HIKING THE EPIC AMATOLA TRAIL – South Africa’s Most Challenging Trail
One of the most remarkable aspects of our journey was the ever-changing landscapes. From dense forests to open vistas, from cascading waterfalls to towering peaks, each day brought new wonders to behold. The transition from the lush Enchanted Forest to the expansive Tyume River basin felt like stepping into a different world altogether, a testament to the incredible diversity of the Eastern Cape's natural beauty.
Backpacking Food Hacks to Keep You Eating Well Anywhere
Reward yourself on your first day out with a delicious milkshake. Just grab a pint of ice cream right before you start hiking, seal it in a bag, wrap it with an insulating layer, and in a few hours, open it up and enjoy.
How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier
Water purifiers also combat viruses, which are too tiny for most filters to effectively catch. If youāre traveling in less-developed areas of the world, consider products that also provide protection from viruses (such as hepatitis A, rotavirus, and norovirus).
Eating Right while Hiking and Camping
After a few days in the backcountry, it seemed as if food became less about sustenance and more an obsession. Upon reaching a fellow hiker, a common question became: āWhat are you eating?ā In town, many of us headed straight to the junk food aisle to pick up sugary pastries, pizza, and ice cream.
Meal Planning for Ultralight Backpacking
To lighten your food load and still get the calories and nutrition you need to maintain your stamina on the trail, aim for nutritious foods that are high in calories relative to weight and volume. Choose foods that provide at least 100 calories per ounceā125 calories or more per ounce is even better.
How to Treat Water while Hiking or Camping
After heavy rain, wait before gathering water for treatment.Ā When streams are on the rise, rain has washed surface material into them, as well as lakes and other water sources. This increases bacterial loads and muddies up gathered water.
Backpacking Food Ideas & Meal Planning
You can take most foods backpacking, but itās best to stick with foods that are portable, lightweight, and not too bulky. Fortunately, there are ways to take backpacking versions of your favorite mealāfrom burrito bowlsĀ toĀ tuna noodle casseroleāwhether you dehydrate the meal at home,Ā buy ready-to-eat dehydrated mealsĀ that only require adding hot water, or assemble your meal from a mixture of fresh and dry ingredients.Ā
How to Choose Headlamps
Headlamps today use LEDs almost exclusively as their light source. LEDs are rugged, energy-efficient, and long-lasting.
How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger
PLBs and satellite messengers are your two best options for sending distress signals when on an outdoor adventure.
How to Choose Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reduce eyestrain in bright conditions and protect you from flying debris and other hazards.
How to Choose Sun-Protection (UPF) Clothing
Choosing clothing that has been designed for sun protection and tested to confirm its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) will give you greater control over your total level of UV exposure.
How to Choose Travel Clothing
Fabrics should breathe well, wick moisture away from your skin, and dry quickly. Cotton, while OK for casual wear, is generally less suited for traveling than the fabrics listed below.
How to Choose First Aid Kits
Even if you pack only a small first-aid kit, youāll have a great resource for treating minor issues and for preventing them from becoming major ones. Managing aches and pains also makes any trip more enjoyable.
How to Choose and Use Sunscreen
Sun rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the source of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, which more of us get than all other cancers combined.
How to Stay Hydrated on the Trail
A good general recommendation is about oneĀ half-liter of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures. You may need to increase how much you drink as the temperature and intensity of the activity rise.
Backpacking Repair Kit Checklist
Small gear emergencies and inconveniences with these easy-to-carry repair supplies
10 tips to prepare yourself for a cycling race
Whether you're aspiring to race in the Tour de France or simply enjoy cycling as a form of exercise, applying these ten training strategies will help you become a better, faster, and more efficient cyclist, no matter what speed or distance you ride.
How to Choose and Use a GPS
A handheld GPS receiver remains a valuable outdoor tool for hikers and other backcountry explorers.
How to Read a Topo Map
A magnetized compass and a paper map are part of theĀ Ten Essentials.
