/r/WildernessBackpacking

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. Backpacking defined as multi-day trips into the wild, unpopulated, areas of the world.


Welcome to Wilderness Backpacking

  • What is Wilderness Backpacking?

  • Treat others as you would like to be treated. We try to foster a helpful, welcoming, and friendly atmosphere in this sub- please do your best to contribute to this end. TL;DR: Don't be a jerk.

  • No advertising or promotional posts please. If you find a new or little-known website that has services/products/resources for backpackers, feel free to share it if it hasn't been posted previously (use the search function), but do not post give-aways, contests, raffles, or advertise for a specific company, website or product. These posts will be removed.

  • After Posting A Photo: Comment on the post with a trip report (check rule page for full description) https://www.reddit.com/r/WildernessBackpacking/about/rules/



Click the desired tag to filter posts by topic:

GEAR - Discussions/Questions/Links about backpacking gear

TRAIL - Discussions/Questions about trails

PICS - Pictures of your backpacking adventures

DIY - Discussions/Questions/Links about making your own backpacking related things

HOWTO - Instructionals, lessons, How-Tos on backpacking related topics

ADVICE - Questions/Discussions about tips/tricks/advice on various backpacking topics

SITES - Backpacking related websites

DISCUSSION - General discussion about backpacking

META - Discussions about this sub


RESET FILTERS


Related Subreddits:

Outdoors MultiReddit

/r/WildernessBackpacking

734,516 Subscribers

3

Scandinavia Backpacking Advice

Looking to backpack/camp/hike across Sweden and Norway with a friend after my A-Levels in the Summer, was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on places to visit, particular/common routes, or any nice hikes, we're hoping to spend between 10-14 days. I'm a bit of a 'noob' when it comes to this kind of thing so any help would be appreciated! and apologies if I’m posting in the wrong subreddit

1 Comment
2024/12/01
16:01 UTC

0

Best hiking backpack dogs

Sorry everyone if this has been asked before, but I have a small westie (about 10kg) and I really want to go hiking most weekends but he is only capable of walking about 5km max at his age. I'm looking for a proper backpack that he can go in but which can also carry water, extra layers, etc. There's loads of rubbish on the market. I'm now thinking about an Osprey Poco Plus cos I know Osprey is quality. But maybe there is a brand out there that is purpose made for this? I'm based in Spain.

0 Comments
2024/12/01
14:18 UTC

110

Backpacking the Winds

9 Comments
2024/12/01
13:26 UTC

0

Colorado Weeklong Trip Advice

Hi everyone -

I’m currently planning a ~weeklong backpacking trip out west with my cousin. We’ve mostly backpacked in WV & the northeast so excited to see more!

Where should we go? Want to ask for ideas to research further. Love the look of Maroon Bells-Snowmass type area… but not sure if there are more remote areas. Know I might need to get permit & have canisters.

  • 5-7 nights
  • 8-12 miles a day
  • going in April or May
  • prefer areas where we may be able to have a campfire
  • might bring a doggo
  • happy to go off the beaten path to see cool stuff

Appreciate any ideas you have. Thank you

14 Comments
2024/11/30
23:04 UTC

12

ISO super warm gloves that still let you use your hands.

Not sure if this is the right sub but my dad often works in the mountains and in the winter it gets to well below 15 degrees. He complains that his hands bother him the most.

I was hoping to find some good gloves to keep him warm. He uses his hands a lot so he would need mobility. Price is not an issue. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you guys.

35 Comments
2024/11/30
17:39 UTC

586

Last trip of the year

Squeezed out 1 last trip before the year ends! Had the place all to myself except when i got back to my car, there was a couple getting ready to hike in.

Sometimes i ask myself why i go on these solo adventures… then i ask again would i rather be at home? Answers easy. Id rather be outside🤝

26 Comments
2024/11/30
17:15 UTC

0

Premade packs with essentials ?

Slowly getting into backpacking and am curious to find if a company makes a kit that has all the essentials outfitted to the backpack? Mainly because I see so many different recommendations but I wonder if a company has made this for a novice backpacker or just for efficiency and utility of using materials that all fit purposefully when breaking camp? Looking for a pack good for up to 3 days outdoors in the Midwest.

14 Comments
2024/11/30
16:59 UTC

13

There’s tons of great advice here and remember, just get out there! Being there is the best part.

5 Comments
2024/11/30
09:41 UTC

3

ISO: mid April backpacking suggestions??

Hi all, looking for any suggestions for a ~5 day backpacking trip around mid-April this year?? We're based in NYC and looking to anywhere in the US or could be open to international (last April we did a portion of the Camino Frances!). Obviously there may be some snow in April but looking to avoid any real deep snow hiking. Thanks!!

11 Comments
2024/11/29
21:36 UTC

0

Backpacking buddy’s

Hey people looking for some advice or a buddy to go backpacking with,I love going out backpacking and camping but I don’t have many friends that share the same interests. The last 2 trips I did I had a buddy of mine come with me and it slowed me down and was just filled with non stop complaining. Solos cool but I prefer to be with someone to keep company and talk to. Any advice where to find someone to drag along with me?

32 Comments
2024/11/29
12:44 UTC

11

DC (ish) Winter Backpacking

Hi everyone! I recently moved to DC, and am looking for a good destination for a winter backpacking trip anywhere from 3 days to a week.

I’m open to driving a good bit, and have been looking mostly at Shenandoah and Dolly Sods. I’m hoping for something that is pretty in the winter but not too intense—I’ll be bringing a friend who doesn’t have a ton of experience.

I personally don’t have much winter experience, but I’ve backpacked a lot in October / November in the White Mountains which gets cold. If there’s anything else I should know feel free to chime in!

EDIT: Thanks all for the advice so far. To clarify, she is not a novice and has backpacked before, but definitely doesn’t have a lot of experience. It sounds like Dolly Sods is too aggressive to start, and I would like something more casual to get familiar with the quirks of winter backpacking. Anything that people think fits that well?

16 Comments
2024/11/29
04:51 UTC

3

Help me please

I am having trouble choosing between the garmin gpsmap 79 and the 65. Both are the normal version without the ocean maps. If any current owners or more informed individuals could give me some advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/11/28
07:02 UTC

8

Cowboy camping or hammock in Adirondacks

Planning a 4 day and 3 night trip to the High Peaks and wanted to see others opinions on what I should do for sleep, and the hammock would only be about an extra half pound compared to my cowboy camping system

11 Comments
2024/11/28
01:11 UTC

36

5 Day Rim to Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Backpacking Trip

3 Comments
2024/11/27
15:33 UTC

8

5Lbs Sleeping Bag?

Feeling stupid because I bought a second hand $200 sleeping bag. It’s the Lamina -29C Mountain Hardwear Regular Sized Sleeping bag.

I piqued an interest in backpacking and bought a backpack that fits great, got an insulated pad because i wanted to backpack in the colder seasons, until i went to a store called Atomosphere the other day and the guy told me this sleeping bag is wayyy too heavy and i should be getting a down filled sleeping bag. I looked at this Marmot one that costs $300 that weigh 3.9 pounds at -18c. There aren’t any other ones that are -29C that are affordable and light. Is 5lbs really too heavy?

41 Comments
2024/11/26
19:58 UTC

54

Former backpacker, now disabled & looking for outdoor options.

Hey all,

I won't linger too long. My post history has some details but here's the shakedown. I have dual, concurrent, chronic calf strains. It's not getting better, it's not going to get better.

I'm trying to accept this new paradigm but I don't want to sacrifice my relationship to the outdoors entirely. Hiking was was my favorite place, my profoundest sanctuary and my deepest joy.

I'm looking for any and all suggestions on how I can tend and water this love for the natural world. I know nothing will replicate the feeling entirely - but I can't sit around and rot anymore waiting for a day that isn't coming.

Thank you. Much love.

69 Comments
2024/11/26
14:19 UTC

1

March Options

Hi all.

Looking for a 5-9 day trail option for March 2025.

I’ll be travelling in Europe, but need a few days outside of the Schengen Zone in early-mid March.

Since I’m flying, open to lots of options, though preference to stay closer to Europe if possible.

1 Comment
2024/11/26
11:15 UTC

2

Death Valley overnighter recommendations?

Hello, any recommendations for a one nighter in Death Valley np? Will be on pretty tight schedule so don’t think I’ll have time for the classic cottonwood-marble canyon loop. I’m thinking roughly 8-20 miles, maybe shorter for the right scenery. Panamint Dunes sounds neat but is ultra short, Mosaic canyon sounds cool too.

For those who have done the Cottonwood-Marble Canyon loop, would doing an out and back overnighter to the end of marble canyon be pleasant rather than the loop? Personally am most interested in Marble Canyon itself and have very limited time in the park but want to get a quick overnight in the backcountry squeezed in. are there better options for a short overnighter?

5 Comments
2024/11/26
08:29 UTC

2

1P Tent - Floor Width Opinions? (is the Durston too fat?)

My current freestanding tent is pretty tired (and also pretty heavy) so I think pretty regularly about trading in for a newer model. Obviously the new Durston caught my eye but when I ran the numbers, it's hardly any smaller than my existing tent, which I feel is "bigger than I need."

Existing tent: Half Dome 2+, 92"L x 56"W

Durston Dome: 88"L x 56"W

Nemo Osmo 1: 88"L x 35"W

Hubba Hubba 1: 88"L x 31"W

*on all these numbers as the poles are usually bigger than the floor but I did the best I could

I'm kind of surprised at how "fat" the durston seems to be. I had imagined that I could get away with a tent much smaller than the half dome, but it seems like realistically length is fixed and the only real choice is around floor width and vestibule size/shape. Am I overthinking the need for a 1P tent and the benefit of a smaller tent footprint when picking campsites? Opinions welcome.

9 Comments
2024/11/25
20:15 UTC

31

Long ago, two days deep in the Wind Rivers next to a nameless lake. Dan, and me.

6 Comments
2024/11/25
15:35 UTC

0

Cohos Trail Thru Hike Episode 4: Devil's Rest to Panorama Shelter

0 Comments
2024/11/25
01:27 UTC

6

Best Watch Recs?

Anyone have strong opinions for or against smart watches for back country trips? I mostly want to track time and elevation, but want one with gps so my wife can track me.

Ive only ever had an Apple Watch but the battery doesn’t last. Garmin seems to check all of the boxes, but a friend swears by his coros vertix. I’m leaning toward garmin but not sure which model to choose. Any recommendations?

34 Comments
2024/11/25
00:43 UTC

4

Out of these options, which place to backpack do you recommend?

Hi, I'm looking for a place to backpack for 2-3 nights. This is only if I am able to secure permits. I'm considering these options:

  1. Hoh rainforest in June (Olympic)
  2. Enchanted Valley in June (Olympic)
  3. Somewhere in Glacier National Park in July
  4. Somewhere in the Sawtooths in July or August
  5. Cirque of the Towers in September

Which one would you recommend? I can only pick one. Also, where are the permits less competitive?

19 Comments
2024/11/23
22:26 UTC

4

Merino Wool Sleep Layer That’s Not Skin Tight?

Hi,

I understand base layers are supposed to wick moisture away from your skin and thus be tight-fitting, but I’m looking for a loose-fitting, merino wool long sleeve/pant layer to sleep in. All I’m finding are base layers that fit like leggings. Does anyone have any recommendations?

33 Comments
2024/11/23
17:51 UTC

7

Winter snow backpacking ideas?

I'm looking for 3-4 day trips I can do in snow shoes. I have zero avalanche safety experience. I've seen a lot of people here recommend the badger pass ski area in Yosemite, which is definitely on my list now. I've also seen recs for lake aloha which looks awesome, but it's my understanding that there's avalanche danger there. I have experience with long backpacking trips in below freezing temps, but not with much snow on the ground. Maybe something around Tahoe, lassen, or Shasta? Anywhere with beautiful winter scenery and little to no avalanche concern. Thanks!

5 Comments
2024/11/23
16:00 UTC

Back To Top