Tips For Hiking & Backpacking With Your Dog

The best backpacking partners are those who rarely complain, are always enthusiastic about new trips, have an innate and unshakable sense of adventure, and are unashamed to go skinny dipping at every opportunity. While these traits can be found in two-legged hikers, they are especially common in our furry, four-legged companions. Man’s best friend is also a hiker’s best trail buddy so long as you follow a few guidelines and make sure you’re each prepared for some backcountry adventures. My dog has accompanied me on every outing for the past two years, and I can hardly imagine a trip without her. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and comfortable outing with your canine compatriot.

Make certain your dog is legally allowed. Not all areas allow dogs on hiking trails. Most National Parks, for instance, do not allow dogs on backcountry trails. Be sure to check with your local ranger or land manager regarding the rules and regulations for dogs. Most areas that do allow dogs require them to be leashed at all times with a six foot maximum length. Sure, I bend these rules from time to time by letting my dog off leash in certain areas. That said, I do so at my own risk of fines. I am also very mindful and respectful of the terrain, wildlife, and other hikers in the area (who might have dogs, too) when considering how stringently to follow leash laws.

Be certain your dog is in proper physical shape. Your dog should be well-accustomed to exercise and capable to walk the distances you plan to be hiking. If Fido is a couch potato, don’t expect him to automatically transform into a svelte trail hound just because he’s out in the woods “in his natural element.” Beyond those basics, you should also consider your dog's agility level. Difficult terrain that involves rock scrambling, climbing backcountry ladders, or completing difficult river crossings should be considered. Be sure to ask local rangers or land managers about any potential trail conditions that could present problems for dogs.

Gear Review: Etowah Gear Silnylon Tarp

I’m not sure how I stumbled upon the Etowah Gear  8’ x 10’ silnylon tarp when I was looking for a backpacking tarp almost two years ago. I’m glad I did, though, because this tarp has performed well on backpacking treks as well as camping trips and other outdoor adventures. I have strung it from trees and trekking poles. I’ve used it over my hammock and on the ground. It has also supplied a shady, dry spot on car-camping trips. Most any tarp makes for an extremely versatile outdoor accessory. What I like most about this particular Etowah tarp is the sheer simplicity of the design, the rugged construction, and the very light weight (under one pound.) Factor in a very reasonable price, and this tarp is definitely worth your consideration. Let’s take a look at the specs before getting into the construction and performance…

Gear Haiku: Osprey Hydraulics Water Bladder

Osprey Hydraulics Water Bladder

How I Shed Over 10 Pounds From My Pack Weight

Like many sad, body dysmorphic Americans who consume fast food and glossy images of photoshopped supermodels in equal measure, most backpackers eventually become a bit weight obsessed if not outright tortured. I'm no different, though I should acknowledge that I’m not a super-ultralight backpacker (I also almost never eat fast food - too busy polishing my halo.) In fact, I carry almost 5 pounds of photography gear, because I love landscape and nature photography more than I love counting grams. For me, that's the point. The greatest advantage of ultralight gear and paring down is that it allows one to “indulge” the weight of their passions (photography, in my case) with less physical burden. Even with my five pounds of photo gear, my pack weight is usually less than twenty pounds before food and water. The more self-righteous ultralighters might sneer at such a rotund baseline, but twenty-ish pounds is light enough to allow for very comfortable hiking (at least for me.)  When I first started, my pack weight was over thirty pounds, not including my camera gear. I've slowly come to understand that every ounce really does count (just as every calorie in a half teaspoon of salad dressing matters to that self-torturing supermodel.) If you save only a couple of ounces on eight pieces of gear, that’s a full pound dropped. Imagine saving 2-3 ounces from every single thing you carry. With that in mind, here are the tips I used to drop well over ten pounds from my pack weight.

A Quick Guide to Cooksets and Stoves for Backpacking

The first thing to consider when shopping for some type of backpacking cookset and stove combination is whether you need one. You don’t necessarily have to cook or heat food while backpacking; you can simply bring along foods that require no cooking or heating such as nutrition bars, gels, fruits, nuts, trail mixes, etc. However, these foods are typically heavier and bulkier than many dehydrated foods that require boiling water. Of course, coffee, tea, and cocoa can also be nice in the backcountry if not near mandatory for caffeine addicts like myself. Those with a little more botanical knowledge enjoy cooking with fresh, foraged plants (I currently only forages through grocery stores, unfortunately.) Whether cooking gourmet backcountry cuisine or simply heating up oatmeal, most backpackers will want to have some type of cooking system. This guide offers a broad overview of the most frequently used and easily accessible options for cooksets, stoves, and other backcountry cooking accessories. This is by no means exhaustive but is more than enough to get you acquainted and ready to begin putting together your own cooking kit. Let’s start with cook sets before covering stoves.

A Quick Guide To Backpacking Packs

Well, given that your pack is the literal namesake of backpacking, it is one of your most important pieces of gear. Ironically, however, a backpack is probably the very last piece of gear you want to acquire. Sure, you can reverse engineer your kit to suit your pack (and there might be benefit to doing so if the goal is to force yourself towards smaller or lighter gear.) The wiser method, however, it to get your gear in order and then find a pack that can handle the weight and volume of what you plan to carry. There are countless brands, types, and pack designs. Frankly, I am not nearly knowledgeable enough to cover them all (and this would be a 20,000 word post if I tried to even address half of today's most popular models.) Instead, I’ll offer a very general overview of pack considerations based on my experience and, more importantly, what I’ve learned from those with much more experience than myself. Let’s get to it…

The Anatomy Of A Backpacking Sleep System

Ok, let’s first discuss the term “sleep system.” That phrase sounds way more technical than it should, like you expect to have electrodes regulating your REM cycles. Actually, “system” is just easier than saying “all the stuff you need to keep warm and comfortable.” For the most part, a “system” might include a sleeping bag, quilt, or blanket; a sleeping mat/pad; and, for some, a hammock. I suppose a pillow might be considered part of this “system” for those that use one. Below is a brief point or two about each of these aspects.

A Quick Guide To Sleeping Bags For The Backpacker

While backpackers might use anything from specialized backpacking quilts to simple store-bought fleece blankets, I would guess most use the tried-and-true traditional sleeping bag to snuggle into once night falls on the trail. If you’re new to backpacking, be wary of the size and weight of the bag you choose. This is an area that can really add unneeded weight and bulk very quickly. As always with backpacking, weight and size are the key factors to consider. I would strongly consider keeping your bag weight under 3.5 pounds for most climates (which is actually pretty freaking heavy . 2 pounds or so would be better, but affordable lightweight bags can be tough to find.) Size, shape, insulation type, and temperature ratings are the most important factors to consider in addition to weight. So, let’s get into some specifics….

Gear Review: Osprey Talon 44 Backpack

I only got into backpacking a few years ago and have slowly been refining my gear since that time. Many of my early purchases proved to be unwise; too heavy, too bulky, poorly designed, or simply totally unnecessary and never used. The one area where I was either uncharacteristically wise or hit some serious beginner’s luck was in my pack choice. For my needs, I cannot think of single improvement I would make to the Osprey Talon 44 beyond the nit-pickingest of nitpicks. In short, I love this pack. I find the Talon 44 to be a perfect marriage between durable construction and lightweight simplicity; all compromises were made in the right places and not at the expense of comfort, ruggedness, or performance. Let’s go over the basic specs before getting into comfort, performance, and durability:

The Beginner's Guild To Backpacking, Part 3 - Getting Out There

So, you’ve gotten familiar with some of the skills and concepts needed to begin backpacking; you’ve begun getting your gear; and now you’re ready to actually get out there. This is the exciting part. You’ll need to find a trail, preferably one that isn’t too challenging for your first time out (you can work up to those soon) and you’ll need to learn and follow a bit of protocol. Let’s start with finding a trail…

Make a DIY Tyvek Tent Footprint

I recently acquired a beautiful new backpacking tent as an unexpected gift. It is a Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2, and I love it thus far (click here for my review.) However, the tent did not come with a footprint, and the stock footprint costs $70 because it is made of ultralight silnylon. I had often read about DIY Tyvek footprints and now was presented with a perfect opportunity to give the project a shot. The material only cost me $16, and I ended up with a finished footprint that weights 4 oz. on the nose, the exact specs of the Big Agnes model. The project took about an hour. For a simpler version, this project might only take about 15 minutes. Mine took a bit longer because the tent has a trapezoid floor rather than a perfect rectangle, and I decided to reinforce and sew tabs on the corners so it could be staked out (this is optional, of course.), Also, because this tent is not free-standing, I could not simply set it up, set it on the Tyvek, and trace the outline, which is probably the fastest method. So, below I’ll outline each step of the process I did use, where to get the Tyvek (certain types are better than others), and the tools you will need.

Trail Review: Stone Door Loop; Savage Gulf, TN

Trail: Stone Door Loop (Stone Door to Big Creek Gulf to Big Creek Rim Trails)
Location: Savage Gulf State Recreation Area; Stone Door Ranger Station, Beersheba Springs, TN
Trail Length: 9.8 miles, 13.4 miles if adding side trails to Ranger Falls and Greeter Falls (both are well worth the effort)
Difficulty: Moderate 
Solitude: Moderate to good (depending on time of year)

click map for larger image

This trail packs a lot of beautiful and diverse scenery into a relatively small loop. With ancient rock formations, multiple flowing waterfalls, swimming holes, and several gorgeous misty-mountain overlooks , this hike offers some full on nature porn. The beauty-to-effort ratio is very much in the hiker’s favor. Only one section of this trail is particularly strenuous, and some of the prettiest parts of this hike are along the very flat and easy to traverse rim of the Big Creek Gulf. This is probably one of the better trails in all of the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee and appears very well maintained and managed, too. Stone Door definitely belongs on any hiker’s list who is anywhere close to this region; here’s why… 

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Gear Review: Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The first thing you’ll notice about the Big Agnes Scout series is that these tents somehow manage to look both funkily retro and sleekly modern simultaneously. This is thanks to the 21st century update of the classic two-pole boy scout pup tent design. This single-wall shelter is extremely lightweight (under 2 lbs. trail weight), very roomy, has a large vestibule, and is well-designed to withstand high winds and heavy rains if need be. The Scout Plus UL2 is not without its compromises, but they are compromises I’m more than happy to make given the excellent weight-to-roominess ratio. Let’s get into the details, starting with the main specs: (Note: I have no affiliation with Big Agnes or any retailers mentioned here. This tent was purchased as regular consumer.)

Gear Review: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad

Getting out in the wilderness is a lot more fun with a good night's sleep. Lord knows I've spent many a night tossing and turning, flopping around in my tent hoping to find a position that doesn't hurt my back and begging for the sandman to enter. The biggest factors in finding that sleep are warmth (in cooler temps) and comfort (year round.) I’ve been using the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad for the past year, and it hits the mark on both counts. I have the standard width mummy version, and this review will only be focusing on that model. They offer the pad in several other options - standard rectangular, long, wide, wide mummy, and two different short versions (48" or 66"). Overall, I've been plenty happy with this pad. Like any piece of gear, it has its pros and cons – it can’t be all things to all people. The pros far outweigh the few cons for my purposes, however. This is an air chamber pad requiring manual inflation (about 12-15 big breaths for me.)  I actually received my Air Core as a warranty replacement for an older Big Agnes air pad that developed a slow, minor leak in the valve housing. Not only was Big Agnes prompt to replace my old pad, they gave me an upgrade to the newer insulated version reviewed here. So, we can go ahead and get that part of the review out of the way – BA is a manufacturer that stands behind their gear and offers great customer service, in my experience. (For the record, I purchased the original pad and received the replacement as a regular consumer – I was not writing about gear at the time.)  So, let’s get down to business and talk specifics to see if this pad suits your needs. We'll cover the main specs, first:

10 Reasons To Go WILD This 4th of July

The 4th of July is the day we celebrate the United States’ independence as a sovereign nation. Cookouts and fireworks are great, but do they really capture the American spirit of independence? What better way to celebrate the freedoms so valued in this country than to get out in some place wild, free, and unspoiled over this holiday weekend? I’m talking about wilderness, America’s greatest heritage. Like the truths in our Declaration of Independence, this notion should be self-evident. In case you need further convincing, however, here are 10 reasons to go WILD this 4th of July:

1. America has always known its wilderness spaces were its greatest assets. While Europe had grand cathedrals and Asia had ancient architecture, America’s greatness was best expressed by spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties, fruited plains, and shining seas. 
2. Hot dogs taste best over a campfire.
3. Who needs fireworks when you have naturally psychedelic sunsets and shooting stars?
4. When you visit and support a wilderness space, you are honoring some of America’s greatest heroes and champions of public lands from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt to John F. Kennedy. 
5. July is HOT and wild streams are cold.
6. You are supporting American jobs. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation economy supports 6.1 million jobs.

Hiking With The 10 Essentials, #10: Emergency Shelter

This category is a tad unwieldy. If you’re hiking for an overnight or multiday trip, you’re more than likely bringing a tent, tarp, bivvy, or other shelter. If you’re heading out for a day hike, emergency “shelter” might be a bit of an overstatement in describing your emergency needs. Basically, you want to bring something that can keep you relatively warm and dry in the event you find yourself bedding down unexpectedly in the backcountry. The climate and time of year will be important factors. If you’re hiking Alaska in the dead of winter, your preparation will be much more important than the Florida Everglades in July. With that in mind, below are some ideas and links for gear to consider for this last category on the list of the Ten Essentials. (PLEASE NOTE: I have no affiliation with any manufacturers or retailers listed below. I am simply offering my opinion regarding goods I’ve purchased as a consumer.)

Hiking With The Ten Essentials, #9: Hydration

Water is vital to all known forms of life, and certainly to humans. No water, no life. Even more important than food, you should always bring extra water and/or the means to treat water found naturally in streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Treatment methods for water include pump filters, gravity/squeeze filters, UV “pens,” and iodine tablets. Another means of treating water is boiling, but water should boil at least five minutes if not longer (which means a lot of fuel in some form or another.) I personally use a gravity/squeeze filter, which I find to be the most effective, convenient, and economic way to treat water. There are, of course, many ways to carry your water. Nalgene bottles, metal bottles, “soft” bottles, plastic “disposable” bottles, and water bladders are the primary means. Below I’ll discuss some of my favorite vessels and treatment methods. (PLEASE NOTE: I have no affiliation with any manufacturers or retailers listed below. I am simply offering my opinion regarding goods I’ve purchased as a consumer.)

Hiking With The Ten Essentials, #8: Nutrition

I recently read on Discover Magazine's website  about a study that concluded that the absolute number one factor in determining whether a prisoner was given parole or not was how recently the presiding judge had eaten a meal or snack. In other words, a human’s blood sugar levels are freaking important. “Nutrition” basically means “energy.” We need energy, just as your cell phone, power drill, or automobile does. Without energy, none of our “gadgets” work, no factories are making goods, no machines are in use. Just the same, without food, you will quit working. Your decisions become less intelligent, your body becomes less resilient, your overall functioning in every capacity is diminished. So, bring some food on the trail with you any time you head into the backcountry. Food is abundant, cheap, and absurdly convenient to procure in this culture. Certain foods are better suited to hiking than others, but smart, practical (and even tasty) foods are available very, very affordably. Below I’ll list some of the best foods to consider in terms of nutrition, weight, and “packability.” (NOTE: I have zero affiliation with any of the retailers or manufacturers mentioned. I’m also not a nutritionist or food safety expert; these are simply personal opinions.)

Hiking With The Ten Essentials, #7: Repair Kit & Tools

Admittedly, a “repair kit” might be a little bit of an overstatement for what is essential for a day hike. Even then, however, having a backpack strap break, a water bladder burst, or another simple failure can turn an otherwise great day into an ordeal. When backpacking overnight, the opportunity for failure only grows as tents, sleeping pads, stoves, etc. can cause problems. The best way to prevent any of this is to simplify your kit as much as possible, with as few “moving parts” in your gear as possible. This, of course, is subjective and one hiker’s “blissful simplicity” is another’s “uncomfortably primitive.” So, with that caveat covered, it is wise to bring a few items along that can help you doctor up a gear failure should it occur. Below are a few items you might want to consider as well as some links for online purchase (I have zero affiliation with any retailers or manufacturers, I'm just providing links for gear I use, like, and have purchased myself.)

Hiking With The Ten Essentials, #6: Fire

Fire is a pretty damn useful phenomenon. It provides heat, light, the potential to cook, and the ability to boil (and, therefore, help purify) water. Anytime you step into the backcountry you should bring a fire source with you. Mechanical lighters are very convenient, but I suggest also bringing some waterproof matches or a sparking rod – these are even more foolproof. It is also wise to bring some type of tinder to make life easier in the event you need some flames to keep warm, cook, purify, or all of the above. Below are a few tips and some links to products you might consider. (Note: I have no affiliation with any vendors or manufacturers.)