Thinking about giving hammock camping a try? In this guide, I list the pros and cons of hammock vs tent camping to help you decide which shelter option is best for your camping style. I‘ll cover comfort, packed size and weight, site selection, protection from the elements, warmth, and more. The best shelter for you …
Camping
Backpacking tents fall into two categories: freestanding and non-freestanding. Freestanding tents use included poles. They do not need to be attached to anything to maintain their shape. Non-freestanding tents need to be staked out to maintain their shape. The ideal tent design for your trip depends on the climate, the type of ground you’re camping …
Condensation is an annoyance that every camper faces. It is an unavoidable natural process that occurs in every tent, regardless of the design and the materials it is made of. You can’t stop condensation but you can minimize it by taking a few simple steps such as choosing the right campsite, improving ventilation, and reducing …
For ultralight hikers, bikepackers, and who are looking to travel light and fast, switching from a traditional sleeping bag to a backpacking quilt is a great way to cut weight and bulk. That said, quilts aren’t for everyone. They require a little more setup time and they can be drafty. To help you decide whether …
When choosing a sleeping bag or puffy jacket, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether it’s filled with down feathers or synthetic insulation. Down is lightweight, compressible, extremely warm, and environmentally friendly. The problem is that down does not perform well when it gets wet. It’s can also be unethical. …
Long nights and wet and freezing conditions make a winter camping a challenge. Moisture from the environment, your breath, and perspiration build up in your tent, clothing, and sleeping bag. It’s difficult to stay dry. The freezing weather makes it impossible to warm up. With the proper equipment, winter camping doesn’t have to be miserable. …
Over the past decade, van life has rapidly increased in popularity. People are choosing to live in vans to travel more, save money on rent, or cut down on work hours. Some are simply priced out of homeownership and choose van life as an alternative. Van life can offer an ideal lifestyle. Of course, there …
Tents fall into two categories: single-wall and double-wall. The ideal tent design for your trip depends on the climate and weather conditions you camp in, how much weight you want to carry, and your personal preference. Single wall tents have one layer of material while double wall tents have a separate mesh inner tent and …
One of the more overlooked pieces of camping gear that can play a major role in your comfort is a camping pillow. This guide answers the question: Do you need a camping pillow? For me, the answer is yes. A camping pillow increases comfort and improves your quality of sleep. Using a pillow is better …
When dressing for cold weather, you have a number of insulating fabrics to choose from. Two of the most popular materials are fleece and wool. The best fabric for winter clothing depends on the weather conditions you expect, the activities you plan to do, and your personal preference. In this guide, I will outline the …