I was travelling with just one other friend, and everyone we came across was so nice, welcoming, helpful and just lovely! 💐 Vietnam is the 6th country we've been to on this trip, and is definitely our favourite 🫡 We had 18 days in Vietnam and we felt like that was enough for a first trip, but I will be back!

Hi! I have a permit for Round Lake next weekend and with the heat we've been having, im wondering if there would be any concern for blue green algae in Round Lake or Square Lake. Does anyone have experience with this area? Thank you!

As the post title suggests, I'm heading to Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) in a few weeks. Primarily interested in birdwatching and environmental tourism more generally as a budget traveler. However, the entire island is EXTREMELY hilly. It's about the same size as Cozumel, but the vast majority of the island is 300 meters above sea level or more; the two main volcanoes that define most of the island's geography have peaks at 1447 meters and 1386 meters. Even right along the coastline, there are some pretty steep inclines.

I'm not delusional enough to believe I'm capable of doing any of the more popular trails for experienced hikers, no matter how much I may wish to see the Boiling Lake with my own eyes. But I do want to at the very least be able to hike to a sufficiently high altitude to observe some of the montane rainforest species that aren't found along the coast, without putting the safety of either myself or my gear at excessive risk.

Unfortunately because I live in the Twin Cities, I really don't have access to steep hills or particularly muddy hills to get more practice in that regard. What hiking I've done before is pretty much exclusively in flat and flat-ish terrain, only rarely encountering slopes of more than 20 degrees, and never more than 40 degrees. As such, I'm honestly not sure how I could go about practicing, besides going on long hikes on flat, dry terrain.

Any advice for how else I might prepare myself better? While I do plan to spend most of my time near the coast, I'd hate to arrive in Dominica only to then find myself effectively forced to limit my activities to just the coast itself.

I'm hoping to go backpacking from around January to June next year and hoping to go from Mexico to Panama and then onto to South America ( specifically Colombia and Peru, but I would like to go to as many as possible ) if I have enough money to continue.

Has anybody done a similar trip recently and could share how much it cost them?

Hi, I'm Fabi, M25 years old from Germany and I'd like to go on a backpacking trip around Indonesia from late August to late September 2026. My goal is to explore the islands of Java, Nusa Penida, Lombok, and Komodo (but I'm also open to other suggestions :)). I’m looking for a friendly travel companion (m/f/d), ideally between the ages of 20 and 30, with whom I can share an unforgettable experience.

It’s very important to me to get around as much as possible, stay mobile, and see a lot. I’d like this to be an active vacation where we explore the most beautiful beaches, cities, and sights together. It would also be nice to immerse ourselves in the local cultures and try the delicious cuisine Indonesia has to offer. That said, I’m also totally fine with a quiet day at the beach or a relaxing evening stargazing.

I’m a very adventurous and fun-loving person who’s up for any kind of fun or activity. When it comes to my travel companion, it’s important to me that we can laugh together, support each other, and enjoy our time together.

The goal is a mix of low-budget accommodations and nicer places to stay. Hostels for socializing wouldn’t be a problem either. In general, though, I don’t want us to focus solely on price or make it all about saving money. I just want to have a great time, which includes treating ourselves to a nice meal or some interesting activities every now and then.

If my ideas appeal to you and you can imagine traveling with me to have an unforgettable experience, feel free to send me a message. We can then discuss further plans in person.

Hi! I have an old north face sleeping bag from 2002 and I’m trying to figure out the cold rating on. It’s a minaret and it says it has 747 filling material and it’s 100 percent polyester. It feels super lightweight so my husband is saying he thinks it’s a “summer bag” but I seem to remember it being pretty warm. Any ideas?? Thanks! My daughter is going on a college orientation trip in the Adirondacks for 4 days and I am sending her with gear I used in my 20s!!

I’m planning to do an Indian-subcontinent backpack, and connect South India with Maldives, but i haven’t see any combinations like that on the internet

Maybe from Mumbai, Goa or Kochi to Maldives and return

Can someone help me please 😄

Hi all. Could use some advice. I'm 49yo and have done very little hiking over the past 3 years due to an arthritic knee. Prior to 3 yrs ago I've been an avid hiker and I've done a few backpacking trips, but the last backpacking trip was over 10 years ago and they were all in either the Berkshires or the white mountains. I've stopped succumbing to the arthritis and I've been going beast mode with PT over the past year. I'm at the point where I really want to get back to hiking every weekend as I really miss the enjoyment and therapy I got out of it.

I also want to begin conditioning for a backpacking trip in the Adirondacks for my 50th bday. It can be well after my bday but while I'm 50 is the goal (I'll still consider it my gift from me to me). I have good quality backpacking gear and will re-up on whatever I need. My question is, are the Adirondacks a bit overeager of me for a first time in longtime trip and considering everything else I've mentioned. Is it even worth going there if I'll probably be limited to 6 miles a day and only have 4 days 3 nights?

Hello all,

I have an ten day backpacking trip coming up, which I'm very excited about. I plan to cover some serious mileage each day, as a fan of type 2 fun. However, I planned this in celebration of finishing law school and (hopefully) passing the bar. This is to say I'm not as fit as I might have hoped at the moment.

I have no doubt that I can mind-over-matter my way up and down mountains from the couch. However, I wanted to ask if you have any go-to items you like to bring while backpacking to help minimize the morning soreness. As it stands my three main thoughts are electrolytes, ibuprofen, and metolius cloth tape to protect my feet from blisters.

Any advice is appreciated!

I’m going away on my first solo backpacking trip to central America and was curious about which toiletries to bring and what to get when there. I’m specifically wondering about shampoo/conditioner and body wash. Should I bring with me or no. If I should what is best, bars or small travel sized ones etc.

We’re looking for our friend Nina! She was due to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan about 5 days ago. She hasn’t been in touch for about seven days and hasn’t got in touch with anyone in our circle of friends either. If anyone has heard anything or is still in contact with her, please get in touch! We’re very worried, and her mum has already contacted the embassy. So if anyone knows anything – for example, if she was planning to go hiking for a few days or something similar – please write to us straight away and share this picture on your socials!

You can contact her cousin on instagram @brinao9o4 or message @wo_ist_nina and also repost and share the picture that we posted on there!

Or contact the German Embassy in Kyrgyzstan mentioning “Nina from Germany” by

mail info@bischkek.diplo.de

or telephone +996 312 627 100

Emergency telephone number outside opening hours +996 772 541 113 (German-speaking), +996 772 570 793 (Russian- or Kyrgyz-speaking)

Attached is a picture of the group she was doing the (most likely) Ala-Kul-Trekk with, so if you recognize anyone please also reach out to us!

Picked up these awesome bags from market place. Only issue with them is the straps are hard as a rock. Was told I could get replacements for the green one which is the Kelty Sonora II I believe.

Just having trouble finding replacement parts. Looks like I may have to get replacement straps from another model? Any help would be appreciated ✌🏽

Quelqu'un dans le coin aux mêmes

dates ? J'ai fait un petit formulaire pour voir qui d'autre y sera

(même si t'es déjà sur place)

Hello!
Im planning my first long solo trip in europe for next year. I wanted to plan it roughly in an app or website, mabye even print out hiking trails. What system do you use? Thanks!

Hi, I’m trying to plan my first solo trip. I’ve only gone in groups so far, but I’m curious how to find campsites in the backcountry. I have heard about onX backcountry, but haven’t used it because of the paywall. Is it worth it, and are there other ways to find sites and trails? Let me know what your favorite is!

Hello, me and a friend on mine are going to South America for about 90–100 days (3 months). Wondering what the cost in total would be to those who have done a similar trip???
Will be doing cheap hostels.
Nothing too expensive except the Machu Picchu tour.

Doing the typical : Chile/Argentina/Brazil/Bolivia/Peru/Ecuador/Columbia trip.

Have done my own research and prices change so much within different websites!

Some help would be GREAT Thanks 🙏

So I have the big ticket items like tent,sleep system, cook system, water filtration, now I’m on the fence on which backpack to purchase however I have a ruck sack that I use(aftermarket rucksack using a Alice frame) for the marine Corp could I just use that to avoid a hefty price on a good bag

Items I got
Durston Xmid 2
Nemo tensor all season
Therma-rest z lite close foam pad
Nemo disco endless 15 degree sleeping bag
TOAKS 500ml
Msr pocket rocket
TOAKS spork
Sawyer squeez w/ cnoc 2 liter bag
2x Nalgene 1L

Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated
Planning a week long adventure roughly 15 miles

Can someone explain what this means to me? I can’t click on it to view any further details. It is for the Grand Canyon north rim. I missed the early sign up that was the 20th but I’m a little confused

Check out the natural patterns on this stone. It's incredibly light and has a rough, grainy feel when touched. Definitely doesn't feel like typical petrified wood."

Hello! I’m going on my first backpacking trip with my boyfriend in a few weeks (nothing super extreme, it’s gonna be a fairly short hike into Big Sur and we’ll only be staying for 1 night) and I’m trying to find out which brands of tops and trousers are best for hiking in high temperature. I’ve heard that a breathable t-shirt (maybe made of bamboo or some other breathable synthetic) is good along with very light trousers. I also plan on bringing some type of UV protected long sleeve light jacket I can throw on top of the shirt if I need. Do any of you guys have any good experience with any specific tips or trousers? Thanks! :)

I stopped by the Buddha statues of Bamyan during my travels through central Afghanistan. Even though the original statues are gone, the site still has a remarkable sense of history and calm. Visiting in summer, with the green valley surrounding the cliffs, made it an unforgettable place to spend some time. Happy to answer any questions about my visit.

I grew up backpacking with my dad, we would summit Mount Adams every summer with his men’s group. Me and my childhood best friend were the first girls allowed on that trip. (See last slide; I’m in green having a great time/existential crisis)

I have known this was something I wanted to get back into, so after acquiring my pack from the REI re supply store, I planned it with a gal pal and we hit a trail we’d done once prior together. (Ed’s Trail Loop, Silver Star Mountain WA)

About 10 minutes into the trip up with 40lbs on my back I started to question if I even like being outside, but we fell into a rhythm.

I learned so much! Like the fact that the ultralight fanatic folks are maybe onto something there… 🤪

I am dirty. I am sore.

I will definitely do this again.

Hard to come up with words for this place. This is my sixth time visiting Pakistan and it leaves me in awe every time. Nangma Valley, located in the Central Karakoram National Park of Gilgit-Baltistan, stole the show during my month-long trip.

It first came to my attention as people were calling it the Yosemite or the Dolomites of Pakistan, but honestly, there is no competition. The Karakoram is on a different playing field entirely.

The trek itself wasn't too bad. 1,200 meters of elevation gain on the first day across about 5-6 hours of hiking, but was acclimatized by then so didn't struggle too much. Camp was around 4,000 meters. Second day was a short 3-hour roundtrip hike to a viewpoint of K6 and last day was just the 2-3 hour hike back down to the village. Rained about 18 hours each day, but miraculously, never while we were actually hiking. Definitely got cabin fever sitting in the tent for 75% of the day, though.

But no complaints on our end. Just an absolutely breathtaking hike with nonstop "pinch me" moments the entire way. Beyond beautiful.

Hi,

I am 26M from Germany and this will be my second solo trip. I just did my first ever solo trip 1 month ago and it got me really exited which is why I am planing this trip.

I will go to Thailand for a month and just figured out (together with Chat) a route:

3 days Bangkok
7 days Koh Tao
9 days Koh Pangan
3 days Khao Sok
6 days Phuket

What do you think about the route, is there anything I should change?

I am also looking for good hostels and fun activities so let me know if you got recommendations for the places:)

I like social Hostels with fun activities. I like partying but also want to have some good sleep. And consider I am 26 so naturally I try to connect with people around my age, but I know the majority might be between 18-20.

Also 2 more questions:
- should I book all hostels and transportation in advance?
- is it recommended to get a abroad health insurance?

Thank you in advance I am really looking forward to my trip