We want to do a 100 mile backpack trip over a week next spring. What do we need to know? [more inside]
posted by MorningPerson on Sep 8, 2009 - 11 answers

What are your recommendations for a good water filter for backpacking trips? [more inside]
posted by fdhidalgo on Jul 28, 2009 - 13 answers

My wife and I are planning a backpacking trip to Colorado for the end of August. Where should we go? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Jul 26, 2009 - 15 answers

Boyfriend and I decided to go to Alaska in August. We'd like to hike or backpack: where should we go? [more inside]
posted by halogen on Jul 5, 2009 - 16 answers

I'm a female in my early 20s and am going on a company hike to to the juan de fuca marine trail in a few weeks. We're hiking like 23 miles in two days and carrying 20-30lb packs. The trail has been described as "moderate to difficult." I am not overweight but I am NOT in shape. I do not work out. I am afraid this ordeal might just kill me. I am an indoor girl. I'm seriously regretting my decision to do this. But it's too late to go back now. [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic on Jun 7, 2009 - 40 answers

Summer isn't THAT far off . . . already trying to come up with camping/hiking spots in the Midwest for once it gets warm. Help! Looking for specific recommendations for spots in the IL/IA/WI area, plus whatever other random camping and backpacking tips you want to throw my way. Bonus points for places I can bring my dog, although I don't mind leaving her with my parents for a week either. [more inside]
posted by lblair on Feb 12, 2009 - 18 answers

Sometime from March to early summertime several of us would like to go on a backpacking trip from NYC. I need to hear about nice hikes in the Catskills. [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Jan 23, 2009 - 1 answer

This is a gear nerd thread soliciting your ideas and favorite equipment, related to hiking/trekking and traveling in third world nations. Here's a list with URLs of stuff I currently use, any ideas are welcome! [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Aug 10, 2008 - 9 answers

Hiking and chafing: make the pain stop! [more inside]
posted by nursegracer on Aug 7, 2008 - 19 answers

Where should we backpack in Olympic National Park? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Aug 4, 2008 - 13 answers

Going backpacking in northern Vermont soon - any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Jun 10, 2008 - 13 answers

Does anyone know of a super lightweight (i.e. backpackable) solar still that could be used to purify sea water on a long trip? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Send on May 26, 2008 - 7 answers

5-day spring backpacking recommendations in the western US. [more inside]
posted by itsamonkeytree on Apr 17, 2008 - 10 answers

US backpacker bored with the Southern Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Any suggestions in the Southeast? [more inside]
posted by dondiego87 on Apr 14, 2008 - 11 answers

I have decided to spend my (non-hypothetical) vacation backpacking alone for the week, in the mid-atlantic or northeastern US. However, I am not sure where is best for me to do this, as I have a number of minor concerns and have not done extended backpack travel on a schedule like this -- at least not as a civilian. Specific concerns follow, and overlap somewhat, so apologies for that. [more inside]
posted by John Kenneth Fisher on Apr 3, 2008 - 12 answers

Recommend a backpack for a big guy... [more inside]
posted by iamabot on Mar 20, 2008 - 16 answers

The best week long backpacking trip in the United States? [more inside]
posted by sophist on Feb 21, 2008 - 20 answers

Backpacking question about the I & M canal corridor near Joliet...can I take the Amtrak in? [more inside]
posted by aetg on Jan 6, 2008 - 6 answers

Any suggestions for a 3 day hike in Colorado? [more inside]
posted by craven_morhead on Aug 2, 2007 - 10 answers

I'm planning a week-long hike in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, CA. What resources should I look at for planning? [more inside]
posted by sonofslim on Jul 24, 2007 - 3 answers

A few friends and I are looking to start backpacking this summer but on a budget. [more inside]
posted by god particle on Jun 14, 2007 - 23 answers

How can I get in shape for backpacking when I don't have time to backpack? [more inside]
posted by ilyanassa on Apr 30, 2007 - 15 answers

Where to buy hiking boots between IA and OH? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Apr 28, 2007 - 3 answers

I would like to go on a solo backpacking trip for the first time and I need some advice. [more inside]
posted by special-k on Apr 15, 2007 - 23 answers

Anybody know a good camping / backpacking spot in California that's not snowed under yet and is a decent drive from San Francisco (< 8 hours, not involving snow chains)? [more inside]
posted by salvia on Nov 17, 2006 - 15 answers

Looking for a moderately difficult circuit hike within a 2 hours drive from DC for a weekend backpacking trip. [more inside]
posted by mhaw on Oct 5, 2006 - 7 answers

I’d like to learn more about what to expect on a typical backpacking (or insert activity here) trip through organizations like NOLS or Outward Bound. I’m 30 years old and while I’m in pretty good shape I don’t have a lot of experience with long camping/backpacking/climbing trips. I’d like to join a short expedition to learn new skills and gain confidence I need to go out by myself. Besides, it just sounds fun. [more inside]
posted by ryanhealy on Jul 19, 2006 - 19 answers

Desert hiking safety for a Northeasterner? [more inside]
posted by ilyanassa on Jun 30, 2006 - 10 answers

Best knee braces for backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire? [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis on May 3, 2006 - 5 answers

I love Bay Area Hiker (that's San Francisco Bay) — do you know of any great hiking sites for other regions of California? [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul on Apr 28, 2006 - 9 answers

Where should I take a walk? [more inside]
posted by tkolar on Apr 1, 2006 - 22 answers

I’m looking for a 2-5 day backpacking trip with warm weather in January/February. Anywhere in the continental US is fine, sub-freezing temperatures at night are ok, but I’d prefer no snow and daytime temps consistently above 60 F. Any suggestions?
posted by F Mackenzie on Nov 27, 2005 - 6 answers

I'm going on a three-week backpacking trip in the mountains, and I'm trying to find a good resource for food planning. [more inside]
posted by ORthey on May 17, 2005 - 15 answers

Due to a lucky alignment of stars, I have a 5 day vacation slot appear out of nowhere. I semi-randomly picked a destination: on Tuesday night I am flying out to Los Angeles, renting a car and driving into desert. What must I see/do? [more inside]
posted by blindcarboncopy on Mar 20, 2005 - 12 answers

I just realized that I get downright passionate about telling people how to have the best outdoor/hiking experience in the south half of BC/Alberta. I'm thinking this means I'd be happiest were I to get back into hiking. But I feel I've done it all here... does anyone have recommendations for truly stunning 3-5 day backpacking excursions? They don't necessarily require mountains: I've done some coastal hiking, and it was wonderful, too. Where in the world should I go?
posted by five fresh fish on May 28, 2004 - 15 answers