Long Distance Hiking Made Simple – on the Blog!

A sleeping pad is an essential piece of gear for every backpacker – it’s even considered part of your ‘big 3’ pieces of backpacking gear. Your big 3 include your pack, tent, and sleeping system, which of course includes a sleeping pad.

Finding a sleeping pad you love is crucial to a great night’s sleep while camping and backpacking. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know before shopping for a sleeping pad, what kinds of sleeping pads are out there and share some of the top rated sleeping pads for backpackers.

A backpacking pot cozy is one of those pieces of gear that I questioned for a long time – is that really necessary?? Is a pot cozy really worth it?? I was skeptical to say the least.

However, a few things changed my mind and made me join team pot cozy. Once I started dehydrating my own healthy, keto backpacking dinners, I realized they need a little bit more ‘umph’ to rehydrate than, say, minute rice and instant potatoes.

One of the many great debates among backpackers, and especially new backpackers, buying their first tent – is do you really need a ground cloth or footprint to go with it?

I know there are a few differing opinions on ground cloths, but I’m going to give my short answer, which is, I don’t use a footprint for my tent and never really have. The same tent has gone with me just over half of the Appalachian Trail, sections of the Colorado Trail and many, many weekend trips in between and I’ve never had an issue or incident from not using a ground cloth. * nervously knocks on wood *

But the long answer is, a lot of hikers swear by their ground cloth and don’t want to take the added risk of a hole or tear in the bottom of their home in the woods (which is a totally valid concern!)