You can succeed at backpacking...

Dave and Dan on Big Red
at Philmont Scout Ranch,
New Mexico - 2009

Even if you have never hiked with a backpack before, you can become a successful backpacker by learning how to properly prepare yourself and your equipment.

A few years back, 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 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 remember -- you're always welcome to stop by again and again here to ask questions about backpacking or share the best backpacking tips from you and your friends,

See you on the trail!

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