r/CampingandHiking

I stumbled across this book from another post recently that completely changed how I think about food.

We’re so used to fridges, supermarkets, and next day delivery that I honestly never stopped to think about how people actually ate before all that existed. This book is basically a collection of old recipes that were designed to last months or even years without refrigeration. The same kind of food our great grandparents (and great great grandparents) relied on.

What surprised me most wasn’t even the recipes, it was the mindset. Everything was about making food stretch, using what you had, and not relying on systems that could disappear overnight. Reading it made me realize how dependent we are now compared to even a couple generations ago.

I’ve tried a handful of the recipes so far. Some are definitely outside my normal rotation, but a few were genuinely good and oddly satisfying knowing they’d keep without power or fancy storage.

It’s less of a cookbook and more of a little history lesson disguised as one. Made me appreciate how resilient people used to be, especially when it came to food. I wanted to make this post as a bit of a shoutout to the creators for putting it together and the person who shared it here a couple months back (I couldn't find the old post to go back and comment).

Here's the website I bought the cookbook from, it's a pretty niche book so I don't think it's available on any mainstream platforms - survivalsuppers.com

hey all, i have this icebreaker merino-tencel lightweight longsleeve shirt, that just got destroyed on the bottom part during my last hike (Wiedweg, Germany, last week). it was worn under a heavyweight Sarma merino-poly hoodie, never direct contact with the backpack (Gossamer Gear Gorilla).

same thing happened with other merino blend shirts during summer hikes, where there was direct contact, desfruxtion happened faster, so i am (and my wallet is) kind of tired of buying a new shirt every season, but here comes my question: what else, if not merino? i just cannot stand the technical fabrics, already tried some (patagonia, arc'teryx, etc), and the feel of the fabric and the stench of it after a day just kills me.

what are you wearing for a multiday hike?

Had to ditch the big towel for a small one, also ditched the headlamp and some food. There should be places to eat and resupply on every day of the trip so I'm really only carrying food for one day in case of emergencys/slow days/what not.

Edit: Super happy about critique/feedback

Final weigh in at 16,5lbs not including 4,5lbs water weight of the full bladder.

Last night I wrapped up my 2026 dehydrating spree. I made 17 meals at a cost of $42.84. That's $2.52 per meal!

Meals include:

• Jerk chicken with pineapple, veggies black beans and rice (3)
• Thanksgiving dinner (4)
• Cuban coconut chicken with black beans, veggies, bananas and rice (inspired by Backpacker's Pantry Cuban coconut black beans & rice) (3)
• Spanish chicken, black beans and rice (5)
• Mulligatawny (new recipe) (2)

I have a 10-night trip coming up in June, then a 9-night trip in July, so it made sense to do one mass dehydrating marathon.

These meals are seasoned and proportioned to my liking; feel free to adjust them for your palate.

A little over a year ago I stopped paying for camping apps.

After years of camping, it felt pointless to pay for access to information about places that are entirely on our public lands. Shouldn’t this info always be free & accessible to all of us?

I’d been tinkering with something on the side for a while at that point – just a way to keep track of spots I’d found so I didn’t forget them. Eventually I turned it into a small app and put it out there.

Didn’t expect much to come from it, but over the past year, thousands of people have downloaded it and continue to use it for their adventures. They’re also contributing every single day. That part’s been pretty incredible to watch. I still work a full time job and haven’t spent a dime on paid ads.

Since then, I’ve added a couple things I always wished I had when planning trips, like being able to quickly check cell service or how dark the sky is in an area, of course all for free.

If you’re curious to try it, just search “Campsite” on your app store and please let me know what you think! Always looking to hear feedback from the community ⛺

I know tigers kill far more people every year than grizzly bears, but I wonder if population demographics play a role. Tigers are native mostly to South / SouthEast Asia where nearly 3 billion people live. This high population density means far more encounters as opposed to grizzlies who live in very sparsely populated regions. So my question is if tigers are actually a danger to hikers, or if they are actually like grizzlies where you just need something like bear spray and you’re safe to hike in their territory?

I recently climbed Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, via the Sta. Cruz Trail and exited through the Kapatagan Trail / Sitio Paradise side. I’m sharing this for anyone planning their first Mt. Apo hike because this mountain is absolutely worth it, but it is not something I would recommend doing casually.

Mt. Apo is not just a “book a tour and show up” kind of hike. It is a serious multi-day climb that requires permits, physical preparation, proper gear, and respect for local rules. The summit is amazing, but the real challenge is everything before and after it: the paperwork, the cold campsites, the Boulder Face, the sulfur vents, the muddy forest, and the long descent.

My route was:

Davao City → Sta. Cruz Tourism Office → De Sander / Sitio Baras jump-off → Tinikaran Camp → Boulder Face → Mother Peak → Lake Venado → Kapatagan Trail → Sitio Paradise exit

A few things that stood out to me:

1. The permit process is real.
You need proper coordination before climbing. A guide is mandatory, and the LGU process includes permits, document checking, medical certificate requirements, briefing, and waivers. Do not assume you can just walk in and climb.

2. The Sta. Cruz Trail is dramatic but demanding.
This route gives you the classic Boulder Face experience. It is scenic, volcanic, and memorable, but it also requires focus. The boulders are sharp, exposed, and physically tiring.

3. The sulfur vents are intense.
The smell can be very strong, especially when the wind shifts. A normal thin mask may not be enough. Bring a buff or better face covering.

4. Lake Venado is beautiful but cold and damp.
It looks peaceful, but the campsite can be wet and very cold at night. Waterproof your camp clothes and sleeping gear properly.

5. The Kapatagan descent is harder than it sounds.
The exit trail has mud, roots, slippery clay, and long downhill sections. Trekking poles helped a lot. Good shoes matter here.

6. A porter is worth considering.
I know some hikers want to carry everything themselves, but Mt. Apo is a multi-day climb. If your pack is heavy, a porter can make the Boulder Face and descent much safer and more manageable.

7. Do not underestimate the cold.
It may be in the Philippines, but the summit and high camps can get very cold, especially before sunrise.

8. Do not bring a Bluetooth speaker.
Mt. Apo is considered sacred by local communities, and many hikers go there for the mountain experience, not loud music. Use earphones if you want music.

Things I was glad I brought:

• Deep-lug trail shoes
• Trekking poles
• Rain jacket
• Fleece or warm layer
• Rubberized gloves
• Buff or mask
• Headlamp
• Dry bags
• Waterproof pouch for power bank and electronics

Mistakes I would tell first-timers to avoid:

• Do not rely on outdated fees or old blogs.
• Do not book during possible closure dates without verifying.
• Do not bring cotton clothes.
• Do not overpack.
• Do not skip waterproofing.
• Do not treat Mt. Apo as an easy beginner hike.
• Do not forget that the descent can be just as hard as the ascent.

Overall, I would say Mt. Apo is worth it if you are physically prepared and mentally ready for discomfort. It is best for trained hikers, prepared first-timers, and people who want a serious mountain experience.

It is not ideal for casual tourists expecting an easy summit photo.

Hope this helps anyone planning their first Mt. Apo climb. Train properly, pack smart, respect the mountain, and verify all details with the local tourism office or your organizer before the trip.

Tried it out and felt that it was good in the store, but after wearing it and walking in the city felt like it was bumping my right toe. Is this psychological or should I buy a new shoe (no return policy)

Hiya!

Went out for a weekend to the mountains in Sierra Guardarrama National Park! (Madrid, Spain)

Took a pretty intense route up, but eventually made it up and found a spot for my hammock and canned fish!

Passed a few cool waterfalls as wel!

Question:
Any people familiar with the region and has some tips ? (I Prefer to overnight up the mountains with hammock are mat)

If been around a few times now, but I’m sure there is a lot to discover!

I’ve been to:

- Pena Lindera
- Cancho de los muertos
- La maliciosa (highest point)
- Cancho Negro
- Pico Penalara
- Pena Carabitas

If there are some spots, let me know in the comments!

Also, planning a trip to the Dolomites in Italy soon! (Tips welcome!)

Have a look at the trip,

Enjoy !