Video of the trip here

This was a four day, 27 mile loop in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It becomes more of a rugged "route" than a trail for a portion of the hike. I hiked as far as I could before the storms started on the first day, then had a very short second day so I could fish all day. The third day was slow-going as I had to navigate the high route section, but it wasn't anything terrible. Fourth day was a long slog through the woods and a road walk to get back to my starting trailhead. Caught a ton of fish. Didn't see too many people until my final night, but overall the crowds weren't bad even for Labor Day weekend.

Found someone’s tent crushed by a tree about 4-5 miles into Colorado’s Fossil Ridge Wilderness on South Lottis Creek Trail. Nobody was inside and no gear was left behind, all the poles were stacked neatly beside the tent.
Looks like a mix of terrible and great luck!

I am more of a lurker, but since I have noticed the "Tent smashed by tree" post across a few different subs. Here is how I have always slept in a forest.

Next to a log that has been there for a while and won't be moving anytime soon, and if you are concerned just take the uphill side. If you are lucky enough you can sleep in-between a few deadfalls if you are in a real matchbox situation like I was a couple weeks ago in the Targhee.

If a tree falls you are protected, and they also keep the wind off ya... Just watch out for termites in the warmer months, they may interrupt your sleep, but you can snack on em: "Lbs for lbs more protein than chicken or beef.'

A thunderstorm came that night and the only thing that disrupted my sleep was heavy rain on my Basha, thunder, and later on some wolves howling... There could have been a few trees crashing as well, but they may have thought nobody was around (due to the camo) so they didn't make a noise.

TLDR: Stay safe sleep with a tree

Edit: I didn't mention it, but the Rifle and the Orange Hat were clues that I was hunting, and I assumed folks know how backcountry hunting works and that's my mistake, we all come from different backgrounds and yeah, my bad.

While hunting the Animal often dictates my camping area, and hunting goes until it is dark outside. I can check my map and see where the closest ideal campsite would be, but backcountry means back-frickin-country, 4 miles from the nearest trail and there was also a storm coming in. Instead of taking the risk of blowing my 9 days of previous hard work on that hunt or bushwhacking in the dark which isn't the safest bet in Grizz country, I chose to sleep in a matchbox of deadfalls and a mix of live and dead standing trees in a 50 year old burn. It is not ideal, if I was hiking the PCT or the AT I would just trudge on a couple miles and set up camp in a safer spot, but this is wilderness backpacking I am sure many of you go miles off trail and get where I am coming from, but I would still sleep next to a log in a forest when given the option, it's safer than nothing and blocks wind reflects body heat better than air.

Bivy bag, freezing temps, and possibly my smell after 9 days also means that bugs and snakes don't mess with me sleeping on the ground, I have never had an issue above 5k feet in the fall-early spring, if you haven't tried it, sleeping on the ground is "the way."

Hi everyone. This is a little early but I’ve finally gotten the urge to backpack camp and do longer hikes with the goal to hit Yosemite for my 40th.

Anyway next spring I’d like to try in West Virginia which is decently close to me in Ohio and has some amazing scenery. I know from researching Dolly Sods is somewhat overrated and not as easy to follow for a beginner so I was looking at the Seneca Creek area, specifically the Seneca creek trail because I love water and there’s some nice waterfalls and such there. However, I then saw some awesome overlook areas on the North Fork Mountain trail (photos here) and was wondering for those familiar with the area if it’s even feasible to somehow build that into a 3 day trip? It looks like there’s no connecting route or it’s very long right?

Hello all!

I'm quite new to backpacking, we started off this fall with short trips. I have an Esbit stove set, it's a small pot and lid with a combination stove/potstand thing that nests inside the pot when it's not in use.

I know the danger of the fumes from burning hexamine, and I know not to cook directly over it, but do I need to worry about unburned fuel or residue from the stove contaminating the pot?

This is a recent piece I wrote on my visits to the Eastern Sierras - backpacking, hiking, camping and fishing.

What was your first backpacking trip. I was thinking of doing Rockwell Trail in Kootenay. I do plenty of solo hikes but never a backpacking trip.

Share all your insight and information.

I like to eat fresh fish with lemon and butter. But I haven't found a way to keep salted butter in my ursack without it leaking everywhere. I've tried gaskets galore and ziplocs. I thought a small mason jar would work, but I'm worried about it breaking or at least being heavier than another equally good option. The main issue seems to be that temperature swings make the butter melt to liquid form and then it seeps through everything Ive tried.

I'm looking for some great options for Instant coffee beyond my Nescafe instant, but also not cost an arm and a leg per serving. So i'm curious in what your go to Instant Coffee on the trail is....

It’s on the heavy side for a spoon and a little small but LOOK AT HOW COMPACT IT IS!

Y'all please check this out and tell me if you can offer any advice as well thanks y'all.

Thought I’d share this beautiful night under the stars this last September in the Pyrenees with my friends,

Around 0c night temps and light wind made for a beautiful and comfortable stay at the top of the peak the sunrise and sunset were amazing

Obviously no trash or signs of us being there were left as it should be 🙏🏻

Next summer, my dad is showing me routes in the Jarbidge mountains. I want to map these trails to be able to give a route guide to others, what’s the best equipment for that? I know Garmin has watches that can do this, but what one should I go with? Most trips will be 2-3 nights.