I’m backpacking South America, December to June, and looking for some recommendations on what jacket to take? Im planning to be heading through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina during their autumn months March - April.

I have a 40l backpack so I’m not sure I’ll have space for both an insulated jacket AND a waterproof so ideally something versatile. Im overwhelmed looking at all the options google is giving me!

Doing a 9 day trek with a buddy of mine, and I want to make sure that we have everything needed. I have done trips like this with my dad with less stuff, but this is at a provincial park and I don’t want to be doing much if any bushcraft there lol.

Clothing
• Rain gear (jacket and pants)
• 9 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks
• 3 shirts
• 1 extra pair of pants
• Ball cap
• Toque
• Hiking shoes
• 1 Sweater
Hygiene:
• Toothbrush and paste
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Dish soap
• Dish rag
• Toilete paper
• Wet wipes (bio degradable)
• Trowel
• Any personal medication
• Advil / Tylenol
Bag:
• 75L bag with metal frame and waist straps
• 2 large garbage bags (waterproofing bag)
• Water proof bag (for clothes)
• 10 large Ziplock bags
Shelter:
External:
• 2-3 person tent (1-2 people per tent plus equipment)
• 2mx3m tarp
Internal:
• Sleeping mat
• Pillow (optional)
• Sleeping bag 5 C minimum (compression sac)
Tools:
• Fixed blade knife
• Whistle
• Bear horn and spray
• 2 types of fire starting equipment ie. Matches and lighter
• Hatchet
• Folding saw
• 5 carabiners
• 550 paracord 100-200ft
• Headlamp (takes batteries)
• Flash light (takes batteries)
• Spare batteries
Emergency:
• Spare battery bank or 12V charging solar panel
• Charging cord
• bivi bag and/or 2 emergency blankets
• Personal First aid kit
Navigation:
• Compass
• Map of park
• GPS (don’t worry about this, I’ll get one)
Water:
• 2 water bottles (Nalgene works great)
• Some type of water filter (cannot rely on boiling water) life straw is best, Woods bag filter is good.
Food:
• Water proof bag
• 10-11 days of non perishable food, (extra 2 days just in case)(breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner)
• Small pot that works on a camp stove
• Camp stove, (can’t rely on campfire cooking)
• Stove fuel

If I goes in your mouth or smells like food, it gets hung in a tree at night.

Some clips of me and my girlfriend hiking last week over Mount Eisenhower. Winter is here in the Whites! We did not sleep outside on this trip because she does not have the gear for it but I cant wait to test out my new 0 degree down bag, hopefully soon.

This probably isn't the right subreddit for this, and if I am wrong, please redirect me elsewhere.

I'm getting frustrated trying to research this. We are in the process of planning a week-long trip to California next summer; the plan is to go to Channel Islands, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Park.

I know I can fit all our camping gear, such as sleep systems and cookware, into a 120L duffel bag with backpack straps so I can transport them onto the Channel Islands and have our 22-26L daypack with us and for car camping at the other parks.

However, I am also trying to buy a duffel or transporter bag that does it all, allowing me to buy it once, set it, and forget it so that we are prepared for future trips. My girlfriend and I both have 60-65L packs that we would have it fully loaded into a duffel bag to protect our gear from cargo carriers. The only thing that I can find that fits is the Osprey Transporter 150, and I am concerned that it is too big for airport checked bag size requirements.

How does one deal with this, and what do you recommend? I could use our 60–65L as is, having it fully loaded and checked with all straps, hip belt, and compression fully secured and locked but don't want our packs getting damaged via transport.

*** UPDATED ***

Thoughts?

I believe the REI Big Haul 90 is what I would need to travel across the country with our camping gear, and is all I would need for car camping, along with our 22-26L daypack for day hikes.

Osprey Airporter Medium - for our 60-65L packs separately for backcountry adventures.

Trading work boots for bike pedals 🌿🚲 After 10 years of hard work, I’m taking time to slow down and explore the mid/southern U.S. by mountain bike—with a backpack and a whole lot of curiosity.
My goal: live simply, eat local, reconnect with nature, and learn from the people I meet along the way.
Follow the journey—and if you know a local farm, beautiful trail, or welcoming community, send it my way! ✌️
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovy_by_nature/
@groovy_by_nature

Hi everyone, I’m genuinely curious on how people that travel a lot, specially doing volunteer work, changing countries and jobs often handle the fear of an unsure future.

I’m 25 and I’ve been traveling for the past couple of years, but lately I’m feeling a bit anxious about my future. If I think about it I’ll say to myself that I’m still young and I can try different things, but sometimes my mind goes where she’s not supposed to and I start to get paranoid😅

If you are in the same mood or you lived the same moment and you just want to share your thoughts would be great. Thanks 🙏

I'm planning a backpacking trip to Yunnan, China, at the end of this month! Anyone interested in joining me?

I'm planning to spend around 10 days exploring Yunnan and conquering some amazing hiking trails. It would be awesome to have some fellow adventurers join me along the way! 🏔️🌿

Let's explore, hike, and make some unforgettable memories together! ❤️

In Jigongjian of She County, Huangshan, the setting sun sinks gently behind layered misty mountain ridges. A persimmon tree heavy with golden fruit stands beside a traditional Hui-style tiled roof.

i am thinking to buy Baltoro 100 Pro M but i am not sure if i will get overcharged because the bag is too big even if i take the top lid off

should i dial down to 85?

I’m fairly new to backpacking but Im looking for middle of the road price point winter jackets and footwear suitable for the trail. Southern CA hiker mostly, but maybe some higher elevations with some snow. Looking to be warm but ideally not break the bank if I can help it. Thanks!

So im new to backpacking. Im still trying to get my gear ready but im still having trouble on picking some things. I dont know what proper pants to get. Im a 30x30 guy weighing about 137 pounds. Im an active runner (when im not traveling). I see REI pants and north face pants but I dont want pants that I can make into shorts. Im a guy that wears nothing but jeans all day everyday, rain, snow, shine. I live in Wisconsin so the cold I can take in jeans. I need recommendations on this. Also the second part of this is what should I go with stove wise. I hear jet boils are all the rave but I also hear getting a aluminum tin and a burner is better and less weight effective. I plan on getting a Osprey 50L or a 55L as I want to never be home on the weekends. Please help all feedback is good feedback for someone who doesnt know much. Thanks

This backpacking trip across Xinjiang was beyond incredible. I found crystal-clear lakes with sailboats, graceful wild swans, rolling green grasslands, snow-capped peaks and soaring eagles. The vast, untamed nature here feels like a hidden paradise. It’s hard to believe scenery this beautiful exists in China.

Hello! I am backpacking for 6mo starting second week of January! I start in the philippines and would love to spend some of my time volunteering for an organization. Im having a hard time working through the fluff of advertisements or pay-to-play companies. Im trying to volunteer for a non-profit or organization. I dont want to take jobs or positions that could be offered to locals, just looking to help if it is appropriate to do so. I have lots of experience working with animals and in nature, as well as clinical experience working for large animal vet clinics. Id love to help somewhere in the conservation/wildlife realm. If anyone knows of any opportunities that seem fitting id love to hear from you! :)

Im also headed to Taiwan, Nepal, China, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan if anyone knows any reputable companies in those areas I could look into. Thank you!!

Hi 25M from England starting solo backpacking next week.

I see conflicting information - just want an overview from people who have done it recently. I leave for Hanoi in 1 week! I have roughly £6000 and £1500 as a backup in an ISA for emergency etc.

I would like to be away for as long as possible. I want to prioritise slow travel. After Vietnam I plan to go to Cambodia and then Loas. I would love to visit East Java. Thailand I’m undecided on whether to go. Going to India or Nepal is more important for me personally I think. Or even Sri Lanka. I get that I probably can’t go everywhere. My trip is very loosely planned. I have the first 2 nights in Hanoi booked that’s it.

I guess my question would be

1. how long could I last on the money I have?

2. I’m very anxious about going alone!! Recently going through a very tough breakup, so confidence isn’t the best! Should I be worried about meeting people or getting lonely etc?

We need help please suggest place to visit activities to do we don't like tourist place is like Park monastery temples need best itinerary

Hello!
I am looking for some suggestions on prospective backpacking routes.
I have time off at the end of the month! I have roughly 5-6 days for this trip.

Details:
I am living in Los Angeles so I am looking for a trail within driving distance (max 8-9hrs away).
-ie Utah, Arizona, Death Valley, Nevada, etc - weather permitting
-keep in mind it’s approaching winter, so I’m not looking for a high altitude Sierra trip, I was out there all summer and will be getting back on the pct nobo from Tuolomne in June.

I will be traveling solo, so ideally this trail will be a loop so I can get back to my car. I’m no stranger to hitching but I’m hoping for a longer trail so that would complicate things. I am open to a shuttle service or trail angel if there’s a contact you have that can be shared.

I like traveling long distance. I hiked the first half of the PCT this year, I am comfortable with +20 miles per day, not required but distance doesn’t scare me and I’m open to a trip that’s 80-100 miles.

Water sources: will need to have water available. I can do long carries but it’s a plus if i find at least one water source per day. If it’s a cattle trough, so be it, but I’d like to not lug 9 liters around!

Extra: if it’s dog friendly and shorter I’d consider it too! But hoping my friend will watch my dog for me.

Thank you!

Hey guys, been lurking here for a while. I do alot of backpacking up in Canada (Quebec) and I'm always trying to shave ounces off my base weight.

My biggest issue in the morning is I need my caffeine and high calories to get going. But bringing a coffee setup or even mixing instant coffee packets with a seperate breakfast is annoying. And hauling energy drinks in the backcountry is just stupid heavy.

So I had an idea for a product I might try to make, and wanted to see if the UL community would actually be interested in something like this.

Basically it's an all-in-one dry breakfast meal.

• It’s completely dry so it’s super light and packable.

• High calorie density and high protein to sustain long hikes.

• It has a strong dose of caffeine built right into the mix.

• You just add hot water directly in the bag (or could probably cold soak it).

The main pro is that it saves fuel and time. You get your morning calories and your caffeine buzz at the exact same time without having to boil water twice for food and then coffee.

I know some people really love their morning coffee ritual in the woods, which is fine, but for those who just want to eat, pack up fast and crush miles, would this be something you'd actually buy?

Let me know if I'm crazy or if this makes sense! (Sorry for the english btw, it's my second language lol)

My bag is going to be the aether plus 85 and im flying with delta airlines, the limit on checking bag total sizing is like 62 inches and the backpack is 63.4 inches but i also need to but it in a duffel bag so the bag is considered cargo is there anyway to bypass the 62 inch limit or maybe drop the bag size down to fit, i know i can take the top day pack off but i dont know how much of a differnce that will be. I accidently put carry on at first

Frozen Namtso is one of the most stunning alpine lakes I’ve ever seen. Deep blue ice, rugged rock formations and snow-capped mountains stretching endlessly. It’s a remote, windswept place, and the wild icy landscape felt absolutely surreal.

Hiking in Andenes, Andøya, Segla and Lofoten was honestly one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Traveling with a friend and having our own car made all the difference so many trailheads and remote coastal spots aren't easily accessible without your own wheels, so just driving around and doing hikes at our own pace was so much fun. Because I went in summer during the full 24 hour daylight, I mostly did my hikes at night, which felt completely surreal. Walking up ridges like Måtind in Andøya—a dramatic coastal trail with sheer drop-offs overlooking the Arctic Ocean or tackling steep climbs in Lofoten like Reinebringen (it was crowded still)with its stone steps above the fjords, and Ryten overlooking the turquoise waters of Kvalvika Beach, having those views practically to ourselves under the Midnight Sun was unforgettable. Since we were camping in nature the whole time, having proper weather gear was essential Arctic weather is super unpredictable and it can rain anytime, so coming fully prepared kept the whole trip comfortable and stress-free

Hi! So I heard the desert is the best place to visit during feb since the temps stay in low 20s (absolutely perfect for me). I was just wondering if it was possible to do a 2-3week stay and go hiking and see scenery while staying in hostels/keeping expenses low? I am NOT a city person, I want to go where all the nature is. What would hostels/budget/transportation look like in this area? I know absolutely nothing about it haha

Me and and my buddies are trying to have a little backpacking trip to new mexico around the santa fe national forest area. The only thing we are skeptical about is the amount of snow that there might be at around 10k-12k ft elevation in the mountains. Does anyone know how much snow there would be at that elevation around the December 10-20th time from past experiences?

Looking to pull the trigger on some Black Friday deals for a 2P tent system. I’ve narrowed it down to:

- Big Agnes TigerWall UL2 - $399 (REI 20% off code)

- MSR FreeLite 2 - $399 (REI 20% off code)

- Sea to Summit Alto TR2 (or TR2 Plus) $274 for regular or $299 for the TR2 Plus

- Hornet Osmo 2 - $335

Any insight into which would be the “best” buy? Leaning towards the sea to summit which has ventilation holes at the apex of the tent.

Not too concerned about the interior sizing for 2 sleeping pads as I will primarily be using this solo. I just like having extra room for my belongings but also to stretch out.

Thank you for any insight!

I’m 11 months into travelling SEA and this is the first time I’ve been wiped out by sickness. I’m in Laos and have already missed two weeks in this country due to this illness (started as a chest infection then caught a bad cold that just won’t shift.) I’m so stuck as to what to do, I’ve been booking private rooms and trying to rest but I’m so sick of being in bed all day but also don’t have the energy for big activities.

I just don’t know what to do, I’m so disappointed I’ve missed so much of this beautiful country. Maybe I should just book some activities and do them at 20%. I’ve also debated booking a more luxury hotel so I can at least enjoy resting more but it feels like such a waste of money. I don’t know I’m upset, bored and lonely.

Headed home in December too so feels extra depressing that the end of my trip is going this way.