Backpacking Gear
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Satellite vs Smartphone, I Use Garmin inReach
Why a Satellite Messenger Beats a Smartphone for Wilderness Safety By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I have tested gear in remote corners of the world for years. As Cap Puckhaber, I know a dead battery or failed signal changes a trip quickly. That’s why considering tools like Garmin InReach is essential for safety. Thinking a
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Best Backpacking Gear Wish List
Backpacking Gear Wish List By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’m Cap Puckhaber, a marketing professional, amateur investor, part-time blogger, and outdoor enthusiast. As someone who loves hitting the trails for multi-day trips, I know there’s always something new to improve the experience. The gear you choose can truly make or break your adventure. This decision
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6 Essential Knots Every Hiker Must Know
How to Tie 6 Essential Knots for Camping & Hiking By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’m Cap Puckhaber, a marketing professional, amateur investor, and part-time blogger. Above all, I’m an outdoor enthusiast. Today, we’re breaking down six crucial knots that every camper and hiker should know. When you’re out in the wilderness, knowing a few
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A Hiker’s Guide To Trekking Poles
Should You Hike With Trekking Poles? By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’ll be honest, for years I thought trekking poles were… well, a bit much. I’d see hikers clacking their way up a simple trail and roll my eyes. I’m Cap Puckhaber, and as a hiker based here in Reno, I’ve spent thousands of hours
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A Hiker’s Guide to Boots and Foot Pain
My 20-Year Journey in Finding the Right Hiking Boots By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’m Cap Puckhaber, and I’m a marketing professional, part-time blogger, and outdoor enthusiast. My first real backpacking trip over two decades ago was a complete disaster, but it wasn’t the pack weight, the rain, or my fitness level that nearly made
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A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking
My Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Gear, Planning, and Your First Trip By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’ll never forget the first time I tried to plan a backpacking trip. I had been on plenty of day hikes, but the idea of spending the night carrying everything I needed to survive on my back felt like
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Field Guide to Hiking Clothes and Gear Care
Why Your Rain Gear Fails By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada I’ll never forget the storm that rolled in on us in the Desolation Wilderness. One minute it was sunny, the next the sky turned a bruised purple and the temperature dropped 20 degrees. My buddy, who was wearing a cheap rain jacket he’d never washed,
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My 10-Year Journey to Find the Perfect Backpack
How to Choose and Properly Load Your Backpack By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada If you’re like me, choosing the perfect backpack feels a little like choosing a best friend. This is the piece of gear that will carry everything you need for miles—food, water, shelter, clothing, and those small comforts, like my beloved trail spoon
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Your Guide to Mastering the Wonderland Trail
The Ultimate Wonderland Trail Guide By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada The wonderland trail is one of the most majestic hikes in the world. Whether you’re doing a through hike or section hiking, there is so much to offer. From mountain views, prairies, streams, rivers and timber forests, you need to be prepared. The permit process,
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Backpacking Essentials Checklist For Beginners
My Top Picks for Backpacking Essentials By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada Looking for a no-frills backpacking packing list for 2-5 days? Here is my backpacking essentials checklist for everything you need to pack for a backpacking trip keeping it as light and as budget-friendly as possible! I am Cap Puckhaber, a wilderness expert and writer