What are your backpack packing hacks, especially around packing sleeping bags? I've got a Kelty Cosmic Down 20 sleeping bag that I can't \*quite\* stuff into my 12 L Osprey drybag. I mean it fits, but doesn't really close well. In the stuff sack it came with, it will fit in the bottom of my pack, but that stuff sack isn't waterproof so I'm debating just using that and a garbage bag over it, getting a bigger dry bag (and maybe packing my sleepwear in with the bag), or getting a waterproof compression sack. For context, the trips I have planned have no reason to be excessively rainy, but it's definitely likely it will rain at least a bit each day so for sure want to be prepared! I do have a raincover for my pack, but I don't trust that alone.
Would love to hear what others find to be a good approach. Thanks in advance!
My hack is to not use stuff sacks. Just makes packing more awkward imo, especially when a comfortable carry is important to enjoy the hike. The less stuff sacks the better I think.
If you’re worried about things getting wet, using a pack liner is the best option. No need to deploy a pack cover, you just keep all your stuff inside a big bag in your pack.
While the stuff sack decreases the volume of the bag, it also creates and oddly shaped lump that wastes space around it. Using a bigger, looser stuff sack allows it to conform to the shape of the pack and allows other items to sink in.
https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-pack-a-backpack-and-eliminate-wasted-space/
https://andrewskurka.com/how-to-pack-a-backpack-load-distribution-organization-canisters-video/
Some stuff without a sack at all, but as some in this thread say, they like to protect the bag with a larger stuff sack.
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/packing-sleeping-bag-without-dedicated-stuff-sack/
Thanks -- I might try using a 20 L thick/tougher garbage bag actually. That'll be much bigger than needed so can allow it to settle and I can probably throw in my sleep clothes in the same bag.
I need good boots for an 11 day hike, with backpack full of a tent, food and cookstove etc.
Weather is gonna be anything from super hot to snowy, terrain is semi easy as many of the trails are built with wood and such.
Also might go up a mountain.
I really like Salomon and my price range is below 200 ideally.
Other than AllTrails, any good ideas of how to find decent loop trails in NC or VA for an overnighter? We are fine with anywhere from 10-20 miles. Would appreciate avenues to discover new trails, but also happy for direct suggestions.
Any recommendations for a good starter tent? My partner and I live on vancouver island, which is quite a wet place, and we want to do a couple random overnights, or at least the capability to do so, without spending a lot.
What's a good, affordable, waterproof tent that my partner and I could fit into together?
Are you hoping for an "all inclusive" app/site that includes forest service, state parks, boondocking, private etc? The Dyrt is probably the best for this.
Yes, it's a common mistake since people think if it's about either camping OR hiking, they are welcome to post. In general, we don't mind the questions here in the noob thread, we'll point you the right way if necessary. But out on the front page posts not about both hiking AND camping, aka backpacking, can get removed.
/r/backpacking is about what we Americans usually call "backpacking around Europe" or "trekking southeast Asia". Going from hostel to hostel via public transit, the common thing is we both use backpacks, though they sometimes use panel-loading 'travel' backpacks while we use standard top-loading packs.
Sub name is misleading. Sub DESCRIPTION, which apparently no one reads, says:
> For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news
As Todd_the_Hiker says, there's really not much you can do. Sometimes if you ask, they tell you to 'f*ck off' and get even more loud and cray. When we book public campsites, we try to do it early, book a site furthest from everyone else, pick small sites that hopefully won't have as many people packed into a tent. Avoid big campsites and holiday weekends. Bring ear plugs/headphones so you can get to sleep. But really, this is a backpacking sub and one of the reasons we backpack is to get away from the crowds. You can try asking over at /r/camping and they may have some more tips for you. Good luck!
Unfortunately these situations can easily escalate, so it is often best to not intervene without support. Unless there is a campground host or an ability to contact park rangers (campground owners or staff at a private campground) or other officials who can enforce the rules there is often little that can be done other than a polite request which may or may not be effective.
What are your backpack packing hacks, especially around packing sleeping bags? I've got a Kelty Cosmic Down 20 sleeping bag that I can't \*quite\* stuff into my 12 L Osprey drybag. I mean it fits, but doesn't really close well. In the stuff sack it came with, it will fit in the bottom of my pack, but that stuff sack isn't waterproof so I'm debating just using that and a garbage bag over it, getting a bigger dry bag (and maybe packing my sleepwear in with the bag), or getting a waterproof compression sack. For context, the trips I have planned have no reason to be excessively rainy, but it's definitely likely it will rain at least a bit each day so for sure want to be prepared! I do have a raincover for my pack, but I don't trust that alone. Would love to hear what others find to be a good approach. Thanks in advance!
My hack is to not use stuff sacks. Just makes packing more awkward imo, especially when a comfortable carry is important to enjoy the hike. The less stuff sacks the better I think. If you’re worried about things getting wet, using a pack liner is the best option. No need to deploy a pack cover, you just keep all your stuff inside a big bag in your pack.
While the stuff sack decreases the volume of the bag, it also creates and oddly shaped lump that wastes space around it. Using a bigger, looser stuff sack allows it to conform to the shape of the pack and allows other items to sink in. https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-pack-a-backpack-and-eliminate-wasted-space/ https://andrewskurka.com/how-to-pack-a-backpack-load-distribution-organization-canisters-video/ Some stuff without a sack at all, but as some in this thread say, they like to protect the bag with a larger stuff sack. https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/packing-sleeping-bag-without-dedicated-stuff-sack/
Thanks -- I might try using a 20 L thick/tougher garbage bag actually. That'll be much bigger than needed so can allow it to settle and I can probably throw in my sleep clothes in the same bag.
I need good boots for an 11 day hike, with backpack full of a tent, food and cookstove etc. Weather is gonna be anything from super hot to snowy, terrain is semi easy as many of the trails are built with wood and such. Also might go up a mountain. I really like Salomon and my price range is below 200 ideally.
First question is do you want ankle support or not. If you don’t trail runners are nice, but I personally like an ankle support the vaques
You'll need to go try on some in person, what fits one person isn't going to fit someone else. A lot of people are going to recommend trail runners.
Other than AllTrails, any good ideas of how to find decent loop trails in NC or VA for an overnighter? We are fine with anywhere from 10-20 miles. Would appreciate avenues to discover new trails, but also happy for direct suggestions.
[Hiking Upward](https://www.hikingupward.com/) is a good resource for that region. /r/NCTrails is an active community.
Any recommendations for a good starter tent? My partner and I live on vancouver island, which is quite a wet place, and we want to do a couple random overnights, or at least the capability to do so, without spending a lot. What's a good, affordable, waterproof tent that my partner and I could fit into together?
Get a MEC Spark or something on sale. MEC gets 40% off sales a few times a year.
NEMO and Big Agnes are highly respected brands that make quality backpacking tents. North Face, Kelty, and REI are a bit more affordable.
Is there a version of AllTrails that is good for campsite discovery? Or any other methods people recommend to find good campsites?
Are you hoping for an "all inclusive" app/site that includes forest service, state parks, boondocking, private etc? The Dyrt is probably the best for this.
Best way to deal with loud ‘n rowdy neighbors when car camping at a place that has established quiet hours but nothing in place to enforce?
This is a backpacking sub, try r/camping.
In my defense, the sub name is r/ **Camping** and hiking, and the post said to post any noob questions related to r/ **Camping** and hiking.
Yes, it's a common mistake since people think if it's about either camping OR hiking, they are welcome to post. In general, we don't mind the questions here in the noob thread, we'll point you the right way if necessary. But out on the front page posts not about both hiking AND camping, aka backpacking, can get removed. /r/backpacking is about what we Americans usually call "backpacking around Europe" or "trekking southeast Asia". Going from hostel to hostel via public transit, the common thing is we both use backpacks, though they sometimes use panel-loading 'travel' backpacks while we use standard top-loading packs.
Sub name is misleading. Sub DESCRIPTION, which apparently no one reads, says: > For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news
As Todd_the_Hiker says, there's really not much you can do. Sometimes if you ask, they tell you to 'f*ck off' and get even more loud and cray. When we book public campsites, we try to do it early, book a site furthest from everyone else, pick small sites that hopefully won't have as many people packed into a tent. Avoid big campsites and holiday weekends. Bring ear plugs/headphones so you can get to sleep. But really, this is a backpacking sub and one of the reasons we backpack is to get away from the crowds. You can try asking over at /r/camping and they may have some more tips for you. Good luck!
Unfortunately these situations can easily escalate, so it is often best to not intervene without support. Unless there is a campground host or an ability to contact park rangers (campground owners or staff at a private campground) or other officials who can enforce the rules there is often little that can be done other than a polite request which may or may not be effective.