GearWild.com Blog

Backpacking Tips To Enjoy Summer!

2009-06-09T19:25:00.006-04:00

Well, we've made it to summer! Prime time for Hiking and Backpacking!

What can I do to enjoy my next trip?

Invest in Good Gear! While most everyone knows you'll need Hiking Boots, a Backpack, and a Tent, there are a few other things to make your trip more enjoyable.

What else should I include on my next trip? I've got 3 pieces of Backpacking Gear that are sure to make your next trip more enjoyable!

1.) Consider Trekking Poles. Why? Trekking Poles (Hiking Poles) will really make your hike more enjoyable. For years I thought they were pointless. I kept telling myself, "I enjoy hiking with my hands free, swinging along as I go." Boy, was I wrong! After being convinced to give them a try on a hike through Glacier National Park, I decided I would never hike again without a pair of trekking poles. They take the pressure off your knees, they allow you to climb up and down mountains with greater stability, and they make stream crossing much more enjoyable (and safer).

2.) Pack a Hydration Bladder (Water Bladder, Hydration Pack, etc.) in your backpack. The first time I used one of these guys, I couldn't believe how great they are. They are very inexpensive and hold as much water as you want. But the real advantage is that you never have to stop to get a drink and your hands are free to use those trekking poles!

3.) Use a Dependable Headlamp. Here again, a headlamp allows you to walk freely without holding a flash light or light. After dark, you need both hands! A headlamp enables you to work hands free. You can set up camp if you're running late, you can cook your meal, you can play a game of cards, and Trust me, when "nature calls" in the middle of the night, you don't want to have to mess with a flashlight.

Of course, there are lots of other things to take along and we'll talk about them another time. In the mean time, if you've got questions, feel free to post a comment or drop us a line at info@gearwild.com

As always, don't forget to check us out online at http://www.gearwild.com/

The Top Rated, Best Selling Backpacking Gear is on the Way!

2009-04-22T20:55:00.003-04:00

Great News! GearWild.com is Now an Authorized Retailer for Cascade Designs - Maker of MSR, Thermarest, and Platypus.

If you've spent any time in the woods, you know MSR and their famous 2 Person ultralight Hubba Hubba tent, the Pocket Rocket backpacking stove, and much more. Thermarest manufactured the first self inflating sleeping pad and is the top name in the industry, and Platypus makes it easy to drink on the go!

Our first order is due to arrive around Friday, May 1 and we'll be quickly getting the Newest Gear onto the Site!

Looking for something new? Drop us a line and we'll do our best to get it for you (if we don't already stock it.)

Are you Ready for a Spring Backpacking Trip?

2009-02-25T14:00:00.008-05:00

As spring rolls around, its time to pull out your gear and take an inventory! And if you need something replaced or upgraded, you know where to look! haha

Actually though, its important to look over your gear now, before the big trip. Make sure you don't have any mildew or damage to your tent (hopefully you didn't store it wet or a damp place), and be sure everything is in good shape.

Why?

Because a little preparation will make you Spring Backpacking trip a real joy. There is nothing more disappointing then packin up the night before your big trip ony to find that something is damaged or ruined from being in storage over the winter! And you certainly don't want to find that out when you get to camp!

Gear Inspection Checklist:
1.) Check the tent for damage at the zippers and seams. If the zipper isn't working, get it fixed or replaced. If you've used the tent a few years, its probably a good idea to seam seal it and make sure that the seems are wearing apart.
2.) Inspect your Backpack. Again, checkout the zippers. Make sure their working good. Inspect the straps to be sure they're not wearing away (When they begin to fray, its a very short period of time before the strap will break!). You don't want the straps breaking on your trip.
3.) Inspect your stove. Make sure its firing up with the igniter (if its got one) and clean it up if deposits have built up on it.
4.) Look at your boots. How are they holding up?
5.) Does your first aid kit need some stuff replaced?

The list goes on and on! The key is don't wait till the last minute. I guarantee at least one piece of gear will need some attention, probably more! Once you get started you'll know what to do.

Questions or comments? Feel free to post below or drop us an email at info@gearwild.com

Jetboil Recall?

2009-02-12T18:27:00.002-05:00

Of all the products I've used while on Backpacking trips, one always stands out! My Jetboil! I love to use the Jetboil because it so simple to use, and super efficient! I can have hot tea, hot coffee, or a hot meal in minutes! Its great! And to be honest, the Jetboil company is great as well. They produce top notch products and they stand behind them 100%

So, what's this about a recall?

On July 10th Jetboil revised the fuel valve on their PCS units, as manufacturers commonly do over time. Unfortunately, due to an oversight, that minor adjustment has caused a very very small number of Jetboil units to leak gas from the fuel canister.

So, what did Jetboil do? After receiving only 5 complaints of fuel leakage (and absolutely no one was injured) Jetboil decided to stop using the revised fuel valve. The units affected by the revised fuel valve were produced for about 2 months from July 10th to September 9 and affected about 15,000 Jetboil PCS units. That's 15,000 out of the Hundreds of Thousands of units that have been produced! A Very Small Fraction of a Percent! No units produced before July 10th or after September 9th have used these valves.

But, is that it? Did Jetboil just stop using those valves and forget about the situation! What did they do?

Despite the fact that no one has ever been injured, Jetboil immediately contacted all their dealers and the US Product Safety Commission to recall those defective units.

Most of the units were shipped back to Jetboil from the dealers (at Jetboil's cost) and the very few remaining units that were sold to consumers are also being replaced by Jetboil for Free.

How Do I know if I have a Defective Unit?

First Off, all units purchased from GearWild.com since that time are Not Affected By the Recall. And All units currently in stock are 100% safe and ready to use. If you've been looking for the Jetboil, don't let this stop you! Its an awesome product!

But, what if I purchased a Jetboil from another dealer, or between July and September, prior to the recall? How do I know if my unit is being recalled?

Jetboil Has Provided This Easy To Understand Graphic to Explain Which Valve Has Been Recalled:

Just flip over your Jetboil and look at the bottom of the burner. If you have a round valve ("A" Style) Jetboil then your unit is 100% Safe! If you have a squared valve with letters stamped on the bottom ("C" Style) then you are 100% Safe! However, if you unit has a squared valve with no letters stamped on the bottom ("B" Style) then your unit is one of the very few units that are being recalled.

What should you do, if your unit is being recalled? Call (888) 611-9905 and Jetboil will take care of you! Its that simple!

Why do I feel so positive about this situation? Very simply, I believe in Jetboil products. They are top notch! I use one on every trip and will continue to!

Questions or comments? Post a message or drop us a line at info@gearwild.com

Leatherman, Brunton, Nalgene, Optimus, and More!

2009-01-20T23:53:00.003-05:00

Last year was a Great Year for GearWild.com And its all thanks to our loyal "gearheads!"

We'd like to take a moment and say "Thanks for your support!" In addition to the many orders and product shipments, we received many compliments and praise from fellow backpackers and the like. Thanks again! We wouldn't be here without you!

We've been busy since the major December shopping season. In fact, in the past two weeks we've launched many new products and plan to offer many, many more.

GearWild.com is an Authorized Dealer for Leatherman, Brunton, Nalgene, Optimus, as well as many more brands. We're working hard to make GearWild.com your one stop for all your Outdoor needs!

We are currently carrying new knives, saws, stoves, water bottles, fire starting supplies, and much more. Check out all the great products and deals at www.GearWild.com

Looking for something specific? Drop us a line at info@gearwild.com and we'll do our best to get it for you, and of course, at a great price! Of course, we're always happy to talk to fellow outdoorsman! Give us a call at 800-691-7227 and we'll be happy to help!

Thanks again for the support!

Question #5 - How Do I Cook My Meals on the Mountain?

2008-12-25T12:12:00.004-05:00

This is an excellent question and its got a super simple answer!

The backpacking stoves available today are amazing! The super light weight stoves can boil water in only a couple minutes! They are very efficient and weigh practically nothing!

Remember that expression "Every Ounce Counts" really applies when backpacking. Snow peak has designed the Lightest stove in the world, the Lite Max stove! Its available now at GearWild.com and has been very popular!

Looking for something super easy to use? All our stoves lite in seconds. The Jetboil and the Giga Power Auto stoves have an auto igniter. The Jetboil packs up super small and includes the cup you need to cook! It is one of the most fuel efficient stoves on the market today! It was rated #1 by Backpacker Magazine!

If you're looking for something a little lighter, check out the Trek 700 Starter Kit. It inludes the manual Giga Power Stove (no auto igniter) and the Trek 700 Stove with a Spork all in one great value pack! Its a super light, super combo!

Not sure what you need? Drop us a line at info@gearwild.com or call 800-691-7227 and we'll be happy to help!

Question #4 - What Do I Eat?

2008-10-12T18:33:00.006-04:00

What Do I Eat? That's a great question! Think about this . . . You're all the way out in the woods and you're enjoying the views and suddenly, the stomach starts to rumble!

No worries! Why? Because Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry have come up with some amazing meals. Meals that taste great, have zero mess, and weigh practically nothing. Its a hiker's dream come true. Trust me! They taste great! And they are ready to eat in 10 minutes or less. It doesn't get any better than that.

Now you might be thinking, "How can that be?" Well, the meals are actually Pre-Cooked and then Freeze Dried. They are packed in a foil pouch and you simply add boiling water and you're ready to go. And the weight? Actually they are extremely light because all the water has been removed! Plus they will last a super long time! Some of the meals have expiration dates of 3-5 years. You can stock up now, and use them on many trips down the road. Or, as many of my customers do, you can put them in your emergency kit at home! Its a win, win situation!

Do they lose their flavor over time? No! The Freeze-Dry process actually locks in the flavor and freshness. I know, it just doesn't sound that good! Can they really taste like a delicious meal? I can assure, they do! I've eaten every variety that I sell. I would never hesitate to recommend them to my friends and family. There are many varieties on the market, but I only sell the ones that really taste good!

My personal favorites are the Mountain House Chicken Breast & Mashed Potatoes, the Beef Stew, the Lasagna with Meat Sauce. The list goes on and on! Don't forget to try the Breakfasts and the Desserts. They are delicious too!

Give them a try! You'll be glad you did!

Questions on Meals? Questions on a Trip? Drop me a line at gearwild@gmail.com

Question #3 - What about the Bears?

2008-09-14T21:02:00.010-04:00

See the Grizzly Bear up above? See the big paws? Yep, those are BEAR tracks! Actually, they are Grizzly Bear tracks! The above pictures were taken while we were hiking in June 2008 in Denali National Park, Alaska.

During our trip, we saw 15 Grizzly Bears. It was amazing! But at the same time, we were a little nervous when one Grizzly walked right right in front of us about 30 Feet Away! If you ever wanted to see some grown men pee their pants, just try that trick! haha - well, truthfully, it wasn't that bad, but we were nervous.

So, that brings us to our next question, What About the Bears? Is it really safe to hike into "Bear Country?"

Honestly, I've been on many many backpacking trips around the country, and only in 2 places have I ever run into Bears. While I've seen Bear scat (bear droppings) in many places, we've only ever personally seen them in Glacier National Park (at a great distance) and in Alaska (up close).

Does that mean you won't see a Bear where you're hiking? By no means! In fact, the Black Bear is found all over North America. And just because you don't see them doesn't mean they're not there! We just returned from a Hike in the Monongahela National Forest and while we didn't see a bear, we saw bear tracks and bear skat multiple times.

Now, back on track . . . How can I be safe hiking and camping when I know there are Bears out there?

There are some very simple principles that you can put into practice that will greatly limit the chance of having a negative encounter with a bear.

1.) Make Noise While Hiking - don't buy those bear bells, just talk to your fellow hikers and avoid hiking silently. If you're are in an area with thick vegetation, you may occassionally call out "Hey Bear!" Why? Studies have shown that the human voice travels further than those little bells and that a Bear will take greater note of the human voice and detour around you before you ever see him!

2.) Never Run from a Bear! - If you do encounter a bear, you will probably want to immediately get out of the area. But resist the urge to run. If the bear doesn't see you, quietly and calmly detour around the bear or turn around and go back where you came from. What if the bear sees you? Speak calmly and directly to the Bear, while backing away slowly! Let him know that you are a human and you are No Threat to him. If the bear approaches, stand your ground and continue to speak to the bear. If its a Grizzly Bear and he charges you, realize that most charges are "Bluff Charges." Typically the bear is just trying to scare you off! DO NOT RUN! Remain calm. If the bear continues the charge and you feel he is going to make contact, your best option is to Lay Down on your Chest with Your Pack ON, covering your neck with your hands, until the Grizzly leaves the area. If its a Black Bear, experts normally say to Fight Back!

3.) Carry Bear Spray for Added Protection. This extremely strong Pepper Spray (similar to Personal Defense Spray, but Stronger and in a Larger Quantity) sprays a cloud of irritant about 20 feet away from you into the face of the charging bear. Recents studies have shown that Bear Spray is a more effective deterant that a Fire Arm. In fact, they've found that there were many fewer injuries with the use of Bear Spray over the use of a Fire Arm. If you choose to carry Bear Spray (I do now and had it ready to go in Alaska!) you must still remember to practice common sense and follow good principles. Don't let the Bear Spray give you a false sense of security.

4.) Keep Food Odors Away from Sleeping Areas! While you are in camp, avoid dropping food scraps around on the ground and on your clothing. While you're never going to avoid all odors, it makes sense to try to limit the food odors. Never cook or bring foods into your tent. Its a good practice to cook and eat in an area away from your tent. While you're not actively eating your food, it is wise to hang your food suspended from a tree limb, at least 10 feet off the ground. Why? If a bear gets human food, it will associate humans with food and result in negative encounters. If the bear doesn't cause injury to a human, it will still look for humans and invade camps trying to find a free meal. Eventually such a bear would have to be put down. The expression "A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear" really is true. Bears are shot when they make it a regular habit to "shake down" humans of their food. As you can see, we need to do all that we can to avoid such encounters, for our sake and the bears!

If you practice those 4 basic principles when hiking, you're chances of a negative encounter with a bear are very slim. I'm not going to promise you'll not ever have a bad experience, but I can tell you that reports of bear attacks are very minor compared to the number of hikers that head into the wild. Unfortunately because Bear Attacks are so rare, they get alot of attention when they happen. While these events are very sad, they should serve as a reminder to use good common sense when hiking into the wild. Don't let them keep from experiencing the Backcountry! Its a truly awesome place!

Questions? Comments? Post a reply or Drop me a line at gearwild@gmail.com

PS Don't forget to check out my store at https://www.gearwild.com/

Question #2 - What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

2008-08-29T22:01:00.006-04:00

Ok, now this is a great question for me. Why? Because I love new Backpacking Gear! - Thus the website name GearWild.com Anyhow, back on subject . . .

The typical gear list will very from your experience level to personal preference. However, almost every first time backpacker brings too much junk with them on the first trip. Why do I say this? In backpacking the expression "every ounce counts" really rings true. Everything you put in your backpack is going to make it heavier! And everything you add will take up space. If you're heading into the wild for the first time, chances are you don't have all the latest, coolest, lightest, smallest, gear available. - Unless you check out my store that is! - Sorry I just had to add that! haha :)

So, then if you don't have all the great gear, you're probably going to be lugging along some older stuff you've had laying around or could borrow from friends. And there is nothing wrong with that! That is exactly how I started. Not too many people can afford to go out and buy everything brand new for their first trip!

But the main thing to remember is this: Don't overpack! You won't need 6 Rolls of Toilet Paper, 2 Knives, 1000 Feet of Rope if you're just going for a short weekend trip. You won't need that big bottle of syrup for your pancakes. (I actually have a friend that carried a large bottle of syrup up the entire side of a mountain so he'd have delicious pancakes the next morning! Boy did we laugh at him!) You won't need the 8 cans of Campbells Soup. You won't need a cast iron skillet to cook with! There are simple ways to keep things light, yet to be sure you've got what you need.

First off, sit down and ask yourself if you will really use the item you are considering putting into your pack! Chances are you won't need a bottle of aspirin, but you may need 4 pills. As I mentioned above, you're going to need Toilet Paper, but can you just spool some off a roll and pack it in a ziplock bag? You can also take that large bottle of syrup and put it in a 2 ounce bottle so you're not lugging the entire container around.

I can tell you from experience that you will only use half of what you take! I always come home and ask myself, "Why did I take 2 knives (or whatever it is) on that trip. I barely used one!" So, be realistic. Remember, "every ounce counts!"

Now that we've spent all this time talking about what NOT to take, lets get back on topic. "What Should I Take with Me on My Backpacking Trip?"

First Off, You'll need a decent backpack! They will very in weight and price. Find something in the middle of the that bracket and you'll be good to go. The size you need will very depending on the trip you're taking. But a good rule of thumb would be to buy a pack about 3500 cubic inches for a typical weekend trip. (If you get a 3500 cubic inch pack you will be less inclined to overfill it because you won't have any extra space to hall around extra junk!) If you're heading out for a weeklong trip you'll need something around 5500 -6500 cubic inches.

In addition to a backpack, you'll need a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Check the weight on these guys. They very tremendously! Buy the lightest sleeping bag you can afford. I generally recommend a good 15 or 20 Degree Mummy Style Bag that is "Stuff-able." You want a bag that either comes with or can be put in a stuff sack and smashed down in your pack. A 15 or 20 Degree bag will be a good all around bag you can use in Spring, Summer, and Fall. The sleeping pad will provide a layer of comfort between you and the ground and, most importantly, will provide an extra layer of insulation so that the cold ground doesn't pull your body heat away!

I personally use the Big Agnes Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag with the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad. Its the best sleep system I've ever experienced!

Next, you'll need good boots! I always recommend boots that have a Gore-Tex (or generic waterproof - breathable membrane) lining in them. Why? Because they will keep your feet Dry and they will allow your feet to breath at the same time. Generally "Synthetic" Boots are going to be lighter than Leather Boots. Synthetics also break-in easier. Always look for a rubber lip on the Toe of the Boot. You'll be surprized how quickly the front/top of the Toe in the Boot gets beat up. A Rubber/Plastic Lip on it will make your boots last longer. Now, after you purchase your boots, BREAK THEM IN BEFORE YOUR TRIP! Don't wait till the day you're ready to head out to put them on for the first time. You want to wear them and break them in so your feet are not abused on your first Backpacking trip.

Finally, you need a good Tent! I generally recommend you purchase a 2 person tent. This will give you a little more space if you're hiking alone, but it will give you the flexibility of bringing a companion along with you. What should you buy? Again, buy the lightest tent you can afford. Make sure it has "Taped Seems" so that water doesn't leak in if it rains while you're sleeping.

The Tent I use is the Big Agnes Copper Spur. It was Rated #1 by Backpacker Magazine. It provides alot of room, stays dry, and weighs next to nothing!

If you get those 4 main components, you're starting out great! The items above are the items you should spend the most money on! They will be the items that will take the most abuse and the items that can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable trip.

What about everything else? Stay Tuned. I'll be posting again soon with more details!

Questions? Need Advice? As always, feel free to email me at gearwild@gmail.com

And don't forget to check out my great Gear at http://www.gearwild.com/

Question #1: Can I Really Just Hike Into the Mountains and Make My Own Camp?

2008-08-26T10:27:00.009-04:00

When you are planning a backpacking trip, you need to do just that! You Need to PLAN! While you certainly can just hike into the Mountains in some places, you shouldn't just make a snap decision and start hiking. Why? Simply put, without proper planning you will get yourself into trouble.

Why do we say that? If you have never backpacked before, there are a lot of things to consider. First, you need to know if its legal for you just to plop down a tent somewhere in the mountains. Why? Each area has its own regulations.

National Forests (picture above Monogahela National Forest) typically have the least restrictions; however, even they have restrictions as to what you can and can not do. For example, they will probably allow you to set up an overnight camp as long as you are away (out of view) from the trail; however, they may or may not allow you to have a campfire.

On the other hand, a National Park has much greater restrictions. Generally you are required to have a permit for overnight backcountry camping and generally that permit is only valid in a given spot for each night.

So then, you do some Research and decide where you would like to go, what is allowed, and what is not allowed!

After Researching your destination, then its time decide exactly where you want to go in that destination! For example, if you decide you want to hike the Grand Canyon where in the Grand Canyon do you want to Backpack? Do you want to hike the rim or deep into the canyon?

Now, the most important part! Absolutely Do Not Just Drive to the Park or Forest and Start Hiking without following the steps below! Each year there are many reports of people failing to plan ahead and getting, lost, injured, or even killed because they failed to prepare!

First off, make sure you know how to read a Map! Topograpical maps show the layout of the land, valley, streams, moutains, and more. Its very important to have a map of the area you will be in and know how to read it! Those little lines can get confusing if you don't understand what they really mean!

Now, you might think, "Well, I'm just gonna follow the trail. I don't need a map!"

I'm here to tell you, that is the WRONG PLAN! Why? Because, even though I've hiked in many places, I still loose the trail at times! I've even lost the trail when I hiked the exact same trail the year before! Its very easy to do. You start looking at a view or talk to your friend and before you know you've lost your way! A map will help you get to your destination safely when something like that happens!

Second, always make sure that your map has your trails or route marked on it before you leave! Mark your route, your planned campsites, your distances, where the nearest water sources is, etc. Its much easier to plan this out in your living room than trying to figure out where you need to go when its pouring down rain or snowing on you!

Third, Don't Over Do It! Most first time backpacker's have a tendency (me included, even now) to plan a much tougher trip than they really should. What do we mean by this? Hiking up the side of a mountain 2000 feet is tough! Going 5000 feet up a mountain can be miserable if you're not prepared. Hiking 1 mile with 40 lbs of weight on your back can be tough. Hiking 10 miles with 40 lbs of weight can be miserable if you aren't prepared. In other words, for your first trip make it EASY! Those mountains are much taller than they look on the map, the streams are much wider (and deeper) than they appear on paper. And those distances between campsites are much farther than they appear too! If you kill yourself (or your friends) on the first trip, you probably won't be planning another one later!

Remember, your goal is to enjoy the wild! Not to need rescued! Not to be miserable! And believe me, if you plan well, your trip will be amazing! There is no better experience than being out in the Wild! Give it a Shot and You'll Be Glad You Did! I know I am!

Questions? Email me at gearwild@gmail.com or check out our secure website at GearWild.com

First Time Backpacker?

2008-08-26T10:00:00.006-04:00

If you are thinking of taking your first backpacking trip, chances are you've had some questions like these?

1.) Can You Really Just Hike Into the Mountains and Make Your Own Camp?

2.) What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

3.) What About the Bears?

4.) What Do I Eeat?

5.) How Do I Cook My Meal?

The Question List can go on and on! At GearWild.com we are here to help!

Over the Next Week, I will answer each of these Questions! By the time we're done, you will feel confident enough to enjoy the Wild on your own - or maybe with a group of friends :)

Meanwhile, if you need some advice on an upcoming trip, please feel free to email me at gearwild@gmail.com We love the Wild! And We Love to Talk About It!!

Stay Tuned . . .

Looking for a Great Place to Hike?

2008-08-25T00:06:00.006-04:00

Over the last several years, I have hiked in Many Places, however, one place really stands out for backpacking and hiking trips! Where?

Glacier National Park in Montana, USA

Why is it so great? The place is packed with Amazing Views, Excellent Trails, and Wildlife!

The above picture is just one of the beautiful views, just off the Going to the Sun Road. Glacier truly is an amazing place. On our last trip, we spent 10 Days in the Park, Backpacking almost the whole time.

While you need permits for overnight backpacking, if you can make it up there, its well worth the time and effort! You won't be disappointed! We hiked to Cracker Lake, No Name Lake, Upper Two Medicine Lake, Cobalt Lake and many more places. These places are awesome! We caught trout and grilled them up! Wow! That was some good eating! Everyone knows that I love the Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry meals that I sell at http://www.gearwild.com/ but nothing can compare to the Fresh Rainbow Trout of Glacier National Park.

Thinking of taking a trip, email me at gearwild@gmail.com and I'll give you some suggestions and send you some pics! Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the GearWild.com Blog!

2008-08-24T21:59:00.001-04:00

Thanks for stopping by!