Backpacking

We’ve all been new at something at some point in our lives. And chances are, we weren’t great at that something right out of the gate. There’s a learning curve with most activities that can only be gained through experience. And that includes backpacking. But if you’re new to shouldering a pack and hiking off into the woods to spend a few nights under a canopy of trees, we’ve got your back. Here are 5 mistakes beginner backpackers make (so you can get them right and stop looking like such a noob).

I’m pretty sure no one wants to go backpacking in the rain. If those people exist, I haven’t met them yet. But I’m dubious of their existence because, generally speaking, not many people enjoy being soaking wet for days on end. Which is what happens when you go backpacking in the rain. Especially in cooler climates. But sometimes it’s unavoidable. Maybe you booked a campsite months ago and can’t get a refund. Maybe these are the only vacation days you get all year and you have to make the most of them. Maybe you’re traveling and this is your only chance to get out there and explore. Whatever the reason, if you’re going to go backpacking in the rain, there are ways to make it more enjoyable (and less miserable). And we’re gonna show you how!

Want to get into backpacking? We understand why. The call of the wild, sleeping under a canopy of stars, communing with nature, testing your survival skills, it’s a balm to the soul. But a lot of folks aren’t sure where to start when it comes to preparing for their first backpacking trip. Well, fortunately for you, we’ve put together this handy list of 10 backpacking essentials to help you on your way in our first of a series of Backpacking 101 posts. So gear up and wander on!

Nature therapy doesn’t get much better than solo backpacking. But I find that most people, especially women, aren’t all that interested in solo backpacking. Whether it’s because they think it sounds boring or lonely or they’re worried about safety, many will never attempt it. They’ll see this title and instantly shake their heads and utter a resounding, “Nope.” But you totally and absolutely should try solo backpacking! Especially if you’re female! Read on to find out how to do it right.

When it’s time to shop for a new sleeping bag, there are two main considerations for selecting the right bag for you: type of insulation and temperature rating. Every bag has the latter, usually right in the name of the bag, but those numbers may not mean what you think they mean. In fact, they could be up to 20º off, meaning you could be spending a very chilly night in the woods if you’re not careful! So allow us to enlighten you. Right here, right now, we’ll break down sleeping bag temperature ratings and help you find the right sleeping bag for you by explaining what the temperature ratings actually mean. That way, you can sleep comfortably in the great outdoors any time of year.

Whether you’re in new, unfamiliar territory or your own backyard, we all need a little help locating the best hikes nearby from time to time. Sometimes it’s simply because you …

Here are a handful of wilderness first aid training courses you can take online now or in-person later. Happy learning! And stay safe out there!

Looking for a water bottle that doesn’t take up much space? We rounded up the 5 best collapsible water bottles on the market designed with travel in mind.

If you’ve been following Terradrift for any length of time, you know how we feel about coffee. (We really, really love it.) And while we have our preferred methods of making it at home, the best ways to brew coffee outdoors sometimes look a little different. Mostly because we don’t have access to things like electricity, induction cooktops and a ton of space in our backpacks. But fear not! There are still many ways to prepare a stellar cup of coffee when you’re camping or backpacking. Watch the video to get the full run-down, then read on for a breakdown of weight and ease-of-use. Drink up!

I think we can all agree that this is a wild and unprecedented time we’re living in, right? And a lot of information, both helpful and incorrect, is swarming our …