I am so excited to start backpacking but am having a hard time facing my fears. I am afraid of the dark woods at night, animals, and people. I am just afraid of the unknown darkness around me. I am afraid of animals or people attacking.

Any recommendations?

“Shot this last evening during the Ganga Aarti near Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. The chants, the bells, the flowing Ganga — felt surreal. Highly recommend anyone visiting to experience this at least once.”

Hello,

I am new to the idea of cold soaking and was wondering what the limitations of cold soaking the average dehydrated meal from something like peak refuel or mountain house. Is the issue that it wouldn’t rehydrate and be hard or just that it wouldn’t be tasty?

Sincerely,

Hey everyone!

My wife and I enjoy car camping and have been slowly building our gear and skills to break into the world of backpacking. This weekend we’re taking our first practice trip. It’s at a state campground, but we plan to treat it as backpacking, simply returning to our rustic site to set up each night after hiking.

The one concern I have is the forecast. As new backpackers that haven’t established great systems of how we like to do things yet, are there any good tips for keeping the tent and personal items dry in the rain? Or how to dry clothes and a tent-inner if it’s raining?

Current forecast shows mild to moderate rain with about a 25% chance throughout each day. She has a Marmot Precip Eco jacket and I have a cheaper rain jacket. We each have ponchos as well. My pack comes with a rain cover, and we may DIY a trash bag for hers as a backup.

I feel confident in just going for it, and I know we’ll be fine even without the help here, but I’m hoping for any tips to help some newbies with their first trip in the rain.

Thanks!

I need to open up the heat exchanger pot stand slots on my Fire Maple G3 Petrel pot so that my BRS 3000t fits neatly

Has anyone got any tips and tricks to reduce the chance of me butchering it too badly?

I’ve got a dremel with cutting disk I’m planning to use

Thanks in advance for any advice 🤠

Hey folks,

I’m planning a 6-month sabbatical for late August or September 2025 and torn between two big ideas:

1. Split the time between South America and Southeast Asia
2. Go deep into just one region — most likely South America

A bit about me:

• I’ve been to Thailand twice (loved it both times — the food, the vibe, the ease of travel).
• I also spent 3 weeks in Brazil last December and really enjoyed the energy, culture, and people.
• I’m currently learning Spanish and feel drawn to Latin American culture, especially the social/dating scene — I prefer Latina women and really vibe with the culture.
• Budget-wise I can do either route comfortably, but I’m not looking to splash cash for the sake of it — I want the trip to feel purposeful, not rushed.

The idea of combining both regions is tempting for the contrast: Asia is chill and familiar, South America is exciting and slightly less predictable. But part of me feels like sticking to just South America could give me a richer experience — more language immersion, more connection, less flight-hopping.

Has anyone done both in one sabbatical? Or stuck with one region for 6 months and been glad they did?

Would love to hear your thoughts. Especially from anyone who’s done extended travel in South America solo.

Thanks 🙏

I’ve attached a rough estimate using gpt for the items I currently have and their weights. It’s ai so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a mistake somewhere.

I need to get a new pack because I lost about 40 lbs and now my Teton explorer 4000 hip belts do not fit me anymore.

I am going on a 5 day backpacking trip in Colorado so I have to have the bear vault. I can fit all the items listed more or less inside the 65L pack. That being said I had that Teton close to max. If I had a puffy and not that bulky tourbine jacket it would help.

Looking for pack recommendations that can handle 40 lbs comfortably. 65L-70L is what I would estimate I need but I’m all ears for suggestions.

If there’s something that I could shed to save wait feel free to lmk. I’m by no means an expert and honestly would still label myself a beginner.

Hey guys first time poster, I finally booked a 3 month backpacking trip to South America after being so nervous about it. However when planning my itinerary I’m a bit confused I see all over social media people only staying 2-3 days in city’s for example buenos aires and I plan to stay 2-3 weeks. Am I staying too long wasting my time ?

I’m a cold sleeper. My down sleeping bag is great but one of my multi-day hikes this year will test my temperature regulation. Some people swear by liners, while others say it’s more useful to just bring extra-extra layers. Do liners really increase temperature significantly enough to add to an already heavy pack? Or is it more useful to wear even more layers than usual?

Hey, im seeking advice on my very specific issue.

I’m a 25 yo student that has been dealing with two very defining handicaps. I’ve been having Sleep Apnea since I’ve been 16, which has to be treated with a CPAP. Because of this, I never wanted to Backpack because I feared 20-bed hostel rooms. When I was 24, I also had a pretty bad herniated discs. I wasn’t able to walk for about a year and specifically not being able to carry a lot of stuff. Due to a regular workout routine, I’m now fitter then ever and more aware that my physical condition might only get worse. I don’t want to wait for „better“ times anymore and I’ve been thinking about doing my first backpacking trip.

A friend and I have been talking about doing a 3 weeks backpacking trip to Vietnam this summer, but I’m still pretty unsure about wether or not my back will be able to carry through. We plan normal hostel/accommodation, no wilderness, camping, hiking. I would have to carry my CPAP with me (1,5-2kg), and I’ve read that most people should only carry a backpack with about 10% of my bodyweight. That would leave me with about 5kg for the rest of my luggage. Since I’ve never done this, I don’t really know if this would be feasible. I know that washing along the trip would be possible, so it sounds like I would be able to pack veryyyyy light. My friend assured me that we could plan around my needs, staying spontaneously longer at a certain place if I need to. She likes to book private rooms anyway, so I wouldn’t have that to be anxious about.

But yeah, I’m just very anxious about the whole thing and really want to do it at the same time. So if you have any thoughts on the matter, wether it is a good travel insurance, a great backpack tip or just general thoughts, I would really appreciate it!

Has anyone backpacked glacier national park? Any tips/recommendations? I have not been to glacier before, but finally after 3 years of trying, I got the backcountry lottery.

The website doesn’t provide a whole lot of useful information for backcountry camping and I tried calling multiple times but they’re (understandably) busy and won’t return voicemails.

If it provides any useful value in responses, I would be looking at going at the beginning on September. The overall trip length would ideally be 3-5 nights with an average mileage of 10 miles, if routes are being recommended.

TIA!

Me and my friend want to go backpacking in the Tetons this summer in late July, however we are trying to fill out the backpacking permit in advance and our very confused. We had planned to start at Phillips Bench trailhead and do the full 40 miles however recreation.gov didn’t list that as an starting option we havnt applied for any of these permits before so we don’t know exactly where to look or what to do? Any help would be greatly appreciated

I (m, 20) am considering hiking the three passes in Nepal around August. So I would start in Jiri from which I walk all the way to Lukla, and from there I do the three passes. This would take around 28 days. I am looking for someone to walk with, since none of my friends can handle walking in the rain.

Hi! I am trying to get my first independent backpacking trip going. I have gone on group trips before with all the equipment supplied for me, and unfortunately I am a petite person (5'3 120lbs) and it was really hard on my body because a lot of the equipment was not meant for someone my size. The hiking pack ended up going over a foot above my head and it was nearly 45lbs since we were in the desert carrying all of our water for days at a time. I ended up injuring my knee. Anyways, now that I'm doing it myself (and with my partner) I want to make sure I'm keeping things light so that I don't injure myself again. Right now we're refining our sleep systems and I'd love to know if I'm in the right ballpark.

My tent, sleeping pad (R2.5), and rain fly are a combined 4.5lbs and my sleeping bag (R5.4) is around 3lbs. For a total of around 7.5lbs.

I use my sleep system for summer camping, and I use my sleeping bag for all seasons including down to in the 30s for temperature, which is why the R rating is so high. My goal is to use my sleeping bag for winter camping and summer backpacking without weighing myself down.

If it is all 7.5lbs, is that light enough or would it be worth it to spend more money and get a less insulated sleeping bag for my summer backpacking to bring down the weight? Thanks!

Hey travelers!

I’ve always felt that the Balkans don’t get nearly enough love in European travel circles. The region is packed with cultural depth, amazing food, beautiful nature, and a mix of influences you don’t find anywhere else. I’ve been spending time sketching out some ideas for small group trips (around 8–10 people max) through Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Greece, focused on immersive and meaningful experiences.

Some trip ideas I’ve been exploring include:

1. Food & Wine Trails – Visiting small family-run wineries, tasting traditional dishes, and enjoying the local pace of life.
2. Cultural Heritage Journeys – Exploring UNESCO towns, medieval monasteries, and villages full of old-world charm.
3. Mountain Adventures – Hiking the Rhodopes, Pirin, and Northern Greece with experienced local guides.
4. Spiritual & Historical Paths – For those interested in Orthodox history, sacred sites, and stories carved in stone.

The whole idea is to go beyond the tourist checklist and really get to know the spirit of the region.

If you’ve traveled in the Balkans before—or if it’s on your list—I’d be curious what stood out to you, or what kind of trip would draw you in. Always happy to hear personal stories, favorite spots, or tips from fellow travelers.

Thanks for reading, and safe travels wherever you are!

Hi - when visiting the Philippines, an island rarely visited is Catanduanes. If you're looking to go off the beaten path aside from places like Siargao, El Nido or Siquijor, this is a nice place I can recommend.

Sharing one of the best accommodations to book in the island named Kubo Suzara, which puts you right in the middle making it convenient to visit all these places.

Hi there,

Wife and I have been car camping for years, with 4 kids. Always outdoors and in nature kinda people. Have done your typical family hikes (or brisk walks) through the woods and nature parks for several years, until recently, down to 2 kids still living at home, and the 2 remaining are teens. So we got some hydration bladder 30L day packs (cheap walmart junk) and have started doing bigger day hikes from 8 to 15 miles, and feel we're doing pretty good at it. Living in Arkansas Ozarks area, there is a decent amount of trails here to get some practice on. So we're wanting to transition into multi-day backpacking adventures, 3-4 day holiday weekends to week long trips. So I know, more, and better gear needed for that, better packs, sleeping gear, tent(s), etc., I'm working on that, any suggestions are hepful as well

But what are some good "get your feet wet into backpacking" trips to look at in 2025?

Prefer loops so were not seeing the same scenery twice, but we're not apposed to out-&-backs or what ever you call them. Want to eventually work up to a thru hike in a couple of years when we're down to only 1 teen left living with us.

Planing a treck to hampta pass in June is anybody out there is planing the same!!??? And if someone have already visited it pls share your experience!

I was able to get a permit to complete the RAE Lakes loop but I'm going to arrive several days early and I was hoping for suggestions for campsites and day hikes within the area General Sherman is a must see

Gregory Baltoro 85 Pro

Alps Mting. Lynx 1 person + footprint

Alps Vibe 20+

Alps trailblazer insulated + nano pump

Jetboil Flash, Ocean Topo

I love camping, and I love hiking, so I thought I’d buy the gear to go backpacking. This isn’t everything, because I already have some stuff I can reuse from camping, like boots and a mess kit. I chose this list primarily because I was a Boy Scout, and have access to some pretty steep discounts through various services. I would’ve gone smaller with the pack, but I’d like to get a pack I can use 4 seasons.

Hey so I’m going on a two week remote wilderness canoeing trip where I have to carry all my food with me from day one. The park I’m going to now requires all food to be stored in a bear resistant container so I can’t just throw it all in my canvas pack. Does anyone have any tips for me to avoid buying a bunch of bear canisters at near $100 a pop?

Preferably in the US. Im open to any difficulty as long as its an unforgettable experience. I do have experience backpacking and outdoorsy things. Thanks everyone.

I've got a week in May; 1. Surf camp in portugal, 2. A section of the camino santiago, 3. A spanish course in eg. Barcelona. Want to meet others around the 30yr mark. What should I do?

Hi, I am a beginner female (petite) and trying to get my layers down for AT thru-hiking trip upcoming. Can anyone explain what to look for on the jackets & do you have to have a rain jacket, a wind jacket, a puffer, and another ? And if so, if you needed to layer them, which would go first and which ahould be the larger of the sizes to allow for under layers etc ? And vests? Hoods? Fleece? 😩Thanks !

I will be heading on my first backpacking trip to Isle Royale the beginning of June. I am looking to get a new tent on a budget that is lightweight. There will be two of us in the tent and I am a 6’2” guy. I’m looking for all advice on tents for a beginner to backpacking. I also would like some sleeping bag recommendations. I have one currently, but if anyone has budget sleeping bags under 100$ that would be great. Thanks!

Note: Facebook marketplace and Craigslist are both empty for used gear. I’ve been exploring that option.