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Backpacking 101

Backpacking 101

Welcome to your crash course in backpacking – the guide to get you started on your journey into the great outdoors. Whether you’re an urbanite looking for a refreshing escape, a novice dipping your toes into the wilderness, or a seasoned hiker seeking to hone your skills, this post is for you.

I’ve been backpacking with newbies and seasoned backpackers for years, from trips involving a large group to just two-man trail runs. There are certain things you begin to understand and “know” after you’ve been on multiple backpacking trips, things that are hard to learn unless you are “in the thick of it.”

I’m going to try an impart some of those tips and help others who might be moving

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Best Backpacking Tent for 2023

Can you pick out the MSR Elixir 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent? It’s the middle one. Sort of like a plain old tent isn’t it? But, I can say without a doubt it’s the best backpacking tent for 2023 that you can get. I showed this picture, with the MRS Tent hidden in the middle to make a point.

We are often drawn to the bright colors, the pretty, like moths to a light we just pick whatever looks good. But, we really shouldn’t do that when picking a backpacking and camping tent.

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Hidden Gem – Exploring the North Shore

Probably one of the greatest hidden treasures is without a doubt, the Lake Superiors North Shore, also simply known as the North Shore. It’s funny, I’ve traveled hither and thither doing adventures all around the States, up and down mountains from Colorado, to Utah, to Wyoming, always looking for those untouched places, far from the busy hustle and bustle of traffic and people.

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Top 3 Backpacking Tips

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are either a seasoned backpacker or an aspiring one eager to take on the vast, beautiful expanse of nature that the world has to offer. As thrilling and liberating as backpacking can be, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It demands you to be resilient, resourceful and prepared. But don’t worry – whether you’re gearing up for your first adventure or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on some essential skills, we’ve got you covered.

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What’s in my Winter Day Pack?

As the seasons’ change and winter brings its cold and howling winds and snow down upon us, it’s time to switch gears, pun intended, and swap out our day packs for a more winter focus.

Today, another Average Flatlander shows us what gear items he keeps in his winter day pack to make sure every trip to the woods is a success.

 

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Lake Superior Fastpacking

Want to do something difficult, something most people will do? I have one for you. Combine a few of the most difficult things you can do as an adventurous outdoors person. Fastpacking (ultralight), camping, the cold dark woods of the North along Lake Superior, and running.

This will test the metal of any person. Wolves howling at night, running in the dark. Doing 20+ miles in a single day.


This is what the Average Flatlander’s decided to do. Arriving late a night, we ran miles into the dark to our first camp spot, which I missed and had to backtrack.

Eventually, we settled into the night with a fire and the sound of wolves howling all around. The next day we ran and fastpacked 22 miles, a brutal and hard overland hike that left us exhausted. Endless forests and trees, a lack of clean water, and 14lb backpacks made for an interesting trip. Enjoy!

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