Backpacking
When I first started backpacking I didn't know any other women who wanted to go. I didn't have any peers to ask questions, on what gear worked for them and what even to buy. The first couple years I backpacked, I had a traditional pack load (40-60 lbs) for 2-3 day trips. I walked bent over, in pain, mostly wondering why I was outside and what was I even thinking that I could do it.
When I started backpacking, you rarely saw women working in gear stores (and that still isn't something you see a lot of). My questions were answered by men, and the gear presented to me was for men. It was over designed with too many bells and whistles on it. It wasn't that long ago that 6 lbs was normal for a two person tent. But as women, do we need a tent that will fit a 6 ft man? Most of us don't. Neither do we need sleeping bags that are 6 ft long. Every time you buy gear that is aimed at men, you are carrying more weight. I will admit that I am biased towards going light. Once I realized that I could carry less and be just as comfortable, yet feel better and hike longer, I made the change. You can buy well made gear that won't break your bank account, fits you well, and is comfortable yet is light.
Here is an article we wrote on the pros and cons of women's gear.
There isn't anything wrong with carrying a traditional pack if you want to. But why should you, if you don't have to? Your back will thank you.
When I started backpacking I carried this much gear (a 5500 cubic inch pack):
A couple years later I was carrying this (a 3200 cubic inch pack):
There is a big difference in how many miles you can walk, and how much more comfortable you feel when carrying a smaller load. There is also a freedom in it: you don't feel tied down by all the gear you have with you. When I first started backpacking I was carrying so many items, that breaking camp could take an hour or two. I had to find everything, put it in it's stuff sacks and then pack up. Going light made it so I know every item I carry. I can quickly pack up in 5 minutes and be on my way. When I had a traditional load, my worst nightmare was stopping and having to dig thru my pack! I would ignore a blister just so I wouldn't have to try to find my first aid kit. It could take me 10 minutes to paw thru everything.
On a recent 3 day trip I noticed something: on a 2 hour mid day break, I actually unpacked my pack, and I didn't have any stress. Everything popped back in a couple minutes. Going from a 60 lb pack to the low 20's is a big difference. I went from 3-5 mile days to where I have done 19 miles in a day. And someday I hope to do even more and go lighter!
Newest Backpacking Articles:
Self Arrest Snow Skills
If you like snow in relation to hiking or you have thought about getting into it, you know that snow travel is never anything to trust or assume that it is safe. It brings dangers one needs to have skills in. It is worth learning though. With the skills learned you can go much farther and have a safer trip.
PCT Atlas
This year Erik Asorson thruhiked the Pacific Crest Trail. I followed his journey and was happy to see when he finished. His trail journals and thoughts are on his personal site.
Tips for keeping your feet dry
There is wet and then there is WET.
There isn't much worse in winter than getting your boots soaked through, your socks clammy cold and no feeling in your toes. So what can you do to prevent it?
When fall starts make it a point to sit down and clean your boots up. Get out a brush for boots, work all the dust and dried up mud out of the leather. Use a cleaner designed for the type of boots you have (be it leather or suede). Then use a Nix Wax treatement to restore the waterproof seal.
Your cold at night: What to do? Tips & Ideas
Something many women notice when backpacking is being cold. There isn't many things more miserable than shivering in your sleeping bag at midnight, with ice cold feet and a back that could chill wine. Even in the middle of summer an ill picked campsite or a sudden storm can leave you exposed to damp, chilly conditions.
So what can you do when your normally warm bed setup is suddenly freezing? Or if a freak snowstorm blows in at 10 pm in August, catching you off guard? And you just cannot get warm?
Tips for "Water Scarce" Hiking Destinations
By Susan Alcorn
