Backpacking and Hiking Tips

On steep terrain and higher altitudes, use the "rest-step" technique - before the next step up, rest for a moment on your rear leg with knee locked and take a couple deep breaths.

To avoid mosquitoes, don't camp near swampy or wet areas. Also, pitch your tent entrance facing into the breeze so mosquitoes don't congregate near it.

Wear neutral and light colors while backpacking and hiking. There is some evidence that mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors more than lighter colors as well as contrasts in light and dark. Light colors may also make ticks more visible that might crawl onto you. Read more

To see more wildlife, wear drab greens and tans. Hide reflective items such as lenses and secure straps and clothing that could catch in branches and create distractions.

To save energy and move faster on snow-free terrain, consider wearing trail running shoes instead of hiking boots.

Maximize traction on steep rock slabs by smearing the surface with your entire shoe, not just your toes.

Trekking poles give you better traction while hiking and help distribute your weight. While going downhill, lean on them slightly and step with your feet directly below your hips.

Boots should feel snug, but comfortable, so you can still wiggle your toes. Most hiking boots won't feel as instantly comfortable as sneakers, but they shouldn't pinch, cause hot spots, or constrict circulation. They should fit securely around your ankle and instep.

Backpacking in cold temperatures requires more fuel and cooking time increases with elevation. When in doubt, take an extra fuel bottle. Read more

Many outdoor stores will rent out equipment like shelters and packs. This is a great way to test out backpacking gear before you buy it and cut down initial costs.

For maximum comfort and blister prevention while hiking or backpacking, wear two layers of socks - a thin polyester sock liner with a thicker outer sock. On overnight or extended trips, be sure to carry enough socks to be able to change into a fresh set each day.

Empty your water filter! After using your water filter, pump it to flush out remaining water.

Organizing your gear in color-coded stuff sacks makes packing easier and helps you locate supplies quickly on the hiking trail.

Your goal should be to keep your base weight (everything but food and water) below 15 pounds. Lighten your load by making important gear upgrades; ultralight packs, shelters, and bags are often one-third the weight of their traditional counterparts.

Always bring at least two forms of identification backpacking in case the authorities need proof of identity. Keep copies of them and do not store them together in case of theft.

Minimize condensation in your tent by keeping the upper and lower vents open and clear from items to allow for proper air circulation.

To remove pine sap from your backpacking gear, scrub the sticky area with a sponge soaked in mineral oil, then rinse the area thoroughly with hot water to remove the residue.

Save room by not packing a pillow. Put clothes inside your sleeping bag stuff sack to make an instant pillow.

Organize your backpack correctly. Carry clothing, cooking essentials, and food in the main compartment. The heaviest equipment should be stowed toward your back and centered in the pack to provide proper balance. Medium-weight gear should be carried toward the top and outside portion of the pack. Read more

Air-dry hiking boots upside-down in a cool place. Crumple up newspaper and stuff it inside to speed drying time. Also, never use an artificial heating source.

Sunburns occur many times more rapidly at higher elevations and even at freezing temperatures, so always take lip balm and sunscreen.

After frequent use, waterproof and breathable fabrics lose their edge. Help restore it by washing them with a mild non-detergent soap, machine drying, and lightly ironing the outer fabric on a medium temperature.

Modern performance underwear, made from polyester or polypropylene, is most effective in moving moisture away from your skin and into outer layers of clothing where it can evaporate.

Cotton is the worst thing to wear backpacking! It may be comfortable for a bit, but once you get wet it absorbs water, is difficult to dry, and loses all insulating value, causing increased heat loss.

If your butane stove is struggling in cold weather, sit it in a pot lid with 3/4" (15mm) of cool water. Because the fuel is now above 32° F or 0° C, it will burn at full power.

Before your hiking or backpacking trip, fire up your stove, check flashlight batteries, and double check everything using a gear checklist.

Out of mosquito repellent? The leaves of elderberry bushes can be used as an insect repellent. Crush and rub them on your body or place them inside your clothing. Read more

To eliminate friction on your feet, use a foot lubricant like Hydropel or Bodyglide. You can also use powders such as Gold Bond, BlisterShield, or Zeasorb to keep your feet drier.

Pack foods that will give you an instant energy boost on the trail such as carbohydrates, energy bars, granola, candy, gorp, and fruit.

Canned food and MREs are not a good idea for backpacking because of their high weight. Try zip lock bag recipes or purchasing just-add-water camping packets. Read more

Keep tortillas from breaking inside your bag by placing them between two plastic plates, then use the plates for dinner.

Contaminated foods may give backpackers Traveler's Diarrhea. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water. You can also use rehydration salt tablets or sport's drinks. For severe cases, avoid taking medication which will keep the bacteria in your system longer and extend your illness.

Pack about 1 - 2 pounds of food per person per day, or 3000 to 4000 calories, for typical mountain backpacking.

When dehydrating food for a specific recipe or trip, dehydrate several pounds of each food item for quickly planned outings. Read more

Boiling water is a 100% effective method for water purification, as no living microorganism can survive at a full boil. This doesn't remove solids and requires more fuel, but it's inexpensive and simple to perform.

The amino acids in proteins help regulate your metabolism. Without them, your body can't produce energy. You need plenty of protein, 15 percent of daily calories, so your body doesn't start to break down muscle tissue.

After adding raisins and peanuts to your GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), you may want to throw in some M&Ms, coconut, carbo chips, malt balls, walnuts, dates, dried apples or pineapples, banana chips, or sunflower seeds.

Pick and eat the young green leaves of daisies, or boil the dried white flowers for a bitter tea.

Do not use discarded film canisters to store foods or spices as they contain chemical residues that can be harmful if swallowed.

Unwashed hands can be a significant source of microorganisms. Always wash your hands with 100% biodegradable soap before eating and filtering water.

Always carry plenty of water. Three quarts per person per day is a good rule of thumb. Warmer conditions and/or rugged terrain may necessitate carrying more. Take drinks often to stay well hydrated.

Potato chips, Fritos corn chips, and other greasy snack foods can serve as quick and easy fire starters. Read more

When lightning strikes, head to low spots away from tall trees and water and insulate yourself from the ground by sitting on a sleeping pad or backpack. Read more

If you find you are lost, don't just focus on getting "unlost", but on your needs as well.

Should you get lost, S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan). Try to go back to your last known location if it is within a reasonable distance. Decide on a course of action and stick to it. Most important, don't panic - you will use up energy that you may need later on.

Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrolled shivering, poor motor coordination, mental confusion and mumbling. If someone exhibits these symptoms, get them into dry clothes or a sleeping bag. Have them huddle close to a warm, dry person and give them a warm beverage.

Always pack a signaling device such as a whistle or a mirror in case of emergencies while hiking and camping.

To sleep warmer at night, change into dry clothing (polypropylene is the best) before getting into your bag.

Warm cold feet through inertia by forcefully swinging your leg back and forth like a pendulum to rush blood to your toes. Read more

Iif a blister or hot spot develops while on the trail, place padding such as moleskin or an adhesive bandage over the area. You can cut a "donut" in the moleskin to create a buffer around the blister.

To estimate how much sunlight you have left in the day, look at the horizon and the sun and see how many fingers can fit between them. Four fingers between the sun and horizon indicate 1 hour of sunlight remaining with each additional finger representing 15 more minutes.

Rattlesnakes can strike from a distance of half their body length. Let the snake slip away, or walk around it. When scrambling up rocky trails, watch where you put your hands, especially on sunny ledges. Read more

To remove a burrowing tick, grasp it tightly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and pull it out in a slow, steady movement. Ticks can usually be found in the armpit area, the back of your knees, and in and around any hair.

Use alcohol prep pads from your first-aid kit for a quick fire starter with flint-and-steel. It burns for a minute with no mess to clean up. Read more

Before applying tape or moleskin as blister treatment, round the corners with scissors to prevent them from peeling away and it will stay in place better.

Several light, loose fitting clothing layers are more effective than one heavy article of clothing.

An uncovered head accounts for 80% of body heat loss, so always pack a warm hat while backpacking and hiking.

If water suddenly gets deeper, faster, muddier, or begins to carry debris, head to higher ground as it is a good sign of a flash flood.