r/WildernessBackpacking

I'm just wondering how how many other women on here are wearing a hiking dress or a suitable regular dress when out on the trail. Any particular brand and what are your experiences?

At one time I wouldnt have considered a dress or a skirt as a viable option. But that was years ago and in the last few years I've pretty much moved over to always wearing a skirt/dress in regular life anyway. Not sure exactly why/when, it just sort of happened and I guess its just more me and I'm more comfortable that way. So it's always felt a bit odd and a downer on a warm summer day to have to switch from a comfortable skirt to shorts to just go hiking. And TBH I've never felt that I look good in shorts and they always seem to pull and bind a bit.

Last year I ditched the shorts and just wore skirts. The key for me was not to go too long. This was a big success and I wish that I'd done this before. This year being a nice summer here in the UK I been wearing dresses when hiking. Again the length seems to be key. No longer than knee length and better just on the upper side of the knee. That seems to be very practical for me. Nowdays there are a lot available for day to day wear which are in that category. I have not been wearing any which have been specifically marketed as "Hiking dress" or skirt. Just suitable every day ones.

I just competed a five day hike and wild camp along the Ridgeway long distance path here in southern England. The two I wore were.

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/ayacucho-womens-palisades-dress-B11DD90194.html

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/p/035129/mw/santorini-womens-uv-jersey-wrap-dress/coral/?UserID=21891836

I did take some leggings just in case but never needed them. They were just dead weight

I'm really happy that this has been such a success in practical terms and I can finally ditch the shorts which tbh I've never like that much. I interested to know what others are wearing both in dresses/skirts specifically marketed for "hiking gr "travel" or just regular wear? And your experience?

Finally there will come a time (fortunately a long way off yet) when the days will get cooler and summer dresses wont be appropriate any more. How to handle that? Suitable skirts? leggings or tights come to mind. Any thoughts?

With the above in mind I'm thinking perhaps this. I've always liked Fjällräven products. Maybe a bit longer than I would like but I could always hem up a bit. (also its on sale at a local store right now)

https://www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/women/trousers/shorts-skirts/vardag-skirt-w/

Anyhow what are you wearing and experiences please.

I'm traveling from WA and parking at Tin Cup Trailhead. Here in WA I would leave a NW Forest Pass on my vehicle and register at trailhead for a permit (when they are free issue of course). I know the permit will be free issue in ID, but what do I need to park the car? I tried calling the ranger station and sadly the recording says "we're doing the best we can with the resources we have, that means no one will answer the phone".

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Newbie here, gearing up for my first backpacking trip. I have been collecting a combination of new and used items and researching the best I can. I'll be taking the Salmon Creek Trail (Mt Hood National Forest) next weekend and was wondering about the best way to store food? I am currently thinking about getting a second hand bear cannister but it looks like it would take a lot of space in my pack and the ones I see one facebook marketplace I think are all around 2.5 lbs? I just don't trust my ability to properly hang a bear bag and I don't want to spring for an Ursack yet until I am sure I like the hobby.

I've been wearing nike (synthetic) sports bras. Other recommendations? Should I go for merino?

Hello all, I’m very new to this hobby and have gotten the majority of my gear but am stuck on finding a good sleeping set up. I’m a side sleeper through and through and definitely struggle to sleep on my back. Any suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreciated!!

Me and my buddy are trying to plan a 5 day trip sometime in late August anywhere in the cascades, I would love to hear some suggestions on any sights that we would have to see in that area. The Glacier Peak Wilderness looks pretty alluring with lots of great potential for a big loop. I doubt daily mileage will be anything crazy since we will be there just to enjoy it since that area is quite a drive for both of us. Thank you in advance!

Basically the title, me (17m) and my friend (18m) will be driving from illinois to alaska, and then flying into Katmai to camp in the backcountry. We’re going to be going around July 2027. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! (obviously we are aware of the bears, thats why were going to katmai)

I have a friend from Hawaii coming for a visit in August. She would like to do a 3-4 day backpacking trip while she is here. I've done these with her before but our trips have been pretty close to sea level. She would like a trip that gets us up into the mountains but is not a difficult trek. Long hikes are not a problem, but steep elevation would be for her. Any suggestions? I'm also willing to consider southern Colorado. Thanks.

Bright Angel Campground

I've wanted to spend a night at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for years. Like a lot of people, I'd looked over the edge and tried to imagine what it would feel like to stand down there beside the Colorado River. It's truly impossible to comprehend until you’re actually down there.

I also filmed the entire adventure if anyone wants to see the full hike - link is here.

I was lucky enough to score a last-minute week-day permit and called a buddy who as it turns out has never backpacked before. Thankfully he was in marathon shape. We also packed a few humble luxuries like camp chairs, a cast iron pan and a pound of frozen ground beef for trail tacos.

The first Trail Taco test was a huge success

We camped the night before in nearby national forest and then started our hike down the South Kaibab Trail around 9am. The trail was packed with sightseers, day-hikers, trail runners and backpackers. Every switchback seemed to peel away another layer of the canyon.

The trail has a rhythm to it. Ooh Aah Point gives way to Cedar Ridge, then Skeleton Point, and eventually The Tipoff where you have a shaded shelter to rest at. By this point it was getting pretty warm around 80 degrees but it felt hotter as there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The further down we went the walls rise higher, the air grows warmer, and the Colorado River which looked like a ribbon from up above becomes a tempting oasis.

Couldn't wait to get to the Colorado River

There's something amazing about soaking my beat and bruised feet in the Colorado after hours of descending. Phantom Ranch felt almost surreal, a tiny village built out of stone where backpackers from every corner of the world seemed to share the same exhausted grin, air-conditioning and the cafe’s signature lemonade. Yes, there is a working restaurant and gift shop at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

We got one of the last sites Bright Angel Campground right next to the creek. There were issues with the water line to camp so we had to do the ½ mile hike to the only working spigot at Phantom Ranch a few times over our stay. At night everyone used the redlight on their headlamps to minimize disturbance. Also, there were tons of deer milling around the creek.

Our creek-front campsite

Everyone talks about hiking into the Grand Canyon. They should. But hiking back out is what counts. We saw a number of people way down on the trail who we had serious concerns about their ability to get back out.

4,800+ feet of climbing doesn't sound real until your legs have to negotiate every one of those steps. The canyon has a way of humbling you. And then you start to feel the altitude near the canyon’s rim over a mile high.

I've hiked in a lot of beautiful places, but there's something different about the Grand Canyon. Its views are otherworldly, the trail impeccably maintained and the rim-side visitors center is sort of a Disneyland for outdoorsy people

I’m happy to answer any questions about permits, gear, March conditions, or the route if anyone is planning the trip.

Huge thank you to the men and women who work in the National Park and keep the trails maintained and the lemonade stocked. We appreciate you.

Elk!

Have next week off and want to do a backpacking loop in the Wind River range. Aiming for something between 25-40 miles, 2-3 nights. Looking for the loop with the best possible views. Since we are going during the week, I am hoping crowds won't be too bad. I am aware that mosquitos will be brutal. We are experienced and in shape so difficulty is not an issue. Any suggestions? Also, specific camp site recommendations with great views would be awesome if you have them.

Hey all! I didn’t grow up camping, but started when I moved for college. I fell in love! I have worked as a backcountry guide in that time since then, and camp in my free time as well. A few years ago, I started randomly experiencing panic when in a tent. Not a slight panic, I mean full-blown think I’m going to die, considering EVAC panic. It is like claustrophobia meets insane inability to adjust to the dark, so I can’t actually see anything and just feel a visceral fear.

Most of the time I camp, I cowboy it and just sleep under the stars. But there are situations where I have to set up a tent obviously, and now the fear of the panic that might come just brings it on even more. Usually, if I step outside and breathe it helps a bit, but not always. I actually had to be taken out of the field at one point. I have stopped guiding because of this, and it HURTS my soul so much. I know a lot of it is just exposure and making myself realize that I am safe, but I’m wondering if anyone else has dealt with this and what helped them?

I would love to get back to guiding, but fear that this panic will happen. No one wants a guide experiencing panic. I have seen a therapist for it, and honestly there’s not much they’ve said that has helped. I do have meds to take in the event it gets bad, and I’ll take them on a private trip but I also don’t love taking sedatives in the backcountry and wouldn’t even think about taking them while guiding participants. Black out tents are a NO GO for me, but my tent isn’t a blackout one. It’s also a 2person that comfortably can fit 2 people and a large dog, so it’s fairly spacious.

TLDR: started experiencing terrible panic from tents, forcing me to stop guiding. Need any suggestions or recommendations for steps to get over it.

Due to life circumstances (kids) it’s been almost 10 years since my last true backpacking trip. my wife bought me and MSR guardian about 10 years ago and I’ve never had a chance to use it. Is it good to go out of the box or do I need to do anything before using it… is there a shelf life or life span for it? Any insight or tips would be appreciated :)