Thanks to today’s lightweight equipment, a backpack loaded with all your weekend supplies should weigh less than 35 pounds. Rent a tent. Many outfitters rent shelter, packs and other gear. It cuts ...

Second only to gear, food is the most difficult thing for backpackers to get right. Follow these recommendations on amounts, types, and overnight storage to avoid learning the hard way. My experience ...

The first time I took my sister backpacking, I let her mostly pack for herself. I gave her some tips and answered questions, but mostly let her succeed or fail on her own. For the most part, she did ...

Lillian Schrock laces up her boots after weathering an overnight thunderstorm in a one-person backpacking tent July 25 near Gardner Mountain in Johnson County. Schrock borrowed a pack, tent and ...

The Santa Barbara-Ventura Sierra Club’s Basic Backpacking Course will begin in March, offering a comprehensive program designed to introduce beginners to the essentials of backpacking and survival ...

First-time backpackers are invited to a free introduction to backpacking class, April 4 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Mountain Gear’s retail store, 2002 N. Division St. Attendees will go over ...

For sleeping pads, be careful to use only closed-cell foam, which provides excellent insulation between campers and the ground. Prepare food with a backpacking stove and a fuel can. Be sure to check ...

Lp Kiatoukaysy sets out to hike the 93-mile Wonderland Trail from a trailhead last summer at Mount Rainier National Park. REI has sessions available for those just starting out hiking or who want to ...

Backpacking knowledge might be immediately useful now that spring weather has reached Wisconsin. Representatives from REI Madison will provide an overview of proper planning, preparation and gear for ...