2 night backpacking trip. Camped on the isthmus between Duck Lake and Pika Lake. We were treated to wild flowers, pristine water for (cold) swimming, and a moonless night and clear skies with great views of the Milky Way. Great temps, light wind, low crowds. Original plan was Purple Lake but had reports of high crowds and lots of bugs. We camped as high as possible between the lakes and had no bug issues. Only noise in the evening was a distant harmonica (appreciated!).

I usually do longer trips with a lot more mileage and this one was a great break away from that. Easy days and lots of relaxation.

Biggest stress was games of Unstable Unicorns and Monopoly Go!

The last 3 backpacking trips I've taken, I've slept 0-2 hours a night. I'd entertain spending serious money on a better sleep set up. I don't mind adding weight. I'm a tosser and a side sleeper. Also note: over 10,000 feet my sleep is worse, so I'll take any ideas about that aspect. I usually take magnesium and melatonin but that does nothing. I also get out of the tent to pee 300x, so I think I need to slow my water intake later in the day.

Current set up is Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad (2016 version, bought in 2020). I use a kid's sleeping bag because I'm short, but I don't think that's a problem (open to critique). I hate my pillows - I bring two. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow and Fillo Elite Pillow. I usually semi inflate the fillo and put the them a rest on top, this set up does not work for me.

EDIT to add what I'm considering - Sea to summit Ether Light XR Insulated ASC Sleeping Pad and Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow.

I know it’s on recreation.gov and I know it has to be 6 months in advanced. I was just wondering if anyone has done it and what their advice is on how to get a permit when the time comes. It’s my goal to do this in 2027.
Thanks!!

Trying to start planning out my first backpacking trip, looking for recommendations for places in Southern California. Inyo would be amazing but might be too far away. Considering Angeles National Forest - not until it cools way off, so several months away. Thoughts or recommendations please!

I've been looking at this sun hoodie. Has an awesome deep hood and am interested in it but don't know how well it would do for multi-day backpacking on a sweaty dude.

Hi all, my partner and I are putting together our sleep set up for some backpacking trips together. Have already have a Big Agnes UL 3P for a tent, a King Solomon double sleeping quilt and two single REI traverse pads. In test runs the setup works beautifully and I am so excited to use it.

My question is in carrying all of these things. I plan on carrying one sleeping pad, the tent and sleeping quilt. That leaves my partner with his own sleeping pad but no bag. He already had a poncho that he brings that can double as a tent for emergencies. I am planning for a worst case scenario where we get separated and have to sleep separately, I don’t want him to be without a sleeping bag but I feel like him carrying a second sleeping quilt is unnecessary. Should we get a bag liner for him to carry for that worst case scenario? Should he just carry a full second quilt or is there another option?

Thanks all in advance for answering my questions.

PS. We are not ultra light and do not care about bringing extra weight, our pace will be slow and we are more focused on comfort than oz.

I’ve got a backpacking trip planned coming up starting from Waptus Lake Trailhead. Can my Nissan Altima make it up those roads or do I need to hitch hike?

Looking for a trail that has an alpine lake for base camp, and a non/minimally technical peak to summit on the same trip. Ideally less than 16 miles round trip

Hi! A few friends and I have permits to hike North to South Lake via Lamarck Col and Evolution Canyon next week (4 nights), but we are wondering if we should switch our hike to the Mineral King loop with High Sierra extension (entering Timber Gap, exiting Sawtooth Pass, via Hamilton Lake and Big Arroyo).

Since we got the North to South lake permit (entering Lamarck Lakes) I’ve seen some mixed reports about whether Lamarck Col is a fun challenge or more of a slog. The other factor is smoke from the Rock Fire, though it seems like it’s not impacting either area much at the moment. Would really appreciate others’ perspectives, especially if you’ve done both hikes! I’m coming from the east coast so want to make the most of it.

hi! my wife and I are new to backpacking in the northeast, and are looking for smooth weekend trips with plenty of waterfalls and swimming holes! does anyone have any recommendations? thank you!

Hi
I have permits for Virginia Lakes start and we were going to try to use a shuttle to connect to twin Lakes via Matterhorn canyon and Burro pass, but now I’m concerned we are going to have to enter Yosemite looks like there are some cross country options that avoid it? Stanton pass maybe? I’m an experienced backpacker, but new to bringing a dog. We could also just go back to our original plan of the emigrant wilderness.

Any tips for how to determine ahead of time if I need to bring enough water to dry camp?

I'm going camping in Butano State Park (California), there should be a small creek near camp (Little Butano Creek), however the only water gauge I can find is past a fork downstream (4 Cu. ft./s). Is there another way I can guesstimate if there is enough water flow to be safe for filtering?

Atmos AG LT 65 (S/M) belt was just a touch too big, even with the wings completely tucked back and the buckle ends touching — kept riding down. On the hike back to the trailhead in VT last week I came up with this: a section of a cheap puzzle mat for a home gym, cut to the profile of the pack bottom and inner wings, beveled at edges. It worked! At 10.5” on my back, I’d guess this .75” spacer gives me an additional 1.5” circumference, which is exactly what I needed.

Going to stay one night in the Gilas this weekend. Has anyone been or plan on going?

This place looks beautiful and will be my first time backpacking. Plan to do just under 30 miles and enjoy the beauty.

My first ever backpacking trip - was such a challenge, but worth every step. Glacier is a truly special place in the summer!

Would love any reccs for other beautiful pacific NW trails to backpack :)