u/soupy8

I live in the us and am getting ready for my first backpacking trip in Yosemite. I was looking up rules to be safe from bears while I camp and understand that a bear canister is necessary where I am camping and all items that carry a smell including all food and toiletries must be in the bear canister, 100 feet away from the tent.

What about any cooking pan/bowl/utensils? What if food spills on the ground while eating or on your clothes? Please share any other tips as well (even though they might seem common, I am new to all this information and scared to miss some of them).

I am 23M and have flat feet and lately I have been noticing pain in my arches more during exercise - like on a quick-paced treadmill walk or while playing table tennis or any other sport where I make many lateral movements/quick footwork. The pain is mostly during the workout itself unless it’s really strenuous and long then it carries a bit after. Otherwise the flat feet don’t bother me during regular day activities.

I have been wearing a pair of shoes that are a bit old but it’s not like this kind of pain is surprising or completely new to me. I don’t wear any special insoles or orthotics. In the past, a couple of primary care doctors have told me that flat feet are common and to wear “supportive” shoes. I wasn’t sure what my next steps should be.

Is it worth directly getting ready made insoles or custom orthotics? Or should I go visit a specialized doctor first and get their advice? If so should that be a podiatrist or an orthopedic specialist? Appreciate all help!

I am looking for a 3 season budget backpacking tent and was considering these (need atleast a 2p):

Ampex 3p backpacking tent - available at Costco for $165, but someone I know is willing to sell it to me for $130 used.

Naturehike backpacking tents - cloud up/mongar/star river. Not sure what the difference between these tents are and what option provides the best value. If someone could shed light on the difference between these models or their pro/UL versions too that would be appreciated.

Not too particular about weight but want it to be a value combination of lightweight and cheap. I haven’t been able to find many recent videos or reviews of this on YouTube or elsewhere, since they’ve updated some of the Naturehike tents.

I am looking for a 3 season budget backpacking tent and was considering these (need atleast a 2p):

Ampex 3p backpacking tent - available at Costco for $165, but someone I know is willing to sell it to me for $130 used.

Naturehike backpacking tents - cloud up/mongar/star river. Not sure what the difference between these tents are and what option provides the best value. If someone could shed light on the difference between these models or their pro/UL versions too that would be appreciated.

Not too particular about weight but want it to be a value combination of lightweight and cheap. I haven’t been able to find many recent videos or reviews of this on YouTube or elsewhere, since they’ve updated some of the Naturehike tents.

I am trying to buy a down or synthetic quilt that is rated 30 degrees or lower.