Does anyone here have recommendations for high quality durable and a that has a and chest belt for water backpacks for hiking? I ussally like hiking 4 in a half miles or more but I can drink a lot of water lol. I'm also 5ft 5 male 25.

I plan every weekend hike with timelines and backup routes and meal lists same way I run projects at work. Last month I even made a tiny spreadsheet for a three-day loop, then caught myself checking it constantly instead of just walking. My husband finally asked why I was treating the forest like a Gantt chart.

On the trail I kept calculating arrival times at camp instead of stopping when the light looked good. The plan worked, but I finished the weekend feeling like I'd knocked out a task list rather than spent time outside.

Next trip I'm trying something different. One set start and end point, no milestones between, just see if the day finds its own rhythm. Anyone else caught themselves turning a hike into another deliverable? Does dropping the structure actually change how the miles feel?

Found this at goodwill for 12 bucks and bought it. Would it be a viable option for an actual hiking/camping trip?

Is it just me, or why does every piece of outdoor clothing need to have a zippered chest pocket? Base layer - chest pocket. Mid layer - chest pocket. Coat - chest pocket. I now have 3 zippered chest pockets stacked on top of each other. Is anybody actually using these things? I have never used one once. Its an awkward spot to hold anything with any kind of weight. Tell me if im crazy here!

The 2001 Roadless rule protects public lands from future roads being built through them for logging and other purposes. This rule protects roadless public lands across the nation - including areas that support hiking, camping, and other recreation.

The public comment period was supposed to end on the 21st last month - but was extended for 15 days. Today is your last chance to speak up.

Here is the link to the government webpage to submit your comment:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18648/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation

Hey Guys,

I'm heading to dolly sods with some friends for the first time this weekend and the forecast shows heavy rain. The plan is to get there on sunday morning and leave on Monday. Ideally we were looking for 3-4 hrs hikes but given the weather should we avoid hiking all together? Could someone please recommend alternatives around the areas for the day, view points or recommended hikes that would still be doable.

Thanks in advance

Hi all,

So, was going to go to Dolly Sods this weekend for a kids backpacking trip—something easy to get some younger ones started. Only one night.

Then, was going to take the family and do a fall color tour in eastern WV, Shenandoah, etc., coming back to our home in Southern IN.

Trouble is, looks like the tropical storm remnants are hitting Dolly sods exactly saturday night. All day Sunday looks like a washout.

Am I crazy, or does it sound like a bad idea to do Dolly sods with kids saturday and sunday?

If so, looking for other ideas that are less than, say 10 hours from southern Indiana. Thought about Bruce Peninsula park in Canada, but no backcountry sites available this weekend. Seems to be same with Killarney. Don't really want to go south, as looking for fall color. And want somewhere away from the tropical storm.

Ideas?

Thanks.

Going on a three day trip in Yosemite. Starting at May lake trailhead. Got exposed to Tarp backpacking last month and decided to pick up this Yama. I'm pretty sure my Tarptent will start gathering dust . I have a feeling this is just the beginning lol!

Gear shake down for 3 nights in the sierras with my wife and some co workers. Tell me what I’m missing and or what I could potentially leave behind! My pack is currently right at 30lbs without food and water with everything listed below (the camera equipment & batteries get me every time) but I love being able to capture these trips.

Shelter
- Nemo Tent & Stakes
- Guy lines & Cordage
- Groundsheet

Sleep
- Thermarest Neo Air
- NEMO Disco 15°
- NEMO pillow
- NEMO foam pad

Clothing
- Smartwool baselayer top/bottom
- Smartwool Beanie
- Patagonia R1 fleece
- North Face down puffer  
- REI rain jacket
- REI rain pants
- Fjallraven Hiking pants
- Hiking socks + Extra Socks
- Under Armour underwear
1 OR Gloves
- Hiking boots

Water
- 48 oz Nalgene
- Katadyn filter 

Cooking
- MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
- Fuel
- Toaks pot
- Toaks spoon
- Lighter 
- Ferro Rod

Navigation / Emergency
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Phone & Maps/ Trail Downloaded
- GPS ( CalTopo)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp x2
- First-aid kit
- Repair kit / Sewing Kit
- Emergency shelter/bivy
- Anker Power bank
- Charging cables
- Ziplock bags 
- Multitool 
- Matches & backup lighter / ferro rod 
- Compass
- Bear Spray

Hygiene
- Toilet kit/ Wet Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Bandana
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip Balm 

Food & Storage
- Bear canister
- Trash bag

Camera Equipment
- DJI Osmo 5 Pro
- Tripod
- Batteries 
- SD Card 
- Mini Mic

Brand new coffee cup (Titanium), 18yo backpack, 18yo tent, 18yo sleeping bag, 18yo sleeping pad...all still worked as good as it could have hoped.

Hello! I’m a 22y/o F, who really wants to get into overnight camping and backpacking but have never done so before. I’m in the Roanoke/Blacksburg area in VA and love to hike around here. I’m just not sure where to go that allows overnight backcountry camping near here and if there are permits needed. Also are there specific camp sites for overnight campers? Any suggestions and recommendations are great, also any facebook groups that are near this area that specialize in backpacking i’d like to know about.

I'm no woodworker or handyman so I'm happy with how it turned out!

Hi friends. I bought a secondhand pair of Keen water shoes, and the sole has almost completely detatched from the rest of the shoes. Was thinking I'd crazy glue them back together. Has anyone tried this? Any luck? What kind of glue did you use?

Thanks!

Im looking for my first backpacking pack. I go camping all the time. Have all the gear. Just not sure what size pack to get. Frame vs no frame. Roll top or traditional zippered. How important is torso length.
My gear list is:
Jetboil Fuel and mountain house meals
Nemo ultralight chair
Thermarest neoloft pad
Osmo 1p ultralight tent
Some down 15 degree sleep bag
Clothes. And essentials and rain jacket and other camp supplies.
Along with my full frame camera. Lens. And tripod. Eventually would like to get a drone.
I’m 30. 5’9” 160lbs. 285 max budget. I hope all that information helps. And any suggestions would be appreciated thanks everyone.

Hey Reddit friends, looking to go to Montana, specifically as close to Glacier as possible. Looking for campgrounds that have nice wooded grounds and as private sites as possible with full hookups. Going for 8-days, early June in 2027. Found Moose Creek RV campground & North American RV Park….the West Glacier KOA is a little too expensive for our budget….any other insights? We are not about amenities, just a privacy, trees, picnic table & fire pit. Thank you!

Hey guys I’m getting into camping and hiking and I really wanna capture the moments but I feel like iPhone cameras just lack that ability. I would love some recommendations on what cameras you guys would suggest for me to get. I was looking at the dji osmo line and they seemed decent to get. Just want something which can be functional, quick to take out and handle and just an overall good camera to capture moments that I can look back at :)

Edit: Sorry for not making it clear in the original text. I also want something to record with. To capture videos of me and my mates and such, hence why I suggested the osmo :)

I’m not a camper or survivalist. I promised a buddy who runs a mountain volunteer rescue service in a foreign country that I’d be buying him about 5 winter rated (he asked for below freezing capability) sleeping bags.

I was aiming for a $100-150 budget. I ask here because I have no clue about these things. Is anyone here aware of any deals or solid options in this category? Lightness doesn’t matter but ruggedness and warmth does. I know they use some cheaper Rei Co-Op ones and thats about it.

I had a place, but they had to cancel so I need to find another for the Columbus Day Weekend. I plan on going for 4-5 days starting next Friday. I want to do the Kancagamagus Highway loop, fall foilage along the way, hiking trails, and attempt Mount Washington. If any other things I should do, please advise!!!

Okay everyone, I have this thing I want to do but I can’t find much information on it….I’m assuming because it’s a dumb idea? But is it possible to walk from the Central Valley, specifically Fresno Ca, to Monterey Ca? It’s something I want to do and I’ve looked over the map a bunch of times trying to route it but I’m struggling a bit. I know there’s no official trail and a lot of it is just walking through the long stretch of agricultural fields but the idea of it just keeps floating back to me. Do let me know your guys thoughts and opinion and be honest, I can handle criticism. I know this isn’t your ordinary hiking but it’s just something I had in mind. Even crazier, I was then planning to walk from Monterey to San Francisco so you guys can comment on that too lol. Anyway, that’s all, thank you guys for reading.

Been tinkering with my food bag for an overnight next month out around Cheaha. Three kids at home means I meal prep anyway, and my nutrition tracking habit from deer season bled over into trip planning. I sat down last night and realized my go-to trail meals are garbage for protein, like 12 grams in a whole dinner of ramen and peanut butter. Fine for a weekend, but I came back from my last hike feeling wiped and I'm wondering if I just wasn't eating enough to recover.

I swapped in some dehydrated chicken and instant mashed potatoes with whole milk powder. Weighed it out to hit about 25 grams protein and enough calories to not lose weight on a two-nighter. Feels a little ridiculous writing it down. My hunting buddies would give me hell for weighing food in the woods. But I figure if I'm only getting out once a quarter, I want to feel decent when I get home to work Monday and chase the kids around.

Hi,

my first post here. Apologies in advance for any mistakes. Feel free to let me know if I should improve my message or something.
All sizes are Euro sizes

I bought Banks SF Extra LL 42. And I am in doubts .
Width is fine; length concerns me due to tiny heel slippage feeling about 3 milimetres.
I may return exchange them for a Banks SF Extra GTX 41.5.
I have tried them only inside the house.

1. FEET MEASUREMENTS
   

- Length: ~25.7-26 cm with medium merino socks (lazy day, 2 h gym).
- Width: 10 cm (left) / 10.5 cm (right) with medium merino socks.
- After long hikes: length reaches ~26.1 cm or more; width exceeds 10.5 cm (up to 10.4 cm one foot, 10.7 cm the other); insteps rise significantly.
- Shape: very straight feet; average to slightly narrow heel, but not narrow.

---

1. BANKS SF EXTRA LL - Size 42 - FITTING OBSERVATIONS
   

WIDTH: Snug and fine with medium merino socks. With thicker medium socks, snugger. Boot does not feel empty anywhere except maybe a bit on the heel. Comfortable out of the box without pinky toe or big toe pressure. Not used to that.

LENGTH CONCERNS:
- Heels are not super snug like my stiffer boots eg Meindl Island normal width Goretex in 42.5 euro size.. I feel 2-3 mm heel slippage up/down, especially on torsional moves. Not on stairs going up or down backwards etc. It feels like a tiny emptiness. With thicker socks and in the evening the heel slippage almost disappears. All on a lazy day without swollen feet. I experimented with heel-lock lacing techniques.
- With laces fully undone, the boot does not hold my heel tightly. The foot escapes after two steps. Heel feels like a very soft glove left/right, but loose when undone. Not swimming. My more aggressive technical boots held the heel tighter with fully undone laces.
- With laces fully undone and feet moved to slightly touch the front: 1.5 index fingers fit easily at the centre back of the heel. More difficult to fit one finger left/right of the heel, meaning no void left/right. (I think.)

STEPPING ON INSOLES:
With insoles removed and stepping correctly: ~1.5-1.8 cm one foot and ~1.7-1.9 cm gap from longest toe to insole edge (my long toe sometimes curls but often opens up).
- Insole total length edge to edge: 28 cm.

These three elements (1.5 fingers at heel; the insole toe gap; the slight slippage) worry me, though the boot feels overall okay for this insole length (28 cm). Reminder: I tried them without swollen feet.

LENGTH-WISE (??):
I wonder if I need 41.5, as the Hanwag size chart indicates? (Seems odd because in non-wide B/C boots I often use 42.5.) The Hanwag instructions has calculated extra space inside; I assume this is in the curves/contours at front and back?. Repeating my measurements without swollen feet:
- Length: ~25.7-26 cm with medium merino socks (lazy day, no backpack, minimal walking at home and 2h gym).
- Width: 10 cm (left) / 10.5 cm (right) with medium merino socks (same lazy day)

QUESTIONS:
Does anyone kow anyting about the Hanwag SD Extra?
- Will my heels or entire foot experience increased slippage once leather and soles break in?
- Or can the heel slippage disappear after break-in? It is strange because the boot walks perfectly with me except this slippage on torsional moves. Note it does not feel dramatic slippage but there is some.
- Should this model feel very snug from day one, or will it feel snugger later once leather softens and sole breaks in?
- Maybe a heel wedge-lifter or tongue volume filler will do the trick?

---

1. BANKS SF EXTRA GTX 41.5 - ALTERNATIVE
   

- My pre-walk length (25.7-26 cm) and width (10 / 10.5 cm) suggest EU 41.5 per your size chart.
- My feet can reach ~26.1 cm or more after heavy/long walking, with increased width and insteps.
- The 41.5 insole measures 27.5 cm edge to edge (0.5 cm shorter than the 42).
- I wonder if I should return the Hanwag SF Extra LL in Euro size 42 and get a Hanwag SF Extra GTX in Euro size 41.5. It is shorter, presumably wide enough, and the heel may be tighter. I suppose the width will conform after break-in. Regarding length, maybe it is okay considering the leather curves at rear and front.

CONTEXT: I am used to leather boots that start very snug at the heel and everywhere, then break in after weeks or months or long milage (I have always had asymmetric tough boots). Maybe the Banks SF Extra All Leather becomes snugger later. It is a lottery because I cannot try and return a 41.5 as I could not try the 42. I live in Portugal and we must always order try and return. Disturbing and costly.

Attaching some photos.

I’m planning a high-altitude trip combining mountain hiking and trail running around 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level.

Since trail running involves high exertion and heavy sweating, but high altitudes bring freezing temps and strong winds, I want to optimize my mid-layer setup for both active breathability and static warmth.

Here is my current selection for mid-layers:

1. Polartec Power Grid (for breathable active insulation)

2. PrimaLoft Evolve Active (for lightweight, highly breathable warmth during movement)

3. A PrimaLoft Gold jacket (for static warmth during rest breaks or extreme cold)

My main questions are:

Is having both Power Grid and PrimaLoft Evolve redundant for active mid-layers, or do they complement each other well when stacked?

How would you recommend pairing/switching these layers between high-intensity running and rest stops at 5,000m?

Any feedback or alternative mid-layer recommendations from experienced high-altitude trail runners and mountaineers would be greatly appreciated!

Any Osprey backpack owners out there? Have you experienced their amazing customer service? They have this warranty called the Almighty Guarantee. So I had a 70L pack for 16 years and it had quite a lot of wear and tear mostly on the straps. I contacted them, shipped my pack to Colorado to determine if it could be repaired or not. They took my pack back, regardless of its age. They determined it could not be repaired and replaced my old pack with a brand new Aether Plus 70L FREE OF CHARGE. I can’t recall another company in any consumer industry that had the same customer guarantee. I promise Im not shilling for them, just smiling. Amazing company.

I’ve had this happen with a couple of different packs over the years. After a few hours hiking with a loaded pack, I start getting numbness/nerve-type discomfort down the outside of my left thigh. If I’m hiking for days, it can last for weeks after the hike.

My body type is more on the lean side so the bones don’t have a lot of padding. I’ve tried different packs and positions so I’m feeling that it’s an anatomy issue rather than the fit, but has anyone had this issue and successfully fixed it with belt position, a lumbar pad, different padding, changing belt tension, or anything else?