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  • 4 different common tent stakes

    Holding Strength of 4 Common Tent Stakes

    We tested the holding power of four of the most popular and commonly used tent stakes to see how they performed. Here is what we found…

  • Spray Painting Tent Stakes

    Why You May Want to Paint Your Tent Stakes

    If you have tent stakes that are silver and are not colored at the top, they will likely be hard to see when you put them in the ground. Try this easy hack!

  • multiple different kinds of tent stakes laid out in a pile

    4 Types of Common Tent Stakes

    There are four basic types of commonly used tent stakes: the Y-stake, V-stake, Shepherd’s Hook stake, and the nail stake.

  • knives laying on scale

    What Type of Knife Should I Carry?

    Every thru-hiker and backpacker should carry a knife. The best knife is one that can carry out multiple functions and remain lightweight.

  • A Smartwater bottle, Hydro Flask, Platypus Water Bag, and Nalgene bottle next to each other on a table.

    The Best and Worst Backpacking Water Bottles

    We have identified two types of water containers you should avoid and two types you should consider using for your next thru-hike or backpacking trip.

  • shovel being measured

    Should I carry a shovel on my backpacking trip?

    If you are going on an overnight backpacking trip or a thru-hike, you should really carry a shovel with you to dig your cat holes.

  • a checklist of thru-hiking maintenance on top of some backpacks

    Thru-Hiker Maintenance Checklist

    Before every hike you should carefully inspect all your backpacking equipment to make sure everything is in good working order. For thru-hikers, gear should be thoroughly inspected and maintained at every town stop along their hike.

  • A backpack with an ice axe and hiking poles on the snow

    How to Attach an Ice Axe to a Backpack

    If you are hiking the entire PCT or CDT, you will likely need an ice axe at some point. Learn how to securely attach one to your backpack.

  • A WAG bag and a hand with a glove on holding the WAg bag gel powder next to it

    How much fluid can a WAG bag absorb?

    In this experiment we tested out the maximum amount of fluid a WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag could absorb.

  • Miscellaneous items such as toilet paper, Nalgene bottle, oatmeal etc. in a hiker box

    What is a Hiker Box?

    A hiker box is a box or area where hikers, trail angels, or others leave items for other hikers. They can be filled with all types of things.