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How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Routes, Gear, and Logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a backpacking trip: choosing a route, estimating daily miles, handling permits, weather, gear, food and safety basics.
Backpacking & hiking
Pack smart, walk further.
Practical backpacking and hiking guides: planning trips, packs, tents, food, ultralight gear and choosing hiking boots.
84 in-depth guides 14 topics Oct 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Best Countries to Backpack In for Trekking and Travel
Compare the best countries to backpack in, from budget-friendly Southeast Asia to trekking hotspots, with tips on choosing by budget, season and experience.
Ultralight Backpacking Guide: Lighten Your Load Safely
Learn what ultralight backpacking means, how to cut pack weight step by step, and which safety items to keep so a lighter load doesn't become a riskier trip.
Backpacking Gear List: Everything You Need for the Trail
A practical backpacking gear list covering the big three, sleep system, kitchen, water, clothing, essentials and optional extras, with tips to avoid overpacking.
What to Look for in a Hiking Backpack
A practical guide to choosing a hiking backpack: capacity, torso fit, suspension, features, weight and how to test a pack before you buy it.
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Planning & Destinations
Trip planning, where to go and going ultralight.
Trip Planning 6 guides, starting with How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Routes, Gear, and Logistics. 6 guides Backpacking Destinations 7 guides, starting with Best Countries to Backpack In for Trekking and Travel. 7 guides Ultralight Backpacking 5 guides, starting with Ultralight Backpacking Guide: Lighten Your Load Safely. 5 guides
Packs, Tents & Gear
Gear lists, backpacks, tents and socks.
Backpacking Gear Lists 8 guides, starting with Backpacking Gear List: Everything You Need for the Trail. 8 guides Hiking Backpacks 4 guides, starting with What to Look for in a Hiking Backpack. 4 guides Backpacking Tents 4 guides, starting with Backpacking Tent Brands: How the Main Makers Compare. 4 guides Hiking Socks 4 guides, starting with Best Material for Hiking Socks: Wool, Synthetic, and More. 4 guides
Backpacking Food
Planning food and making your own.
Hiking Boots
Buying, styles, brands, fit and care.
Hiking Boot Buying Guide 6 guides, starting with What Is the Best Hiking Boot?. 6 guides Hiking Boot Styles & Uses 7 guides, starting with Waterproof Hiking Boots Review: Types, Fit, and Trade-Offs. 7 guides Mountain & Technical Boot Brands 6 guides, starting with Lowa Hiking Boots Reviews: Models, Fit, and Best Uses. 6 guides Trail & Everyday Boot Brands 8 guides, starting with Merrell Hiking Boots Reviews: Popular Models Compared. 8 guides Hiking Boot Fit & Care 7 guides, starting with How to Fit Hiking Boots: A Step-by-Step Guide. 7 guides