34% of the world’s population lives within 330 vertical feet (100 meters) of sea level Chances are, you live in a part of the country that is lower in elevation and pay no attention to cooking instructions intended for high altitudes. But one day, you may find yourself hiking more than 8,000 feet above sea level in the Sierras or Rockies and wonder why your rehydrated pasta meal came out crunchy or rice curry watery. Backpacking foods will require cooking adjustments at higher altitudes. High altitudes affect backpacking food preparation in two ways: Water and other liquids evaporate faster. Water […]
Camp Tips
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Reducing pack weight starts with minimizing gear and replacing heavier gear with lighter materials. Ultralight backpackers know all the different methods to reduce excess weight to achieve a lighter pack. But backpackers often narrow their focus to reducing only carrying weight, and what you carry on your torso is not the only thing that matters. The weight of your feet, particularly your shoes, significantly impacts your energy expenditure and sense of load. The U.S. Army has research to support this fact: The weight on the feet is disproportionately more exhausting than the weight carried on the torso.[1] The rule of thumb […]
Although lightning is a common and spectacular weather phenomenon, its power is extraordinary. I was reminded of its awesome power when a storm suddenly formed while hiking the summit of the Mount Mitchell mountain range. Fortunately, I swiftly descended to lower ground and took cover before the cloudburst was unleashed. Within minutes of descending, the jagged bolts rapidly lit up the sky. Tragically, we later learned that a fellow backpacker was struck and killed by lightning that same day. The following week, a 20′ tree branch collapsed in a strike, narrowly missing my head by a few seconds. These close […]
The United States is home to some of the world’s most rugged and remote long-distance hiking trails. These trails, with their diverse and stunning landscapes, are a magnet for hikers from all corners of the globe, promising an unforgettable adventure. The ‘triple crown’ of trails, a term used to refer to the three most popular long-distance hiking routes in the U.S., includes the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest trails. These trails, each with its unique challenges and rewards, are a significant part of the long-distance hiking culture in the U.S. Your choice of trail should align with the type […]
When you get overheated and sweat, your skin appears pinkish because the capillaries open up near the skin and release water and salts. As the sweat evaporates, it transfers internal heat from the core to the surface of your skin for rapid cooling. The blood near the skin’s surface becomes cooler as it releases your body’s heat into the air. This cooler blood then recirculates through the body. The perspiration and evaporation process is the primary method used by the body to cool itself down; however, it is effective when sweat can evaporate. The rate at which water or sweat evaporates depends […]