We knew nothing about backpacking...
That's right. We were backpacking beginners, but by the end of the summer, we had carried our packs over 100 miles at elevations up to 11,400 feet.
Obviously, we learned some things along the way - what do to and what not to do, what works and what doesn't. Here you'll find our favorite hiking tips, fresh from the trail, to help you plan your next trip.
Hi, I'm Dan Stevenson, and I was 16 years old when I went hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico. My father (David Stevenson) and I created this website to help you in planning your own adventures.
We've gathered ideas from our own experiences, as well as from other hikers, and you'll find them throughout our growing website. 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.
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 hiking and backpacking tips you'll find here:

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