Best kids backpacks and the best shoe holders: Set yourself up for success by taking steps to be sure you’re physically, mentally and logistically prepared for your trip. To get ready for backpacking, follow these tips: Get physically ready: You’re not training for a marathon, but even a short trip can be physically demanding. At a minimum do plenty of day hikes and be able to comfortably handle trails with a similar distance and elevation gain as your planned trip. Do at least a few pre-trip hikes of similar difficulty wearing a backpack loaded with 30-plus pounds. You can also read our article on Backpacking Training Tips and Exercises for workout ideas, though you don’t need anything this comprehensive for your first trip. Find more info on https://ilouxnei.com/shoe_holster.

This Onya Pure carrier is the newest addition to Onya’s lineup of excellent and versatile baby carriers that are great for longer treks through the great outdoors. Just as the Onya Outback is being phased out, Onya released this awesome Pure model that has similar versatility but with higher breathability and a simpler overall setup. The Onya pure supports newborns as small as 7 pounds and toddlers and bigger kiddos all the way up to 45 pounds. While we don’t suggest trying to lug around a 45-pound kid in a carrier during lengthy hikes, it can make a good back-up when their little legs get tired and they need a little boost. The Pure offers three carry positions: front inward-facing, rear inward-facing, and also hip carrying. In our testing, we found all of the positions pretty comfortable. The carrier offers versatility for strap configuration – you can configure it as an H, or as an X that crosses the straps across the back or chest. We definitely suggest the X cross-strap configuration for higher comfort over longer carries, and it’s a better option for parents who get uncomfortable with the straps rubbing under the arms.

Reducing backpack weight tip : Multi-use Vaseline. Other than the obvious lip moisturizer, Vaseline is essentially petroleum jelly which can be used for a variety of things. Got blisters? Rub a little Vaseline in between your toes or on your heel before you get going in the morning to reduce friction. Vaseline is a great slow burning fuel that can be used as a fire starter. If you have a fresh, uninfected wound, Vaseline (plus some duct tape) can help shield the sore from outside infection. Keep the big three ultralight. Sleeping bag. 18 oz or less. However, warmer sleeping bags contain more insulation and can weigh more. See ultralight sleeping bags. Read extra details on https://ilouxnei.com/.

Don’t hike in winter conditions unless you have experience doing so. Every year I see dozens of preventable hiker deaths in the winter. Hikers attempt a trail that’s straightforward in the summer, but in the winter becomes a mountaineering exercise. Don’t push yourself past your limits. Build your strength and distance in a gradual way. Stay hydrated and fed, even if you aren’t hungry or thirsty. Heed signs and warnings. Sometimes they seem very basic and aimed at beginners, but they’re there for a reason. Stay on the trail, avoid shortcuts, and always know where you are and where you’re going. Check out my “hiking for beginners” post to make sure you haven’t missed anything important. Leave your hiking plans with a friend or family member, along with a time that you will be back by. If you’re not back by that time, let them know that they should call 911 and alert the authorities of your situation. Usually this is as simple as forwarding a link to a hike web page in an email. Worth the 2 minutes it takes. Practice camping overnight with your emergency gear in your backyard (or a nearby park). Learn some primitive skills to help you survive in the outdoors. You can watch videos on Youtube, or even attend classes all over the country. I’ve gone to the Tom Brown Tracker school and it was pretty awesome. And even though I know primitive survival skills, I still bring all of the emergency gear that I mentioned earlier. It’s better to have as many options as possible.