Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with backpacking

What's the story with Aqua Mira Water Treatment drops?

wavejumper — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:27:09 -0800

Questions about Aqua Mira chlorine water treatment drops, the kind that comes in two different droppers: I notice it is now marketed to say: "Kills Odor Causing Bacteria and Enhances the Taste..." etc. Not to kill giardia and make water actually safe to drink. Which is what backpackers actually use it for. Anyone know the inside legal story on this? Second question: Why do I always run out of "Part A" way before I run out of "Part B"? Does anyone out there work for Aqua Mira and know why they give you different amounts? It's annoying because now I have all these Part B (the Activator) droppers lying around. I've been using this water treatment for a year or two when I go backpacking (a lot of people use it on the Appalachian Trail), and have never gotten sick from water with it, but still...just wondering if it's actually proven to be safe and if so why they don't advertise that.

Backpacking Advice

janelikes — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:09:57 -0800

First time backpacker heading to the pictured rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this August. Help me have fun on my birthday without...you know, dying. I have been a trip leader for 60 kids at the sleeping bear dunes. I have camped in northern michigan in November. I have not backpacked and I have not been camping in the U.P.

What advice do you have for a first time backpacker?
What must I do or see at Pictured Rocks?
What safety concerns should I keep in mind?

I will be with a pretty experienced camper and backpacker. The girl can start a fire from a wet piece of poo. However, we are doing the finalization of our plans later this week and I want to make sure I have thought of it all!

We will be going for 5 days and try to do a portion of the 42 miles but not all. We have never been up there so I would be interested in hearing more about specific parts of the trail and how to deal with the one car, multiple day hiking part (should we arrange a drop off from our car to where we want to hike?) We are also planning on doing a kayak day trip to the actual pictured rocks site (is there a better way?). Obviously we will want to have good gear, good boots and will want to leave no trace, but what else?

How do people shave when backpacking?

paulfreeman — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:35:05 -0800

When backpacking around tropical climates where most budget hostels seem to only provide cold showers or bucket showers, how do people go about shaving? The cold showers themselves aren't an issue, in 28 degree weather, it's refreshing, but now I'm looking at doing some extensive travel around South East Asia and India it does occur to me I'm going to want to shave and was sort of planning on not taking my electric shaver to keep weight down.

But clearly people are managing to shave in such conditions, so is everyone using electric shavers, or is there some knack to shaving in cold water? Or is there some secret method I'm missing?

Any thoughts welcome!

lord and lady of the flies

kidsleepy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:14:39 -0800

Going backpacking in northern Vermont soon - any suggestions? We're going to be near exit 14 on I-91, and would like to head north from there. We're not opposed to crossing over into Canada a little.

Our goal is to backpack for three days and camp for two nights. A 20-mile loop near a river or lake would be perfect. I'm a novice hiker, so nothing too rigorous, but something challenging enough so that he doesn't get bored. Any trail suggestions?

(And yes, we are prepared for black fly season.)

Backpacking near Portland OR?

gottabefunky — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:28:24 -0800

What are some great backpacking trips (2-4 days, up to say 30 miles) with a 5-hour drive of Portland, OR? Loops preferred, but out-and-back is OK.

Are there lightweight solar stills that work?

Dr. Send — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:47:14 -0800

Does anyone know of a super lightweight (i.e. backpackable) solar still that could be used to purify sea water on a long trip? I'm thinking something that could be set up using trekking poles or sticks maybe...

I'm toying with the idea of a there-and-back desert trip to the ocean, and it would be nice if I could carry half of the water I need for the whole trip, and purify enough seawater for the return trip while I'm near the ocean. But it seems like a long shot to end up with surplus water out of this thing without waiting around for days.

I've googled some stills that can produce about a gallon a day, so the question is whether I could get comparable production with something really lightweight.

Backpacks, Shoes and More for 3 Month Eurail Trip in European Winter!

atmosphere — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:12:32 -0800

Four part backpacking question: backpacks, international shipping, shoes, and more travel orientated places to ask such questions. I am going to be traveling Europe (mostly Western countries) on a 3 Eurail pass from October to January. I am planning on balancing time in big cities, smaller towns and then some villages, but will not be doing any camping or extensive hiking - mostly train travel and hosteling. I am in the stage of getting kitted out for this winter backpacking trek and need advice in the following areas:

Backpacks - I have decided that since I don't want to spend a huge amount on the contents of the backpack and as a bonus can travel light (which is the number one travel tip of all time), I am going to limit myself to a 55L backpack. I know the best backpack will be the one that fits me best and that the best way to achieve this is to go in to outdoorsy stores and talk to the shop assistant and try on as many as I can etc, but I am wondering if people have any standout models in the general 45-65L range they want to suggest. Something to keep in mind though is that I live in New Zealand - we have most big brands here, but for instance I have not yet found a place that stocks Eagle Creek, a brand I hear mentioned often. Any other important advice about backpacks is also appreciated, e.g. things you hated or loved about your backpack or important (but not obvious) information you want to share.

Shoes - I am in the early stages of looking at shoes, but I know a lot less about it than I do about backpacks. I don't know what brands to be looking for, what makes a good shoe for my sort of backpacking trip etc. All I really know is I would like it if the shoe was waterproof (due to winterness, but feel free to convince me otherwise) and was not too huge and chunky and obvious (although I am exploring the option of taking a second pair of less touristy shoes). Tell me all about what shoes I need!

International Shipping - New Zealand isn't cheap for this sort of stuff, and with the awesome exchange rate with the American dollar, I am looking at buying online once I have established my top choices (e.g. trying shoes/backpacks on here first) Can anyone recommend good websites for shopping online for outdoor gear that provide shipping to New Zealand (possibly at costs that won't negate the savings of shopping online)?

Other places to ask - Whilst I love the high standard of the askmefi community, I realize it is not the most travel orientated place and there might be better places to ask such questions. Any good backpacking forums/communities where the info is generally reliable as it is here?

Thank you to anyone who has taken time to read all (or part) of this mammothly oversized post, and thanks to any and all help you can give me hive mind!

Gear for Three Months of Backpacking in Europe during Winter

atmosphere — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:03:40 -0800

BackpackingFilter: Travelling around Europe from mid October to mid Janruary - help me pick the right gear to take. I am in the early stages of planning a trip to Europe for three months in what will be winter over there. Already on my mind a lot is what gear (mostly thinking along the lines of clothing here) I will need, and what I won't, how many of each etc. I will be hostelling not camping.

Achieving a balance in travel-practicality and style is also something I am thinking about, because while I need to be well equipped, I want to stand out as little as possible when I am roaming the streets of small towns - I know I will anyway, but fully blown hiking boots and a gortex outfit is probably unnecessary.

Cost is also an issue, I don't want to spend the whole trip's budget on getting kitted out - and I probably don't need to.

The areas that I probably need the most guidance in are:

Shoes - comfortable for lots of walking, possibly waterproof, generally good shoes for traveling Europe during winter?

Jacket - how much waterproof, windproof, and warmth will it need to provide, and how do I find the right one?

I am thinking at this stage I will rely on thermal underwear, another layer of thermals maybe, simple pants and tshirt, jersey/sweater, jacket and sturdy, broken in walking shoes.

Lastly (sorry for this being so long) is it as impractical as I think to take a big woolen trench coat (romanticized idea), and/or a change of clothes+shoes for going out in the evening to bars/restaurants/where ever without looking completely like a traveler in their own world?

Any and all help to do with the gear needed to travel Europe in winter is appreciated, helpful websites and resources and anecdotes all welcome. Thanks guys.

How do I get off the urban circuit with a Eurail pass and a backpack?

ontic — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:57:19 -0800

Backpacking through Europe: Help me find places other than big cities to explore using my Eurail pass. A little background may be helpful. I'm from the US, just finishing up a semester teaching abroad in London where I've done the big city thing quite thoroughly. Long ago I bought a Eurail pass for a trip around Europe after the semester was over. Originally, that trip was supposed to be Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Rome, etc. I still want to see a few of those, but I'd also like to find non-urban places and smaller towns accessible by my Eurail pass, ideally with cheap, hostel-like lodging nearby. My Eurail pass is the "any 15 days in 2 months for all of Europe" variety.

As an example, I'd like to see the Alps, but would love to stay in a hostel outside of urban areas. Yet I have no idea how to find such places.

(Also, I'm doing this for all of May, so about four weeks, and if anyone wants to meet up anywhere, drop me a line!)

I'm going camping!!

itsamonkeytree — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:38:04 -0800

5-day spring backpacking recommendations in the western US. I live in Southern Utah and while the backpacking here is awesome, it's time for a change. Will the hive mind please recommend trips within one long days drive (12-18hrs) from home (Cedar City, UT)? The trip will be taking place in late May. Bonus points for loops. I really prefer loops. Doesn't need to be five days exactly, I could turn a three day into a five day no problem. Google isn't helping and though I've picked up some suggestions from Mefi I need more. Thanks in advance.

This all looks very familiar...

dondiego87 — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:50:57 -0800

US backpacker bored with the Southern Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Any suggestions in the Southeast? Some friends and I will be going on a hike this summer. It's become sort of a tradition; in summer 2006 we backpacked the Appalachian Trail around Blood Mountain (Georgia) for a few days, and last summer we hiked the Foothills Trail (South and North Carolina). We're becoming somewhat bored with the same old same old in Appalachia, especially after our 7 days on the Foothills Trail, and are looking to change things up a little bit.

I'd like some suggestions on where we could look for a 4+ day adventure somewhere in the US Southeast that would take us somewhere other than these deciduous forests we've become so familiar with. (I'm based in Florida, so I know that the pine flatwoods [e.g., Ocala NF] are an option, but they could be even worse what with the flatness and the heat.) We could consider traveling a little ways if necessary. Oh, and we're all pretty experienced and capable, so don't hold back.

Thanks for your help!

My head says "GO" but my budget-brain says "not yet"

Planet F — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:35:32 -0800

Help me to figure out a budget for some fairly extravagant backpacking travel. So i'm going to be doing an academic exchange next year, and there will be two periods of time where I'll have about a month and a half to do with as I want. I really REALLy want to spend these travelling to parts of the world (Asia and Australia/New Zealand mainly).

The problem (which, despite being maddening at times, is actually more of a benefit to myself in the long run) is that I'm a meticulous budgeter, so although the first of these trips won't be until mid-February of 2009, I'm already thinking about where to go/how much I'll have to spend. I'm not interested in how much flights will cost, that's easy enough to figure out for myself (I'm rather good with discount airline sites), I want to know how much I'll be able to do on what kind of rediculously low budget.

I know I can survive in Europe on 50 Euros (or less) per day while in Europe (including Paris), an amount which included all food, local transportation, and hostel costs, so I'm really good at living on the cheap. As long as I can afford a place to sleep, some food in my belly, and enterence into museums, I'm happy. I will walk for hours to get to the museums if it will save me money on transportation.

So finally my question. What can I expect to spend to be able to survive at a fairly meager level in the following countries:

-China (Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai mainly, but other suggestions appreciated)
-Japan (Tokio, or others)
-Singapore
-the Philippines
-Australia (Sydney, any others)
-New Zealand (here I have a small amount of family, so an idea about local transport and food prices would be nice, if not hostel prices)

Just to mention it again, I'm looking for approximate total budgets necessary for when I actually GET to the cities. Travel, visa and all other costs are very much a secondary budget which has it's own limit.

Thank you very much for helpful budget input!

Note: none of my plans are in any way in stone right now, so if there are suggestions, please pass them my way through comment or MeFi mail. I just want to make sure these trips are financially viable before I start booking things!

Where in the NE US can a new backpacker get his backpacking wings?

John Kenneth Fisher — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:05:31 -0800

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. 1) Legitimately in nature where I can avoid civilization as much as possible.

2) Not TOO hidden though. I'm an experienced day hiker, but not a backpacker, and if I injure myself, I'd like to be able to get to safety or somewhere I'm likely to be passed by someone.

3) I'm in NJ, and though I'd prefer to be "away", as my first real backpacking trip, I see no reason to go further away than a few states.

3b) I hate heat, by the way, and this would be Juneish most likely, so north of NJ is better than south.

4) I don't mind exceptions, but on the whole, this should be walking, not climbing. I want to enjoy solitude while getting some exercise, not beat the hell out of my body.

5) Traveling alone, I need to be able to get to the start point.

The big one that's throwing me:

6) I'm nowhere near the shape I was in, so I do not know how far I will walk per day, for 5-6 days. This is definitely a backpacking trip, not a camping trip, but I do not know what is realistic for me for a day. 5 miles? 15? No idea. And I'd like to not have to care TOO much. Which leads me to the problem - I don't know how far I will have gone by the time I'm out of time, so I'd need something with multiple points of departure - places I can just wander off the trail with nothing but some money and a bag, and be able to get a ride/flight/train/whatever home.

Obviously this is vague, but any thoughts or "take a look at"'s would be helpful. I may want to do the Appalachian Trail one day, so this is sort of my first "let's see how I do over 5 days" trial. Thanks!

(I've looked at a few previouses - 1,2, etc.)

Big packs for big guys.

iamabot — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:45:59 -0800

Recommend a backpack for a big guy... I am 6'5", about 250lbs, long torso, 38-40 inch waist. I have pretty broad shoulders and chest, I haven't done the measurements just yet. I'll be doing the usual fittings at REI, but I'd like a recommendation from folks who are a bit larger than most as I am.

Needs/wants - pack will be used for multi day backpacking at multiple altitudes, eventually leading up to a week+ trip in a year or so. Internal frame, adjustable suspension, hydration compatible. Water resistant not required, I can handle that with a rain fly for it.

As I am pretty big, weight initially isn't too big of a concern, figure maximum loads of about 60lbs. I haven't settled on a volume yet, as I am most interested in finding a series or a number of packs with varied volumes that fit me best. My searching thus far has eliminated a number of manufacturers who seem to cater to the folks who are smaller than I am overall.

Budget is pretty open, I'm willing to pay for a pack that is worth it, I will likely not go in for a 400 dollar pack unless it really shows it's worth in some test hikes.

Back Country Camping in or around Yellowstone

readery — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:50:51 -0800

We (my kids and I) are staying with friends just outside Yellowstone this summer, and I am planning on doing a one to two night back-packing jaunt with the teenagers. Any recomendations on back country camp sites? The Heart Lake area looks promising, but there seems to be almost endless posiibilities.
We are in good shape, but these are teenagers with their Mom, so I'd rather not make this too difficult as I will enjoy it more with a minimum of teenage whining.
Any info on Yellowstine hiking is welcome. Thanks!

packing lightly

nyu2 — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:42:16 -0800

i'm trying to pack conservatively for a one month backpacking trip through south east asia. what items should I leave at home and purchase easily/cheaply while I am there and what items should I be sure to pack that I cannot get while abroad?

We'll be comin round the mountain.

sophist — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:58:16 -0800

The best week long backpacking trip in the United States? So I raised the possibility to a few of my friends of going on a backpacking trip this summer, and was immediately encouraged and promoted to trip planner. As we live spread out among both coasts and traveling is inevitable, location is quite flexible. While I have done extended trips both solo and in groups, including multiple 14'ers, at least one or two of the people going will have very limited backcountry experience. The people however are young and adventurous, and in decent shape although not super-fit. Gear and preparation is an entirely different problem, hopefully not confused with my question.

I am looking for something doable in ~5 days covering 8-12 miles a day assuming moderate elevation changes. Extra points for lush scenery, lakes, wildlife, minimal crowds, easy campsites, nearby peaks, etc. Some cross-country route finding may be fun, but preferably limited. My digging so far has suggested the John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Wind River Mountain Range, or some other part of the PCT or CDT. I'm looking for great experiences, other recommendations, or scathing reviews. Thanks!

Where do I get a waterproof battery case?

strangecargo — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:22:36 -0800

Where can I get compact, water(proof|resistant) and somewhat sturdy battery case? Gearfilter: I've recently decided to stop using disposable batteries unless absolutely necessary, so I've started using low self-discharge rechargeable NiMH batteries to power the headlamp that I take with me on climbing trips. I usually keep an extra set of batteries in my pack because it would be Really Bad to be without light while wandering along a cliffside looking for a walkoff in the dark. I used to use a normal retail battery package with the cardboard bits torn off, but now that my spare batteries aren't single-use, I'd like to keep them in something sturdier. What I want is a compact case for at least 3 AAA batteries that will keep them dry and protect them from jostling around in a pack full of hard metal objects.

I apparently fail at Google on this one. I can't seem to find anything made for this purpose. Has anybody seen anything that would work?

Are there any Amtrak stations that have trailheads nearby?

andythebean — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:45:32 -0800

How can I use Amtrak to get to a good backpacking spot? Background: I would like to go on a solo backpacking trip over spring break. I don't have a car in good enough condition for a trip but I want to get out of the midwest aways. I have very little money to spend on this.
Question: Which (if any) Amtrak stations have trailheads close by?

Girl Seeks Traveling Companions

liverbisque — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:18:40 -0800

Best clothing for traveling in South East Asia in April and May? For five weeks in April and May, I am planning on backpacking through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. I will likely be more often in urban areas, though I'd like to be prepared for anything.

I have read enough SEA threads on askme to know that I should be able to get cheap clothing while traveling, but I'd like to not head off with an empty pack. I am planning on ordering a much-hyped macabi skirt. I also just ordered some lightweight nylon pants, a long sleeved shirt and a bandana from the Buzz Off brand.

I am particularly concerned with mosquito bite prevention, as I have proven very susceptible on at least three continents. April/May is during the hot season in SEA, apparently, which means there shouldn't be as many mosquitoes out as in the rainy season... right? Should I be sporting long sleeved, light-colored shirts every day, or would that just be more necessary around dawn/dusk? I am planning on permethrin spray-coating everything I am taking with me, unless advice here suggests otherwise. Also, would it be wise to invest in a mosquito net? I will probably be sleeping in hostels and couchsurfing.

And for footwear: it seems a lot of people in other threads talked about flip flops and Tevas. It sounds like I could get flip flops cheaply in country, but I feel like I should have something else for any possible hiking, or for just walking around all day. After backpacking in Europe I feel it'd be insane to go without a good pair of walking shoes, but it's likely I don't know what I'm talking about.

I want to stay cool, be culturally respectful and as unbugbitten as possible! Lend any and all suggestions and recommendations, and feel free to detail your wardrobe choices on past excursions to the area. Thanks!

What do I need to know to make a last-minute trip to Cadiz for Carnival and come out with my dignity, health, and belongings (mostly) intact?

slowcat — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 07:29:07 -0800

Some friends and I are planning to spend a few days in Cadiz for Carnival. All the hostels and hotels are booked (and we're students so our budget is fairly tight to begin with), so we figured we'd just pack light and sleep on the beach. Any advice on how to do this comfortably, and without getting our stuff stolen while we're asleep? Should we plan on stowing our stuff in lockers at the train station? Should we bring costumes with us or get them there? Any scams, sketchy areas, etc. that we should watch out for? Any and all advice is welcome, we don't really know what to expect!

I want to sleep in your womb, Shanghai

markesh — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:09:04 -0800

Following up on my last question, what is the most reasonable accomodation I can get in Shanghai for 100 Yuan a night? Ideally, I'd like to be in a room on my own with no restrictions as to my coming and going. Less ideally, a shared hostel room. I'll be in shanghai for close to a month, so perhaps a room rental would also work. However, most of the material online seems to be in chinese, making it a bit inaccessible.

Anyone have any experience with this? Any personal recomendations?

I will not walk 5000 miles

aetg — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:47:06 -0800

Backpacking question about the I & M canal corridor near Joliet...can I take the Amtrak in? I would like to backpack along the I & M trail and camp in the backcountry area versus Gebhard State Park or Channahon. I'm trying to find out how far the "Camp D" sites are from the train station in Joliet and how much of the city I would have to backpack through to reach them.

I have all the current links to Illinois Department of Resources, Gorp, Wikipedia, etc. Unfortunately none of them give information about where the sites are along the trail specifically.

Thanks in advance!

Best online resources for exotic backpacking destinations?

deern the headlice — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:36:43 -0800

What are the best online resources for adventurous backpacking to obscure places? Ideally, I'd love to find a well-written blog chronicling exotic travel. Bonus for great images and video.

I'm actually not huge on big hikes/climbs or purely Outdoor things unless the payoff is really amazing or it's especially exotic. I'd love to hear more about navigating quiet, strange, small to medium-sized towns in places like S. America, Asia, Indonesia, Africa, etc, most especially places which don't see many tourists. Thanks!

BackpackingFilter: What items are must-takes for South East Asia (or generally)?

UbuRoivas — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:13:57 -0800

BackpackingFilter: What items are must-takes for South East Asia (or generally)? First up: I am *not* talking about "backpacking" in the sense that Americans often seem to use it (hiking or trekking in the wilderness), but in the sense of travelling about independently, relatively lightly & cheaply as a tourist, mostly town to town.

OK, I've done this kind of travel at least a dozen times before (anything from four weeks to nine months at a time, normally in developing countries) and every time my list of things to take is refined just that little bit more. I'm now down to a pretty-much settled list of handy / indispensable items, but I wonder if there's anything I am missing that's just too good to leave home without.

I am thinking of the nifty kinds of things that make travelling life simpler or more comfortable on a day-to-day basis, things that can save me grief in emergencies, things that are adaptable to multiple uses, that are generally light & don't take up much space - that kind of idea.

To give a few examples, here are some of my standard items:
* swiss army knife - enough said
* keyring with mini compass & tiny LED torch (for finding way around town / to toilet during a blackout)
* shiny emergency survival blanket (for unexpectedly chilly overnight transport or in case of extremely disgusting but unavoidable mattresses)
* light cotton sarong (to wear to the shower, cover nose & mouth against dust or particularly stinky toilets, use as a makeshift curtain or sunshade & 1001 other uses)
* 1.5L aluminium bottle (to decant bottled water into & avoid the bottle leaking & soaking everything in my daypack)
* gaffer tape (2002 uses)
* sturdy ziplock bag (to avoid leaving essentials like passport, tickets & currency lying around when going for a shower)

Anybody have any handy suggestions, along the lines above?