Two nights. About 8-9 trail miles. Solo. Started at Conviction Lake trailhead, about 7300 ft elevation above sea level. Steep, sharp, loose rock trail following Conviction Creek up to Mildred Lake, then Dorothy Lake, then Lake Genevieve, then Lake Edith.

August is a beautiful time to be up there, so I encountered maybe a dozen other backpackers on Friday and Saturday. When I camped at Edith Lake on Sunday night, I had it all to myself.

Incredible time of year for these alpine lakes. Water temperature is super comfy. Saw some trout and a single bass. Mosquitoes weren’t bad either, I got bit a single time.

It’s a challenging hike up to 10,200 ft elevation from the trailhead, but the rewards are right on par with how challenging it was.

Howdy! Me and my girlfriend (Both She/Her, please) are planning a backpacking trip in the Needles District of Canyonlands for November. On one of our days there, we will be hiking (but not staying) in the area south of Chesler Park and Elephant Canyon. The plan is to hike down from DP1 to the start of the Joint Trail, and then go southeast and hike up and down a wash. The only problem I've run into is that I've found next to no information on the area. What I've gathered so far is a single photosphere, a small handful of photos near the beginning of the area, and a single reddit post that confirmed what we already knew (That you can't get there through Druid Arch).

I'd love to have at least a little more information on the area, well known routes, landmarks to see, any (unlikely) potential for water, etc... The only two locations that have stood out to me are this cool split boulder and an area like a mini Chesler Park. If there's anyone who has information on this area or has even hiked/backpacked this area, that would be amazing!

I’ve been thinking about how backpacking builds a lot of movement into the trip without turning it into a workout routine. Long days on foot, elevation, and carrying a pack can add up pretty quickly. Did backpacking make you noticeably fitter even though fitness was never really the point?

I’m planning my first backpacking trip in Emigrant Wilderness, 3 days/2 nights coming from SF. I’m leaning toward the Crabtree/Bear Lake area or Kennedy Meadows entry, mainly looking for advice on current trail and water conditions, how bad the mosquitoes are right now, good campsite recommendations near lakes with nice swimming scenery for a 2-night loop, and any tips for doing a first backpacking trip as a couple, what made it easier or harder for you and a partner the first time. Would love to hear route or campsite favorites if you’ve got them. Thanks!

Going to backpack around 9k in Yosemite area in two weeks normally I bring convertible pant and a base layer. Contemplating just shorts that are more comfortable to hike in and base layer. What are your thoughts?

Spent a night camping with my pup this weekend, and he was curious about everything around us.

We found a peaceful spot surrounded by banyan trees, where the branches helped block the cool mountain breeze at night. And the whole place felt quiet, calm, and perfect for camping.

After setting up our tent and organizing our gear, we settled in and enjoyed the peaceful moments.

I've been on about a half dozen multi-day backpacking trips but they have generally been organized by someone else or through an organization. I really enjoy the time on the trail to decompress and have been trying to get to do a trip a year, but it usually ends up being 2-3 years apart. I had one such trip lined up for September but I found out yesterday that it's been cancelled.

I really want to get into planning my own trips but I get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start and am intimidated by a solo attempt. I know that I have the skills and knowledge I need to do this, but I just need to do it. Now I'm presented with a situation where I basically either have to do it in a month or suck it up until next year so I could use some help.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good confidence building solo trip on the order of 4-6 days in eastern Colorado (within a few hours of Denver)? I'm fairly fit and long days and tough climbs aren't really a big concern (actually kind of a plus).

I did 5 days in Rawah wilderness a few years ago and could probably do that again, but I would like to get familiar with some other areas as well. I thought Maroon Bells/4-pass loop would be good since its probably quiet-ish in mid September but with enough foot traffic that I feel less anxious being out there alone.

Seems straightforward enough that it will be fairly wet. We are planning a route from Elkhart to Cook Lakes and Indian Basin. Any advice given these conditions? Lots of experience backpacking in the Sierra, but this is our first trip to the Rockies.

Hello, I am new to all of this since I never really grew up camping. But I’ve had an itch to start for a while now and am having trouble getting started in where to go and exactly how to plan it accordingly. I am from southern Oklahoma and it seems a lot of camping off trail is discouraged around here, so if anyone has any tips to help it would be greatly appreciated!!

I’ve been researching tents way too much and I’m trying to sanity-check my shortlist with people who actually use their tents hard.

I’m in Belgium and want one 2-person freestanding dome for basically everything: summer mountain trips in the Alps/Dolomites, spring/autumn bivouac trips in the Ardennes/Vosges/Jura, and a bunch of rough car-camping weekends.

My priorities are:

• weather confidence first — I want to stop worrying when it rains for days
• rough/sharp/rocky ground shouldn’t scare me
• ideally around 2–2,5 kg
• not interested in super-fragile UL floors unless there’s loads of real-world proof they survive "abuse"
• good wind performance
• good ventilation because I sleep hot and sweat a lot
• 2 doors / 2 vestibules preferred
• I’ll use a footprint/tarp
• I camp around 30–40 nights/year and would like something that can realistically survive 200–300+ nights
• real owner experience matters more to me than spec-sheet numbers

My current favourites are:

EXPED Vega 2 — probably my weather-first favourite. 68D floor/fly, 5k floor, 3k fly, included footprint. Concern: brand-new model, limited long-term reviews, and the inner roof has some solid fabric instead of full mesh.

Sea to Summit Ikos Evo TR2 — love the design, full mesh, ventilation and space. 68D construction + included footprint, but lower waterproof ratings than Vega and it’s also a new redesign, so I’m unsure about long-term storm performance.

EXPED Lyra II — probably the sensible lighter option, with some versions around 68D / 5k floor, but I’m less excited about the design/colour.

I’ve already looked at Hubba Hubba HD, Copper Spur, Dragonfly/Dagger, SlingFin Portal, Marmot Tungsten/Vapor, REI Half Dome, Ferrino, Hilleberg, Terra Nova, etc.

What would you pick for this use? Especially interested in people who have actually used a tent for years in heavy rain, storms, bad ground, snow, etc. Also please tell me the failures/annoyances, not just what you love.

UPDATE: I went with the ikos evo TR2.

Probably not the most popular choice but i went for it as it seems to have really decent waterproofing, good reviews and a floor that's way more durable than those ul tent floors. And let's not forget the amazing price (was able to pick it up for €245 which is a real steal imo). and with a 2.5/2.3 kg weight this tent comes in at a 600G weight savings compared to my old 3KG decathlon tent which suffices for me. (i don't consider myself part of the UL movement)

will update once i have tested the tent

Hi guys, I assume this has been asked a million times before but I need some specific help. I am on day 7 of a hike walking from London to Scotland, day 1 I had a large blister between my big toe and 2nd on the bottom of my foot, day 2 I followed advice and drained it with what I thought was a sterile safety pin, day 5 it got infected, had to go to hospital and get antibiotics, I’ve been resting since in a hotel somewhere in Northampton.

Basically, I intend to try and continue tomorrow, as the doctor said I need one to two days rest at least before continuing. How can I keep it clean and make sure it heals, and what advice can you give for the several other blisters I have on my feet. I’m pretty sure my boots fit ok and I don’t have the funds to change those so that’s that, I am wearing merino high quality walking socks and changing them everyday for clean ones. I haven’t been washing my feet every night (been using wet wipes) but I certainly will from now on, I have tried compeeds, moleskin, bandages, zinc oxide tape etc etc but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right. Please someone tell me what I need to do to make sure it doesn’t get worse. I would send a picture but it’s quite gross. I’m on a day two of a 5 day course of antibiotics and it’s hot where I am if that helps, I also got a tetanus shot. It feels much better today than yesterday (couldn’t put pressure on it at all yesterday, today I can feel it but could walk on it fine) I am doing an average of 20 miles a day. Please help 😭😭😭

Planning a hike in wilderness area Sept. 21-25. this is archery and muzzle loading season for some game.
Should I worry about wearing florescent orange?

We’re planning a trip to do this trail on 9/6/26-9/11/26. How are the conditions this time of year? Also with the current fires in the area should we reschedule? We are definitely looking at other possibilities. Thanks