click on image for a HI-rez view tip number 93 The traditional camper doesn’t need to worry about finding a nice flat spot to sleep. They just hike to a heavily impacted designated site that’s already pounded flat. Then (after they set up their tent) they just unroll their porky full length inflatable pad, fill a stuff sack with all the clothes they take off and use this as their pillow. Then they climb into their beefy sleeping bag. If there is something lumpy under them, no worries, they can pad it with extra gear in their tent, like their bulky pile vest. The UL camper needs to think before sleeping. I am 6 feet tall, and about 18 inches wide, so I need a flat spot that matches those specifications, and NOTHING more. That’s pretty easy to find even in the lumpiest parts of our planet. This means you are essentially able to sleep pretty much ANYWHERE. You are no longer burdened by the traditional needs of a porky tent. Please be aware, there are regulations in place in most popular camping areas, know these rules before you set out. Also, it is considered a courtesy to camp well away from trails, away from lakes and streams and out of other camper’s majestic views. There is an uncomplicated methodology that can be employed to test flatness of any potential sleeping zone. Simply lie down in the desired spot, you’ll know right away if it’s lumpy or tilted. This is a foolproof technique and I advocate it emphatically. Alas, this overtly simple trick is unknown to most campers. If you are with partner, both of you should lie down side by side. If you want a little extra comfort, find a spot with a very slight dip at your hips, so your tired butt can get cradled by the loving embrace of mother Earth. And if you are using just a really thin pad, add a simple little doughnut made from closed-cell sleeping pad foam. This can be positioned under your hip bone if you are a side sleeper. Okay, you’ve picked your spot, tested it for flatness by lying down. While you are still on the ground, fastidiously mark out the four corners of your rectangle with some sticks or rocks. This way you can still visualize it when you stand up, and you can erect your tarp to precisely cover that zone.

In April we posted about Tyler & Becca plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. And they made it! We asked them a few questions about their trip. Talking to them makes me really look forward to hiking this summer. CC: What did you learn about your gear? T&B: We l

Several people have asked how I attach my umbrella to my pack so I can use it 'hands-free." There are a few other ways to do it, but this method (that I learned from Jim (PITA)-thank you again!) is easy and inexpensive. Hands-free, so I can use my hiking poles (or goof off). For materials, get two shock cord loops with cordlocks (3/32" shockcord), and a short (3") piece of 1/2" (inside diameter) foam pipe insulation. Shock Cord loops Cut the shock cord to 8-12" lengths (I made them longer to start and then cut them down when I figured out how much I used so they wouldn’t flop around). Thread the shock cord into a cordlock, and tie into a loop. Shock cord loops with cordlocks. The shock cord loops are attached to the pack at two points. Location of the points depends on the pack (i.e. number and location of loops on the pack strap) and the angle you want the umbrella. For greater flexibility, I larkshead the loops to the pack so I can make adjustments to change angle of the umbrella as the sun or rain moves. I leave the loops on the pack. Shock cord loops on the pack and foam pipe insulation on the umbrella shaft. On our Gossamer Gear Mariposa packs, Renee and I both like the upper loop at the base of the load lifter and the lower loops near the chest strap. Sometimes I attach the lower loop below the chest strap like shown in the previous photo, but other times I put the loop above the chest strap. I wish there was another loop below the load lifter for the upper loop though, and may end up sewing one on eventually. In general, distance between the shock cord attachment points affects the stability of the umbrella, so if the points are close together, the umbrella tends to move around more. But if they are too far apart, the umbrella shaft may dig into your shoulder. Foam Pipe Insulation The foam pipe insulation goes around the umbrella shaft and slides up and down. The foam keeps the umbrella more stable and provides cushion when the upper shock cord loop is secured around it. When the umbrella is collapsed, the foam pipe insulation slides down the shaft so the umbrella can be closed completely. After many uses, the foam started to come off, so I secured the foam pipe insulation to the shaft by wrapping it with duct tape. “Rigging” the umbrella Thread the umbrella shaft through the top and bottom shock cord loops. The upper shock cord loop goes around the foam pipe insulation, and gets cinched down. The lower cord lock rests in the groove of the umbrella handle. Upper shock cord around the pipe insulation, lower cord on the umbrella handle groove. Adjust the tension of the shock cords on the umbrella by tightening or loosing the cordlocks. This gives the umbrella less “wobble.” If they are too tight, your shoulder may get bruised, so play with the tension or adjust the location of the foam insulation. Hands-free without the pack I also have a hands-free rigging method for when I'm not wearing the pack. I use my bra strap and shirt bottom (folded over) as the two “attachment” points. It looks funny (especially with a purple bra), but it works when I can't otherwise find a shady spot and want to have both hands free to eat. Alternate hands-free “rigging” using bra strap and shirt. Notes about carrying an umbrella While I just described how I use the umbrella hands-free, I have found that over the years I use the umbrella more frequently by carrying it with one hand and stowing one hiking pole in my pack. This allows me to adjust the angle of the umbrella to keep more of the sun off me and so I can maneuver in overgrown trails. I use the hands-free rigging mostly on long downhills (where I like to use my poles). Umbrella in hand while climbing over logs and ducking under brush. Other hikers may may give you strange looks for carrying an umbrellas. I’m used to getting funny looks- especially for wearing leg gaiters, arm sleeves, and DIY clothes- but the umbrella seemed to bring it to a whole new level. I've learned to smile if other hikers gawk. More often, they are jealous of the awesome weather protection. Carrying the umbrella at Canyonlands Nat'l Park. As another umbrella-related aside, I finally figured out to reach my umbrella when it's stowed in my pack WITHOUT having to take off my pack or ask anyone for assistance. Just for fun, here is a video of the “quick draw umbrella”: More about umbrellas: Excellent article by Frances Tapon about the benefits of using an umbrella. I found further uses for the umbrella on the Arizona Trail. Another handy umbrella tip by SlowBro, for making an umbrella sling. Update: Rockin also has a hands-free umbrella method if this doesn't work for you. You can't get the Chrome Dome umbrella from Golite anymore, but Gossamer Gear now carries them here. Note that I am a Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador, but I got my Chome Dome from Golite.

Keto backpacking fundamentals for ultralight thru-hikers and backpackers looking to lighten their load and improve their performance and energy in ketosis with a ketogenic diet. Lightweight gear lists, ul backpacking technique, gear and commentary.

As I tracked down the gear that I actually carried on the PCT to weigh it and write up my final gear list, I tallied up the number of miles I’d carried each item with me… The miles added up quickly…

I saw an article over on www.thru-hiker.com and Ayce said he had fished while he did a thruhike of the JMT I flyfish and spinfish for trout, but I only...

Zerogram uses light materials in this two-person tent designed for backpacking.

Alrighty… So it begins. If you don’t enjoy reading why are you here? Just kidding. Sort of. There are links to video overviews down at the bottom of this page I made just for you. Yeah,…

The best ultralight backpacking foods are high in calories, compact, and fast to prepare. In order t

A variety of ultralight 1 person backpacking tents that weigh 3 pounds or less at many price points.

I found this image on Pinterest but could not find who to recognise/praise for it (my apologies to the clever inventor). I have been going to make one of these (see: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/tarp-bathtub-groundsheet/) out of Tyvek (will be soon for my new tent). I think it will be a simple matter to add some ‘pockets’ as

Looking for budget-friendly backpacking gear that's affordable, but not cheaply made? Check out my 10 lb ultralight setup that costs $500.

With just a little bit of preparation, you can whip up scrumptious morning meals that you'll want to get out of the tent for.

Zerogram uses light materials in this two-person tent designed for backpacking.

Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need, with help from BACKPACKER Gear Editor Eli Bernstein.

Sun, wind, bugs and umbrellas. I’ve heard about the CDT sun…brutally beating down day after day. I’ve also heard about this little thing called the bug condom, so I enlisted Kirk,…

We trail-tested dozens of backpacking tents in harsh conditions across hundreds of miles to bring you this list of the best backpacking tents on the market.

I've spent years compiling my ideal lightweight backpacking gear setup, & I've made a list to share with you. Read on & take a peek inside my 12-pound pack.

https://youtu.be/VjCyMTs51Tk

Choosing your backpacking clothes wisely can shave pounds off your pack weight and keep you comfy in any weather. Here's an overview of what to wear backpacking and my personal favorite items.

Learn how to plan a backpacking trip! From how to pick a trail to what gear to pack, this guide covers all the important planning steps.

etting out to thru-hike is a complicated, somewhat overwhelming process, and it’s impossible to know what the entirety of 2,000+ miles will throw at you. With this in mind, we reached out to our thru-hiker friends for any topics they wish they’d known about before setting out on their hike. From National Park permits to new bear safety recommendations, keep these trail know-hows in your back pocket and worry a little less during your hike. Safety Considerations 1) Drought Reminders and Fire Safety As of December 2016, ...

Learn how to shed weight from your backpacking gear setup with these 11 practical and easy ultralight backpacking tips.

Perfectly Rehydrate Backpacking Meals with this DIY Cozy It happens to the best of us. You spend a long day hiking with a full pack and when you get to camp you're starving. You quickly prepare your dehydrated backpacking meal and when you dig into your first bite you find it's still crunchy. Maybe you didn't let your

Learn tips on how to pack a lightweight backpack so it’s comfortable and stable.

Get the inside scoop on the best backpacking meals by learning how to quickly make your own backpacking meals. DIY backpacking meals, hacks and more.

Putting together a daily meal plan for the John Muir Trail was one of the greater challenges for me in my preparation for the trail. In this guide, I will break down my daily and total food plannin…

I've always wanted to longterm test a cuben fibre shelter but never really found anything I wanted to take on a long hike. Cuben fibre was...

The author hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in June 2017 -- 117 days in which the PCT became her home. Learn from her best tips.

Are you interested in learning how to get into ultralight backpacking? This article will help you to adhere to the 10 pound base weight limit by outlining gear options.

[ a nifty companion to the book ]

For backpackers, going ultralight is easier (and less expensive) than you might expect.