Random Top Backpacking Tips and Tricks (10 items)

• 

  (#8) Telescoping Hiking Pole

  You might think you are hiking somewhere you won't need this thing. And, true, there might be trips you won't ever pull it out of your pack. But those times you DO need it? What if the spring runoff is really high? What if there are no handy, nearby sturdy sticks to use? What if you are crossing a rocky avalanche field and could really use that third leg? Don't think of this thing as a cane, thats idiotic. This stick is a third leg... this thing helps you through tricky spots like you won't believe. I've hiked with it in my pack and without it, and trust me... its better with.
• 

  (#3) Freeze-Dry Your Own Food

  Waah, you say. That's hard.

  Boiling pasta is hard? Heating up some refried beans and mixing in some cheese is hard? Ok, sure, its a bit more labor to slice up a flank steak, mix it in some chili powder and worchestershire sauce to dry it... but if you care about how much #@$%$ money it costs to buy freeze-dried food that costs a fortune for a mouthful, you will be singing the song of awesome once you start drying your own food. Buy a dehydrator. Cook some simple s**t that only needs to be reheated in boiling water (pastas, beans, soups, stews, etc), spread it on a tray, turn on the machine and 6 hours later, put it in a ziploc. Not only will you have SO. MUCH. MORE. food than you would have if you bought it from REI... but it will taste so much better. Plus, you can dry your own fruit and your own jerky (hence the skirt steak). And have a metric ton of it for a fraction of the price if you bought any of it.
• 

  (#4) Heavy Duty Trash Bag

  Sure, you can always use this to store wet clothes... but did you know you could use it as a pack cover in the rain, or a makeshift poncho? In emergency situations, you can even dig a shallow trench, line it with this and collect rainwater.

  Oh, you can also use it for trash, I guess.
• 

  (#7) Flexible Plastic Placemat

  This thing is so lightweight and easy to stuff into your pack... and you will find a zillion uses for it out in the backcountry. Use it to put your muddy boots on in the tent. Use it for a food prep surface on the ground. Use it to play frigging cards on. It weighs nothing, takes almost no space... and I guarantee you will find a use for it.
• 

  (#1) Parachute Cord

  This stuff RULES. You can use it as rope, as cord to tie off guy lines on your tent. You can peel away skinnier threads for snares, fishing line and sewing and repair thread. This stuff is a MUST for any packer.
• 

  (#2) Ziploc Baggies

  Do I even need to explain this one? You use it for trash, for sorting gear, for storing food, for collecting emergency water. You can put cold water in it and use it to ease a sprained ankle. You can keep your weeeed in it. Seriously, never go backpacking without at least 5 empty extras. Use the rest for your food, your camera, you bathroom bag, your... just, everything, ok?

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking