in the right position, there won’t be a gap between the shoulder straps and your shoulders/back. This is illustrated well on Backpacker.com. Also, the anchor points of the load lifters should be level with your collarbones.

STEP 6: TIGHTEN THE LOAD LIFTERS

The load lifters are the short straps on top of your shoulder straps. They connect to a point on your backpack slightly above shoulder level. When tightened, these straps should be at a 45-degree angle with the back panel. In case the angle is less than 30 degrees or more than 60 degrees, your backpack is not an ideal fit for you.

Take care not to pull the load lifters too tightly. This may create an extra pull on your shoulder joints, which can cause discomfort on the trail.

Your shoulders should not be carrying any weight at this point. If you feel your backpack pull on your shoulders, your hip belt isn’t tight enough.

STEP 7: FASTEN THE STERNUM STRAP

The last step is fastening the sternum strap. When fastened, this little strap crosses your chest and provides extra security and balance on the trail. It keeps your shoulder straps in place and helps with load distribution.

WHILE ON THE TRAIL…

As well as you’ve fitted your backpack and adjusted its straps beforehand, on the trail you’ll need to keep adjusting things. A heavy backpack will eventually feel heavy, no matter how perfect your packing method and strapping skills are.

During your hike, you’ll have to tweak your straps and belts to keep everything comfortable. And that’s okay. After a number of miles, you’ll feel pains and discover pressure points that weren’t there when fitting your backpack at home.

Loosen the hip belt a bit, tighten the shoulder straps or play with other adjustments. Every body is different, so you’ll have to figure out for yourself what works best for you.

Whenever you stop for a break, make sure to take off your backpack. Allow your back and body some rest. While hiking, try to be aware of your body’s position. As a general rule, leaning a bit forward when hiking helps balance your load better.

The post How To Fit A Backpack For Hiking appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Preparation is essential to increase the potential for success of any trip. This includes making sure you’re in good physical shape before you take off. The one and only way to do that is to train properly and regularly. We’ll teach you how below.

MAKE A TRAINING SCHEDULE

First of all, it’s important to consider which type of hike you want to do. Will it be a strenuous day hike to a mountain summit? Or rather an overnight hike in the wilderness? Maybe even a challenging long-distance hike?

For all these types of hikes, you’ll want to be in decent physical shape. There is, however, a difference between training for day hikes and long-distance backpacking trips.

Most people with an average fitness level should be able to complete a day hike. That’s not to say that it won’t be a challenge, though. People living active lives will be more comfortable with several hours of physical exercise.

If you don’t walk a lot, start with making it a habit. Giving your legs some daily exercise for a few weeks should set you up for a successful day hike.

Long-distance hikes, and even overnight hikes when carrying camping gear, are different. Training for these kinds of hikes involves much more than simple basic physical exercise. This requires a workout routine. We will focus on training for long-distance hikes in the rest of this article. Of course, these tips will also be useful to day hikers who want to get into shape.

If you plan to hike in high altitude, there are additional steps you’ll need to make to safely complete your trip. Take a look at our article on how to train for hiking in high altitude.

THE 3 FUNDAMENTALS

Hiking is the most natural form of exercise for us humans. We literally evolved into two-legged walkers. Walking is what we do to get around, whether it’s inside your house or in the park. It’s the easiest activity there is.

That said, while everyone can walk, with all the conveniences of modern society, not all of us are used to it anymore. Especially not for prolonged periods of time and over long distances. Most people will need to train before embarking on a long hike. This is how you do it.

TIP #1. GO TO THE GYM

If you don’t have one already, sign up for a membership at your local gym. The gym, as REI says, is a great place to condition your body and improve both strength and stamina. We’ll talk about resistance training in more detail in just a moment.

TIP #2. START HIKING

Second and arguably most obvious, you need to start hiking. The best way to train for hiking trips is mimicking them as well as you possibly can. If you’re not used to hiking, you should start by going for long walks in the park or another natural area near your house. While the gym is fantastic to work on specific muscle groups and do targeted exercises, nothing compares to a walk outdoors.

After your feet and legs have gotten used to walking for a few hours on end, continue by doing hikes with a small backpack. Gradually increase the length and elevation gain of your hikes.

Eventually, you should do hikes with your backpack and all your hiking gear. Doing so, you allow your body to get accustomed to the weight it will have to carry during your actual hiking trip.

TIP #3. CHANGE YOUR HABITS

Tweaking your habits might seem less important than the previous two tips, but this can and will result in major changes in your physical appearance and fitness.

You can turn incorporate extra exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevators. Ride your bike to work. Walk to the store instead of driving. If walking isn’t possible, park in the spot furthest from the store entrance. You can also carry a small backpack to enhance the benefits of a (slightly) new lifestyle.

3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAINING

When learning how to train for hiking, it’s important to distinguish between different types of training. As with any sport, there are three different aspects you can work on.

1. CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING

Cardio training is the most important part of your hiking training. According to Backpacking.com, you should do two days of cardio for every day of strength training. Three to four days a week is recommended. Also, equally as important is to allow for at least one day of rest per week. Allowing for both physical and mental recovery, rest is a critical part of any training schedule.

The ultimate goal of cardio is to optimize your body’s recuperation power. Cardio helps improve endurance. It also increases your body’s capacity of repairing itself after prolonged intense exercise.

Cardio training includes everything from walking and jogging to swimming, cycling and group fitness classes at the gym.

The key is to push your body to the point of fatigue but never to exhaustion. Start light exercise while still increasing your heart rate. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workout. Eventually, it is recommended to add weight to your exercises.

2. RESISTANCE TRAINING

Resistance targets specific body parts and muscle groups. This is important because it teaches your body how to manage prolonged physical stress. Aim to include two days of resistance training in your weekly schedule.

This includes exercises such as squats, lunges, planks, step-ups, sit-ups and push-ups.  REI.com has a great overview of what a hiker’s resistance training workout could look like.

3. MENTAL TRAINING

Mental preparation is as important as physical training. No matter how great of shape you are in, you cannot physically prepare for adversity. Cold weather, surprising downpours, broken gear and blisters are just some of the challenges you can face on the trail. Mental strength is the only thing that will get you through them.

Jennifer Pharr Davis, Appalachian Trail speed record holder, tells us that many people are mentally unprepared for a long hike. She advises you to read books and watch hiking or adventure documentaries. Information is preparation. It’s important to put your expectations into a realistic framework before setting off on a hike.

The post How To Train For Hiking appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

These books about hiking provide everything from recommendations by hiking experts to the best gear and descriptions of epic trails. We’ve organized them by categories so you can quickly find your next great read.

1. INSPIRATION

2. EDUCATION & REFERENCE

3. GEAR

4. ULTRALIGHT HIKING 

5. ADVENTURE STORIES

6. SURVIVAL & SAFETY

7. COOKING

8. EXPEDITION HIKING

9. OTHER HIKING ACTIVITIES

The post 51 Of The Best Hiking Books Of All Time appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.