Mike Goad on April 29th, 2007

If you have a choice between camping in the trees or in a meadow, choose the trees. Meadows are colder and dewier in the morning, and they are also damaged more easily by frequent use.

Source: “Secrets of the Guides,” Backpacker, September 2005

Continue reading about Sleep in the woods.

Mike Goad on April 28th, 2007

Most food should be removed from its commercial packing and placed in sealable bags before packing your backpacks. Sealable bags secure food and reduce bulk and garbage. Empty bags can be placed inside each other and packed out for reuse at home. This method can reduce the amount of garbage your group must pack out at the end of the trip and eliminate the undesirable need of stashing or burying unwanted trash.

Source: Leave No TraceĀ 

Continue reading about Food for the trail - bag it!

Mike Goad on April 25th, 2007

Know your hike and your terrain. Plan for the journey by researching the area on the web. Simply type the park’s name into a search engine, and see what you find. Chances are, the park’s site will offer loads of online information about their best season, activities, trails, and even numbers for contacting the Park Rangers. Some of these sites will even offer printable trail maps online. Be sure to talk to a local Ranger prior to the hike, and ask for information regarding safety and environmental issues. The Park Ranger knows the area well enough to steer you clear of danger and towards the best sites on the trail.

Source: Kaboose

Continue reading about Plan Ahead.

Mike Goad on July 3rd, 2006

With campground camping, because you drive to your campsite, you can bring along camp conveniences and recreational equipment that is heavier (like canoes, an inflatable kayak or raft with PFDs) than hike-in campers can manage.

L.L. Bean

Continue reading about Campground Camping