I was backpacking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was March, so when I made it through the woods and over the dunes, I’d have miles of beach to myself. It was an over-nighter, a chance to test new ultralight backpacking equipment. I hiked the wooded hills quickly, enjoying the cold air. Halfway through the […]

The best things in life are free – at least, in Barcelona. A vibrant city famous for its architecture and geographical splendors, Barcelona is also the perfect destination for the frugal traveler looking for a fun trip that won’t force you to remortgage your home. After the obvious expenses (plane ticket and Barcelona hotel) you […]

Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a disaster – even though you brought everything you needed? Maybe you had matches, but couldn’t get that fire going. You need more than good gear to assure a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience. You need to know how to do a few things, and the […]

Ultralight backpackers are always looking for the lightest backpacks. Unfortunately, lighter usually means more expensive when it comes to backpacking gear. There are some ways around this, though, for those on a tighter budget. There are ways to buy a lightweight backpacker cheaper, and also ways to make them. The latter is easier than you […]

Cheap backpacks can be made, but I don’t recommend it. Unless you are extremely skilled at sewing, it isn’t likely to come out like you want. Also, even if you are an expert, it will probably take less of your time to pick up an extra day at work and buy a pack with the […]

This article deals with the most common use of the word hammock.  A hammock is a sling for sleeping or resting in. Particularly in the southern US, a hammock can also mean a piece of thickly wooded land, usually covered with bushes and vines. The hammock is a device used to sleep or rest in […]

Undoubtedly, backpack is an essential gear for every outdoor event to carry your world along with you. Experts believe that when it comes to choosing a right backpack a good rule of thumb is, “Buy right and pack light.” There is a large variety available in the market ranging from expensive to cheap, lightweight to […]

In Michigan, being outdoors can mean relaxing on a sandy beach or getting lost in the wilderness. One of the hidden places described below will let you do both. Here are three places that you haven’t seen in magazine articles and guide books. Michigan Outdoors – Rivers You can float the Manistee River from Baxter […]

Why learn about medicinal plants? Certainly, backpackers shouldn’t leave the first aid kit home, but it can be useful and interesting to know a few plant medicines too. Whether you are someday in a survival situation, or you just lost your first aid kit and have a terrible headache, wouldn’t it be nice to find […]

Making clothes? If you enjoy backpacking AND sewing, go for it. As for myself, I started buying gear again after the first hundred tedious hours of sewing . Then I discovered that there are some backpacking clothes you can make cheaply and quickly. Making Hand Warmers Stick your hands inside a pair of socks and […]