You can succeed at backpacking...
Dave and Dan on Big Red
at Philmont Scout Ranch,
New Mexico
- 2009
In the summer of 2006, we knew next to nothing about backpacking.
We were backpacking beginners that spring... completely inexperienced, as we headed out on a few "practice hikes" and weekend backpacking trips with our Scout troop.
For several months we did our best to prepare for the upcoming 11-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico, but we weren't sure if we were ready.
But by the end of the summer we had successfully carried our loaded packs over 100 miles at elevations up to 11,400 feet!
Obviously, we learned some things along the way!
Our favorite backpacking tips
Hi! We're Dave and Dan Stevenson, and we've now completed two 11-day treks at Philmont Scout Ranch -- Dan as an Eagle Scout the second time, and Dave as a Scout leader pretending to be a teenager again.
Here you'll find our favorite hiking and backpacking tips, fresh from the trail, to help you plan your next trip.
We've created this website to help you in planning your own adventures, whether with a Scout troop, with friends who love the great outdoors, or even on a solo adventure backpacking around the world.
We've gathered ideas from our own experiences, as well as from other hikers, and you'll find them throughout the many helpful articles.
If you like what you find here, please share with your friends by clicking the Facebook LIKE button on the right and following us on Twitter!
So, let's get started with our top tip:
THE NUMBER ONE BACKPACKING TIP
Prepare. Nothing is worse than heading out on an exciting adventure and then discovering that you are completely unprepared. The extra time you spend planning your trip will never be wasted, and it might save your life.
The good news is that preparing for a hike or trek doesn't have to be a big mystery. We'll point you to some awesome information and trail-tested tips that will make your outdoor adventure run more smoothly.
So, sit back and enjoy exploring our collection of articles and tips before you head out exploring that mountain trail. And be sure to check back often and tell our readers your favorite tips when you get a chance.
Here's a quick overview of tips you'll find here:
Here are reviews of the few backpacking books that we really like, plus other backpacking tips.
Read backpacking tips and stories from other backpackers and post your favorite backpacking tips.
Hi Tec Hiking Boots are reasonably priced and surprisingly rugged. Here's my own personal experience with the Hi-Tec brand of boot.
Learn how to pack a backpack for short or long hiking and backpacking trips. Tips for internal and external frame packs.
Learn how to prevent heel blisters and foot blisters while hiking and backpacking.
Instead of traditional trail mix, why not try an alternative trail mix recipe for a high-energy snack on your next backpacking or hiking trip?
What are the best trail mix recipes for a backpacking or hiking trip? Ideas for finding your favorite homemade trail mix recipes.
Search the entire collection on backpacking tips on our site, including equipment, hydration, safety, food, and many more categories of hiking and backpacking ideas.
Ask your questions about backpacking in our safe question and answer forum. Find out how to, where to, what's best - get a personal answer to any backpacking question you have.
How to plan a backpacking around the world trip. Where to find the best information about overseas adventure tours.
Find out the best store to buy hiking gear and backpacking supplies online, based on our personal experience.
Here are some backpacking sites we recommend for hiking and camping information and supplies.
Celebrate the outdoors and wildlife with these cool personal checks to order online.
Backpacking expert Richard Davidian gives some of his favorite backpacking tips in this in-depth interview.
Read the winning entries in our Top 5 Backpacking Tips Contest and learn some of the most important things backpackers should know.
The latest deals on discount backpacking equipment and hiking gear discounts. You'll want to bookmark our tip sheet for the latest news of sales and discounts.
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