It’s easy to hear about wildfires on the news and freak out. While wildfires are a real danger and should be taken seriously, with a bit of planning, you can avoid hiking near dangerous wildfires and smoke.

Thankfully, I’ve never encountered a wildfire on a hike. But recently, I talked to a fellow hiker who had to evacuate from the Skyline Trail during the 2024 Jasper National Park wildfires. Between my research and her boots-on-the-ground experience, I’ve put together lots of resources for hiking in wildfire season. This post includes:

• Tips on where to check wildfire and smoke conditions before you go
• How to make a safe hiking plan including trail choice and emergency preparedness
• What to do if there is a wildfire nearby – tips for how to escape and how to shelter in place
• How to prevent wildfires – Most of this is common sense, but I bet you could still learn some things.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Check Conditions Before You Go

Check conditions before you go so you know what to expect. The sources you check will depend on where you plan to hike, but in general, they fall into a few categories. I’ve got details on each below.

State and Provincial Wildfire Agencies

Look up the local state or provincial wildfire service to see if there are any fires in the area you plan to hike. Most agencies have an official website that lists wildfires, often with a map, fire bans and other resources to help you decide if it’s safe to go on your trip. Many also have official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (now X) to announce breaking news.

I like to look at these official map sources to figure out how big the fires are, and what trails or roads they have burnt or threaten to burn. Looking at where the fire actually is helps me plan.

Some official maps don’t have enough detail for hikers, so I often use Gaia GPS. It has two helpful layers you can add. The “Wildfires (Current)” layer pulls data from official government sources and the “Wildfires (Satellite Detection)” shows a matrix of dots over an area where satellites have detected heat.

This lets me overlay the fire maps on top of the trails and roads in the area I plan to hike. I’ve also heard that CalTopo has a good “Fire Activity Layer”.

State and Provincial Wildfire Agencies I use often:

• British Columbia Wildfire Service, especially their Wildfire Situation Map.
• Alberta Wildfire Status website and Wildfire Status Dashboard
• InciWeb Wildfire Map shows the status of major wildfires across the U.S.

Park and Trail Websites

If there are trail closures or alerts, you’ll find them on official park and trail websites. Sometimes they are on the home page, but in other cases, you’ll need to look for current conditions pages or things marked “advisories” or “important bulletins”. You can also check their official social media pages.

If you don’t see the info you need on a park website, you can try calling them. This works best with National Parks and National Forests – provincial and state parks often do not have the resources to have phone lines. If you call, try to ask for the backcountry ranger office. People answering general info lines usually are unfamiliar with backcountry trails and are not helpful.

Don’t rely on All Trails, Google Maps, or other apps. However, the info in these places is often crowd-sourced and might not be officially verified. So a trail that is listed as open on All Trails or Google Maps might actually have a fire nearby.

Park and Trail Websites I use often:

Government Transportation or Highway Websites

In wildfire season, roads are often closed in dangerous areas. Check your travel route to the trailhead to make sure it is open. If your trip is multi-day, be careful if the road is open now but if a fire is close – the road might close while you are backpacking, trapping you.

Transportation websites I use often:

• Drive BC
• 511 Alberta
• Washington State DOT

Weather Forecasts

There might not be a fire near where you are hiking, but the upcoming weather could change wildfire conditions. Check the weather forecast to see if thunderstorms are on the horizon. I also check to see if the forecast calls for hot, dry weather with high winds since that’s a situation where fires could spread quickly.

My guide to weather apps for hiking has details on where to find the best weather forecasts.

Air Quality Reports and Smoke Forecasts

Even if there isn’t a fire nearby, hiking in smoke is really bad for your health. It’s also really unpleasant. In recent years huge fires in northern Canada have blown smoke as far away as the Eastern United States, so wildfire smoke can affect hikers anywhere.

I use FireSmoke to check the smoke forecast. It uses computer models to predict the ways that fire growth and winds will push smoke around. In my experience, it is usually pretty accurate.

It’s also important to check air quality reports. Many states, including Washington, have an air quality map, sometimes with a smoke forecast. There is also a national U.S. air quality report. Canada has a local air quality index, but it only covers major cities and towns.

I also like PurpleAir’s Real-time Map. It uses citizen science air quality monitoring stations so it has data from smaller towns. (We have a Purple Air reporting station at our house.)

Make a Safe Hiking Plan

After you’ve checked to see where the fires are and what the smoke is doing, it’s time to make a plan for your hike.

Choose Your Trail Carefully

Checking conditions to see if fires are nearby is just one way to stay safe while hiking in wildfire season. Look at the trail you plan to hike. Does it head into forest fire danger terrain like thick dry brush or ridge tops? (More on danger zones in the Shelter In Place section below.) Is it a dead-end with no escape routes if a fire crosses the trail?

In the months/weeks/days leading up to your trip it’s also important to have a flexible mindset and a backup plan. If fire and smoke conditions aren’t right when it’s time to leave for your hike, switch to your backup plan or postpone your trip.

After you’ve chosen your trail, make sure you familiarize yourself with other trails in the area in case you need to hike out another way. Also look for places where you would be safe in case of wildfire such as lakes, meadows, or marshy areas. (More on these in Shelter in Place below.)

Bring a paper map or extra batteries for your GPS so that you can navigate on the fly in an emergency.

Inform Your Emergency Contact

Make sure you have an emergency contact who knows your trip plan including what trail you plan to hike and when you expect to be back. That way if you don’t return as scheduled, they can call Search and Rescue to look for you.

Your emergency contact should also be proactive about finding out fire info for you. If you have to contact them during an emergency, they can tell you which directions are safe(r) to hike to get away from a fire.

Register Your Hike

In some areas, wilderness permits or backpacking reservations are required. In other areas, there are optional trailhead registries. They often have a spot where you can fill out emergency contact information. Make sure your emergency contact person knows where you are going and has your trip plan.

In the devastating 2024 fires in Jasper National Park, rangers called the emergency contacts of backpackers to see if they had evacuated on their own and to get a handle on how many people still needed help in the backcountry.

Write Down Key Phone Numbers

Some parks have an emergency phone number you can call if you need help or info. Having this number could be crucial in an emergency. If the park doesn’t have an emergency number, having the phone number for the park info centre or backcountry ranger office is also great.

When I talked talked to Carol May, a hiker who evacuated from the Skyline Trail during the 2024 Jasper National Park fires, she said when they got to the trailhead and had cell service, they didn’t know which way was safe to drive. She says she wished the park had a dedicated emergency phone number to call like others she had visited. Instead, they flagged down a passing ranger on the road who gave them info.

Pack the 10 Essentials

You already bring the 10 essentials on every hike, right? Right?? These are key items you should pack for every trip in case you get lost or have an emergency situation. Your version of the 10 essentials doesn’t have to be heavy, bulky, or expensive – mine isn’t.

My guide to the 10 essentials explains each of the 10 items, plus one more I always carry. I also have specific gear recommendations.

Carry a Satellite Messenger

There is often no cell service on hiking trails. A satellite messenger could be the difference between life and death. I carry a Garmin inReach Mini 2 so I can check in with my emergency contact each night to let them know I am safe. They can also message me if there is any new fire info I need to know.

In the past, I’ve turned my inReach off each night to save battery. Now I’ve realized that I might want to leave my inReach off overnight in case I need to receive an emergency message. (But I’ll reduce the tracking frequency and turn off Bluetooth temporarily to save battery.)

Newer iPhones (iPhone 14 or later) have texting via satellite. I’ve tried it in the backcountry and it seems to work pretty well. However, my iPhone battery drains quickly and the inReach lasts for days, so I’m going to continue to bring my inReach on long trips.

During the Jasper wildfires, park rangers contacted hikers’ emergency contacts. Those people then messaged the hikers on satellite messengers. The hikers who received messages were crucial to spreading the word in campgrounds and on trails that they needed to evacuate.

Carry a Battery Charger

In an emergency you are going to want a fully charged phone so you can call for help. Even if you don’t have cell service on the trail, once you get back to the trailhead, you are going to need a phone to figure out which way to drive. It’s also good to have a way to charge your satellite messenger and headlamp.

Carol told me she was glad her phone was charged because during her evacuation, they stopped at a cafe near the trailhead at 4:30 am. It was closed, but they were able to access the wifi from outside to look up info on the fires online and decide whether it was safe to keep driving to continue their evacuation.

Bring a Reliable Headlamp

I often pack an ultralight headlamp on backpacking trips because I typically only need it to light the way to the outhouse in the middle of the night. I’m not worried about how long the battery will last or how charged it is.

But Carol recommends bringing a fully charged headlamp with a long battery life. She was glad her headlamp was charged when she had to evacuate at 2 am. She said charged headlamps were “absolutely critical if evacuating in the middle of the night. We needed them for hours.” She told me that other hikers they met were having trouble with theirs and she was lucky that hers was charged.

In a wildfire evacuation, you may have to hike in the dark for hours, so a fully charged headlamp with a long battery life could be crucial.

Pack a Mask

An N95 mask weighs a few grams and could make a huge difference if you end up hiking in thick smoke. Thanks to the pandemic, they are easy to source at pharmacies or online. In a pinch, putting a bandana or buff over your nose and mouth can also help.

What To Do If There is a Wildfire Nearby

If you’ve done your research before a hike, you shouldn’t be hiking anywhere near an active fire. However, fires can start quickly, so a new fire could pop up while you are on the trail.

Wildfires Spread Quickly

Wildfires can spread incredibly quickly. According to sources, fires often spread at up to 10 km/6 miles per hour. They can move even faster if they are going uphill or if there are strong winds. You can’t outrun most wildfires.

As well, large fires make their own weather with high winds that spread the fire faster. Fires can also cause pyro-cumulonibmus clouds, which create thunderstorms, and therefore more fires from lightning strikes. For an informative (but terrifying) read, I recommend the book Fire Weather by John Vaillant about the devastating wildfires in 2016 in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

That means that if you spot a fire, you need to get away from it fast!

Which Way to Run?

Try to figure out where the wildfire is, then get away from it. That will be easy if there is smoke (or flames) in the distance. But if you find yourself surrounded by smoke, it’s a bit trickier – try to see if you can see which way the smoke is flowing.

Since fires travel uphill faster than downhill, avoid the tops of ridges and peaks. If there is smoke in the distance, assess which way the wind is blowing. If it is blowing towards you, the fire will be coming towards you too. Travel over recently burned land if you can. Just watch for falling trees and hot ash, which can melt your shoes.

Use your GPS and paper maps to assess the trails near you and decide which ones will take you to safety away from the fire.

Take enough supplies with you to stay safe. If it seems like speed is essential, you might want to ditch some gear so you can travel faster. Be sure to take the 10 essentials including food, water, water filtration, first aid supplies, a jacket, your phone, your satellite messenger, and and some form of shelter.

During Carol’s evacuation she says she wasn’t sure whether to leave her pack. “We took a few minutes to filter water and get snacks ready because we really didn’t know what the next hours or days would bring,” she said. She hiked the 12 km trail out to the parking lot in about 2 hours, but says some inexperienced hikers took substantially longer. Having the snacks and water definitely helped.

Get Help

If you have a cell service or are carrying a satellite messenger, use it. You can message your emergency contact if the fire looks like it is far away and have them look up info about the fire to help you decide how to proceed.

If the fire hasn’t been reported yet, report it by calling 911. You will need info about where you are and where you think the fire is. If possible, give the names of trails and geographic landmarks nearby. GPS coordinates are ideal.

If the fire is close, skip right to pressing the SOS button or calling 911 for help. You can also try signalling to passing planes and helicopters – they will be looking for hikers in the backcountry. This is also a good technique if you have been in contact with Search and Rescue and they are looking for you.

Direct a signal mirror or flashing headlamp at the aircraft. Move to an open area and use bright colours (especially red and orange) to attract attention. You can spread out your tent fly, tarp, or several bright jackets to attract attention.

I hate to say this because I hope it’s obvious, but don’t start a signal fire to help rescuers find you. You might just start another wildfire by accident.

Work Together With Other Hikers

Group up with other hikers to share information and supplies. During the 2024 Jasper National Park wildfires, hikers with satellite messengers alerted other hikers that the fire was getting closer (even though in some campgrounds it wasn’t smokey yet) and told them they had to evacuate even though it was 2 a.m.

If possible, try to keep track of how many hikers are with you and their names. You can give this info to park rangers after you evacuate. That park staff will know which hikers evacuated and which ones they still need to locate.

Shelter in Place

If the fire is close, you will need to shelter in place. In general, get low to the ground to avoid the smoke. You can dig a hole in the dirt for your face. Hide behind something big (like a rock) that won’t catch fire.

Here are some tips on good places to shelter versus bad places to shelter.

Good Places to Shelter:

• Places with less vegetation like rock fields, swampy areas, and meadows – but avoid these areas if they are next to a place with dense vegetation
• Flat areas
• Lakes – you can get into the water and hide behind rocks or islands. Murky water is better than clear water because it is better at blocking radiant heat.

Bad Places to Shelter:

• Thick forests
• Steep areas (because fire travels uphill)
• Chutes, ravines, and saddles (low spots on a ridge) – these are natural travel paths for fire
• Ridge tops (because fire travels uphill and you won’t have an escape route)

How to Prevent Wildfires

Unfortunately, humans cause many wildfires – in BC about 40% of wildfires are human caused. Most of the time, people don’t mean to start a fire. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can avoid being part of this statistic.

Skip the Campfire

With frequent fire bans, I rarely have a campfire anymore. I know many people feel like they have to have a campfire when camping to have the full experience, but if you skip it, you might find that you’re not missing out on much.

On hot summer days, campfires aren’t needed for warmth. Compared to a camp stove, campfires are unreliable for cooking (everything comes out charred or raw when I try it!). The smoke gets into everything – your clothing, hair, and eyes – and the stink lingers. And spending tons of time chopping firewood and tending the fire takes away from time you could be hiking, swimming, or relaxing.

Instead of campfire, I like to bring a simple battery powered lantern to gather around. Card games or portable board games can be fun too. And you can make s’mores in a skillet on your campstove.

If you must have a campfire-like experience, invest in a propane fire pit. They allowed during fire bans in most jurisdictions are are much easier to use and safer than a campfire.

Check for Fire Bans

Before you have a campfire, check to see if it is allowed. Many provinces and states have websites that show where campfires are allowed and not allowed. However, you should also check park and local municipality websites since some areas have stricter regulations about fires than the province or state. For example, Garibaldi Provincial Park, near where I live, bans fires year round since the park has a sensitive alpine ecosystem.

State and Provincial Fire Ban resources I use often:

• BC Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions
• Albert Fire Bans
• Washington Burn Restrictions

Have a Safe Campfire

If you do have a campfire, check the weather first. Avoid having a campfire on windy days when embers can blow into grass, trees, or buildings and ignite them.

Keep your campfire small. Small campfires are less likely to get out of control.

Use a metal fire ring to keep your fire contained. If you build your fire on bare ground, you can ignite underground root systems, which can spread the fire to the surrounding trees and bushes. Underground fires can smoulder for days or weeks, emerging into flames much later.

Only build a campfire if there is a reliable water source nearby. If your fire gets out of control, you will need a lot of water to put it out. The water in your water bottle won’t be enough. You’ll need running water or a nearby lake or stream to put it out.

Make sure your fire is out. Many people let their fire burn out and think that is good enough. It isn’t. Coals and embers can ignite hours later. When you’re done with your fire, douse it with water, then stir. Keep dousing and stirring until the coals are cool to the touch.

Be Careful When Smoking

Cigarette butts and other smoking materials can cause wildfires, especially in dry and windy conditions. We recently had a fire about 1.5 km from my house in Squamish. The local rumour is that is was started by mountain bikers smoking weed on a dry grassy section of trail.

Dispose of cigarette butts and joint roaches safely. My friend used to smoke and had a fireproof ashtray pouch to pack out cigarette butts. You can also use an Altoids tin or similar.

Drive Cars and ATVs With Care

Hot mufflers and sparks from vehicles can ignite dry grass and other flammable natural materials. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to avoid throwing sparks from dragging parts or chains, which can throw sparks. And avoid driving in tall grass, which can catch fire when it touches a hot muffler or exhaust pipe.

Final Thoughts

While it can be devastating to have a trip you’ve planned for a long time get cancelled due to wildfires or smoke, the forest will grow back and you can hike it another time. Don’t risk your life (or your lungs) and the lives of first responders by hiking near wildfires.

READ NEXT:

• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
• How to Find Trail Conditions
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike

The post Tips for Safe Hiking in Wildfire Season appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’m really heat-sensitive, but I always want to go hiking even if it’s way too warm out. After years of experience (and some not-so-awesome trips where the heat really beat me), here are my tips for hiking in the heat.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Acclimatize to the Heat

If you aren’t used to the heat, it can decimate your energy levels. You will hike much slower and get tired earlier than usual. That means that you can’t just jump into your regular hikes when it is hot out. You have to start easy until you have acclimatized to the heat.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to go hiking just gradually acclimatize by ramping up to longer and harder hikes. It can take about two weeks to get used to hot weather. But that doesn’t work if you live in a place that is usually fairly cold.

You can also deliberately expose yourself to heat to acclimatize yourself ahead of hot weather. It’s possible to work on your heat tolerance through sauna, hot tub, or hot yoga sessions.

Pick the Right Hike

If it’s really hot out you will get tired more easily, so you may also want to pick a shorter or easier hike than normal. Heat also saps your energy, so your hiking pace will likely be slower than usual.

A hot day with lots of sunshine may not be the best day for ridgeline or mountain top hikes that get full sun. In scorching weather, pick a forested hike with lots of shade.  

When it’s really warm out, I also like to pick a hike near a river or lake. Often the air is cooler near the water, which can be refreshing. Plus, the best way to cool down is to jump into chilly water… which leads to my next tip, below.

Get Wet

Cool water is a great way to reduce your body temperature. I like to dunk my hat in every stream I pass. Some hikers also like to wear a wet bandana or buff around their neck or even soak a shirt in a stream, then put it on.

A swim is also a great way to beat the heat when hiking. You can pack a swimsuit, go in your underwear, or just jump in wearing your hiking clothing.

Leave No Trace Tip: Make sure you wipe off any sunscreen or bug spray before you go swimming to avoid harming plants and fish.

Cool Down with Snow

Snow can be both a blessing and a curse on a hot day. Unfortunately, the bright surface of snow reflects light, which can give you a wicked sunburn. (The reflections from snow can burn some strange places like the inside of your nose and the roof of your mouth!)

But on the upside, hikes with patches of snow can be a great way to cool on when hiking in hot weather. Stop to do snow angels! Have a snowball fight!

I like to put a snowball under my hat or in the hood of my sun shirt. Rubbing a snowball on the pulse points in your wrists or the base of your skull can also help lower your body temperature.

Avoid Hiking at the Hottest Times of the Day

It’s usually the hottest in the afternoon, around 3 or 4 pm when the heat of the day really begins to build up. Instead of hiking when it’s super hot out, plan a sunrise hike so you are off the trail in time for lunch. Or head out after dinner for a sunset hike. For either option, don’t forget a headlamp!

Drink Lots of Water

It’s easy to get dehydrated when it’s really hot out. Your body cools itself through sweating, so if the temperature is high, you are going to sweat a lot. Unless you replace that sweat by drinking water, you’ll get dehydrated.

At best, the symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst and peeing less often. At worst, you might experience headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and vomiting. Not fun.

Bring lots of water with you. How much to bring depends on how hot it is out, how far you plan to hike, and may also vary by person. However, keep in mind that while hiking in hot weather, some people will need to consume up to 1L of water per hour. That’s a lot!

If I am planning to hike  in hot weather I will often plan to get some water along the way instead of carrying it all with me. (Water is heavy!) Do some research and pick a trail with a reliable water source. I bring my Katadyn BeFree water filter so I can treat the water before I drink it.

I also keep water purification tablets in my first aid kit for times when I don’t have my filter with me. They are pretty cheap and last for years. However, I find that they add a little bit of a chemical taste to water and take 30 minutes to work, so I save them for emergencies.

Pro tip: Know before you go. You don’t want to get to a stream and discover it has dried up. Find out how to check trail conditions online before you go.

I use a hydration reservoir so that I can take small sips of water as I hike. I use a Platypus Big Zip EVO reservoir. Sometimes I also bring collapsible Platypus SoftBottles to hold extra water since they pack down easily when empty.

Keep Your Electrolyte Levels Up

Drinking water is not be enough to keep you hydrated. We all know that sweat contains salt (aka sodium) but did you know it also contains potassium and other minerals known collectively as electrolytes?

When you have depleted electrolyte levels you may experience similar symptoms to dehydration plus the bonus of muscle cramps. Definitely no fun.To ensure you don’t end up with low electrolytes, drink a sports drink that contains added sodium, potassium, and other minerals.

Bottled sports drinks are heavy, expensive, and often full of sugar. Powdered or tablet alternatives can be much cheaper. They are also easy to carry with you so you can add them to water on the go and customize the strength of the mixture.

There are lots of options out there including Gatorade, Nuun, DripDrop, and more. Lately, my favourite is Liquid I.V. They have flavours that use real sugar, which I appreciate since I don’t like the taste of artificial or alternative sweeteners, and some of them do bag things to my guts.

Prepare for Low Appetite

When it’s hot out, many people don’t feel hungry. It’s also common to get indigestion or nausea. I often have to force myself to eat when it’s really hot out because I know from experience that if I don’t eat, I’ll feel even worse.

Over time, you will figure out what foods work for you in hot weather. I often bring a variety of things in the hopes that something I pack will appeal to me. Salty snacks like trail mix are great for replenishing salt.

Snacks that have lots of electrolytes are also a good idea. If I’m feeling really off, the one thing that I can reliably eat is energy chews, like Gu Energy Chews, Honey Stinger Energy Chews, or Clif Shot Bloks. They have lots of electrolytes and are a good source of quick-to-digest carbs.

Wear Sun Screen

Getting a sunburn is a surefire way to feel even hotter than you already do. Wearing sunscreen is always a good idea when you’re hiking, but it can be challenging on a really hot day since your sweat will wash it off.

You can try using sweat-resistant sports sunscreen, but you’ll still have to reapply it often. I like Sun Bum Sunscreen since it stays on fairly well and is reef safe. Their hands-free sticks are great for putting more sunscreen on your nose on the go.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing

Instead of having lots of exposed skin and relying on sunscreen, you could choose to wear a wide-brimmed hat and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun coverage instead. When your sweat soaks your hat and shirt, it actually helps to keep you cool!

My favourite sun hat is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. It has a wide brim in the front and a cape in the back to protect your neck. It’s made of really light fabric and the brim folds so it’s easy to stuff in your pack. And the best feature – it has slots in the brim to hold your sunglasses!

Lately, I’ve been wearing a long-sleeved sun hoody to avoid having to reapply sunscreen as often. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody provides UPF 50+ sun protection but is made of lightweight fabric so it doesn’t feel too hot.

I’ve got more sun hoody reviews and a full guide to how to choose a sun hoody in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.

Use an Umbrella

This tip might sound strange, but it’s a popular strategy with desert hikers: use an umbrella for shade. When I trekked to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal the weather at lower elevations was so hot and muggy that I found using an umbrella for shade helpful. It looked dorky, but it really worked!

You can figure out a way to attach an umbrella to your backpack straps MacGyver-style to keep your hands free. Thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail often use specialized ultralight umbrellas for both rain and sun protection. (They aren’t a good choice for windy days or brushy trails though.)

Manage Your Sweat

When it’s hot, you’re going to sweat. As I already mentioned, sweating depletes your electrolytes and washes off your sunscreen. But there are a couple of other ways that sweating can affect your hike.

Firstly, it gets in your eyes and that stings, especially if you wear contacts like me! I use a face cloth-sized PackTowl to mop my forehead. It’s a microfibre travel towel that dries quickly and has a snap loop so you can attach it to your pack for easy access. I always bring one when hiking in hot weather.

Secondly, if you get sweaty feet, you can be prone to blisters. Wear well-ventilated hiking shoes if possible (you don’t need those big waterproof leather hiking boots on hot dry days). I wear Salomon XA Pro trail runners when it’s hot out.

Choose synthetic and wool blend socks that breathe well and don’t absorb moisture. Bring an extra change of socks to swap out at your halfway point. My favourites are the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks.

Pack extra bandaids and blister dressings and be sure to stop and tend to your feet at the first sign of a hot spot. Don’t wait until you have a giant disgusting blister! Need more blister tips? I’ve got a whole post on How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking!

Prevent Chafing

If you’ve never chafed on a hike, consider yourself blessed. Chafing happens when your skin and/or clothing gets damp from sweat or rain and then rubs together. Common places to get chafed include butt cheeks, crotch, and feet. All the fun places!

To prevent chafing choose hiking clothes made of synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon that don’t absorb as much water as cotton or wool. Of course, this applies to your underwear as well! For underwear and sports bras look for seamless options or a version with flat seams. My guide to the best hiking underwear has lots of options.

If you are prone to chafing you may also want to get some anti-chafe sports lubricant like Bodyglide. Apply it before your hike as a preventative and maybe even bring it along with you to reapply. This stuff has literally saved my butt on more than one occasion 🙂 (TMI? Sorry, not sorry!)

If you do end up getting chafed, get some zinc oxide cream, sold as diaper rash cream. Babies know what’s up – it works fast to soothe chafed skin. I often carry a tiny travel size tub of this on backpacking trips.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is no joke. It can actually kill you or damage your organs. Heat stroke happens when your body temperature gets too hot (over 104F/40C).  

Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, dizziness, lack of sweating despite the heat, skin that feels hot, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat and breathing, and confused behaviour. At its worst, it may lead to seizures and unconsciousness.

I had mild heat stroke during my trek in Nepal. I felt weak and dizzy and started to vomit. It was a bit scary, but at the time I didn’t realize how dangerous heat stroke can be.

If you think someone has heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately. Get off the trail if possible and/or call for help. Move the patient into the shade and try to lower their temperature. Pour cold water over the patient and have them drink liquids with electrolytes as dehydration and heat stroke often occur together.

In Nepal, our guide poured cold water over me, then helped me hike a short distance to a teahouse where I sat in the shade and drank Coke and a sports drink. I rested for a few hours and my temperature came down enough to continue trekking, even though I felt weak.

Use Caution at Creek Crossings

Hot weather can cause snow to melt rapidly, turning formerly placid creeks into raging torrents. Research the trail before you go to see if there are unbridged creek crossings that could be dangerous.

If you arrive at a fast-moving creek, be prepared to turn around in case it is not safe to cross. And remember that a creek you crossed in the morning may be running MUCH higher in the afternoon when you have to cross it again on your return journey.

Skip the Hike If It Is Really Hot

Every year hikers die in extremely hot temperatures in places like Death Valley National Park. If the forecast is for temperatures over 100°F /38°C, consider skipping the hike. Hiking in weather that hot can be dangerous. Save the hike for another day – it’s not worth your life. (Psst – my guide to weather apps for hikers has tips for accurate backcountry forecasts.)

Final Thoughts

It can be tempting to stick to your normal hiking plans when it’s really hot out. But it pays to be a bit cautious. When the temperature soars, I dial back the intensity, pick a forested hike to a lake, and wear sun protection. I know if I don’t, I’ll feel awful and won’t enjoy my hike.

What are your top tips for hiking in hot weather? Let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

The post Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I wish I had one easy answer for you. Wouldn’t it be great to say, “Oh, you just check this magic website called…”. I’m sorry, it doesn’t exist. Instead, you have to check in a bunch of places.

I’ve got tips for where to find trail conditions for hikes all over Canada and the United States. I’ve also got some general tips on how to prepare for a hike.

In this post you’ll find:

• How to find trail conditions: eight places to check
• Why is checking trail conditions important? What will happen if you don’t?
• What should you do if you can’t find up-to-date trail conditions? Should you hike anyway?

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How to Find Trail Conditions

Check Park Websites

Many, national, state, provincial and regional park websites have a trail conditions section written by a park ranger. Some parks may update their conditions less frequently than others, but it’s often worth looking anyway.

Look up which park the trail you plan to hike is in, then head to the park website. Finding the trail conditions section can be tricky on some parks’ websites. Look for a pinned advisory at the top of the page or click through to the “hiking” or “planning your trip” sections.

If you can’t find the info you want on their website, some parks (especially National Parks) have visitor centers or ranger stations you can call or visit before your hike.

Read Trail Reviews on AllTrails

By far the most popular hiking app in North America is AllTrails. Lots of people use it to find nearby hikes, but you can also use it to leave reviews for hikes. If you scroll through the recent comments, you can often find valuable trail conditions info.

However, keep in mind that, unlike park ranger-generated trail conditions reports, regular people with a variety of hiking experience levels write AllTrails reviews. That means that you should take these reviews with a grain of salt. Some reviews might overstate the hazards while others might downplay them.

Check Instagram

You might be using Instagram to find hiking inspo. But I also find Instagram really helpful for checking trail conditions since it is so visual. Use the in-app search function to find the area you want to hike and be sure to check both the location tag and hashtag feeds. Choose “more recent” rather than “most popular”.

Be sure to check the date the photo was posted AND the caption to make sure you are looking at a current photo, not a throwback shot. And keep in mind that most people post photos of the beautiful parts of the hike, not the hard stuff or the ugly stuff, so you likely aren’t getting the full picture.

The Instagram community is quite friendly so if you see a recent photo from an area you want to hike, go ahead and ask for more info about trail conditions in a comment. You might get the best info that way, and make a new online friend.

Scroll Through Facebook Groups and Subreddits

These days there is a regional Facebook group or Subreddit for hiking pretty much everywhere. To find a local one in your area, search “[name of your city/region] hiking” on Facebook or Reddit. (On Facebook you will also want to filter by groups.)

Backcountry skiing or mountaineering groups can be helpful too since they often share the same approach trails as hikers. Some bucket list trails or national parks also have their own Facebook groups or sub-Reddits.

Before you add a post to the group asking for trail conditions, scroll through the most recent posts or use the search bar to see if someone else has already added info about the trail you are looking for.

Just like with Instagram or All Trails, keep in mind that the responses you get about trail conditions will come from people with various levels of experience and risk tolerance.

Check Web Cams

Webcams can be really helpful to judge current snow conditions, especially in the spring and fall when snow cover can be hard to predict. Very few trails have live webcams, but you can often find webcams close to trails. The most useful webcams are ones at roughly the same elevation as the trail you plan to hike.

Ski area and highway webcams can be a great resource. Google ski areas near where you want to hike or visit state or provincial highways websites to find them.

Look at Recent Aerial Photos on Copernicus Browser

One of my favourite ways to check snow cover is to check Copernicus Browser. It provides up-to-date satellite images from around the world. (FYI: This site used to be known as Sentinel Hub Playground.)

But keep in mind that when the snow is melting, the forests can often look green in the photos but there is snow hiding under the branches! Be sure to look for clearings, roads, and lakes to see if there is snow there.

The interface for Copernicus Browser is not intuitive. But if all you want to do is navigate to a named place and look at a recent satellite photo, it’s pretty easy to use.

You can scroll around to find the location you want or use the search bar to find named locations. You can also use the calendar to see when the most recent satellite photo was taken. Or you can adjust the date to find satellite photos from dates in the past. The calendar also shows which dates have photos with clear skies and which ones are obscured by clouds.

Look Up Smoke and Fire Info on FireSmoke

Unfortunately, in many places, summer is forest fire season for hikers. Even if no fires are burning near your hiking destination, winds can push smoke for hundreds of kilometres, making for an unpleasant hike or dangerous air quality.

I like to check the smoke forecast map on FireSmoke before my trip so I know what to expect. It uses an easy-to-understand animation that overlays the boundaries of nearby fires on a map along with a projection of where the smoke will blow. Colours show you how “bad” the air quality will be. You can also toggle between an hourly forecast, daily average, and daily maximum.

I’ve got a whole guide to safe hiking in wildfire season with more tips.

Check the Avalanche Forecast

Snow + slopes = avalanches. Hikers and snowshoers need to know the avalanche forecast to stay safe. In the United States, use Avalanche.org. In Canada, check the forecast on Avalanche.ca.

Posted forecasts will give you an idea of the snow conditions as well as what types of terrain are the most susceptible to avalanches.

There are no avalanche forecasts in the spring and early summer, but there can still be lots of snow in the mountains. You need to know how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain when you hike. That means avoiding travelling on or below steep, snow-covered slopes. I like to use the slope angle overlay on Gaia GPS to help identify slopes that could slide.

Why is Checking Trail Conditions Important?

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway up a mountain to be stopped by snow. Or getting eaten alive by bugs because you didn’t bring bug spray and a long-sleeved shirt.

If you research the trail conditions ahead of time you have a higher chance of having fun since you’ll be able to pick an appropriate destination for your abilities, the weather and the current trail conditions. You’ll also bring the right gear and give yourself enough time to complete your hike.

More importantly, you’ll have a much higher chance of staying safe and avoiding getting lost. The first principle of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare, and checking trail conditions is an important part of that. Search and Rescue gets called out nearly every weekend for someone who didn’t check trail conditions. Don’t let it be you.

What Should You Do if You Can’t Find Up-to-Date Trail Conditions?

If you can’t find up-to-date trail conditions you have two choices: 1) Pick a different hike, or 2) Go anyway but bring lots of extra gear. Consider bringing gear for safe snow travel, such as an ice axe, trekking poles, microspikes, or snowshoes. Bring extra clothing for cold and wet conditions. Pack extra food and water in case it takes longer than you think.

Once you are on the trail (or even on the access road to the trail), be prepared to turn around if you face conditions that you aren’t prepared for. Flooded trails, slippery snow, washed-out bridges, blowdown trees obscuring the path and undrivable access roads are all good reasons to consider turning around.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup hike in the same area so you can do another nearby hike if the one you picked doesn’t work out.

Final Thoughts

I’ve definitely had some mishaps when I failed to check trail conditions. I remember one early summer hike when I didn’t check trail conditions and ended up post-holing into knee-deep snow for hours…. while wearing shorts. My shins got so cut up and my feet were soaked. Lesson learned: check the trail conditions!

What’s your favourite place to find good info on trail conditions? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 16 Things to Do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• Tips for Safe Hiking in Wildfire Season

The post How to Find Trail Conditions appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades (I even wrote a hiking guidebook) and have tried a lot of different technical outdoor clothing, including lots of Merino wool. I also spent seven years working at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. While I was there, I worked closely with the design and fabric teams and wrote staff training material. So I have a pretty good grasp on outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of Merino wool so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. This Merino wool guide includes:

• Is Merino wool worth it? My quick answer
• What is Merino wool? How is it different than regular wool
• Merino wool pros and cons plus some neutral factors where wool is equivalent to other fabrics
• Which Merino wool clothing is worth it? Should you buy Merino socks, shirts, base layers, and more.
• Merino wool tips: My advice for buying merino, taking care of it, and repairing it
• Comparing Merino wool to other fabrics: How does it stack up to polyester, regular wool, alpaca, and more
• Merino wool FAQ: Answers to common questions like is Merino good for summer and does it shrink

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Merino Wool Worth it?

My short answer: Most of the time, no.

The longer answer: Merino wool is a fabulous high-performance fabric. But it’s not magic. In many ways, Merino wool is comparable to high-tech polyester fabrics. The only place where Merino clearly outperforms is its ability to resist odors.

Some people really love the feel and performance of Merino. And if that’s you, and you find the expense and lack of durability of Merino don’t deter you, that’s great. If you love, Merino, keep on loving it.

But I think that a lot of people get sucked in by the premium price and slick marketing of Merino wool. They assume that because it is expensive, it must be the best. I’ve talked to lots of people who bought into the hype, then fell out of love with Merino after using it for a few years, mostly due to its lack of durability and high price.

If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability.

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is the wool from a breed called Merino sheep. Although Merino sheep are originally from Spain, today they are found all over the world (and most famously, in Australia and New Zealand).

Merino wool is much softer and finer than regular wool. That means it is more comfortable to wear since it is less scratchy. The individual fibres of regular wool can be up to 40 microns in diameter. But Merino wool is always less than 24 microns. Premium fine Merino wool can go as low as 15 microns in diameter.

Merino wool is most often used for technical outdoor clothing. However, you can also find it in high-end casual sweaters and blankets.

Merino Wool Pros and Cons

Some people talk about Merino wool as if it is a miracle fabric. And it does indeed have lots of positive characteristics. However, there are also some negatives, which for some people (like me) often outweigh the positives.

Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of Merino wool. I’ve also included a few “neutral” factors – these are areas where Merino wool provides better performance than non-technical fabrics like cotton but has equivalent performance to technical fabrics like polyester.

Pro: Anti-Microbial

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. (Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking gear for info on how that happens.)

Since Merino wool is less smelly, it’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking or situations where you can’t or don’t want to wash your gear as often. When I used to commute to work by bike, I wore a Merino wool shirt that I washed once or twice a week instead of every day.

But… Merino wool can still get stinky over time, especially if it is blended with nylon or elastane. It’s not magic. It just takes way longer to develop that signature hiker stank than other fabrics.

Pro: Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Merino wool is naturally thermo-regulating. That means that it can help you feel cool when it’s hot out and provide warmth when it’s cold. This sounds crazy, but there’s actually science behind it.

Wool fibres are crimped, which creates little air pockets. In cold weather, these air pockets trap warm air and hold it close to you. When it’s hot out, wool pulls moisture and heat from your body. As the wool dries and releases the moisture, the crimps trap cold air, keeping you cool.

Many people love Merino wool because they can wear the same Merino wool clothing in both summer and winter. The temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also mean that you are less likely to need to add and remove layers as the temperature changes on a hike.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are lots of innovative premium synthetic fabrics that can compete with Merino on temperature regulation. But there are also lots of crappy synthetics too.

Pro: Warm for its Weight

The natural air pockets that give Merino wool its temperature-regulating properties also mean that it can provide more warmth for its weight than other fabrics. (Although the construction of some synthetic fabrics can mimic the air pocket structure and perform just as well.)

The excellent warmth-to-weight ratio means that you can choose thinner Merino wool garments than their synthetic counterparts.

Neutral: Next to Skin Comfort

You might hear Merino wool described as being comfortable to wear or soft against your skin. That is certainly true, especially when you compare it to traditional wool.

But it’s not any softer or more comfortable than some other technical fabrics like polyester. (Of course this depends a lot on the specific technical fabric. I find Merino wool much more comfortable than the polyester in my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie. But I also like the feel of my soft Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie more than the feel of Merino wool. (I reviewed both of these in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.)

Some people prefer the way Merino feels on their skin, but some still find it a tiny bit itchy.

Neutral: Provides Warmth When Wet

Merino wool still provides insulation even when it is wet. By itself, that sounds like a pro, and Merino wool cheerleaders often list “warmth when wet” as one of Merino wool’s strengths. But it’s only a pro if you compare Merino to cotton, since cotton makes you colder when you are wet. Synthetic fabrics also provide warmth when they are wet, so Merino doesn’t have a leg up over other technical outdoor fabrics.

Neutral: Moisture Wicking

Here is another neutral factor that masquerades as a pro. Yes, Merino wool does a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin thanks to the unique air pocket-forming structure of the wool fibres. But many technical synthetic fabrics are comparable when it comes to wicking, so it’s not a true pro. (However, some synthetics achieve high wicking performance via chemical finishes that wash out over time, so it’s not an easy comparison to make.)

Neutral: Ethical and Sustainability Issues

Merino wool is an animal product, so it is not vegan-friendly.

It is also important to know there have been issues around animal cruelty associated with Merino wool production. Some Merino sheep farmers subject their animals to mulesing, a painful practice that removes strips of skin around the anus. Mulesing protects the sheep from flystrike infections. It is done without anesthetic and is considered inhumane and unethical. Most developed countries no longer permit mulesing.

Before you buy a Merino wool garment, check to see if the manufacturer has a statement about the treatment of the sheep they source their wool from. You can also check to see if there are measures in place to prevent overgrazing and the excessive use of pesticides. There are many reputable and ethical Merino wool brands on the market including Smartwool, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Ibex, Patagonia, Ridge Merino, and Woolx.

However, it’s worth pointing out that there are ethical issue around polyester too. It’s made from petroleum, which isn’t a renewable resource (unlike wool). And given the current climate crisis, fossil fuel extraction is something we should be moving away from rather than increasing

As well, fleecy fabrics release microplastics, which is a big problem when they are washed as it ends up in our waterways and oceans.

If you are concerned about the sustainability of your clothing, buying used base layers is the best choice.

Con: Doesn’t Dry Quickly

Merino wool is often touted as being great at moisture-wicking since it can absorb more moisture than other fabrics. The “moisture-wicking” part of that sentence is a pro. But the “absorb” part is a con because Merino wool really hangs on to moisture. It can take 40% longer for a Merino wool garment to dry compared to a synthetic one.

I sweat a lot (in all temperatures and during all activities). Merino wool just stays wet way too long for me. It takes forever to dry, and in the meantime, it’s heavy and gross.

Con: Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool has a poor track record when it comes to durability. The fibres of Merino wool are very fragile. That means they are prone to ripping, tearing, and snagging. Even high-quality Merino wool garments are likely to develop holes.

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your Merino wool clothing. Garments that use a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are much stronger and last longer. I have lots of Merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool that have lasted years since they use a Merino wool/nylon blend.

You also have to be really careful with your Merino wool. Snags on zippers, watch straps, backpack buckles, jewellery, and belts are common ways to get holes. But friction holes are sometimes unavoidable, especially in the armpits and crotch.

Con: Special Washing Required

Merino wool requires special washing and drying. Like all wool, it shrinks if it is heated too much, which means it needs to be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

Due to its poor durability, it also is best to wash Merino wool clothing on the delicate cycle. I also always wash my Merino wool by itself to protect it. I don’t allow zippers, buttons, Velcro, or buckles in the washing machine with my Merino!

While it isn’t required, it is a good idea to use a wool-specific laundry detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash). Regular detergent can strip the wool of its natural wicking properties and can contribute to pilling. Avoid enzyme cleaners at all costs as they can actually break down the fibres in Merino wool. (More tips in my guide to washing hiking gear.)

Con: Expensive

If you’ve ever shopped for Merino wool gear, you have probably been shocked by how expensive it is. Close to $100 for a t-shirt?? What?! Yup, Merino wool prices are crazy.

While there are billions of sheep in the world, most are raised for their meat or for regular wool. Merino sheep are a specialized breed and there just aren’t that many of them. It costs a lot more to raise a sheep than it does to harvest a plant or make fabric from petroleum. As well, the fine fibres of Merino wool mean that you need more of them to make fabric.

And while Merino wool is a natural fibre, it still needs to be heavily processed before it is turned into clothing. The fibres are extensively cleaned to remove dirt, impurities, and lanolin (a greasy substance that naturally occurs in sheep’s wool.)

Which Merino Wool Clothing is Worth It?

My answer to whether Merino wool is worth it depends on what kind of clothing you’re talking about. For things like socks, I recommend it 1000%. For shirts, base layers, underwear, and mid-layers, the answer is a bit more nuanced.

Are Merino Wool Socks Worth It?

Yes! I swear by Merino wool hiking socks.

Since socks need to be extra durable, Merino wool socks are usually expertly blended with nylon and elastane. This means that you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino. But you also get better durability thanks to the nylon. And you get the wicking power of both Merino and nylon – it dries quicker than Merino alone.

I hike exclusively in Merino wool blend socks. My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock and the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.

Are Merino Hiking Shirts Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

Many hikers love wearing Merino wool hiking shirts. They love the temperature regulation that Merino provides. And the anti-microbial properties of Merino make it ideal for backpacking trips when you don’t want to stink day after day.

However, when you wear a Merino wool hiking shirt, the poor durability of Merino wool becomes pretty apparent. And if you sweat a lot when you hike (like me) then you will find yourself soaking wet a lot of the time because Merino wool shirts absorb more water than synthetics and take longer to dry.

I think Merino wool hiking shirts are great for backpacking and for people who don’t sweat too much. They are also great for people who are careful with their gear.

Smartwool’s standard Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a really popular choice for a Merino hiking shirt. My husband has three of them and loves them. He likes that they don’t stink.

I have an Odlo Kinship Performance Wool long sleeve top that I love for cold weather hiking. It’s a wool/polyester/nylon blend that hits the sweat spot of performance for me. (Read my review in my fave gear of 2023 post.)

Are Merino Base Layers Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

The main purpose of a base layer (also known as thermals) is to move moisture away from your skin. Base layers also add warmth through insulation. (However, most of your warmth should come from your mid-layer.)

The thermo-regulation of Merino wool base layers is great for stop-and-start activities like skiing where you generate a lot of heat, but then slow down or stop for long periods and get cold.

Merino’s high warmth-to-weight ratio makes it great for base layers since you can get more warmth with less bulk. I usually sleep in Merino wool base layers when backpacking since they are smaller to pack.

However, for those who sweat a lot, Merino isn’t a good choice for active base layers since they absorb more moisture and take longer to dry.

Durability is also a factor with base layers – the repetitive rubbing of base layers against mid and outer layers in your crotch and armpits leads to pilling and holes far faster with Merino wool than with synthetic fabrics.

Merino wool base layers are great for skiing as long as you don’t run too hot and are ok with the durability issues. They also are great for sleeping in. Otherwise, I think synthetic base layers perform just as well so there isn’t any reason to spend more money on Merino wool.

I love my Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Bottoms for sleeping on backpacking trips since they are lightweight, cozy, and come in fun prints. For snowshoeing, I wear Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Base Layers since they combine Merino and polyester for faster drying times.

Is Merino Wool Underwear Worth It?

Not really.

I’ve heard lots of rave reviews about Merino wool underwear. (And I included a few Merino wool pairs in my guide to the best hiking underwear since some hikers swear by them.) People love it for the same reason they love Merino wool hiking shirts – they are great at temperature regulation and they don’t stink.

But if you sweat a lot, Merino wool underwear is a disaster since it holds moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Merino wool undies are also notorious for getting tons of holes. They often lose their shape a lot faster than synthetics too.

Lots of Merino wool underwear is heavily blended with nylon and elastane to increase durability and dry quicker. This is especially true of sports bras, which need to fit tightly. Some underwear and sports bras marketed as Merino wool contain less than 30% Merino wool… but still carry a full Merino wool price tag! Shop carefully.

If you love the feel of Merino wool and think the expense of Merino underwear is worth it, that’s great. But I don’t think Merino wool underwear is a great option for most people – if you are buying a $40 pair of undies, they shouldn’t get holes, bag out, and chafe your butt!

The only merino wool underwear I can recommend are the Branwyn Essential, although I find they are better for cold weather or less sweaty trips. But the highest rated Merino wool underwear are the women’s Icebreaker Merino Siren and Men’s Icebreaker Anatomica. If you want a Merino sports bra, I like the Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra – but keep in mind that it is only 28% wool and can definitely can get stinky. (Mine is a bit gross.)

Are Merino Wool Mid-Layers Worth It?

No. Synthetics greatly outperform Merino in this category.

Merino performs best when you wear it next to your skin to wick sweat and absorb heat. Merino wool does work as a mid-layer for insulation, but it doesn’t work any better than fleece, synthetic insulation, or down. And you need a much thicker wool mid-layer to get the equivalent warmth that you’d get with fleece, down, or synthetic insulation.

If you like the feel of wool, a blended wool and polyester fleece is a nice option for a casual mid-layer. But it will be heavier than a pure synthetic, dry slower, and be more expensive.

I have an older Smartwool Smartloft Jacket that I got years ago when I was a Smartwool brand amabassador. It has a Merino wool interior that is cozy, especially when layered over a short sleeved shirt. But I don’t find it as versatile to wear as a fleece.

Are Merino Wool Toques/Beanies Worth It?

Yes, if you don’t have sensitive skin.

I love my Smartwool Merino Beanie (called a toque here in Canada) – I’m wearing it in the photo above. It is really warm for the weight, so it doesn’t take up tons of space in my pack. Since I won’t be sweating much when I wear it, I don’t have to worry about it not drying quickly.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you might find that Merino wool itches your forehead a bit. In that case, a grid fleece hat like the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie is a better option. It has the same warmth-to-weight as Merino wool.

Merino Wool Tips

From what to look for when shopping for Merino to how to wash and repair it, here are my top Merino wool tips:

• Choose the right Merino wool weight for your activity: Merino comes in weights from ultra-fine/ultralight light to heavy-weight. Lighter weights are good for warmer weather and more vigorous activity compared to heavier weights. Some brands list the grams per square metre (gsm) weight of the fabric. Look for around 150gsm for lightweight, year-round layers and 250-300gsm for extra warm winter layers.
• Get a close fit: To benefit from Merino wool’s thermoregulating properties, Merino clothing needs to fit close to the skin. It can’t be too baggy.
• Consider Merino wool blends: Merino wool blended with nylon, polyester and/or elastane is more durable, stretchier, and absorbs a bit less water than pure Merino. Some budget brands mix Merino with nylon to bring prices down. But other performance brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker and Odlo, mix Merino wool with other fabrics in innovative ways that boost function and fit. Pay attention to the percentages. You want at least 50% Merino, or else it’s not worth buying. If you prioritize the benefits of Merino but want more durability, look for 80-90% Merino.
• Buy from a brand that specializes in Merino: For the best performance, buy from a Merino wool brand like Smartwool or Icebreaker or an outdoor brand that makes lots of base layers like Patagonia, Odlo, Helly Hansen, and Arc’teryx. They will have the best fit, seam placement, and fabric blends. You can buy cheap Merino base layers from Costco, etc. but in my experience, they are poor quality and don’t last very long.
• Wash Merino carefully. If you baby your Merino wool, it will last. For the longest lifespan, always wash on delicate with wool-specific detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash) and hang to dry. The care label might say regular wash and tumble dry is ok, but that’s because they don’t want to scare you off buying Merino. Trust me, stick with the delicate cycle and hang dry no matter what.
• Repair your Merino. Holes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your gear. Even if you are a terrible sewer, a few minutes with a needle and thread is all it takes to fix a small hole. For big ones, I sew on patches made from a pair of retired Merino base layer bottoms that was beyond repair.

Comparing Merino Wool to Other Fabrics

Most marketing material touts the performance values of merino wool, but doesn’t tell you how Merino stacks up in comparison to other common outdoor fabrics. I pitted Merino wool and against several other outdoor fabrics commonly used for base layers and hiking shirts.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, while polyester is prone to getting stinky. You can buy polyester with anti-odor properties, but it’s either a finish that washes out, or very expensive if it’s embedded in the garment.

For a lot of polyester fabrics, whether it is better than Merino or not, really depends on the type of polyester. In general, Merino is equivalent to or better than some (but not all) polyester fabrics when it comes to breathability, temperature regulation, warmth for weight, next-to-skin comfort, warmth when wet, and moisture-wicking.

All polyester will work better than Merino wool when you compare quick drying, durability, price, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

For hiking and other outdoor sports, Merino wool beats regular wool in pretty much every category except durability and price. It has better temperature regulation, breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and wicking than regular wool. Merino wool and regular wool score about the same when it comes to warmth for weight, warmth when wet, quick drying, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is similar to polyester, but a bit less common. It wicks better, dries faster, and costs less than both polyester and Merino wool. It also gets stinky incredibly easily.

Polypropylene was commonly used in base layers in the 1990s but it is less prevalent now. Helly Hansen makes a lot of polypropylene base layers, some of which they blend with Merino wool. Choose polypropylene over wool if wicking and quick drying are your primary concerns and you can live with the stink.

Merino Wool vs. Modal/Tencel/Lyocell/Viscose/Rayon

Modal, Tencel, Lyocell, Viscose, and rayon are all semi-synthetic fabrics made from wood pulp. Some are softer and more eco-friendly than others (which makes them cost more.) They don’t provide any warmth. These fabrics don’t wrinkle and feel really soft (even softer than Merino), but they aren’t as good at wicking or quick-drying compared to Merino wool or synthetics. None of these fabrics are very good for outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool vs. Alpaca

Alpaca wool fabric is made from the wool of alpacas, a relative of the llama that lives in the South American mountains. Currently, most alpaca garments on the market are intended more for casual wear than for hiking or other outdoor activities. As well, most alpaca garments are heavily blended with other fabrics like nylon for durability or Tencel for softness.

Alpaca wool is softer than Merino. It is also a bit more durable, but still very fragile compared to synthetics. Alpaca is a bit warmer than Merino since its structure creates larger air pockets. (Alpacas need to stay warm in the chilly Andes Mountains!) Alpaca also retains a bit less water than Merino (but still doesn’t dry as fast as polyester or polypropylene).

The alpaca market is still growing so there will likely be a lot of options available in the next few years. But for now, most alpaca products are not high-tech enough for hikers.

Merino Wool vs. Cashmere

Cashmere is made from the wool of Kashmir goats that live in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, and Iraq. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it doesn’t beat Merino in any other category. Cashmere is less durable, harder to wash, and more expensive. As well, cashmere is typically only used in casual wear, not in technical outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool FAQ

Let me answer some of the most common questions about Merino wool:

Is Merino Wool itchy?

No. Most people do not find Merino wool itchy, especially compared to regular wool. However, some people still find Merino wool a tiny bit itchy compared to other fabrics. Merino wool blends are less itchy than pure Merino wool.

Is Merino Wool Soft?

Yes. Merino wool is very soft, especially compared to regular wool. However, it can feel a tiny bit rougher than super soft fabrics like Modal or even some types of polyester.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Merino wool provides great warmth for its weight compared to other fabrics. However, it is also naturally temperature regulating, which makes it great in a range of temperatures.

Is Merino Wool Good for Winter?

Yes. Merino wool base layers can provide lots of warmth, especially mid- and heavy-weight Merino (200-300gsm). However, you will still need insulating mid-layers on top of your Merino.

Is Merino Wool Good For Summer?

Yes. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation so lightweight Merino wool pieces (150gsm) work well in the summer. However, keep in mind that Merino wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like Merino wool for summer use.

Is Merino Wool Washable?

Yes. But it has special washing instructions. To make your Merino wool last, it is best to wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle, use wool-specific detergent, and hang it to dry. The care label on some Merino wool clothing says you can wash it on the regular cycle and tumble dry. But I don’t recommend it unless the Merino is blended with another fabric (for example Merino wool blend hiking socks).

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

Yes. Like most wool, if you wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer, it will shrink at least a little bit. But if you wash it in cold water and hang to dry, it won’t shrink.

Is Merino Wool Expensive?

Yes, compared to other fabrics, Merino wool is quite expensive. That is because Merino wool is expensive to produce – raising and shearing sheep is more expensive than growing cotton or processing petroleum.

So that’s my big explanation of why I think Merino wool isn’t always worth it. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s ok. I’ll be the first one to say that Merino wool is an awesome fabric. It’s just not always the best one to choose for every application.

Do you have more Merino wool questions? Ask them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

The post Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker (more on what that is below), but I’m a gear geek and have refined my backpacking gear choices over the years to prioritize low weight without sacrificing safety or too much comfort.

This guide to ways to reduce your backpack weight includes:

• Why should you reduce your backpack weight? What are the advantages?
• What is “Ultralight? Should you be an ultralight backpacker? What are the downsides?
• Over 20 ways to reduce your backpack weight including what to look for when shopping for gear and what to leave behind.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why Should You Reduce Your Backpack Weight?

Maybe you’ve been on a few backpacking trips and you’ve thought: “This weight is manageable. I can hike with this.” And that’s probably true.

The general rule is that your backpack should weigh less than 20 percent of your body weight. But using that rule, if you weigh 200 lbs (91 kg), your pack could weigh up to 40 lbs (18 kg). That’s a lot of weight!

But what if your pack were a bit lighter? How would it feel then? Chances are, it would feel pretty good! Here are my top reasons why you should reduce your backpack weight:

• It’s more comfortable. It’s common to have sore shoulders and hips after backpacking. I bet you don’t feel that way after day hiking since your pack is lighter.
• It’s easier on your body. If you’re recovering from injury, or just dealing with aging, the less weight you carry, the less stress you put on your body. And over time, that can be an important factor in extending your backpacking career.
• You can move faster and cover more ground with a lighter pack. And that really opens up a ton more options for backpacking trips.
• It prevents injury. Carrying a heavy pack puts more strain on your body, especially your ankles and knees. You are also likely to be more tired when your backpack is heavy, and fatigue can lead to tripping and falling.
• It’s easier to balance when a heavy pack isn’t affecting your center of gravity. With a lighter pack, you will find technical terrain or creek crossings easier.
• It’s easier to stay organized. If you have less stuff to misplace, you won’t waste time looking for it.
• It lets you bring luxury items. If you save weight on your gear, you can bring some non-essentials. My husband pushed for us to get an ultralight tent because he loves bringing his chair on trips. With the weight we saved on the tent, he doesn’t mind the weight of the chair.

What is “Ultralight”? Should You Be an Ultralight Backpacker?

If you’ve spent any time researching gear or talking to backpackers, you’ve probably heard the term “ultralight“. But what does it mean?

There is no established definition of ultralight, but in general, it means carrying the lightest (and sometimes least) amount of gear possible.

Some people define ultralight by your base weight, which is the weight of everything in your backpack, minus consumables like food, water, and fuel. A common ultralight base weight is between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg).

Psst! Looking for more outdoor slang definitions? Check out this post: 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary

Ultralight is not just a base weight definition – it’s also a mindset and a subculture. Some backpackers find it fun to obsess over the latest and greatest ultralight gear. They continually tweak their backpack contents to achieve lighter and lighter base weights. And they spend tons of time in ultralight sub-Reddits, forums, and Facebook groups chatting about gear.

A Few Words of Caution About Going Ultralight

But the ultralight mentality also has a few negative aspects.

Firstly, some people get obsessive about being ultralight and take it too far: It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and chase a low base weight number instead of thinking about safety. When deciding what gear to leave behind, make sure you take safety gear, including the ten essentials.

Second, it’s important to remember that backpacking is supposed to be fun. Sometimes people going super ultralight lose sight of that. They drop their pack weight so far that they aren’t comfortable and their trip isn’t fun. Make sure that you bring the right gear to keep you warm, ensure you get a good sleep, and have some tasty food.

The third negative aspect of ultralight backpacking can be a big barrier for many people: Ultralight gear is ridiculously expensive. Much of it is made by small companies using unusual materials, which accounts for the high prices. Since ultralight gear can be a big investment, do a lot of research and read reviews before you buy.

And lastly, ultralight gear is often not very durable. It’s made with very thin and lightweight materials that can easily snag, rip, or crack. You really have to take care of ultralight gear if you want it to last. Frequent patches and repairs are the norm, not the exception.

How to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

I’ve been backpacking for 20 years. In that time I’ve been on dozens of trips and spent hundreds of days carrying a fully loaded backpacking pack. I even wrote two backpacking guidebooks.

On my first backpacking trips I used borrowed gear that didn’t fit me and was really heavy. I brought tons of clothes. I loved the scenery and being outdoors, but the weight of the pack made hiking miserable. Since then I’ve refined my backpacking gear list over and over, trying to save weight while maintaining comfort.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker by any definition (my base weight is usually around 18-20 lbs./8.2-9.1 kg), but I do keep ultralight principles in mind when packing.

Here are the top tips for reducing your backpacking pack weight that I’ve picked up over the years:

1. Use a Scale

The first thing you need to do if you are going to reduce your backpack weight is to get a scale and weigh everything. If you don’t know how much something weighs, how are you going to know if you can find a lighter option?

I use a basic digital kitchen scale to figure out how much each piece of gear weighs.

I also keep a digital luggage scale in the car so I can weigh my fully loaded backpack at the trailhead at the beginning and end of my trip. That way I know how much weight I am carrying including food, water, and fuel, as well as how much lighter it was at the end of the trip.

On group trips, we also use the luggage scale to figure out how to split up shared gear so that no one is overloaded.

2. Make a Gear List (or Use an App)

After you get the weights of all your gear, you need some way to organize it. The old-school way was to plug everything into a spreadsheet so you could virtually add and subtract things from your pack to see what impact they had on your overall weight.

But these days there is an easier solution: pack weight web apps like Lighter Pack and Pack Wizard. Both of these apps let you build a personalized gear list including weights of each item. Then you can virtually add them to your pack.

These apps help visualize what your loaded pack will weigh with various gear configurations for different types of trips. They also let you categorize your gear so you can see how much weight you are carrying in each category. I really like the pie charts they produce.

4. Focus on The Big Three

The easiest way to drop weight is to focus on what ultralight hikers commonly call The Big Three: your tent, backpack and sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). These are usually the heaviest items that backpackers carry so if you can drop weight from The Big Three, it can make a huge difference.

Lightweight Tents

If you are looking to drop some weight from your shelter, consider an ultralight tent. True ultralight tents like the Zpacks Duplex weigh about 2 lbs/ 0.9kg or less. To achieve such a low weight they use fragile (and expensive) materials like Dyneema or very thin silicone-treated nylon or polyester. Many are not free-standing so they can be a challenge to pitch, and they often require you to use trekking poles as tent poles.

If you aren’t ready to go full ultralight when buying a new tent, there are some great mainstream lightweight tent options. They are a bit heavier than ultralight tents, but they are more durable, easier to use, and less expensive.

I’ve loved my MSR Hubba Hubba for years, but I’ve also heard great reviews for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL and the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO. They all weigh just under 3 pounds but are fully freestanding.

Lightweight Sleep Systems

The sleeping bag and pad you choose will depend a lot upon the temperatures you plan to backpack in.

Many ultralight hikers choose to forgo a sleeping bag entirely and use an ultralight quilt instead. These can be great in milder temperatures, but won’t keep you warm if it’s much below freezing. Pay attention to temperature ratings when shopping.

Whether you are looking for a quilt or sleeping bag, keep a few things in mind while shopping for lightweight versions. In general, down is lighter than synthetic insulation (although there have been some great tech advances in synthetics in the last few years).

Look for down sleeping bags or quilts with high fill-power down and ultralight face fabrics (20-denier or less). I love my Therm-a-rest Ohm 32F/0C. It’s super light and converts to a 2-person quilt. I recently got the MEC Aphelion UL -7C Down sleeping bag. It weights just 700g (25 oz) and is plenty warm.

You can also save a lot of weight on your sleeping pad, but make sure you get one that provides enough insulation (measured as R-value) for the temperatures you will face. Some ultralight hikers prefer cheap and durable closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-a-rest Z-lite (14 oz/410 g).

But many people find those uncomfortable and opt for an inflatable pad with insulation. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is the OG lightweight pad in this category, weighing just 13 oz/370 g. Another popular lightweight option is the Sea to Summit Ether Light (16.6 oz/470 g).

Lightweight Backpacks

Your backpack is the last piece of gear you should upgrade. If all of your gear isn’t ultralight yet, it won’t fit into an ultralight backpack and it won’t be comfortable to carry.

In general, most mainstream 60L backpacking packs weigh 3.5 to 4.5 lbs (1.6 to 2 kg). I carry the Gregory Amber 65 (3.55 lbs./1.6 kg) which is on the lighter side of mainstream but certainly not ultralight. (The men’s version is the Gregory Stout.)

Heavier packs like the Osprey Aether 65 (4.92 lbs./2.23 kg) and Ariel 65 (4.85 lbs./2.2 kg) have more comfortable harnesses, thicker and more durable fabric, and more features, like extra pockets. But at nearly 5 pounds, they are twice as heavy as an ultralight pack.

Ultralight packs have less robust harnesses, so they won’t be comfortable with heavy loads. Sometimes they don’t even have an internal frame to distribute the load. They also have few features and internal pockets but often have big and stretchy external pockets. Popular ultralight packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 typically weigh around 1 kg (2.2 lbs.)

5. Carry Less Clothing

Clothing is usually the second heaviest category of gear that backpackers carry after The Big Three. It’s important to carry warm and waterproof clothing in case of bad weather. But lots of backpackers carry a lot of extra clothing just in case.

Dial in your clothing system so that you have only what you need. Skip the extras and the just-in-case layers. My goal for a trip is to layer all the clothing I bring so I can withstand the coldest temperature I face.

And don’t worry about needing extra clean clothing. Besides an extra pair or two of socks and underwear, you don’t need clean clothing. Embrace the stink!

6. Choose Lightweight Jackets

Jackets are often the heaviest clothing item that backpackers carry. Depending on the trip, you might be carrying a rain jacket, a fleece jacket, and/or a puffy jacket. The weight of jackets can add up and you often need them to ensure you stay dry and warm.

If you’re shopping for a rain jacket, look for lightweight options. These usually have 2.5-layer construction rather than 2-layer or 3-layer construction since it minimizes bulk. However, 2.5-layer options are generally less breathable and less durable.

If you’re looking for a recognizable technology, Gore-Tex Paclite is very lightweight. I love my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer jacket with Paclite. It weight only 8 oz/225g and has stood up to some intense rainstorms.

For an insulated jacket, opt for down over synthetic to save weight and bulk. Just like with sleeping bags, look for high fill-power and thin face fabrics. I love my Arc’teryx Cerium as it is so toasty warm. I’ve also heard great things about the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer.

I love wearing fleece and bring one on every backpacking trip. In general, choose a fleece that weighs less than about 10 oz/283 g. You don’t need a heavy-weight fleece. To save weight, look for ones made of grid fabrics or airy knits like Polartec Alpha Direct that trap warm air. That way you can get more warmth for the weight.

7. Skip the Heavy Hiking Boots

Full-height leather hiking boots are really heavy. For example, the full-leather Zamberlan Vioz GTX hiking boots weigh 3 lbs 8 oz (1.59 kg) a pair. For every step you take in those, you’ll be lifting up 3.5 pounds of weight!

In comparison, Altra Lone Peaks, the trail runner of choice for thru-hikers weighs just 10.6 oz (300g). That’s a huge difference.

Of course, there are big trade-offs there. Traditional hiking boots offer more ankle support, foot stability, waterproofness, and durability compared to trail runners. If you aren’t used to hiking in trail runners with a weighted pack, don’t just jump in – you could injure yourself.

The good news is that there is a huge spectrum of footwear in between lightweight trail runners and huge traditional leather hiking boots. I like the Salomon X Ultra Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots. At 1 lb. 14 oz. (850 g) they are a nice compromise on weight while providing some durability and stability.

8. Understand Hiking Weather Forecasts

For me, the key to carrying less clothing (and choosing the right sleep system for each trip) is to pack for the weather forecast. But looking at a city forecast is usually useless since the weather is very different in the mountains.

I use an algorithmic forecast like Spotwx to get weather predictions for the exact elevation where I’ll be camping.

Psst! My guide to the best weather apps for hiking has more weather tips.

9. Carry a Thermometer

A few years ago I started carrying a thermometer on all my backpacking trips. It’s been really helpful to know the exact temperature so I can dial in my clothing and sleep system choices for different temperatures. I make a note of the temperature, what I packed, and if it worked. That way I can adjust for the next trip.

I started out with a cheap zipper-pull thermometer, but last year I upgraded to the digital ThermoDrop. It’s just as tiny and only a few dollars more. But it has the added feature of recording the lowest and highest temperatures since the last time it was turned off. That means I can keep track of the coldest temperature overnight without waking up to check!

Psst! The ThermoDrop made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

10. Streamline Your Cook System

If all you are doing is boiling water, you don’t need multiple pots. And while Jetboils and other stove systems are super popular for their reliability and speed, they are fairly heavy. (The Jetboil Flash weighs 13.1 oz/371 g.)

Pare your cook system down to a tiny stove and one small pot. I love the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (2.9 oz/80 g). If I’m going solo, I use the Vargo Titanium BOT 700 (4.8 oz/138 g).

11. Measure Your Fuel

Many people just throw a full fuel canister in their backpack without bothering to figure out how much fuel they actually need for their trip. But that usually means carrying a bunch of extra fuel.

Instead, figure out how much water you will need to boil during your trip (plus a few extra litres just in case). Then look up your stove’s boil time in the manufacturer’s specs as well as its burn time (how long it can run on a fuel canister of a certain size). Use these numbers to figure out how much fuel to bring.

If you have partially empty canisters at home, you can use your kitchen scale to figure out how much fuel is left in them. Simply weigh the partially empty canister, then compare it to the weight of a full canister (which should be listed on the side of it).

12. Plan Your Food Carefully and Count Calories

It’s easy to pack tons of just-in-case snacks. Or to get tempted to pack treats or luxury meals that are heavy. Be mindful when you plan your backpacking food.

Always choose calorie-dense food – it should provide lots of calories for its weight. My rule is that food should have at least 100 calories per ounce (25 g). And don’t carry liquid in your food – pack dry, dehydrated food that you can add water to at camp.

Once you have chosen your food, remove excess packaging or cut up packaging to save weight and bulk.

You also need to count the calories in your food to make sure that you have enough. And of course to make sure that you aren’t bringing more than you can possibly eat. On a recent five-day trip my husband and I packed in a hurry and didn’t look at our snacks too carefully. We packed out so much extra food – at least three extra days’ worth of snacks! Oops!

Psst! For advice on backpacking menus, check out my post on choosing the best backpacking meals, my guide to making DIY backpacking meals from grocery store ingredients, and my guide to dehydrating backpacking meals.

13. Ditch the Stove

This is a more radical idea (and to be honest, something I’m not willing to do) but some ultralight backpackers hike stoveless. They cold-soak their food or eat foods that don’t require added water.

Going stoveless works best in warm or mild weather. It also requires more creativity and planning if you plan to cold-soak. Many people find hot food to be an important mental pick-me-up, so try out going stoveless on a short trip before you commit to it for a longer hike.

14. Research Water Sources

It can be tempting to load up with lots of water at the start of a hike. But water is heavy. Each litre weighs 35 oz/1 kg! Instead, look at maps and read trail descriptions ahead of time so you can fill up at water sources along the way and carry only as much water as you need.

15. Swap Out the Heavy Water Filter

When I first started backpacking we carried a heavy pump filter. But filter technology has come a long way. Now I carry a lightweight Katadyn BeFree filter that weighs just 2.3 oz (65 g). The Sawyer Squeeze is another popular option at 3 oz/85 g.

If you want to get even lighter, you can use purification drops like Pristine or Aquamira instead. They weigh only 1 oz (28 g) but you do have to wait for the chemical reaction to start and some people say that they add a bit of a chemical taste to water.

16. Leave the Heavy Water Bottles at Home

If you run into me in the city, there is a 100% chance I have my beloved Hydroflask bottle with me. But there is no way I’m taking it on a backpacking trip – it’s waaay too heavy. Metal water bottles and ones made with thick plastic like Nalgenes are heavy.

Ultralight light hikers use Smartwater bottles since they are lightweight, durable, and cheap to replace. Empty soda bottles or Gatorade are also great. I own a bunch of Platypus Platy bottles (1.3 oz./37 g). I like that they roll up so I can stash them away if I’m not using them.

17. Choose Toiletries and First Aid Gear Carefully

While a first aid kit is one of the ten essentials, you can still be mindful about what you put in it. Lots of people buy a pre-made first aid kit, and then just pack it with them without looking at what is inside. Take a good look at your first aid kit and make sure it contains everything you need… and nothing else.

For toiletries, you don’t need much, especially on a short trip. Use travel-sized items or decant things into tiny bottles. (Tip: For short trips, I use these tiny cosmetic sample containers from Amazon to hold liquids.)

Depending on your personal tolerance, you can skip most toiletries. For me, the bare minimum is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen. I also usually carry deodorant, a small comb, moisturizer, and a couple of wet wipes.

18. Minimize Electronics

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype for gadgets: phone, camera (with lenses, tripod and other accessories!), GPS unit, eReader, satellite messenger, GPS watch, etc. Try to bring as few as possible to save weight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that all those electronics need batteries. Research settings for all your devices to prolong battery life. Try to bring one small power bank to charge all your electronics rather than stand-alone batteries for each device.

Make sure you understand how much power each of your devices needs to fully recharge and pack an appropriately sized power bank. It’s easy to pack a huge one that you don’t need! Most backpackers shouldn’t need anything larger than 10,000 mAh. In general, solar panels are heavier than small power banks and aren’t worth their weight unless you are on a longer trip in a sunny climate.

I have an Anker power bank, but I’ve great things about the Nitecore ones – they are made with a carbon fibre shell that is designed to be super lightweight.

One of my recent discoveries is this tiny 3-in-1 charging cable. That cable, along with a tiny Garmin smartwatch adapter is all I need to charge. No more mess of cables!

19. Be Mindful of “Luxury” Items

One of the reasons to reduce your backpack weight is so that you can carry extra luxury items without being overloaded. Everyone’s definition of a luxury item is different, but many hikers consider backpacking chairs, bathing suits, a book or eReader, camera gear, a pillow, camp shoes, alcohol, or gourmet food to be luxury items.

Bringing all of these luxury items sounds great, but in reality, you likely won’t use all of them. Do a short trip without your luxury items and see how you feel. Then add back in the one or two items you really missed having.

20. Share Gear With Your Group

If you backpack in a group, have a conversation before the trip about shared gear. You probably don’t need a power bank, first aid kit, stove, water filter, satellite messenger, or tent for each person. You can also eat shared meals to save fuel. Share the weight!

21. Carry Multi-Use Items

A common piece of advice for reducing your backpack weight is to carry multi-use items. Some of the suggestions are no-brainers: Skip the mug or bowl and eat and drink from your cooking pot. Use a stuff sack or puffy jacket as a pillow. Your extra socks can double as mittens or an insulator for your water filter or phone/batteries in cold weather.

Take a good look at your gear – I’m sure some of it can serve more than one purpose!

22. Do a Post-Trip Debrief

As you unpack from a trip, do a debrief. What didn’t use? Why not? What worked well? What didn’t? Can you leave something behind next time? My goal for each trip is to use everything I brought. (Except that I’m always happy if the weather was nice enough that I didn’t have to use my rain gear!)

23. Get Ruthless With Scissors

This last tip is for the truly committed. If you’ve saved weight everywhere else, you can trim down your gear. You aren’t going to get any big weight savings this way, but if you believe that every gram counts, get out the scissors!

Cut the tags off all your gear. Chop the excess length of your pack straps and drawstrings on stuff sacks. Cut the handle off your toothbrush.

Cutting up your gear is a fairly drastic step and one you can’t undo. Remember to “measure twice and cut once” so you don’t end up with gear that doesn’t function anymore! And of course, keep in mind that this voids the warranty on your gear and means you likely can’t resell it if you want to upgrade to something else.

That’s everything you need to know to reduce your backpack weight. Do you have more tips for how to go ultralight backpacking? Drop them in the comments!

READ NEXT:

• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• My Favorite Hiking Gear – 2022 Edition
• How to Choose the Best Backpacking Meals
• Grocery Store Backpacking Meals for Cheap

The post 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

After hearing reports of tons of wasp nests on my local trails during a particularly hot and dry summer, I did a bunch of research to find out how to avoid bees and wasps while hiking and what to do if you see them or are stung.

I’ve put together a complete guide to bees and wasps for hikers. It includes:

• Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets: Which insects are which? And why does it matter?
• What attracts bees and wasps? Why are they buzzing around in some places and not others?
• How to avoid wasps and bees while hiking – Which places and times of year should you avoid?
• What to do if you see wasps and bees – And more importantly, what not to do.
• What do if you discover a wasp nest or bee hive – How can you avoid getting stung?
• What do if you get stung by a wasp or bee – Essentially first aid info for hikers.

Bees, Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets: What’s What?

If it’s black and yellow and buzzing around, most of us freak out a little. But it can be helpful to figure out which insect is bothering you since some of them are more of a problem than others.

I’m definitely not an entomologist (a scientist who studies insects) but I have learned a little bit about how to tell bees from wasps. In general, bees are fatter and fuzzier while wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are skinnier and sleeker.

Bees can only sting you once, while wasps, yellow jackets and hornets can sting you over and over again.

While researching this post I found out that yellow jackets and hornets are both actually types of wasps! Yellow jackets are smaller than other wasps but more aggressive. Hornets are some of the biggest wasps and can also be very aggressive.

Yellow jackets, some species of wasps, and some kinds of bees build their nests in in the ground. Hornets, some kinds of bees, and some kinds of wasps build their nests in trees.

In general, wasps, especially yellowjackets, are the most dangerous for hikers since they can sting multiple times, are aggressive, and build their nests in the ground where hikers can accidentally step on them.

What Attracts Wasps and Bees?

Sugar and Meat

Wasps and bees are attracted to flowers since they depend on their nectar for food. But they also like all other sources of sugar, such as fruit trees and human food. They also love meat and rotting food. Wasps have a strong sense of smell and will fly long distances if they smell something they think is tasty.

It would be easy to say that you shouldn’t bring sweet food, fruit, or meat hiking, but honestly, hikers need to eat too. If you are worried about wasps, take short breaks to eat instead of long meals. That way you can eat quickly before lots of wasps show up.

Bright Colours

Wasps and bees like bright colours since they are the same colour as flowers. Experts seem to agree that avoiding bright-coloured clothing might make you less attractive to bees and wasps.

Floral and Fruity Scents

This one is another no-brainer – bees and wasps like the scent of flowers and fruit since that’s what they eat. Avoid wearing perfumes, lotions, or other products with a floral or fruity scent when you go hiking.

How to Avoid Wasps and Bees While Hiking

The only surefire way to avoid wasps and bees is to stay indoors all the time… and that’s not realistic. If you’re going outside during spring, summer, and fall, you are probably doing to encounter wasps and bees. However, there are some ways to pick hikes with less wasps and bees.

Avoid areas with flowers like alpine meadows, which typically bloom in July and August (Check local trail conditions to find out when peak bloom is.)

Avoid areas with lots of ripe fruit, such as berry bushes. In North America, huckleberries and blueberries are common on trails, along with many other berry species. The berries ripen in the spring at lower elevations and in the summer at higher elevations. Check local trail conditions to see if it is prime berry season on the trail you plan to hike.

Read trail conditions reports on park websites or apps like All Trails. You can often find reports of active wasp nests near trails. However, new nests pop up all the time, so just because there isn’t a warning about a nest doesn’t mean you won’t encounter one on the trail.

How to Repel Wasps and Bees

Unlike mosquitos, repelling wasps and bees isn’t as simple as applying bug spray. In fact, insect repellent sprays don’t work on wasps and bees. DEET and picaridin, the two most effective mosquito repellents, do nothing for wasps and bees.

There are lots of “natural” wasp-repellent recipes online made of essential oils. In general, these wasp deterrents tend to use peppermint, citrus, lemongrass, clove, or geranium.

However, most of these recipes are designed to be used in your yard or on your deck. They aren’t designed to be applied to your body, where they are easy to sweat off.

Unfortunately, the best way to repel wasps and bees is just to avoid them.

What to Do if You See Wasps or Bees

If you see a wasp or bee flying around while hiking, don’t freak out. In most cases, the wasps are just doing their thing, looking for food. They don’t care about you and will leave you alone.

Avoid swatting at the wasp or swinging your arms around. Wasps may perceive that as a threat and get defensive, which means they might become aggressive toward you. Instead, walk calmly away from the wasp or bee.

If you are eating, and the wasps are interested in your food, finish quickly, then put the food away. After the food is gone, the wasps will likely leave you alone.

What to Do if You Discover a Wasp Nest or Bee Hive

How to Spot a Nest

Above-ground nests in trees are much easier to spot than underground nests. In both cases, listen carefully for buzzing – the sound of hundreds of bees or wasps is often audible before you see the nest.

Unfortunately, underground wasp nests are very hard to detect until you are almost on top of them. Each year, countless hikers get stung when they unknowingly walk past an underground wasp nest.

When you walk past a wasp nest, the wasps often swarm out, defensively stinging you.

Wasps are the most aggressive in late summer, especially during hot and dry weather. This is because food is scarce at this time of year.

What to Do Once You Spot a Nest

If you see a wasp nest or bee hive, leave the area immediately. Wasps and bees will defend their homes aggressively and will sting you if you try to get close.

If you discover a wasp nest unexpectedly, run! If you run 100-200 metres/yards away, the wasps will stop chasing you as they want to stay and defend their nest. Don’t jump into the water as they will just wait on the surface for you.

If you see a wasp nest and the wasps haven’t swarmed out, yet, protect yourself by covering up as much exposed skin as possible with long pants and jackets. Then run past the nest, one at a time.

Space out your group so that the wasps have flown back inside the nest and aren’t agitated by the time the next person runs. In my experience, if you run too close together, the wasps sting the second person a lot more than the first!

Warn Other Hikers

Once you have discovered a nest, be a hero and warn other hikers on the trail about it and/or post a trail conditions report on AllTrails or other trail forums. If possible, try to put up some flagging tape or a small sign 100 metres/yards before the nest in both directions as a warning. And tell park rangers about it so they can warn more people

What to Do If You Get Stung By a Bee or Wasp While Hiking

Bee and wasp stings hurt a lot at first, but thankfully, the pain subsides quickly for most people. Once you get to a safe place away from the wasp or wasp nest, it is important to perform a little bit of first aid.

To start with remove the stinger. You can do this by using tweezers or scraping along the skin with the back of a knife or a credit card.

Next, clean the area with soap and water to remove bacteria and venom. If you don’t have soap, you can use hand sanitizer, then flush with water.

If the bite is painful or itchy, you can apply an anti-itch ointment like After Bite. You can also take antihistamines to reduce the itching and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.

Another way to get relief and reduce swelling is to apply cold water or an ice pack. When hiking, the easiest way to do this is to put the affected area in a creek, river, or lake.

If you have a wasp or bee allergy, it’s important to carry your epi-pen on all hikes. You never know when you will encounter these stinging creatures. And of course, make sure your hiking companions know about your epi-pen and how to help you use it in an emergency.

If you are stung in the mouth, nose, or throat, the swelling can obstruct your airway and make it difficult to breathe. In that case, get emergency assistance as soon as possible by calling search and rescue.

So that’s everything you need to know about bees and wasps while hiking. Fingers crossed that these tips help you avoid getting stung.

READ NEXT:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
• 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary

The post How to Avoid Bees and Wasps While Hiking appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The advice in this guide covers hiking clothing like base layers (long underwear) shirts, pants, fleece jackets, underwear, sports bras, and socks. Rain jackets and down jackets need to be washed differently.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades, mostly in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. (I even wrote a book about it.)

It isn’t that hot here, but it’s pretty humid, which means my hiking clothes are often sweaty and don’t get a chance to dry out until I get home. And all that moisture makes my clothing stink!

I also have hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that makes me sweat more than the average person. Even if I’m not working hard, my shirt, sports bra, underwear, and waistband of my pants are sweaty.

Since I hike a lot, most of my hiking clothes develop a gross funky smell over time. I pull them out of the drawer and they smell fine, but after an hour, you can smell the stink again. So I know a thing or two about getting the smell out of hiking clothes.

In this guide I’ll cover:

• Why do hiking clothes smell bad?
• How to prevent your hiking clothes from smelling bad
• How to get the smell out of hiking clothes
• Stinky hiking clothing myths

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why Do Hiking Clothes Stink?

When you hike, you sweat. Sweat itself doesn’t have any odor. But the bacteria and microbes on your skin loves moist environments. So when you sweat, that bacteria thrives, stinking up your armpits, crotch, feet, and anywhere else you sweat a lot.

Most hiking clothing wicks sweat and dries quickly, but unfortunately the bacteria don’t evaporate with the sweat – they stay in your clothes.. And hikers often wear their clothing on multi-day backpacking trips, building up sweat and bacteria for days, which translates into stinky hiking clothing.

Sometimes, that bacteria sticks around even after washing, which makes hiking clothing hold its smell and stink even when it’s “clean”. But you don’t have to get rid of it. Read on to find out how to get the smell out of your hiking clothes.

How to Prevent Your Hiking Clothes From Smelling Bad

Understand Which Fabrics Get Stinkier Than Others

Hiking clothing is typically made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Another option is merino wool. Some fabrics hold on to smell more than others.

In general, wool is naturally anti-microbial, so it is much less likely to get stinky. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics tend to breed more microbes, leading to stink.

Synthetics tend to get get smelly because they don’t have the same anti-microbial properties. Nylon and polyester get stinky at about the same rate.

Curious if Merino wool is worth it? Read my Merino wool explainer and decide for yourself.

Choose Odor-Resistant Finishes and Fabrics

Cheap hiking clothes are just made with regular polyester and nylon. I find that my workout shirts and sports bras from Old Navy or Champion hold smells way more than my gear from Patagonia or Outdoor Research.

That’s because high-end hiking clothing often has an anti-microbial odor-resistant finish or uses an odor-resistant fabric.

Check labels and product information for brand name technologies such as Polygiene, ActiveFresh, Silverscent, or HeiQ. Or it might just be called “anti-odor” or “anti-microbial”.

There are two forms of this technology: an odor-resistant finish or an odor-resistant fabric. They both use silver-based additives that stop bacteria from reproducing.

The finishes are applied to fabric, which means that over time they will wash out. Odor-resistant fabrics have silver incorporated right into the fabric, so it will last for the lifetime of your garment.

Just a heads up: Some silver-based anti-odor treatments (mostly the no-name ones) have negative environmental impacts. If you are concerned, do some research and see if the benefits outweigh the impacts for you.

Wash ASAP

Don’t let bacteria and body oils soak into your hiking clothes – wash them as soon as possible. That way the odors won’t have time to develop.

Air It Out

If you can’t wash your hiking clothes right away, don’t leave them wet in your laundry hamper. That just provides a great breeding ground for bacteria and leads to more bad smells.

Hang them up to air out and dry. Inside out is best since there are more bacteria and oil on the inside of your clothing. On backpacking trips, I hang my hiking shirt, sports bra, and underwear up on a tree branch to dry out.

Soak It

If you are at home, soaking is an even better option than airing it out. Fill a bucket with cold water and add one cup of baking soda. Instead of baking soda, you can also add a little bit of detergent, vinegar, or some lemon juice.

Soaking your hiking clothes for as little as 30 minutes can make a big difference. But you can leave them as long as you need (within reason). When it’s time to do laundry, squeeze the water out, then pop your clothes in the washing machine as usual.

Clean Your Washing Machine

Until it started to smell, I didn’t know you were supposed clean your washing machine! I figured since it regularly has soap and hot water in it, it had to be clean.

It turns out oil, dirt, and residue can build up inside washing machines, which causes mold to grow, and that can get into your clothing. Front loaders need cleaning more often than to loaders.

Check your washing machine’s manual for cleaning instructions. Some have a cleaning setting. In general, you can run your washing machine on the hottest water setting and add a little bit of bleach or a few cups of vinegar or baking soda. But don’t ever combine them as that can be dangerous!

You can also use a dilute bleach or vinegar solution to clean the inside of the drum as well as the door seal and detergent drawer on front load washing machines.

I also like to use Affresh washing machine cleaning tablets every few months as they foam up to break down residue that can stuck in the crevices of my-front loading machine. It’s also much less work than hand-scrubbing.

How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes

Turn Inside Out When Washing

Your sweat, oil, and bacteria build up on the inside of your hiking clothes. So if you turn them inside out when you wash them, it’s easier for the detergent to get at the stinkiest parts of your clothes.

Use an Odor-Fighting Detergent

There are lots of odor-fighting detergents on the market designed to get sweat smells out of clothing.

But not all detergents are created equal. Lots of hiking clothing has a DWR (durable water repellency) or a finish designed to enhance wicking. Regular detergents can destroy these finishes.

Read the label on the detergent carefully to see what kinds of fabrics and clothing items it is recommended for. Some detergents contain bleach, which can damage synthetic fabrics and wool. And some contain enzymes, which are great for fighting odor, but will destroy wool.

For hiking clothing, look for detergents marketed as sports detergents.

I’ve used a few different types of odor-fighting detergents over the years. Right now my favourites are Nikwax Basewash and Sports Suds. Sport Suds is Canadian and a bit less expensive, but I think Nikwax works a little bit better.

Use the Right Detergent For the Fabric

Sports detergents or regular laundry detergent works well on synthetics like nylon and polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial and can go longer between washings. But it does need to be washed eventually! Merino wool lasts the longest if you use special detergent.

The enzymes in some detergents can eat at the natural fibres of wool hiking clothing, breaking them down. I use Nikwax Wool Wash since it is designed to clean wool. Nikwax also claims that it helps improve wicking and accelerate drying, which leads to less microbe build-up.

Try An Enzyme Cleaner

Heavy-duty enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle (for pet accidents) or Revivex Odor Eliminator (previous called MiraZyme and sold as a wetsuit cleaner) can help get the smell out of your hiking clothes. Both are fairly concentrated and expensive, so I don’t use them often.

I also find that sports detergents work fine on most smells – I don’t have to resort to using an enzyme cleaner.

And beware – don’t use these on wool. The enzymes break it down.

Use Hot Water

Hot water kills bacteria. Check the labels on your hiking clothing and wash them in the hottest water they can withstand.

But be careful with merino wool – hot water will shrink it! Always wash wool garments in cold water.

Add Baking Soda or Vinegar to Your Washing Machine

Baking soda and white vinegar are both natural ways to fight odors. You can add one cup of either to your washing machine each time you do a load of stinky hiking clothes. But don’t add both at once – that will create a science fair-style foamy eruption.

Skip the Dryer

The high heat of the dryer binds bacteria and body oils to fabric, which locks in the sink. Hang your hiking clothing to dry instead.

If possible, hang it in the direct sun where UV rays can further break down microbes and kill odor. However, drying your hiking clothes in the sun will fade their colors.

A bonus of air drying is that it will prolong the life of your hiking clothes. Most hiking clothing is made of technical fabrics with stretch properties. Air drying helps them keep their shape and won’t break down the elastic fibres they need to stay stretchy.

Don’t Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners make your clothing feel soft by coating them with a thin layer of waxy chemicals. That coating traps microbes, which makes your clothes stink.

It also impedes wicking and water repellency finishes as well as overall breathability – and those features are why you bought hiking clothing in the first place!

When in Doubt, Re-Wash

Give your clothing a sniff when once you have washed and dried it. Do they still smell? If so, try washing them again, perhaps with a specialty anti-odor detergent or with some added baking soda or vinegar in the washing machine.

I also find that sometimes clothing smells fine after it’s washed, but within an hour of putting it on, it smells again. In that case, I make sure to run it through an extra special cleaning process: a pre-soak, then a wash with anti-odor detergent, then line drying in the sun.

Stinky Hiking Clothing Myths

Freezing Your Clothing Will Get the Stink Out

You might have seen recommendations online to put your stinky clothing (especially jeans) in the freezer instead of washing them.

According to microbiologists, the microbes that live on your clothing are happiest living at human body temperature. However, many of them are adapted to survive low temperatures. So once your clothing warms up, the microbes wake back up and go back to being stinky.

That means that putting your clothing in the freezer won’t get the smell out.

Adding More Detergent Will Get Your Clothes Cleaner

Your instinct might be to douse your stinky hiking clothes in detergent. But if excess detergent isn’t completely rinsed out of your clothes, it provides a breeding ground for fungus and mildew. And that will just make your clothing smell even more!

Febreze Gets the Smell Out of Your Clothes

Febreze doesn’t get the smell out of clothes – it just stops them from smelling bad. I can hear you asking: “Isn’t that the same thing?” Nope!

It just hides the smell – it doesn’t get it out. Febreze uses chemical compounds called cyclodextrins made of sugar molecules to trap odor-causing molecules. The molecules are still there – but they are surrounded by cyclodextrins so they don’t smell bad.

If you spray Febreze on your shirt, it will stop smelling bad. But when you wash your shirt, you’ll wash out the Febreze. And if the odor molecules don’t get washed out as well, your hiking shirt will still smell terrible.

Febreze (especially unscented Febreze) is great for hard-to-wash hiking gear like sleeping bags or hiking boots, but it won’t permanently get the smell out of your hiking clothes.

So that’s everything you need to know about getting the smell out of your hiking clothes. Do you have tips to share or questions about getting your gear back to its pre-stink days? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• 19 Best Hiking Leggings of 2023
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes: The Best Brands and Where to Find Them
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Research a Destination… and a Backup Plan (or Two)

The first step of planning a fall backpacking trip, like planning any backpacking trip, is picking a destination.  In the fall you need to be extra careful with this step though, as you want to ensure you’ll get the best possible weather. 

Fall days can be summery warm, but fall nights can be bitterly cold. And of course, the weather can change at any moment, especially in the mountains.

I like to thoroughly research a few possible destinations, preferably in different geographic areas. That way if the weather is bad in one area, you can always head somewhere else where the sun is shining.

When I’m researching destinations I find it helpful to look at trip reports from the fall in previous years to see if the snow had started to fly in that area yet, to get an idea of how cold it was at night, and to figure out the best time to see the leaves change. 

Check the Weather Forecast, Then Check it Again (and Again)

I also like to keep a close eye on the weather forecast for my destination and backup destinations in the week leading up to my trip. 

Finding a weather forecast that applies to the remote areas where I will be going on a fall backpacking trip can be a challenge since forecasts for nearby cities will be for much lower elevations than my destination.

I use Spotwx and Mountain Forecast to get a better idea of the forecast at the exact location I will be backpacking. Read more about these sites in my guide to the best weather apps for hiking.

Knowing the freezing level (the elevation above which temperatures are expected to be below freezing) is also important. Mountain Forecast includes the predicted freezing level in their forecast, which can help me decide to camp at a lower campsite (that won’t be freezing at night) and then day hike into the high mountains from there.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Bring the Right Clothes

On fall trips I’ve gone from sweating while wearing a t-shirt and shorts to shivering in a down jacket in a matter of hours.  So of course, layers are your friend on fall trips.

I usually bring lighter clothing to wear during the day, but make sure I have lots of warm clothes to layer up at night. I bring gloves, a warm hat, a buff, long underwear, warm wool socks, and a compressible down or synthetic jacket on every fall backpacking trip.

Even with a careful eye on the weather forecast, it can always rain or even snow in the mountains, and it is even more likely in the fall.  You’ll want to pack a waterproof breathable jacket and pants and some waterproof hiking boots.  Even if it doesn’t rain, they will help insulate you from the wind.

READ NEXT: What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

READ NEXT: 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain

Pack a Warm Sleeping Bag

The easiest way to ruin a fall backpacking trip is to be freezing cold at night. Make sure you bring a warm sleeping bag.

But just because a sleeping bag is rated -10 doesn’t mean that it will keep you warm at that temperature. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are tested in very specific laboratory conditions that may not match up with your body and how you sleep.

As well, there are two different ratings: comfort and lower limit. Most brands use the lower limit rating in the sleeping bag name, but if you dig around on their website, you can also find the comfort rating.

One of my top fall backpacking tips is to always use a sleeping bag rated at 5-10 degrees colder than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. If you know you are a cold sleeper, go for an even warmer bag.

I’m a very cold sleeper so in the fall and winter, I use an older version of the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C sleeping bag. It weighs just under 1 kg, which is insanely light for the amount of warmth it provides. It also has an extra pocket of down at the toe just to keep your feet warm!

How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

AND Pack an Insulated Sleeping Pad

Even if you have the warmest sleeping bag in the world, you will still be freezing without an insulated sleeping pad. The ground is cold, so without some insulation underneath you, it will chill you quickly. This is fall backpacking tip is one that a lot of people miss!

For fall backpacking, bring a sleeping pad with an R-value of at least 4. R-value is a measure of warmth – the higher the number, the warmer you will be. Most summer-rated sleeping pads have an R-value of 2.5, so they aren’t warm enough for fall.

I use a Therm-a-rest NeoAir XTherm on fall trips. It has an R-value of 6.9 which helps keep me toasty warm. It is also 2.5″ thick, for lots of padding.

Add Some Extras to Keep You Warm at Night

It also helps to have a strategy to add some extra warmth for colder than expected temperatures. I always wear a warm merino wool hat to sleep in, along with thick, winter-weight merino wool or polyester long underwear.

If it’s extra chilly, I might choose to wear a fleece jacket and or a down jacket to bed. I layer the hood from the jacket over my hat for even more warmth.

I also love down booties for use around camp (as long as the ground isn’t too wet) and to wear inside my sleeping bag.

It can take a while for your body heat to warm up a sleeping bag, so sometimes I take a bottle filled with boiling water to bed with me to use as a hot water bottle. It ensures that the bag heats up fast.

Prepare for Rain and Wind

Fall weather is unpredictable. Make sure you stake out your tent well to protect it from rain and wind during the night.

On group trips, I like to bring a lightweight sil tarp to make a kitchen and hangout shelter. I can rig the tarp overhead to protect from rain, or on one side to block chilly winds.

Make Warm Foods and Drinks

Eating warm, high-calorie foods will warm you up from the inside. On fall trips I like to bring lots of hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate. And don’t make your meals too complicated so don’t have to wait around in the cold while your food cooks. Keep in mind that colder temperatures and more hot meals may mean that you need more fuel than usual.

Check out my guide to making cheap backpacking meal from grocery store ingredients for some food ideas.

Pack a Lantern and Camp Activities

It gets dark early in the fall. Many backpacking destinations don’t allow fires due to environmental concerns, so I pack a small lantern. That way I can light up the campsite to cook dinner or hang out.

After dinner, it’s fun to hang out around the lantern and play card games. I like Exploding Kittens. I also bring my Kindle eReader to use in the tent.

Keep Your Water Filter From Freezing

Backpacking water filters will develop cracks in the filter element if they freeze. This means that after a filter has been frozen, you can’t trust that it will properly filter out bacteria anymore. If you expect temperatures below freezing at night, tuck your filter inside your sleeping bag with you. If it’s freezing during the day, put it inside your jacket pocket.

On fall backpacking trips, it’s a good idea to carry water purification drops or tablets as a backup in case your water filter freezes. You can also carry extra fuel and boil your water to purify it.

Be Bear Aware

Fall is prime time for bears and other critters to spend extra time foraging for food to get ready for winter so animal encounters can be more likely at this time of year. 

Talk or sing while hiking and carry bear spray.  Cook and eat at least 50 yards away from your tent. Be sure to store your food properly in a food locker (where available) or properly hung in a tree. When I camp in the alpine, I like to use a bear canister.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers, and Backpackers

How to Choose Fall Backpacking Destinations

If you are prepared for colder temperatures, most summer backpacking destinations in the mountains make great fall backpacking trips too. But if you don’t want to get too cold, look for lower elevation trips to rivers, lakes, and on the coast instead.

If you’re worried about getting cold, look into hut trips. Many areas have backcountry huts you can book. Most are quite rustic, but some are a bit more luxe.

If you are in BC, check out my list of the best spring backpacking trips – many of them make great fall destinations too.

Do you backpack in the fall?  If you have any fall backpacking tips, please share them in the comments below.

READ NEXT:

• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Winter Hiking Tips (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post Fall Backpacking Tips: How to Stay Warm and Have Fun appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This handbook for first-time backpackers includes:

• Backpacking gear for beginners: What gear do you need and what should you look for when shopping
• Backpacking fitness for beginners: How to get in shape for backpacking
• Backpacking skills for beginners: A run-down on key skills like navigation, bear safety, going to the bathroom, and more
• How to plan a backpacking trip: Everything you need to do before you hit the trail
• Step-by-step beginner backpacking plan: Go from day hiker to backpacker in 5 steps

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Day Hiking vs Backpacking: What’s the Difference?

Day hiking can be defined as a hike that you start and finish on the same day. When you go backpacking, you hike for at least two days, camping in the wilderness each night. Backpacking is a natural progression from day hiking and uses a lot of the same skills.

READ NEXT: 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary

Why Should You Go Backpacking?

Backpacking allows you to enjoy the wilderness in a different way than day hiking. I find it to be a much more immersive experience. When you backpack you get to enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and the stars overhead. You’re more likely to encounter animals since they are more active at dawn and dusk. You can travel further into the backcountry and see places that few people do.

With no screens to distract you, you can really unplug. I’ve done some of my best thinking on backpacking trips. (In 2019, I decided to quit my day job and work on this website and my book full-time while hiking the Overland Track in Australia.)

Going on a backpacking trip is also a great way to gain self-confidence. You’ll learn all kinds of new skills and prove that you can be self-reliant without the creature comforts of home.

My Backpacking Experience (And Why You Should Trust My Advice)

My first backpacking trip was a six-day trip on the West Coast Trail back in 2004. Before that, I had been on a few long day hikes and one overnight hut trip, but in a lot of ways, I wasn’t prepared. I had a borrowed backpack that rubbed my collarbone raw. I didn’t know basic skills like navigation or how to go to the bathroom. And the trail was so tough that I cried.

But I still had an incredible time! The scenery was incredible. I learned that I loved immersing myself in the backcountry. It made me want to go hiking all the time. And I discovered that I was more resilient than I thought.

That trip changed the course of my life in a few ways: It eventually led me to a career writing about the outdoors. And the boyfriend who invited me on that trip has been my husband for over a decade. We hiked the West Coast Trail together again in 2019 and it was MUCH easier that time.

In the years since, I’ve honed my skills and refined my gear to the point that I feel more comfortable in my tent in the middle of nowhere than I do in a random hotel room.

I’ve been on dozens of backpacking trips near home in British Columbia, as well as in the USA, Nepal, Iceland, and Australia. I worked in an outdoor store for three years, and then for six years at the head office of a large outdoor retailer writing about gear for their website, so I know a lot about hiking gear.

And I wrote a whole book about backpacking, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, which was published in 2021.

Going on a backpacking trip may not be so profoundly life-changing for you. But I guarantee that you will create some beautiful memories and learn something about yourself and what you can accomplish.

Backpacking Gear for Beginners

If you’re already a day hiker, you probably have some of the gear you’ll need for backpacking like hiking boots and a rain jacket. But for backpacking, you’ll need a lot more gear. For a full list of everything you will need, read through my Backpacking Checklist. It lists every single piece of gear you’ll need and has advice on how to choose.

Read next: Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

Unfortunately, backpacking gear can be quite expensive. And you want to make sure you are buying quality gear because your life could literally depend on it. If it’s your first time backpacking, consider renting gear or borrowing from friends to see what you like. You can also buy lightly used gear or wait for sales.

Psst: I’ve got 17 ways to save money on hiking gear

In general, choose gear that is lightweight and compact. Ideally, the total weight of your full backpack should be no more than 15-20% of your body weight. In practice, that works out to about 25 to 40 pounds. And make sure you try out your gear before your trip and know how to use it.

Psst: Read my guide to reducing your backpack weight

Here’s a brief overview of some of the backpacking gear you’ll need to get along with tips on how to choose:

Backpacking Pack

You’ll need a pack large enough to carry all of your gear. Look for one that holds between 40 and 75 litres. Smaller packs (40-50 litres) are great for overnight trips, warm weather, and people with ultralight gear. Larger packs are good for longer trips, cold weather, or people with bulkier budget gear.

It’s important to choose a pack that fits you well. Packs are sized based on the length of your torso. You can also buy women’s specific packs that have hip belts and shoulder straps designed to fit women’s curvier bodies. Read my guide to women’s specific gear to find out if a women’s pack is right for you.

Read next: Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?

I use a women’s Gregory Amber 65 Backpack. (The men’s version is the Gregory Stout 70.) It’s a good size for trips up to a week, and on shorter trips, I cinch down the straps since it’s not full. I love that the hip belt pocket fits my phone. It is also quite reasonably priced.

Backpacking Tent

Get a lightweight tent designed for backpacking, ideally one that weighs less than 4 lbs/1.8 kg. You’ll also want to make sure it has a waterproof fly that extends all the way to the ground. There are tons of good tents on the market, so do some reading and see which features are most important to you.

Make sure you practice setting up and taking down your tent in your yard or a park before you go on your first backpacking trip.

For beginners, I recommend the MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking tent. I’ve had several versions of this tent over the years. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and holds up to storms. It’s not the cheapest, but you’ll use it for years.

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Sleeping Bag

A warm sleeping bag can be the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. It can get quite cold at night, especially in the mountains. For most backpackers, a 3-season sleeping bag rated between 39°F/4°C and 15°F/-9°C is a good choice. Choose one that weighs less than 3.5 lbs/1.5 kg. Get one with a hood for extra warmth.

For beginners, the MEC Draco and Delphinus down sleeping bags are great. I started out with an earlier version of these bags. The Marmot Trestles sleeping bag is a good alternative.

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads serve two important purposes: They provide comfort since the ground is hard. But more importantly, they provide insulation since the ground is cold. You’ll still be shivering in a super warm sleeping bag if you don’t have a sleeping pad.

For a balance of comfort and warmth, choose an inflatable pad with some insulation. Look for ones with an R-value of at least 2.5 to ensure you’ll stay warm when the temperature dips.

I recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. It’s comfortable, warm, and packs down really small.

Water Filter or Purifier

It’s tempting to think that burbling mountain creeks are pristine and safe to drink from, but usually they aren’t. Humans and animals may have pooped or died upstream of you. To be safe, always filter or purify your water.

You can treat water by boiling it on your backpacking stove, but that is slow and uses lots of fuel so most backpackers choose to carry a filter or method of purification. There are lots of different options.

Some people prefer purification drops or tablets since they are lightweight and compact. But they can add a chemical taste to your water.

I like to use the Platypus GravityWorks Water filter because there is no pumping or squeezing. It’s also a good option for groups since you can filter a lot of water at once.

Backpacking Stove and Cooking Gear

While some multi-day hikers choose to forgo the stove and eat cold meals, a hot dinner at the end of the day or coffee in the morning is non-negotiable for many backpackers. Choose a single-burner backpacking stove that is lightweight, compact, and easy to use.

Many backpackers like to use stove systems with an integrated pot like the Jetboil or MSR Windburner. Those stoves are great for boiling water faster, but they aren’t great for cooking other meals.

I use an MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe because that way I can choose which pot to bring depending on what I need. For solo trips where I’m just boiling water, I use a tiny Vargo Titanium BOT pot. On trips where I’m doing actual cooking for two or more people, I bring a Primus Lite pot.

Clothing

For backpacking, it is essential to bring lightweight, quick-drying hiking shirts, pants, or shorts made of nylon, polyester, or wool. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust your temperature. Don’t bring cotton – it absorbs sweat and doesn’t dry quickly. It’s also not that warm.

Read Next: 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)

Depending on the temperature and weather, you’ll also need jackets and base layers. A good rain jacket is a must on any trip. You may also want a fleece jacket or an insulated jacket for colder weather. Base layers made of synthetics or wool are also great for sleeping or for adding warmth on cold trips.

The right underwear is also key – you don’t want to be stuck with a pair that rubs or chafes.

Read Next: Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men

Hiking Boots for Backpacking

Blisters can end your hike, so picking the right hiking boots is the key to a good backpacking trip.

Read Next: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

You might be able to get away with wearing your regular running shoes on casual hikes, but for backpacking, you’ll need proper hiking boots. If you plan to carry a heavy load or have weak ankles, look for hiking boots with lots of ankle support.

The most important factor is comfort – try on lots of pairs of boots to find ones that work for you. Everyone has different feet so don’t rely on recommendations from friends or random online reviews.

The Ten Essentials

The ten essentials are key safety and emergency supplies that you should have on every hike, whether it’s a short walk or a multi-day expedition. They include a first aid, headlamp, knife, navigation gear, and a communication device.

Read next: The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

More Beginner Backpacking Gear Resources

• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

Backpacking Fitness for Beginners

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: backpacking can be challenging and requires good fitness. It’s tougher than day hiking because you’ll be carrying a heavy pack and sometimes you have to deal with bad weather or unexpected trail conditions.

Backpacking is most enjoyable when you’re in good shape. But if you’re new to hiking, you can still go backpacking – you’ll just need to choose easier trails. My philosophy is that you should pick backpacking trips that are just a little bit easier than the day hikes you are comfortable with. So if you feel comfortable doing a moderate-rated trail as a day hike, choose one rated easy for backpacking.

To improve your fitness, train by doing progressively harder hikes. If you aren’t able to get out on the trails, you can also try simulating hiking conditions. Try working out at the gym on the Stairmaster or the treadmill on an incline. For an added challenge, wear your backpacking pack.

You can also go for walks in your neighbourhood with your pack on. If possible, walk on uneven surfaces instead of pavement and seek out hills and stairs. Walking on the beach is a great way to build stamina.

Building your strength and fitness is also key. Try yoga or bodyweight exercises like lunges, squats, step-ups, and crunches designed to strengthen your lower body and core. Balance exercises are also great.

Backpacking Skills for Beginners

For the most part, the skills you need to go backpacking are the same as the ones you need for longer day hikes. But even if you are an expert day hiker, it’s worth brushing up on your skills before you go backpacking. That way you’ll be safe, have minimal impact on the wilderness, and most importantly, have fun.

Here’s a quick overview of the basic backpacking skills for beginners.

Navigation

Backpacking can take you further into the wilderness than you can reach on a day hike. Sometimes these trails aren’t as well marked so mastering navigation is key.

Carry paper maps and a compass, just in case. I also often carry guidebook pages or trail descriptions (either as paper copies or as photos stored on my phone).

I also use the Gaia GPS app on my phone to orient myself. It shows tons of trails along with your current position overlaid on a topographic map. (Don’t forget to bring a battery pack if you’re using a phone for navigation.)

Practice navigation on easy day hikes before you go backpacking to get familiar with using a map and compass or GPS app.

Bear and Wildlife Safety

Going backpacking means sharing the trails and campgrounds with bears, cougars, wolves, raccoons, mice, porcupines, birds, and lots more. Actually, it’s more accurate to say they will be sharing the trails with you since it’s their home.

Give animals lots of space to maintain their natural behaviours. Don’t approach or touch animals.

To avoid negative bear interactions, hike in a group, make lots of noise, and keep dogs on a leash. If you see a bear, don’t run. Instead, talk to it while avoiding eye contact and backing up slowly. Carry bear spray and know how to use it if you are charged or attacked.

Be sure to protect your food from wildlife. Never feed animals – it’s bad for their health and encourages them to continue to seek out human food. Keep a clean camp. Never leave food unattended. Store all food and garbage in a food locker (if provided) or bring a bear canister or construct a bear hang.

Read next: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Going to the Bathroom

Many popular backcountry campsites have pit toilets. Do research about toilet locations before your trip and plan to use one whenever possible.

If you have to go to the bathroom and there isn’t a toilet nearby, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way. Find a spot well away from trails, camp, and water sources (at least 200ft/70m). Dig a hole 6″/15 cm deep and poop in the hole. Afterward, cover it up. Pack out your toilet paper as it doesn’t break down well and animals may dig it up.

I carry a dedicated toilet kit that includes hand sanitizer, toilet paper, a plastic bag for packing out used toilet paper, and a small trowel.

Backpacking Hygiene

It can be tough to stay clean on a backpacking trip. When people get sick on a hike, they often blame contaminated water. But in reality, poor hygiene is more often the case. Bring some hand sanitizer and use it after going to the bathroom and before eating or cooking.

To keep yourself clean, use a quick-dry towel to give yourself a quick sponge bath. (I use a face cloth-sized Pack Towl.) Disposable wipes are also a good idea, but please pack them out as they don’t break down.

You can also use biodegradable soap, but keep in mind that it isn’t safe for plants or fish. That means you’ll need to collect water in a cooking pot or bucket and wash well away from water sources. The soap needs to filter through the soil to properly biodegrade.

Women and people who menstruate will also want to be prepared by bringing supplies.

Read next: How to Camp and Hike on Your Period

Leave No Trace

The seven principles of Leave No Trace help hikers and backpackers have minimal impact. I’m a Leave No Trace Master Educator and have been teaching Leave No Trace for over 15 years. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “pack it in, pack it out”, and know to pick up your trash, but there is lots more to Leave No Trace.

You’ll learn ways you can prepare beforehand to minimize your impact, how to avoid damaging the trail when you walk, where to pitch your tent, how to have a responsible campfire, and how to share the wilderness with other users.

Read next: How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)

More Beginner Backpacking Skills Resources

• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)

How to Plan a Backpacking Trip

So, you’re ready to go on your first multi-day hiking trip. Congrats! That’s exciting. But it can also be a bit daunting to figure out how to get ready. Here are my tips for planning a backpacking trip.

Pick a Trail

Choose a trail that is a good match for your abilities. For beginners, that usually means picking something rated easy or moderate where you’ll be hiking about 5-8 mi/8-13 km each day on fairly flat terrain. Avoid remote areas and trails with lots of elevation gain, tricky stream crossings, or technical sections.

Do some research and pick a trail that is appropriate for the time of year you want to go. You don’t want to deal with snow and cold. Check the weather and make sure you have the right gear for the forecast. Or be ready to change to a different destination or postpone your trip.

If possible, choose to stay at an established campsite with flat tent sites, a water source, and a toilet.

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Get a Permit

Many backcountry camping areas require permits to avoid overcrowding and protect the environment. Check park and trail websites to find out if a permit is required and how to get one.

In some places, you’ll have to make a reservation months in advance. In others, you just need to fill out a form at a trailhead kiosk. Some places have a limited number of permits per day while others have unlimited permits. Most permits cost between $5 and $30, but others are free.

READ NEXT: 2023 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Check Local Rules

Each park and trail has its own rules about campfires, drones, dogs, food storage, group size, and more. Check local rules ahead of time so you aren’t disappointed at the trailhead or campsite. These rules are in place to prevent damage to the environment and make sure all hikers have a good experience, so it’s important to follow them.

Organize Transportation

In most cases, transportation is fairly straightforward. But you may need to pay for parking or get a parking pass at a trailhead. And if you are doing a one-way hike you may need to arrange a shuttle or research buses or taxis. As well, some trails can only be accessed via rough roads that require a 4WD vehicle. Do some research and make a transportation plan.

Check Your Gear

Make sure you have the gear you need for the trip you are planning. Find out if there are food storage lockers or if you’ll need to bring a bear canister or build a bear hang. Check the weather forecast to see if you’ll need extra gear for cold weather or rain.

READ NEXT: 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain

Talk to your trip partners about sharing gear like tents, stoves, and water filters to save space and weight. You also may want to share safety gear like first aid kits, navigation gear, and a communication device.

Pick Hiking Partner(s)

Seasoned backpackers might have the experience to go on a multi-day hiking trip alone, but it’s not a great idea for beginners. Team up with a few other backpackers while you are still learning. Go with friends, join a hiking club, or find hiking partners through MeetUp or Facebook groups.

Make sure that your skills and personality mesh with others in the group. If you’re an absolute beginner, it’s best if someone else in the group has some experience and can help answer your questions when you’re unsure. And make sure that everyone in the group has the fitness and skills to complete the trip. It’s unsafe to leave people behind (and it’s such a dick move), so you’ll have to travel at the pace of your slowest hiker.

Group dynamics are important on a backcountry trip. If possible, go on a day hike with potential partners first so you can see if you get along and have a similar hiking style. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with someone you can’t stand.

Make a Meal Plan

The food you bring on a backpacking trip needs to meet a few criteria: it should be lightweight, compact, high in calories, and tasty. Avoid canned food and most fresh food. Bring dry foods with short cooking times like pasta, rice, and oatmeal. You can also buy prepackaged backpacking meals.

You will burn more calories on a backpacking trip than you do at home, so don’t skimp on calories. Be sure to bring snacks you can eat on the go. And pack a treat or two – I like to bring a little bit of chocolate as a reward for tough days.

Read next: How to Choose the Best Backpacking Meals and Grocery Store Backpacking Meals for Cheap

Leave a Trip Plan

If you get lost or hurt will anyone know where to look for you? Will they even know you are missing? Leaving a trip plan with a family member or friend can be the difference between life or death.

Put together a trip plan that includes the names and contact info of your hiking partners, your planned route with campsite locations, and the dates you’ll be gone. Also include info about the car you’ll be leaving at the trailhead including the licence plate number. Establish a check-in time for the end of your trip. If you don’t call or text your emergency contact by the check-in time, they will know to call search and rescue.

I also carry a Garmin inReach Mini communication device. It uses satellites to let me text my family at home to let them know if I’ve changed my route or am going to be late. It also has an SOS button I can push in an emergency to call for rescue.

Step-By-Step Plan for Beginner Backpackers

If you’ve never been on a backpacking trip before, it can be tempting to jump right in. But that can result in a less-than-awesome trip. Here’s my step-by-step plan to ensure your first backpacking trip is a success. It has lots of backpacking tips for beginners.

1. Build-up your fitness

Ensure you are in good shape for hiking. Working out at the gym is great, but the best training for hiking is hiking.

Start going hiking more often, building up to longer and longer hikes with more elevation. If possible, go hiking once or twice a week. If you can’t get to the trails that often, walking in your neighbourhood (especially if it has hills) or working out at the gym on a stair climber are also good options.

2. Gather Gear and Practice Packing

Backpacking requires a fair amount of gear. Use the backpacking gear overview above and my backpacking gear checklist to see what you’ll need.

Once you have your gear, practice packing your backpack. Place heavy items in the middle, closest to your back to maintain a good centre of gravity. Put items that you won’t need until later, like your tent and sleeping bag, at the bottom. Put things you will need on the trail like snacks, water, maps, and your rain jacket in outside pockets or at the top.

3. Do Day Hikes Fully Loaded

Once you’ve got some of your gear together, take it for a hike. Load up your backpacking pack with everything you’ll need for an overnight trip. (If you don’t have all your gear yet, try stuffing your pack with clothing and pillows for bulk and bottles of water for weight.)

The extra weight of your pack will really affect your stamina. It also shifts your centre of gravity.

Choose a moderate hike (both in distance and elevation) to start, then work up to carrying your pack on harder hikes. You could also try putting your loaded pack on to walk around your neighbourhood or on the stair climber machine at the gym.

4. Do a Shake-Down Camping Trip (With a Car)

Book a night at a drive-up campground, but pretend you didn’t bring your car. Pack like you’re going backpacking. When you arrive, unload your backpack, lock your car, and try not to open it until you leave. This exercise can really help you get used to the realities of using your backpacking gear in a safe environment.

5. Go On Your First Backpacking Trip

Pick a short and easy hike for your first time backpacking. It’s also a good idea to pick a designated backcountry campground that has pit toilets, good water access, and food storage.

If you’re near Vancouver, my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, has some great beginner backpacking trip suggestions.

So that’s everything you need to go backpacking for the first time. Do you have questions about backpacking as a beginner? Ask in the comments – I’m happy to help!

READ NEXT:

• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Choose the Best Backpacking Meals
• Grocery Store Backpacking Meals for Cheap
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Backpacking with Kids: Tips from a Tween and His Mom
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain

The post Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Over the years I’ve developed a bit of a routine before each hike. Keeping this simple checklist in mind makes sure that I stay safe on the trails. AND it also makes sure that I have fun since I’m much less likely to get so tired that I don’t enjoy it or end up soaking wet in a rainstorm. Read on for my recommendations for things to do before a hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Find Some Hiking Buddies

In general, hiking in a group is better. For starters, it’s more fun. But safety is the real reason it’s better to hike with friends. You can help each other if someone gets hurt. And it’s less likely you’ll have a negative animal encounter since wildlife tends to stay away from groups. (Read more about bear safety if you’re worried.)

In general, the ideal group size is four. That way if someone gets hurt, one person can stay with them while the other two go for help.

But when hiking, it’s not really “the more, the merrier”. Large groups are difficult to keep together on the trail, can be loud and disruptive to other hikers, and have a greater impact on the environment. Leave No Trace and many land management agencies recommend 10 or 12 people as the maximum group size.

While groups are ideal, hiking alone can have its own rewards. I do hike by myself sometimes, but I’m really careful and only do it on easier hikes. Here are my thoughts and tips on hiking alone.

Research Trail Options

Do some research and pick a trail to hike. This means more than scrolling through Instagram and picking somewhere that looks epic. Look at trail websites, blogs and park websites. Pick up a guidebook.

Find out some key pieces of info about the hike: How hard is it? How far is it? How much elevation gain is there? Make sure you choose a hike that is within the abilities of you and your group. If you’re just starting out, pick easier hikes, then work up to harder ones.

Make Sure You Have Enough Time

Accidents happen when you’re rushing or trying to hike at night. Make sure you have enough time to complete your hike.

Research how long it usually takes people to hike, then add in a bit more time as a buffer. Don’t forget to look up how long it will take you to drive there. And check what time the sun sets. You don’t want to be caught out after dark.

Read Up on Local Regulations

In many places, rules and regulations are in place to protect the natural environment and make sure all users have a positive experience. Check park websites to find out if you need a reservation, permit or park pass. (For example, in Vancouver, some trails require day passes.) Find out if any areas are closed and if dogs or campfires are allowed.

Check Trail Conditions

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway up a mountain to be stopped by snow. If you research the trail conditions ahead of time you have a higher chance of having fun. More importantly, you’ll have a much higher chance of staying safe and avoid getting lost. The first principle of Leave No Trace is plan ahead and prepare, and checking trail conditions is an important part of that.

These days, there are a LOT of places to check trail conditions. Try Instagram, hiking groups, and park websites. I’ve got a whole post about How to Find Trail Conditions with more info.

Get the Weather and Avalanche Forecasts

Find out if it’s going to rain or snow and how cold it’s going to be. Then pack clothes to match the weather. If you are going hiking in the mountains, keep in mind that the weather in the city isn’t the same.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

If you hike in winter, make sure you check the avalanche forecast on avalanche.ca (Canada) or avalanche.org (USA). If you don’t have avalanche training, you should probably stay out of avalanche terrain if the forecast is anything except low.

Dress for the Conditions

In general, it’s a good idea to wear moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing when hiking. This means choosing polyester, nylon or merino wool clothing and avoiding cotton, which soaks up moisture. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes. (Read more about what to wear hiking.)

Even if you’ve checked the forecast, the weather can change fast. It’s a good idea to have an extra warm layer and a rain jacket in your pack just in case.

Take Care of Your Feet 

The secret to happy hiking is happy feet. Wear hiking boots or trail runners that fit you and grip the trail. Prevent blisters by wearing wool-blend socks or pre-taping problem areas. And don’t forget to cut your toenails. (For a whole list of anti-blister techniques, check out my Blister Prevention Tips.)

Pack the 10 Essentials

Bring a backpack to carry your gear. Make sure you pack the 10 Essentials. These are 10 safety items that you should always have with you on every hike:

• headlamp,
• food and water,
• warm clothing,
• map or other navigation aid,
• fire starter,
• first aid kit,
• emergency shelter,
• sun protection,
• knife,
• communication device

Read my post about the 10 Essentials for full details.

Avoid Getting Lost

Make sure you stay on track by bringing a trail map and a copy of the trail description. If you choose to bring electronic copies on your phone, make sure you have a USB power bank as backup. A GPS or GPS app is also a good idea. 

Pack Snacks… Lots of Snacks

Hiking makes you hungry. Make sure you pack enough food for your trip. It’s a good idea to bring more food than you think you’ll need.

I always keep a few extra bars in my backpack. That way I have emergency food if the hike takes longer than we thought, if someone gets injured and we need to wait for help or if a friend forgets their snacks.

It’s also a great idea to leave some snacks in the car. Nothing tastes better after a long day on the trail than some nice salty potato chips!

Bring a Garbage Bag

Plan ahead to reduce waste. Bring a garbage bag to carry out everything you brought with you. That includes organic waste like apple cores and banana peels. (Read more about organic waste in my post about Why it’s Important to Leave No Trace.)

You can also use your garbage bag to pick up any trash you find. It’s great to leave the trail better than you found it!

Fill Up a Water Bottle

Bring a water bottle or hydration reservoir. Dehydration is no joke. In general, about 2L of water is a good amount for a day hike. HOWEVER, if the hike is hard or it’s hot out, you’ll need much more.

Find out if there are creeks along the way, then bring a filter or water treatment tablets. Giardia (a.k.a. beaver fever) is also no joke. 

Check Your Gear

Make sure your gear works and you know how to use it. You don’t want to figure out how to use your GPS for the first time at the trailhead. Double-check the contents of your first aid kit before each hike. I always find something I’ve run out of like bandaids or painkillers.

And make sure your batteries are charged. Phone battery, GPS battery, headlamp battery, camera battery… we carry so many electronics these days! Make sure you aren’t forgetting anything: use my simple backpacking gear checklist.

Be Prepared to go to the Bathroom

Everybody pees and poops, but none of us talk about it. Find out if there are toilets on the trail and try to go to the bathroom before your hike. I always pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small trowel in my pack just in case. (For more info on going to the bathroom outside, check out my post about Leave No Trace.)

Leave a Trip Plan

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do before going on a hike. Tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. That way, someone will know to look for you if you get lost or injured. Adventure Smart has a great trip planning app and online form.

So there’s my list of things you should do before a hike. It may sound like a lot, but honestly, I find the pre-trip research fun. I also keep my daypack partially packed with most of the 10 essentials and my bathroom kit so it doesn’t take me long to get ready. How many of these steps are you already doing before each hike? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Avoid Bees and Wasps While Hiking
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• How to Leave No Trace With Dogs
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Hiking Solo: My Tips
• How to Find Trail Conditions
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
• 15 Ways to Avoid Crowded Hiking Trails
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 16 Things to do Before a Hike appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.