Please note: There are affiliate links in this blog and FlipFuel.co may earn a commission from programs linked in the content below. This collaboration supports both of our small outdoor businesses and does not cost our readers extra.
Whether you are doing a quick overnight or a thru-hike, meal planning for backpacking takes some practice. Great meal planning can make your whole backpacking trip. Meal planning gone wrong can be a frustrating mess that leaves you hungry and cranky.
This year at Backcountry Foodie, we added a resupply coordination service. Managing 20 thru-hikers’ foods, beverages, and non-food resupply items has been a true challenge, and wow - have we learned a lot!
But watching those hikers cross the finish line strong and knowing that we played a part in their success has been extremely satisfying.
Here are 10 tips for planning backpacking food gained from 20 years of backpacking and a crash course in resupply coordination this year.
Aaron can’t stress this enough. Coordinating 20 hikers at once requires more labels, lists, containers, and space than she ever imagined, but organization makes the process possible without losing your mind. Even if you’re just coordinating for yourself or a small group, organization is key.
If you’re just guessing how much food you need, you are setting yourself up for problems! Overpacking food results in too much weight. Under-packing food could result in excessive fatigue, injury, and overall misery.
We created our own backpacking calorie calculator that uses science-based algorithms relied upon by the military, professional sports teams, and the Olympic Committee. It’ll give you the closest estimates available for backpackers. Check out the Backcountry Foodie backpacking calorie calculator.
We recommend using the brilliant FlipFuel gadget to consolidate partial fuel containers. This allows you to always pack a full canister instead of juggling several partials. Plus, you’ll always know exactly how much fuel you have.
To minimize fuel usage, rehydrate food instead of planning to cook it on the trail, use a pot cozy to make your cooking more fuel-efficient, and consider mixing in some no-cook or cold soak recipes.
If water sources will be scarce, look for recipes that require less water to rehydrate. There’s nothing worse than realizing that you don’t have enough water to make dinner!
The Backcountry Foodie resupply recipes are designed to require less water than most commercially prepared backpacking meals.
Including beverages in your meal plan will not only help you to stay hydrated, but it can also add extra electrolytes and calories to your backcountry diet. A nutritious beverage can double as a treat to look forward to on the trail! Many hikers don’t realize how easy it is to pack trail-friendly smoothies and tasty coffee drinks.
Pack multiple snack options to have between meals while you are on the go. This may seem excessive for non-snackers, but eating nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day will help ensure that you get enough nutrition.
You are unlikely to be able to eat enough if you limit your eating to 3 square meals, particularly if your hike is strenuous. Snacks can include DIY trail mixes, no-bake energy bites, bars, chips, crackers, candy, cookies, dried fruit, and more.
Read how we choose snacks and find some inspiration here: The Best Backpacking Foods for Energy.
Some people can eat the same foods day after day. Most cannot! While it may be easier to just bring 10 of the same breakfasts, we recommend bringing variety. One of the biggest lessons from the resupply business is that what sounds good to many hikers on day 5 may no longer sound edible on day 20.
If you’re long-distance hiking, it’s inevitable that your hiking pace or mileage will change and you may not reach your intended destination on schedule. This can cause stress if resupply boxes were mailed well in advance to post offices and/or outfitters.
Be open to resupplying from towns if necessary to fill your bear bag until you’re able to pick up your resupply box. This is one of the perks of using our Resupply Coordination Service. You place orders as you need them rather shipping boxes months in advance. We can also assist with bouncing boxes if you’re unable to reach the planned resupply point.
Just about anything you eat at home has a backcountry version. Many of Aaron's hikers this summer needed a special diet such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or both. We found options for everyone.
Need some help? Good places to start: Explore our "build-a-box" shop and backpacking resupply service. There are also endless possibilities via our meal planning and coaching.
Make that grocery list early! This step prevents the need to make stressful last-minute changes in your meal plan.
While you probably don’t need a software solution for yourself, you may benefit from a simple spreadsheet version. This is especially true if you dehydrate your own backpacking food and have a collection of dehydrated ingredients and leftover meals on hand from previous trips.
Make a list of your items and the dates you expect them to expire. Before the start of each season, go through your inventory to check for spoilage.
Actually, I have one more tip to share that Aaron learned this season as a resupply coordinator for thru-hikers.
USPS Flat rate boxes are significantly more expensive than USPS priority mailing boxes. If you plan to ship resupply boxes well in advance, consider using the shipping app, Pirate Ship, to save on shipping expenses.
The large USPS priority mailing box can hold 6-7 days worth of food and costs roughly $8-$15 when shipping from the west coast to a west coast address. The same box costs roughly $15-$20 when shipping from the west coast to the east coast.
USPS flat rate boxes are quite a bit smaller and cost $22.80 each.
We hope you can use some of these tips for your next backpacking trip! If you are feeling overwhelmed with meal planning for an upcoming trip, Backcountry Foodie can help.
We offer recipes, meal planning tools, a resupply service, and backpacking nutrition masterclasses for backpackers of all experience levels. Schedule a quick discovery call here to learn more!
Amelia is a registered dietitian and has a master’s degree in Food Science & Nutrition from Colorado State University. She started her career as a bionutritionist designing meals for research studies and later specialized in weight management and bariatric surgery. A lover of hiking, backpacking, and competitive swimming, she also has a passion for sports nutrition. Amelia currently resides in Spokane, WA with her husband and two daughters.
Founded in 2017 by Aaron Owens Mayhew, Backcountry Foodie is the leading source for ultralight backpacking recipes and meal planning resources. As a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker, Aaron created Backcountry Foodie while preparing homemade, lightweight meals for her thru-hike attempt of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 and subsequent section and thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Colorado Trail and the Condor Trail.
]]>It’s an exciting day for FlipFuel.co as the FlipFuel® fuel transfer device becomes a “new arrival” product at REI Co-op. REI is the nation's largest consumer co-op and specialty outdoor retailer.
"Being on the shelves in REI is a milestone moment for our local Arizona gear company," said Eric Flottmann, Founder of FlipFuel.co. "We're excited to further support outdoor adventure and stewardship through our partnership with REI and help fuel adventure for millions of co-op members."
The FlipFuel® fuel transfer device can be found in the REI store locations below. It is currently in 64 store locations, which includes most stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
More to come! It is expected to roll out to 127 REI stores nationwide in the coming weeks. Be sure to check the REI store locator to check if the device is available at a location near you.
You can also purchase online at https://www.rei.com/b/flipfuel.
We look forward to fueling some amazing adventures for REI’s 23 million members in 2024 and beyond!
About FlipFuel.co
Launched in 2021 by backpackers for backpackers, FlipFuel® solves a simple problem: What do I do with this box of partial fuel containers I won't take on a trip? With the FlipFuel® fuel transfer device, backpackers can consolidate fuel from partially filled fuel canisters. Preserve pack space and weight. And recycle the empty canister.
FlipFuel® has been reviewed in Gear Junkie, Outside's Backpacker, Bikepacking.com, Campspot, Forbes, and more. FlipFuel Retailers include small local gear shops and other major retailers like Liberty Mountain, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, GoHunt, and Garage Grown Gear. The device is found in more than 150 retail store locations across the globe.
Founded by experienced backpacker Eric Flottmann, the small outdoor gear company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona and manages all of its shipping and customer service in-house. Fuel your next adventure and “Don’t Pack a Halfie(TM).” Follow FlipFuel® on Instagram here.
]]>By Kelvyn Abreu, Vermont State University
The outdoor education university program is excited to partner with Flipfuel and utilize their innovative product in our planning phase for our expeditions. Our program is dedicated to providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for our students, and the FlipFuel® fuel transfer device will allow us to enhance our planning prior to getting into the field.
In the outdoor education leadership and tourism program at Vermont State University, students can earn a Bachelors of Science in Adventure Education, Mountain Resort Management, or both! In these programs students are immersed in outdoor environments, learning about leadership, environmental ethics, and outdoor education theory. (Minors and Associates options are also available.)
With Flipfuel's device, our program will have the ability to combine isobutane canisters for our stove fuel, creating a more efficient and sustainable cooking method during our planning phase for expeditions.
We generally use canister stoves twice during our ultra light backpacking trips. Flipfuel allows us to not have to pack a half canister of isobutane into the field.
As an environmentally conscious program, we are committed to reducing our impact on the natural world while still providing meaningful outdoor experiences for our students.
Flipfuel's product aligns with our values and allows us to continue our mission of providing immersive outdoor education experiences. While also minimizing our environmental footprint by combining and properly recycling the used isobutane canisters. We look forward to incorporating Flipfuel's product into our program.
Are you ready to embark on thrilling outdoor adventures while pursuing a rewarding education? Look no further than VTSU Outdoors, where we offer an exceptional mountain resort management program and a range of exciting trips through our Adventures program.
Here's a glimpse of what sets us apart.
Immerse yourself in the world of outdoor hospitality with our esteemed mountain resort management program. We provide a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this industry. From guest services and operations management to sustainability practices, our program prepares you for a successful career in mountain resorts.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey with VTSU Outdoors Adventures Program! Conquer majestic peaks, carve your way through pristine backcountry slopes, and defy gravity with thrilling ice and rock climbing experiences. Enhance your skills with comprehensive avalanche safety training and rescue courses.
Brace yourself for the rush of white water as you navigate rapids and explore the untamed beauty of nature. Immerse yourself in captivating backpacking trips, where untouched wilderness awaits your discovery. Stay tuned for a series of unforgettable adventures that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep connection to the great outdoors.
Join us as we unlock the wonders of nature, catered to adventurers of all levels. With VTSU Outdoors, your passion for exploration will come alive in exhilarating and engaging ways. Get ready to embark on thrilling escapades, forge new friendships, and create unforgettable moments amidst breathtaking landscapes. Learn more about the program.
We take immense pride in being the only College/University Outdoor Education program in the country accredited by the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association). This prestigious accreditation recognizes our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and quality in outdoor education. When you choose VTSU Outdoors, you can trust that you're learning from dedicated and professional mentors.
At VTSU Outdoors, we understand the importance of efficient fuel management for our programs. That's why we utilize the innovative FlipFuel fuel transfer device. This cutting-edge tool has been a game-changer for us, offering numerous benefits:
At VTSU Outdoors, we believe in leveraging innovative solutions like FlipFuel to enhance our programs, provide exceptional experiences, and prioritize sustainability. Join us on our adventure-filled journey and be part of something truly extraordinary!
]]>As backpackers and outdoor adventurers, the FlipFuel team always keeps “Leave No Trace” principles top of mind. It is a part of our outdoor philosophy, and we want to bring these principles to our products. We are committed to working toward strengthening our sustainability and reducing our impact in our business, too.
As a new outdoor gear company, we see the environment as an important stakeholder, and we know it is extremely important to all of you — our outdoor community — as well. That’s why we are making steps toward sustainability with our new compostable packaging.
Compostable materials are usually constructed with plant-based fibers, such as corn and sugar cane. Instead of being tossed in the trash bin, such materials can be placed in a home composter or community composting facility. This means the item is added to soil and other organic materials.
Then, the components begin the process of decomposing. Eventually, it will break down into water, CO2 and biomass. This process usually takes around 180 days. Finally, it becomes organic material that can be used by the earth once more. The resulting compost can often be a helpful fertilizer for garden beds.
Compostable packaging is designed to break down naturally into nutrient-rich soil within a composting environment. It is a significant departure from traditional packaging, which often ends up in landfills and contributes to environmental degradation.
Compostable packaging has many benefits, including:
Our new padded envelopes are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and a fully biodegradable polymer called polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT).
PLA is a polyester derived from plant starch. It is obtained from sources like corn, cassava, maize, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. Through fermentation, the sugar in these renewable materials is converted into lactic acid, which is further processed to create PLA.
Sometimes called a “bioplastic,” PBAT is one of the few polymers that offers both sturdy physical properties and environmental performance. It breaks down completely when buried in soil and leaves no toxic residue behind. Better yet? It only takes six weeks to complete this process.
PLA and PBAT are 100% compostable materials. They are also strong enough to safeguard products and withstand tough weather conditions throughout shipping and delivery. In fact, the mailer is waterproof and will keep your FlipFuel® fuel transfer device and other purchases clean and dry.
Eco-friendly mailer design recap:
While our packaging might have changed, FlipFuel’s customer protection policies remain the same. You’re always protected in the event that a product in your order is damaged during carrier transit. The replacement process is super easy. Learn more about our return and replacement policies here. It’s important to us that you receive your order in its proper condition.
As always when it comes to sustainability, there is always more that can be done! This is our latest step toward reducing our environmental impact. It is a testament to our continued commitment to sustainability and a move to better align our business with our values — and yours.
Please stay tuned as we continue to reflect on our products and processes and incorporate sustainability in new ways. Have a tip? We’re always open to feedback and ideas. Send us a note on our Contact Us page. We’d love to hear from you!
]]>Want to learn how to start fly fishing?
Fishing is one of life's greatest pastimes. And fly fishing takes this outdoor activity to another level.
Wade into sparkling bodies of water. Spend the day with nature. And hopefully catch some fish, too.
It sounds simple, but fly fishing can take a bit of practice and preparation. There's finding the best fishing spots, learning casting techniques, knowing which rod and lines to get, and more.
That's why we turned to our friend Kris Stiltner of Stiltner Outdoors.
With more than 25 years of fishing experience (including as a guide for many years), we knew we could learn a thing or two. From Virginia, Kris is also one of our adventure partners. He uses FlipFuel for smart fuel management in the backcountry. (You can read his review here.)
I got started in trout fishing as a young kid following along with my dad and uncles on small mountain streams. I got obsessed with fishing and started going after other species including trout, bass, bluegills, and catfish.
I didn’t start fly fishing until I was about 20 years old and got hooked instantly. Now I fly fish 95% of the time but still enjoy bait fishing with conventional gear.
I love to set out “jugs” for catfish while out on my kayak, and I really enjoy surf fishing and saltwater fishing when I get the time to be at or around the beach.
I would say the top trout waters (and one of my favorites around me) would be the South Holston River in East Tennessee.
But I still love spending time on small local mountain trout streams where I grew up learning the sport.
For trout, I really love fishing in the fall-winter and early-late spring.
For bass, it's late spring-late summer.
There’s something to fish for year-round here in Virginia.
One that I fell for in my early days of fly fishing is that you need the absolute best top shelf gear. There’s so many good gear companies now that don’t break the bank.
I would say spend what you can without breaking yourself. There’s definitely a difference in gear quality between bottom shelf and top shelf gear.
But there is some really, really great fishing gear at the middle of the road price point.
I would tell someone starting out to look at a 9ft 5-weight rod (fly rod) and a reel with a good drag system.
It's an all-around good rod for most species. You can handle trout and bass on a rod like that.
Go ahead and spend the money on good waders and boots. Those will take most of the abuse as far as gear goes.
I recommend SIMMS waders if you can swing that money, but Compass 360 gear has really great waders at a more budget-friendly price. I’ve used both with great success and longevity.
Korkers wading boots - hands down the best boot out on the market. They have interchangeable soles - making it a breeze to change from felt to studded felt for different river and stream conditions.
I don’t currently do any guiding since the covid world shut down. After that, things didn’t pick back up. But if someone reaches out to me wanting a trip or suggestions, they can find me on instagram @ks_troutbum125 and shoot me a dm. I can point them to a few great outfitters in the area and could possibly jump back into the game myself.
Kris Stiltner is a husband and father of 3 (2 sons and a daughter). An avid outdoorsman, with over 25 years experience in hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping in the mountains of Virginia. Kris also is a member of the Mossy Oak Camo pro staff (8+ years and going), Mickwick All Natural Firestarter Adventurer team, and FlipFuel outdoor adventure partner.
Read about his outdoor gear reviews, outdoor tips and adventure stories at Stiltner Outdoors and on Instagram.
]]>The United States has 63 incredible national parks scattered across the country. Each one is special in its own way, but a handful of the parks are visited much more than the others.
The over-tourism of some parks has led to huge crowds, lines of cars to get in, reservation systems and damage to the natural landscapes in some areas. While you should absolutely visit places like Zion and Yellowstone at least once in your lifetime, you may have a better experience in less crowded parks.
This list covers details on five incredible national parks that tend to be less visited and crowded than others. Use this as a guide if you’re interested in avoiding the crowds on your next national park trip.
The Guadalupe Mountains are home to beautiful mountains, extensive backpacking opportunities and the tallest peak in Texas.
This park is a hiker’s paradise and a perfect place to go if you’re looking to escape the crowds. The park is remote so you will want to plan ahead by bringing food, filling up your car with gas and downloading offline maps.
If you are flying, the closest major airport to the park is in El Paso. From El Paso, it is about a 2 hour drive to reach the park.
The most famous trail in the Guadalupe Mountains is the trail to Guadalupe Peak, the tallest peak in Texas! There are incredible views at the top. The trail is 8.4 miles and has a lot of difficult and steep elevation gain. If you are able, the hike is incredibly rewarding.
For a trail that is a little easier, don’t miss Devil’s Hall. This 3.6 mile trail will lead you through a wash, over boulders and into a hall with 100 foot tall limestone rock faces towering up on both sides.
In addition to the incredible hiking throughout the Guadalupe Mountains, it is also worth visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Carlsbad is located under an hour from the Guadalupe Mountains.
All of the Mighty Five Utah national parks are incredible, but Capitol Reef is one of the most underrated.
While the park gets more visitors than the others on this list, most people only spend a day, yet the park has so much more to offer.
Capitol Reef has an interesting mix of natural beauty and history to explore. The park has beautiful hiking trails, off roading adventures, petroglyphs and even fresh baked pie! Don’t skip out on this park during a trip to Utah.
There aren’t any major airports close to Capitol Reef. You will likely need to rent a car and drive about 3 hours, but you have some options. If you want to combine your Capitol Reef trip with Moab, fly into Grand Junction, CO.
If you want to combine your trip with a visit to Bryce or Zion, fly into Cedar City or St. George. All of these airports are small, so you will find the most flight options if you opt to fly into Salt Lake City.
While most visitors only spend a day in Capitol Reef, there is so much to do if you have enough time and a 4x4 vehicle. With any vehicle, you can visit the main area of the park and eat a slice of pie from the Gifford Homestead, stop by the scenic overlooks and see historic petroglyphs.
A couple of the hikes that are accessible by any car include Cassidy Arch and Hickman Bridge, both are under 4 miles and considered moderate.
If you have a 4x4 vehicle, spend a day driving the Cathedral Valley loop or drive the Loop the Fold route that drives south around the park. Capitol Reef has endless hiking and adventures no matter your abilities.
North Cascades is the least visited national park in Washington but it’s full of beauty and hiking opportunities. Whether you are visiting to enjoy the scenic overlooks or go on a backpacking trip, the park offers no shortage of adventure.
The closest major airport to the park is Sea-Tac and it is located about 3 hours away.
Spend some time driving the North Cascades Scenic Highway and stopping at the scenic overlooks. The most famous spot is Lake Diablo, which has an incredible turquoise color. Other great stops include Cutthroat Pass and the town of Newhalem.
There are so many hiking trails in the area for all abilities. One easy trail is the Trail of the Cedars, which will bring you through an old growth forest with moss covered trees.
A more challenging yet still popular trail is Maple Pass. This loop is 7.4 miles and offers an incredible view of a lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail is best for experienced hikers, but there is an easier path to see Rainey Lake from the same trailhead.
In addition to hiking, you can also paddle in some of the lakes around the park. Bring your own paddle board to explore Lake Diablo or rent a kayak to explore Ross Lake.
No matter what you do, it will be easy to be left in awe of this park's beauty.
Congaree National Park is a gem in South Carolina with ample opportunities for paddling and hiking. The park is home to the largest intact area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern USA and is full of wildlife and beautiful trees.
Congaree is located just about 30 minutes from the Columbia, South Carolina airport or two hours from Charleston.
The most popular thing to do in Congaree is to hike the main boardwalk trail. The trail is less than 3 miles long and the flat surface is accessible. This is a great way to enjoy the views of the surrounding forest.
If you have more time and energy, there are many more trails to explore inside the park. Options include the Weston Lake trail, the River trail and more. Be sure to check trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out, as flooding is very common here.
Along with hiking, canoeing or kayaking is a great way to explore. There are a few different outfitters that offer guided paddling trips up and down Cedar Creek. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the environment.
Everglades National Park is a Florida park that has a lot more variety than you might imagine. While you may expect swamplands full of alligators, there are actually nine distinct ecosystems that make up the park. The park is a beautiful place to explore and see a range of wildlife.
You have several airport options in Southern Florida. You can fly into Fort Myers and visit from the west, or fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive in from the east.
The Everglades are vast in size and it’s worth spending time in each area. One popular area to explore is Shark Valley. Here you can either rent bikes or take the shuttle to the Shark Valley Observation Tower for expansive views from above the Everglades.
Another popular area of the park is the Royal Palm Visitor Center. There are two short, beautiful trails that begin here. Be sure to not miss the short and easy Anhinga trails for a great chance to see wildlife.
For a unique experience in the Everglades, take a ranger led wet walk, where you’ll walk into the swamp and to a cypress dome. This is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the landscape and learn about the plant life and ecosystems more deeply.
As you can see, there is so much variety in our national parks and it might be worth looking for a less crowded experience during your next national park road trip.
No matter where you go, be sure to respect the land you’re visiting and follow the principles of leaving no trace. Our national parks deserve to be protected for generations to come.
Lydia is an outdoor travel blogger and digital nomad who has been to 27 national parks. She loves to share unique outdoor experiences and help you add more adventure into your life. Discover more national park guides at www.lostwithlydia.com and follow along with daily outdoor adventures on Instagram.
]]>By Theresa Bridges, guest blogger and wilderness nutrition expert
You know what they say: Stay hydrated! But do you understand the meaning behind it? Staying “hydra-ted” means more than just drinking plenty of water.Electrolyte | Recommended Intake | Amount lost in sweat |
---|---|---|
Chloride | 2300 mg | 710-2840 mg/L |
Sodium | 2400mg+ | 460-1840 mg/L |
Potassium | 2500 – 3400 mg | 160-390 mg/L |
Magnesium | 500-800 mg | 0-36 mg/L |
Calcium | 1000-1500 mg | 0-120 mg/L |
Now that we know how awesome electrolytes are, where can we find them?
Electrolyte | Sources |
---|---|
Magnesium | Nuts, seeds, spinach, tofu |
Potassium | Avocados, bananas, beans, dairy, oranges, potatoes, coconut water |
Calcium | Dairy, dark leafy greens, legumes |
Sodium | salt, salty snacks, canned foods, prepackaged meals |
Chloride | Foods high in sodium |
Hydration is important for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can help to keep a schedule, so you don't overdo it!
Here is an example:
Electrolytes are important for athletes of all levels, both indoors and outdoors. They have many functions beyond hydration, including aiding in muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve function, and blood pressure control.
There are many sources of electrolytes available to athletes, so there is no need to worry about getting enough. However, dehydration can still negatively affect the body, so it is important to take precautions against it by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
By Eric Flottmann
Have you been thinking through your backpacking clothing system for upcoming backpacking trips?
Before the packing even begins, I always remind my hiking group and other wilderness backpackers: People pack their fears. Meaning: if someone thinks they are going to be cold, they will pack too much clothing. If someone thinks they are going to be hungry on the trail, they will pack too much food.
The phrase brings awareness to our personal tendencies and can help determine: Is this item necessary or is it too much?
Now, on to the packing.
This blog post covers how to create a simple and effective layer system. In other words, we’re talking about the clothing that should be in your pack and on your back.
My strategy would be considered “somewhat lightweight” as opposed to “ultra lightweight.” I usually keep my pack around 30lbs, including food, clothing and sleeping pad. This layer system doesn’t include a change of pants/shirt or extra running shorts. I often use this system for four-day trips, but it could certainly be used for section hiking or other long-distance hiking trails.
We’ll cover other backpacking systems — sleep system, best backpacking stove setup and so on — in future posts in our kit shakedown series.
Your base layer is the clothing that will be worn closest to your skin. It will be a key piece of dry clothing that will keep you warm at night. It functions as pajamas in pretty much all weather.
What type of material should be used for your base layer? I like to use a lightweight, moisture-wicking Capilene® long sleeve top and bottom.
Where should your base layer be kept? The base layer should be kept in your pack. It’s important not to hike in your base layer. Repeat: Do not hike in your base layer.
Why? Even if it’s really cold out, hiking is going to make you sweaty. Sweaty equals wet. You may also experience rain or snow while hiking. This also gets you wet.
This layer needs to stay dry. In addition to providing comfort, it’s always important to have dry clothing to change into for health and safety reasons.
When to use it? Your base layer is best used after you’re done hiking for the day, hanging around your campsite and/or going to bed.
The group hiking the Enchantments in Washington.
We went on a trip years back to the Enchantments. Our group backpacked the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state's Cascade Mountain Range, and we’re talking elevation gains of nearly 5,000 feet over several days.
In other words, the trek was cold, wet and pretty demanding. (It was also a trip of a lifetime.)
As we made camp later that evening, we discovered one of the hikers in our group made the mistake of wearing his base layer to hike that day. The sun started going down and the snow kicked up.
He had nothing dry in his backcountry backpack. We were at the top of this mountain and in a moment of panic. Fortunately, someone in our group had an extra dry layer to loan him.
Worse-case scenario? He could’ve also jumped in his sleeping bag and been fine. That said, these are the trade-offs you don’t want to have to think through at the top of a snowy mountain late at night.
Your mid layer is the layer of clothing that can be hiked in during the day and can go over your base layer at night.
What type of material should be used for your mid layer? My favorite is a water-repellent fleece. One with a hood is even better. Mine weighs about 10 ounces.
This one is similar to the one I carry with me, but any technical fleece should work great. Columbia, Patagonia, REI co op, Outdoor Research Helium etc. all offer perfectly good options. [Please note: No affiliate links here.]
Something to keep in mind when making material selections? Cotton kills. When cotton gets wet, it stays wet.
This can actually be helpful when hiking in the Arizona desert during summer months. That 110+-degree heat? Dip an item of cotton clothing in some water and wear it while hiking to help keep you cool.
In most other instances, however, a wet cotton mid-layer can be detrimental. This is especially true when hiking in colder weather. A fleece mid-layer with wicking properties is going to be a much better bet.
Weather certainly plays a role in clothing decision-making. And if you’ve done enough hiking — section hikes, thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, even weekend backpacking trips — you know weather in the backcountry can change quickly and often.
So, another piece of old hiker advice is: Start your day out cold.
As soon as you start moving, you’re going to get hot. It’s the case whether you’re skiing or hiking in 40-degree-and-below weather. Once you stop moving, though, it may be time to layer up again. Your body temperature could begin to drop once you land at your campsite.
“Start your day out cold” can help you determine the type of material for your mid-layer hiking clothes and also how many layers you will choose to wear while hiking or performing your day’s activity.
For me, a Capilene® base layer and fleece work for pretty much every kind of trip. Another go-to strategy? Two pairs of socks.
I wear a pair of socks. I carry a pair of socks. That’s it.
On the rare occasion that it’s going to be a super wet excursion, I might pack a second pair of socks with my backpacking gear. But that has only happened a handful of times. Two pairs total is almost always enough.
Which material to choose for backpacking socks? I always carry a Merino wool sock. My go-to is from the Smartwool® brand, which are 66% merino wool, 25% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, and 1% elastane.
If it gets wet, it’s going to dry out quick. For those multi-day hikes, I may do a quick river rinse of the socks in my pack. It’s an easy way to freshen them up a bit. But the sock material makes all the difference here.
Important note: I only rinse one pair. You always want to have at least one dry pair of socks. It’s a big safety thing.
More specifically, you want to keep your sleep socks dry. That’s a must-have.
Let’s say, for example, it’s super rainy or we have to do a bunch of creek-crossings that day. I get into camp later that night and my socks are completely soaked. I’m changing into my dry socks to sleep.
If I wake up the next day and yesterday’s hiking socks are still wet? I’m putting those wet socks back on to hike. This ensures that I keep my sleep socks dry. Obviously hiking in wet socks is not ideal, but having dry socks for nighttime is a non-negotiable.
I always pack a rain jacket even if there’s no chance of rain. This waterproof top layer is protective of your other layers and helps ensure a safe and enjoyable backpacking trip.
I rarely pack traditional rain pants. Instead, I prefer waxed canvas pants. It’s old-school tech, but it keeps me warm and dry.
When to use your rain shell? Anything more than misty weather, I’m breaking out my waterproof top layer. A fleece can withstand a bit of mist. But this is one of those instances when it’s better to be safe than sorry.
It’s better to get it out and on over your other layers than scrambling as a mist quickly turns into a downpour.
It’s also important to layer up before you start to get cold. It’s easier to stay warm than to warm yourself back up if your body temperature already dropped. Here are some additional layers to help you stay in front of it.
Beanie: A beanie is a great option for almost any backpacking trip. A warm hat provides all kinds of benefits, such as maintaining body warmth and adding another sun protective layer.
Insulation layer: This goes on top of a mid-layer top or fleece. I carry a hooded puffy jacket that is super warm and packs down into a small package. Keep in mind your insulator layer — in my case, a puffy jacket — might not be waterproof.
Gloves: These might be leather or fleece depending on the environment. Leather gloves are useful when trekking through overgrown brush, for grabbing firewood or when holding on to cables on a mountainside. They protect your fingers from potential damage. Fleece gloves protect your hands from the cold.
Fleece pant: This would be considered a mid-layer pant. These aren’t hiking pants. A fleece pant stays in your pack and you pull it out when it’s hella cold.
Example? At our highest camp while backcountry camping Glacier National Park, it got down in the low 20s. That night I slept in my base layer, hooded fleece top with a fleece pant and tucked myself into a quilt. I slept great — warm and toasty.
Be sure to stay tuned for other backpacking systems in our kit shakedown series, which will cover things like why I choose a quilt for my sleep system and what’s the best backpacking stove system. We’ll also be covering what to wear backpacking in the desert and hot weather in an upcoming piece.
As a recap, here are some good go-tos when thinking through your backpacking clothing and packing.
People pack their fears.
Do not hike in your base layer.
Cotton kills.
Start your day out cold.
Do you have other helpful packing phrases that should be on this list? Share with us on Instagram at @FlipFuel.
Eric, FlipFuel co-founder, is an Arizona adventure-seeker and technology entrepreneur. He’s hiked some of the desert’s most iconic trails, including Aravaipa Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Other backpacking favorites? West Clear Creek Wilderness in Coconino National Forest, the Enchantments in Washington, Glacier National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.
You’ll often find Eric leading the way on outdoor adventures. He teaches young scouts — including his two kids — outdoor skills and more as a leader for Scouts BSA and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Read more about Eric and the outdoors.
TEMPE, Ariz. — December 1, 2021 — FlipFuel, a new online outdoor equipment company, today announced the launch of its flagship product: a fuel transfer device for backpackers, campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers.
“Backpackers usually have a stash of half-empty fuel canisters hanging out in the garage – collecting dust,” said Eric Flottmann, co-founder of FlipFuel and Arizona technology entrepreneur. “It can be especially frustrating (and heavy) to pack more than one fuel canister for long-distance hikes. I needed a way to consolidate my own canisters and recognized I was not the only backpacker in this boat.”Isobutane canisters are regularly used to fuel backpacking stoves and other backcountry camping devices. Long-distance hikers often store fuel canisters in travel backpacks and bring them along long stretches of terrain, including the popular 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail.
As an alternative, the company launched the FlipFuel fuel transfer device, which allows users to combine two partially filled isobutane fuel canisters to make one full canister. In addition to saving pack space and weight, the ability to refill stove fuel containers turns a single-use tool into a reusable one. It also gives consumers an opportunity to recycle the completely empty fuel canister.
“We’re excited to bring smart fuel management to the camping community,” added Flottmann.The FlipFuel backpacking fuel transfer device is locally stocked in Tempe, Arizona and can be shipped to any state in the continental US. To learn more about FlipFuel, visit www.flipfuel.co.
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