The author reflects on their decision to switch from a bear can to a lightweight, reinforced bear bag for long-distance hiking, citing reasons such as weight, space, and food capacity, while acknowledging that no method is completely bear-proof. They plan to use a Dyneema-based bear bag and rely on trail bear boxes, emphasizing that bears are unlikely to succeed in stealing food if proper precautions are taken.
A suspected methanol poisoning incident in Vang Vieng, Laos, has resulted in the deaths of six foreign tourists, including two Australians and a British woman. The victims reportedly consumed free shots at a local hostel, sparking a transnational police investigation. Vang Vieng, known for its party scene, has been trying to improve safety standards, but methanol poisoning remains a risk due to lax regulations. The incident has raised awareness among tourists, who are now taking precautions with their drink choices.
A couple, Jenny Gusse and Doug Inglis, who were killed in a grizzly bear attack in Banff National Park, Canada, were able to send an SOS text message saying "Bear attack bad" before succumbing to their injuries. The couple, experienced backpackers, had taken precautions such as carrying bear spray and hanging their food in a tree. The attack occurred in a remote area, and the bear responsible was shot and killed by a response team. The incident marks the first grizzly bear-caused fatality in Banff National Park in decades.
The author shares their experience of backpacking through four European countries and visiting six cities in just two weeks. They regretted packing so many destinations into one trip as they didn't have enough time to fully explore each place. They realized that spending less than 48 hours in each city only allowed them to see the top tourist highlights, leaving them longing for more. The author advises travelers to visit fewer places and take their time to immerse themselves in the art scenes, neighborhoods, and history of the selected destinations for a more meaningful experience.
The author had to abort their hiking trip due to an injured toe and the overcrowded trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. They instead enjoyed a relaxed backpacking trip, camping at Mig Lake. They plan to reschedule the hike for September or October to avoid the upcoming heatwave and have a quieter experience on the trails. The author is fortunate to have flexibility in their schedule, unlike those who have to commit to specific time periods for their outdoor activities.
REI, Backcountry, and Moosejaw are offering Independence Day sales on outdoor gear. Some of the best deals include the REI Co-Op Outward Lawn Chair, MSR compact isobutane-propane canister stove, Grivel's Trend climbing harness, Marmot Always Summer Sleeping Bag, and Coleman Cascade propane stove. Other notable items on sale include headlamps, hammocks, and Patagonia shirts.
REI is offering up to 40% off on outdoor gear during their 4th of July Sale and Clearance event from June 23 to July 4. The sale includes discounts on tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. Some of the best deals include 40% off the REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent, 40% off the REI Magma 15 Women’s | Men’s sleeping bags, and 25% off the Jetboil Flash Stove. Co-op members get exclusive discounts, and membership costs $30 for lifetime membership.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best sleeping pads for camping, backpacking, and travel. The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing is the most comfortable car camping pad, while the REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed is great for couples and families. The Nemo Equipment Tensor Mummy Sleeping Pad is the best ultralight option, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Sleeping Pad is the best for backcountry comfort. The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is a great old-school option, and the Exped Ultra 7R is the best for 4-season backcountry camping. The REI Co-op Kindercamp Sleeping Pad is a great option for kids.
Tom and Kim met while backpacking in Europe but lost each other the next day. Tom devised a plan to find Kim and they reunited at a public plaza in Munich. They continued their travels together and fell in love. Despite living in different cities, they made their long-distance relationship work and got married a year later. They have been happily married for 24 years and have three children. They returned to Munich in 2015 to visit the hostel where they first met and reflect on the importance of taking risks and being vulnerable in life and love.
Tom and Kim met while backpacking through Europe in 1998 and fell in love, but lost each other the next day. Tom devised a plan to find Kim, which involved performing a sword trick in a crowded plaza. Against the odds, they reunited and continued their travels together. They eventually got married and have been together for 24 years.
Begpacking, the practice of asking the public for money to fund travels, has become a controversial issue in Asia. While some see it as a way for budget travelers to explore the world, others view it as a form of entitlement and privilege. The rise of social media has brought the phenomenon into public consciousness, with many online accounts shaming begpackers. However, some argue that the hostility towards begpackers is more about race than class. As travel slowly resumes post-pandemic, it remains to be seen whether begpackers will return to their traditional stamping grounds or if their era is over.
Begpacking, the practice of asking the public for money to fund travels, has become a controversial issue in Asia. While some see it as a way for budget travelers to explore the world, others view it as a form of entitlement and privilege. The rise of social media has brought the phenomenon into public consciousness, with many online accounts shaming begpackers. However, some argue that the hostility towards begpackers is more about race than class. As travel slowly resumes post-pandemic, it remains to be seen whether begpackers will return to their traditional stamping grounds or if their era is over.
Getting a good night's sleep while backpacking can be challenging, but there are several tricks to help you sleep better. These include examining your fears, keeping trekking poles and a GPS device on hand, using a pee bottle, distracting yourself with a book or podcast, wearing earplugs, upgrading your sleep system, stretching before bed, and experimenting with a hammock. Additionally, hiking more miles can help you sleep better at night.
A backpacker shares the lessons she learned in her first 300 miles of hiking, including the importance of knowing your gear, accepting pain, finding community on the trail, hiking your own hike, and being mindful of your body's limitations. She also offers tips for trail etiquette and avoiding common mistakes.
Michelle Young and Augustin Pasquet met while backpacking in Bolivia in 2009 and bonded over their shared love of photography. Six months later, they reconnected in Paris, where Michelle was studying abroad, and fell in love. The couple went on a first date to a Parisian institution, Chez Georges, before heading to a dinner party hosted by one of Augustin's friends. Michelle ended up on the back of Augustin's moped, speeding through the streets of Paris, and the rest is history.
