Whether you’re planning a weekend summit trip or a month-long trek on the Appalachian Trail, Trails.com has all the backpacking information you could possibly need to see your next trip from start to finish. Covering rail trails, trail-less excursions, and scrambles, as well as offering reviews on gear, Trails.com is your index for the backcountry. Learn to read a topographic map, clean sap off a jacket, pack a backpack, travel light or just pick out hiking boots -- all the information is at your fingertips.
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Do-it-yourself drying is a fun way to preserve food at its peak for later enjoyment. Stock up in peak season when fruits and vegetables are cheap and plentiful, and stash them away to be savored in the depths of winter---an instant blast of summe...
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Trail mix came about because backpackers prize lightweight food that packs a lot of energy. A basic trail mix recipe combines dried fruit with nuts (and sweets, if you like), so you get lots of calories and vitamins in a small package.
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Staying dry is a major concern in the back country, especially if the temperatures are cool and you are out for more than 24 hours. There are thousands of different pieces of rain gear manufactured today and it can be a bit confusing when decidin...
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Backpacks could be considered a necessity for camping, hiking or even traveling. Some backpacks can carry an entire camp because of their versatility. Having a drawstring on your backpack makes it easier to use, helps protect your belongings and ...
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Dehydrated or freeze-dried food is great for camping and backpacking because it is lightweight, reasonably compact, and easily prepared. If you think that means tasteless, pricey glop that you wouldn't feed your dog, think again. These days, ther...
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Topographic maps, which are two-dimensional representations of landforms and geographic features, are invaluable for landscape study --- and often attractive works of art. What follows is a survey of some of the major uses of these cartographic t...
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Foods can be divested of their moisture to make them lighter, more convenient to carry or longer lasting when stored at room temperature. Simple "dehydration" renders a cheaper product, but "freeze-drying," which completely eliminates any structu...
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Peru's urban ruins of Machu Picchu was voted as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. This lost city of the highlands stands as a great monument to the civilization of the Incas.
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Buying a tent for camping is relatively easy: You buy the biggest, most comfortable tent you can afford. Choosing a backpacking tent, on the other hand, requires a careful consideration. When you're hauling your tent on your back for miles of rou...
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Although carrying a tent has its advantages, it's hard to beat your own shelter for lightweight backpacking. With minimal supplies, you can carry an easily assembled shelter that can hold up against days of rain while compacting to fit the narrow...
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Freeze drying is a process that eliminates the moisture in food without changing the structure of the food. During the process water is converted immediately into cold vapor, skipping the step of freezing into a solid. Freeze dried food lasts lon...
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Not all fire at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is considered detrimental to the thriving eco-system of the area. In some instances, it is beneficial to promote new and existing growth of trees and plant life.
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By using a backpacking stove to cook your meals in the backcountry, you are less of an impact on the land than campfires and will also be able to cook more quickly and more efficiently in all conditions. Choosing the right backpacking stove for ...
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A compact and portable global positioning system (GPS) device can be invaluable to determine your location when simple observation is not effective and assistance is not available. Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers of GPS units, offering...
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Children are carrying more items in their backpacks and their loads are getting heavier due to increases in school work, sports and hobbies. According to Medical News Today, up to 25 percent of younger students are carrying over 20 percent of the...
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Topographic maps show two-dimensional surfaces of man-made and natural features. Using contour lines, names, shapes and shading; the topographic map is an essential tool for those making their way through the outdoors.
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Much like the harness used for guiding or instructing a dog, a canine backpack harness should have similar support, comfort and stability. Dog backpacks are useful because the dog can carry additional supplies that would otherwise be transported ...
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Being able to read a topographical map (one that depicts the shape of the Earth's surface) means you will have the knowledge to navigate a world of off-trail areas and backcountry wilderness. Using a topographical map is indispensable even in thi...
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Some hikers may prefer to just throw in a bunch of packaged food with the rest of their gear, but if you want to prevent a headache and possible food contamination, follow a few simple tips. How you pack your individual food items as well as wher...
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Backpacking and long-distance hiking necessarily mean everything that will be needed for the trip must be packed and carried. The "inn treks" of England and "teahouse trekking" of Nepal are far from the norm, and setting out on a hike such as the...
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Backpacking with a dog can introduce a whole new level of enjoyment and bonding to the pet-human relationship--or it can be an awful hassle. Believe it or not, the outcome ultimately depends more on you than on your dog. Your dog can't pack a fir...
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In the minds of many experts the Copper Canyon eclipses Arizona's Grand Canyon. One of the great natural wonders of Mexico, it is a truly awe-inspiring destination and is home to Native Americans and a rail line that stands as something of a marv...
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A little preparation goes a long way when traveling to Costa Rica, but the tourist-oriented country makes it possible to "drop in" and make the trip spontaneous from leaving the airport to catching the flight home. With eco-tourism at feverish le...
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Backpackers often choose to fly to distant hiking destinations and, although their gear is well-organized, large backpacks and equipment can be difficult to clear through airport security and baggage services. By carefully packing stoves, tools a...
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Wearing a pack while backpacking can result in discomfort, not to mention long-term back problems if it is not adjusted properly. Your backpack is your home away from home while out on in the backcountry. It should not only carry what you need in...
