I am frequently asked backpacking and hiking questions.  Questions like “where should I go” and “have you been to…” and “what gear do you recommend” and “where can I buy…?”  So to help answer those questions I thought I would put together my Top 5 Backpacking and Hiking Resources.  I have divided up these resources into a few groups but I am only giving you 10.  Here goes…

General Hiking and Backpacking

1.      Backpacker Magazine and Backpacker.com :  This package deal offers quite a bit of inspiration for me.  I find that many of the articles give me great trip ideas and they usually include information on which maps to get, how to get to the trailhead, etc.  There are also articles covering environmental issues, gear and outdoor trends.  Although these are not the main reason I enjoy reading Backpacker, they are an added plus (even if the gear they usually review is not quite up my alley).

2.   REI stores:  Every time I have been to an REI store, I come back with trip ideas.  Their staff is usually comprised of outdoor enthusiasts and if you chat with them long enough, then you get some great trip ideas.  REI also offers programs to the public, sometimes free, other times for a minimal cost.  I have learned a bit about GPS from one of their programs and have wanted to attend numerous other programs but my closest REI is an hour each way from my house. 

The chain of stores, and their website, offer gear for purchase and an outstanding customer satisfaction guarantee.  They also have a used gear sale a few times a year for their members.  In addition, if you like other outdoor activities, REI has an array of gear for most outdoor pursuits.  Finally, some stores rent gear, invaluable if you are trying to ease into an activity.

Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking (LW and UL Backpacking)

3.      Backpacking Light:  widely regarded as the go to resource for lightweight and ultralight backpackers.  Want to have a base weight of 5 pounds before adding in food, water and fuel?  This is the place to come for info.  Want to learn about some crazy trips?  This is the place to search around.  Try some of their podcasts or read some of their articles.  Join in and garner new info from the forums.  Like to make your own gear…then check out the MYOG forum.  You won’t be disappointed.  Just a warning, some of their content is for “Members Only”, but non-members can access quite a bit of  free content and use the forums (you will have to sign up for an account but it’s free).

4.      The Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick-Off Party (ADZPCTKO) and the PCTA’s Trailfest:  These are two separate events but they are both the main way that LW and UL backpackers can see and try lightweight gear made by cottage manufacturers.  Since most of our LW and UL gear is made by small organizations, they are tough (almost impossible) to find in stores, these events usually have a vendor section and guess who the vendors are…our cottage manufacturers. 

Make Your Own Gear     

5.      Thru-hiker.com:  This site is managed by AYCE (pronounced ace).  AYCE is a wealth of knowledge about making your own gear.  On his site he has info about making your own gear, has material and supplies available for purchase, and offers pre assembled kits that you can buy to make at home.  This is a great way to stay involved with hiking and backpacking in the winter months, save money and get a better understanding of how gear is made.  Although I haven’t made any of my gear, I have had many friends who have used AYCE’s kits and report them as being easy to follow but if they did have questions, AYCE was quick to respond to requests for help. 

So those are my Top 5 Hiking and Backpacking Resources.  I hope they help you in your endeavors to get outdoors.  Please remember these are just my favorites right now, what are your favorites?