Learn Backpacking
Backpacking Gear 
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- Navigation
 GPS, Pedometers,
Altimeters, Compasses,
Maps, Binoculars
- Camping
Stoves
 + Fuel
Canisters
- Camping
Cookware
 Pots & Pans,
Utensils, Lanterns, Food
Storage
- Sleeping
Bags
 Down, Synthetic,
Liners
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Nighttime Hiking? Get
the LED Micro
Headlamp
See and be seen during nighttime activities - whether you're
hiking, jogging, biking or simply wandering around in the dark,
this multi-use lightweight headlamp is really convenient and
comfortable. It has an adjustable angle headlamp so you can put
the light where you need it.
The light is super bright while being almost 10 times as
energy efficient as standard lights. Conveniently water
resistant and shockproof - plus with up to 100,000 hours of
service from this high-intensity LED, you'll have to wait quite
a while before you have to buy another headlamp! I love
mine!
Oh, did I mention it comes with a neoprene carrying
case?
Online Special >> LED Micro Headlamp
Beginner Backpacking Made Easy
100% Guaranteed
Winner of the Outdoor Writer's Guild Award for
Excellence. Backpacking Expert Chris Townsend knows
backpacking. Get advice on trip planning, skills, techniques
& gear, long and short distance hikes, worldwide adventure
trekking - from beginner to advanced backpackers, this is
probably the best investment you can make.
See what you'll find out
>>
- How to prepare for the trail
- Choosing the right backpacking equipment
- The best footwear and wilderness travel gear
- How to carry the load: backpacking packs
- Keeping warm and dry: dressing for the
wilderness
- Shelter: camping in the wilderness
- How to cook in the wilderness: camping food
- Backpacking skills and hazards
- Adventure travel: backpacking abroad
- Click here >>
Backpacking Made Easy
 Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's
Handbook
100% Guaranteed
Innovative techniques and trail-tested instruction for the
long-distance hiker. Highly recommended if you plan to
do multi-day hikes.
Click here >> Long Distance Hiking
Tips | Energize Your Hikes:
Try Healthy Energy Drink
Free!
 The Secrets to Ultralight
Backpacking
100% Guaranteed
Find out what every backpacker wants to know - how your
backpack, sleeping bag, stove and tent can weigh less than 5
pounds - combined! Learn some pretty amazing tips from
backpacking expert Ronald Hubbard.
What you'll learn >>
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Gear Review: Hydration
Packs
If you are doing day hikes, and
want a lightweight, comfortable way to
carry water and other small items, a
hydration pack may be just what you're
looking for.
You have a lot of selection when
it comes to hydration packs, so before
you start looking, decide what you want
to use it for. There is a wide range of
backpack and water reservoir sizes, so
it's a good idea to try on packs before
buying them
If you are like me and want to
use your pack for a variety of activities
- hiking, cycling, snowboarding, even
while at festivals, look for something
versatile. I tried out a 2-Liter
hydration pack from Outdoor Products with
lots of compartments but still small and
lightweight. Outdoor Products offers
great starter packs at affordable prices
- and mine has proved to be very
durable.
I realized that having lots
of smaller storage pockets rather than one
large compartment makes it easier to find your
stuff quickly. Some packs have a separate
compartment for a CD payer or iPod - with a
convenient outlet for your headset
cord.
Also, the extra padding and
"moisture-wicking" fabric on the shoulder
straps and back make this a really comfortable
pack, something you may not think about until
after you start using it.
- To see and compare
different Outdoor Products hydration
backpacks and fannypacks, click here
>> Outdoor
Products Hydration Packs
- For photos and ratings
on hydration packs from Burton, CamelBak,
DAKINE, The North Face and more, click here
>> New
Hydration Packs
- If you want to save
money, Back Country Outlet has cool packs
for 30%-50% off. Click here >>
Hydration
Packs on Sale
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Backpacking
Clubs
- Hiking & Backpacking Clubs that
you can join across the USA, conveniently categorized by
state. Become a regular member or participate in single
hikes.
- Volunteer Hiking Vacations with the
American Hiking Society and REI. Help revitalize trails
on organized day trips or overnight backcountry camping
trips. Do what you love, explore new territory, discover
more friends and make a worthwhile contribution
all at the same time!
- Find People to Backpack With
Find people in your area who are interested in backpacking,
and make new friends who enjoy spending time in the
wilderness as much as you do.
- Plan a trip with your friends! Use this unique online
group travel planner to organize Backpacking Getaways |
Classic Group Hiking Trips or browse
hundreds of other cool trip ideas to help you book your
trip.
 Backpacking Trails & Trips
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Hiking, Trekking and Walking Tour
Packages
Review a wide selection of hiking, trekking and walking
tours worldwide, including dates, location, cost,
length of trip and trip highlights. If you like
adventure and unique travel experiences, you'll like
these vacation packages. Get a Free Brochure!
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35,000 Trail Maps
Whether you want backpacking trails, hiking
trails, mountain biking trails or running trails,
you'll find them here. Includes National Park and State
Park trails too.
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Camping Life Magazine
This is awesome camping made easy - learn not only
about new camping destinations, but what to do when you
actually get there. A great easy trip planner!
- Hiking & Trekking
Vacations
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Hiking Half Dome at Yosemite National Park
Although I am afraid of heights, I wanted to challenge
myself by climbing to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite
National Park. The hike is incredible and really
rewarding, even if you don't make it to the very top.
Here are some good tips and things to know, if you
haven't done this trek before:
According to the Sports & Fitness Editor at
eHow, you want to begin training for your half Dome
excursion 2 months in advance. Take 8+ mile hikes or
walks at least once a week, try including elevation
gains of 3,000+ feet. (Half Dome is 17 miles round
trip).
Climb stairs whenever you can, take 2 stairs at a
time if you can. Do pull-ups or other upper body
exercises for the last 700 feet of the Half Dome hike,
where you are pulling yourself up cables on the side of
the Dome. This requires lots of arm strength. Work on
your grip by squeezing tennis balls, you need a good
grip climbing up the cables.
Wear good gripping hiking boots or shoes and carry a
day pack with water. When you hike Half Dome, choose a
day that has a lot of daylight and leave early in the
day. If you can, arrive in Yosemite a day or 2 before
your climb so you can acclimate yourself to the higher
altitude. Try to avoid the high season, holidays or
weekends when lots of people will be crowding the cable
line up the dome. And lastly, dress in layers, bring
food, water, a raincoat or waterproof jacket, sunscreen
and gloves for the cables.
Recommended
Destination Trail Books
Backpacking
Articles
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