Went on an overnight trip to Middle Fork Lake, NM with a sort of “vintage” gear theme. I rocked my $2.50 late 70s Jansport D3 and my wife used her $7 early 80s Kelty Sonora III, both for the first time. I’ve been doing some minor repairs and getting the packs ready to go, trying to keep to materials and techniques used when they were newer. We had an absolute blast, despite the intense hail and snow, haha.

Loved using the old gear, it was awesome talking to my dad about how he would’ve setup his gear like this and his own backpacking trips, and just gave me more respect for the older gear. I’ll absolutely be using this on some future trips.

Hiking-specific fitness seems to be about more than just having strong legs. Long climbs, steep descents, uneven ground, and carrying a loaded pack all make different demands on your body.

For people who can't get out on the trails every week, a home gym seems like a practical way to work on general strength between hikes.

Would you prioritize step-ups, split squats, calf work, loaded carries, or something else?

I'm especially interested in what helps on long descents, when your legs are already tired, and how you fit strength work into the week without starting a big hike with unnecessary soreness.

Hi. First time camper here! I recently bought a brand new second hand tent, but the red pole is missing. Is anyone able to find where I can make my own or find a replacement? Is this brow pole a part of the necessary structure?

https://support.decathlon.co.uk/pole-2-3-pers-tent-assembly-instructions-repair-spare-parts

I’ve been looking at pole sets for a few days and not found much luck. I’ve emailed decathlon as well and no response.

I have until Friday to clear the payment or return it so would need to find if it’s possible before then . I saw a connector on decathlon website but it’s out of stock. I also noticed the rubber caps, if they’re not on the ends it’ll rip through the pockets you slot them in. Seems such a shame as it’ll be binned if I return it as it can’t be sold, and it’s also brand new and I hate waste!

Has anyone been able to walk in for a camp site availability even though it shows booked online? I’ve had luck with similar situations where it shows booked online but available in person. So wanted to see if anyone else has had luck

Sorry if this isnt the right place to post this but I figure if not yall can point me at a better sub for this

Ive been looking to replace some older Mountain Khaki Camber variant pants. I think maybe the Camber 106? The only good one I have left doesnt show the model any more but this looks right https://www.backcountry.com/mountain-khakis-camber-106-classic-pant-mens

Ive had a few in the past 10 years and they always felt like the material was soft, the thigh and leg was roomy and the mobility was excellent. I never had an issue lifting a knee or kneeling down.

Recently I bought a new pair and it was noticeably stiffer in the material and tightened too much when raising my knee killing the mobility the old pants had. That and they seem to be out of most sizes and styles. Has anyone noticed this?

I recently ordered a few from Kuhl and havent gotten them in yet. Some things Ive ordered from them in the past didnt fit right or felt like I was wearing straight up plastic so I worry I may have to return those if they dont fit what Im looking for. (The Ryder Lite doesnt feel at all like cotton and sounds like a plastic bag when I move in it. That and still it binds at the knee)

Does anyone have any experience with these that could recommend something similar to those old ones? That or just some good pants that sound like they fit the description

Durable soft cotton with some stretch. Full leg mobility. Daily wear appearance. Id prefer big bucket pockets instead of the chino side slot type. Not looking for plastic pants like joggers

I’m from Michigan and looking to camp and hike during my time off between Christmas and NY. As the title says that is the rough area (I’m good down to 25°f so a little northern is good too) I’m looking to head to and would love to hear some areas that have lots of hiking trails near camp! I prefer small quiet campgrounds with lots of trees on the site (I hammock camp tho I do have a hammock stand so it’s not essential) I don’t need showers, electricity nor running water but any recommendations would be appreciated!

Update: so upon further research and some wonderful suggestions in northern Florida I believe, especially with the El Niño pattern this year, I’ll be focusing more north as it’s gonna be warmer and buggier in that area then me or my dog would prefer! I’m really liking Pine mountain, GA so I’m looking at stay there for 4-5 nights then head over to Cheaha wilderness area and/or Bankhead NF for the remainder of my time!

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice but if you have any further information, suggestions in or around those areas as always I’m all ears… thank again

I'm thinking about two boots from the title and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations.

Both of them feel fine on the foot but I can't decide.

Last month my friend and I did an 88-mile, 8-day lollipop loop to Yellowstone’s Thorofare region via Heart Lake. The area is the farthest location from a road in the lower 48 and the ranger cabin is the most remote dwelling… about 22 straight-line miles or 32 trail miles to the nearest road. On the way we had a close encounter with a moose and followed fresh grizzly tracks for miles. September is such an incredible time of year to explore the wilderness.

Day 1: Heart Lake TH to Heart River
Day 2: Heart River to Crooked Creek
Day 3: Crooked Creek to South Thorofare
Day 4: South Thorofare to North Thorofare
Day 5: North Thorofare to Colter Meadows
Day 6: Colter Meadows to Trail Bay (Yellowstone Lake)
Day 7: Trail Bay to East Shore (Heart Lake)
Day 8: East Shore to Heart Lake TH

Hi

I'm currently looking for 2 man tents to be using for our Lofoten Island Crossing Hike and was seeing if anyone has any good recommendations. Been looking at a couple, Mont and Sea to Summit in Australia have been the main ones I've been looking at. Just looking for it to be light in weight and waterproof.

Anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks

Whenever I go backpacking, I get into my sleeping bag and start trying to sleep. But after a while I notice I can’t fall asleep and hours go by and I really can’t tell if I slept at all, or if I was just laying around in the dark the entire time. Anybody experience this too? How can I fix this?

Edit: Btw I live in Vancouver Canada and I’m 16 so some of the comments saying take meds or cigars idk lol 😂 but thanks for all the tips!! I rlly appreciate it

Believe it or not a tent from Amazon isn’t too bad when you reseal the seams. And it downpoured hard. Not very often you have a trip where it rains and you stay almost completely dry.

Since this year, I’ve gotten into hiking and wild camping, and this trip has definitely been the highlight of my four outings so far!

Trip Details & Stats:

• Location: Canton of Uri, Switzerland (Camped at ~2,200 m / 7,200 ft)
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (first night was at a different location)
• Stats: ~20 km (12.4 mi) total distance with nearly 2,000 m (6,500 ft) elevation gain
• Pack Weight: Around 17 kg (37.5 lbs) each

The Experience: We hiked up to this ridge spot perched right between a sweeping valley view on one side and a high-alpine lake on the other.

Taking a swim in the lake was an absolute shock to the system, the water was around 5°C (41°F)! Later that evening, we settled into the tent.

How do you usually scout for legal high-altitude bivouac/camping spots that stay well clear of crowded trails?

Hi! Anyone ever had this issue with the Soto Windmaster before? Milk boiled over and formed a film over and into the stove mesh, I’m not sure how to clean it. I’ve read some posts saying that it can be turned upside down and soaked in warm water? I wanted to be sure that’s ok and it wouldn’t ruin the igniter before I do anything. Using a brush alone can’t get into the inner mesh.

I’ve since wiped the surface as best as I can with a wet paper towel.

Will be grateful for any advice! Thank you 🙏

I went on my first proper outdoorsy trip a week or so ago and now I've got a carrier bag with my muddy/sandy/peatbogged gaiters/gloves in the flat. No bother to me if they're muddy while I'm USING them, but I don't have any other storage space and they seem to be sort of... increasingly be-mudding the surroundings of the bag when it gets jostled/tripped over ect. Can I put them in the washing machine? would hosing all that off in the bath be bad for the drains? I know it's a daft question but google is pretty useless these days and nobody else in my life does this sort of thing. Thanks!

Hey everyone!

My hip belt tends to loosen while hiking. I also wear a pouch on the belt, and it sits over the backpack buckle.

I wanted to move the adjustment to the side so I can tighten the belt while walking, or quickly loosen it when I want to sit down without taking the pack off.

I used a BOA system from a shoe for this. I've built it, but haven't tested it on the trail yet.

What do you think? Is it worth it?

15 miles on the Florida Trail, Big Cypress North.

Where is the cool wild spots at to kit up and go larp in the woods? I thought living in central Florida I’d have an abundance of opportunity but it seems like every turn it’s either illegal or there just isn’t any places to go. :/ help please!!! Spill your secrets!!

Hey I'm looking for a budget friendly backpack and tent for my first trip. I'm looking for something that will be able to carry enough stuff for about a day or two. because I plan to camp out along the way.

Any help is greatly appreciated! : )

As a hiker who wants to get back to the trails and I know have children and a wife I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the preparation. Does anyone feel the same?

currently: camping at car sites down to 40F, often in October in eastern Midwest. I’m a side sleeper and on past trips woke up feeling 50 years older (collarbone pain! didn’t even know that was possible). I’m a bit hyper mobile and usually sleep with 4 pillows😅

goal: weekend backpacking trips in 3 season weather, probably no lower than ~40 degrees initially

My mom and I camp together with my equipment. Wanting to upgrade a sleeping bag or pad that will work towards my goal of backpacking (alone or with a friend). We were a bit chilly last year and I’m thinking we need a new pad. Would love something comfy, doesn’t need to be crazy light since I won’t be going far. I would love something around $100, but can go higher if it'll limit me a lot.

also, opinions on secondhand? I’m a tad hesitant with pads.

current setup: (for 2 people)

hammock gear Econ burrow 20 quilt

Thermarest trail scout R3.2

NEMO switchback R2

random kelty 20 degree bag

My friends and I are planning on backpacking the gorge this weekend, camping outside the gorge (Table Rock, Pisgah by the Water) since we didn't get a permit for the gorge camping itself.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this or if they have suggestions on camping sites in those areas since it's our first time? We're planning to park at the top of FS99 and hike through the 22 mile loop.

Howdy I’m in the midst of planning my first backpacking trip into the winds for next year! I’ve been looking into some areas to try out and I found a trail that seems perfect and was looking to see if anyone else who has done it (or something similar) could spill some insight on it.

The general trail is as follows (however I haven’t decided what direction to start and hoping someone can chime in on what may be the best of the two): Green River Lakes - Knapsack Col - Elkhart Park. I’m going to be doing this with a group of at least 4 people minimum, but most likely more, and I’m thinking to keep stress to a minimum potentially utilizing a shuttle service, but we may use multiple vehicles so we may end up not needing to utilize a shuttle at all. I’m thinking to really give us the time to take all the nature in we would be looking at 5-6 days total (excluding travel days to get there)

Here’s the all trails for the route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/wind-river-green-lakes-to-elkhart-park-via-knapsack-col?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I’ve heard that if things get dicey you can take the CDT to Elkhart/island lake area instead of knapsack Col. however I’m quite a thrill seeker so I’m leaning towards wanting to do the Col. I’m dying to see what titcomb lake looks like from up above there. I’ve also read snow can last for a long while up there as well, do you think late August/early September is the best time frame for such a trip? Also are there any spots between Cube Rock pass, Peak Lake, and Knapsack Col one should be weary of? Just trying to get an idea for the terrain.

I was also considering bagging Fremont Peak via Indian basin/south buttress with this all trails route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fremont-peak-via-pole-creek-trail-loop?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I was hoping someone who has summited could maybe give some insight as to what to expect and what they did as far as camping adjacent and summiting/descending goes. I’ve read that the max difficulty is ~ lower class 3/upper class 2, but I’m curious as to how difficult it may have felt and if there are any particularly sketchy spots or nasty scree spots I should be aware of. I’ve read that descending down into Titcomb basin can be a little sketch compared to just going back down the way you ascend back down into Indian basin.

Sorry for the lengthy post, I’m just keen on making sure I know what I’m getting myself and others into. Thank you everyone and anyone so much for the help and insight.