r/CampingandHiking • • Oct 13 '25

Weekly /r/CampingandHiking beginner question thread - Ask any and all 'noob' questions you may have here - October 13, 2025

9 Upvotes

This thread is part of an attempt by the moderators to create a series of weekly/monthly repeating posts to help aggregate certain kinds of content into single threads.

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If you have any 'noob' questions, feel free to ask them here. Please also remember to visit this thread even if you consider yourself a 'professional' so that you can help others!

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Check out our wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear', and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information. https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/wiki/index/

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Note that this thread will be posted every Monday of the week and will run throughout the day. If you would like to provide feedback or suggest another idea for a thread, please message the moderators.


r/CampingandHiking • • 1h ago

Gear Questions Looking for new pants that fit like old Mountain Khakis

• Upvotes

Sorry if this isnt the right place to post this but I figure if not yall can point me at a better sub for this

Ive been looking to replace some older Mountain Khaki Camber variant pants. I think maybe the Camber 106? The only good one I have left doesnt show the model any more but this looks right https://www.backcountry.com/mountain-khakis-camber-106-classic-pant-mens

Ive had a few in the past 10 years and they always felt like the material was soft, the thigh and leg was roomy and the mobility was excellent. I never had an issue lifting a knee or kneeling down.

Recently I bought a new pair and it was noticeably stiffer in the material and tightened too much when raising my knee killing the mobility the old pants had. That and they seem to be out of most sizes and styles. Has anyone noticed this?

I recently ordered a few from Kuhl and havent gotten them in yet. Some things Ive ordered from them in the past didnt fit right or felt like I was wearing straight up plastic so I worry I may have to return those if they dont fit what Im looking for. (The Ryder Lite doesnt feel at all like cotton and sounds like a plastic bag when I move in it. That and still it binds at the knee)

Does anyone have any experience with these that could recommend something similar to those old ones? That or just some good pants that sound like they fit the description

Durable soft cotton with some stretch. Full leg mobility. Daily wear appearance. Id prefer big bucket pockets instead of the chino side slot type. Not looking for plastic pants like joggers


r/CampingandHiking • • 3h ago

Gear Questions Gear Advice for 3 Nights on Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Campground

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3 Upvotes

r/CampingandHiking • • 12h ago

Southern Georgia/Alabama northern Florida

9 Upvotes

I’m from Michigan and looking to camp and hike during my time off between Christmas and NY. As the title says that is the rough area (I’m good down to 25°f so a little northern is good too) I’m looking to head to and would love to hear some areas that have lots of hiking trails near camp! I prefer small quiet campgrounds with lots of trees on the site (I hammock camp tho I do have a hammock stand so it’s not essential) I don’t need showers, electricity nor running water but any recommendations would be appreciated!


r/CampingandHiking • • 42m ago

Gear Questions Zamberlan guide gtx rr or Meindl vakuum gtx

• Upvotes

I'm thinking about two boots from the title and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations.

Both of them feel fine on the foot but I can't decide.


r/CampingandHiking • • 1d ago

Trip reports The most remote place in the USA’s lower 48 - Thorofare region of Yellowstone Park

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1.5k Upvotes

Last month my friend and I did an 88-mile, 8-day lollipop loop to Yellowstone’s Thorofare region via Heart Lake. The area is the farthest location from a road in the lower 48 and the ranger cabin is the most remote dwelling… about 22 straight-line miles or 32 trail miles to the nearest road. On the way we had a close encounter with a moose and followed fresh grizzly tracks for miles. September is such an incredible time of year to explore the wilderness.

Day 1: Heart Lake TH to Heart River
Day 2: Heart River to Crooked Creek
Day 3: Crooked Creek to South Thorofare
Day 4: South Thorofare to North Thorofare
Day 5: North Thorofare to Colter Meadows
Day 6: Colter Meadows to Trail Bay (Yellowstone Lake)
Day 7: Trail Bay to East Shore (Heart Lake)
Day 8: East Shore to Heart Lake TH


r/CampingandHiking • • 13h ago

Lofoten Island Crossing

0 Upvotes

Hi

I'm currently looking for 2 man tents to be using for our Lofoten Island Crossing Hike and was seeing if anyone has any good recommendations. Been looking at a couple, Mont and Sea to Summit in Australia have been the main ones I've been looking at. Just looking for it to be light in weight and waterproof.

Anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks


r/CampingandHiking • • 1d ago

Does anybody else experience this?

65 Upvotes

Whenever I go backpacking, I get into my sleeping bag and start trying to sleep. But after a while I notice I can’t fall asleep and hours go by and I really can’t tell if I slept at all, or if I was just laying around in the dark the entire time. Anybody experience this too? How can I fix this?

Edit: Btw I live in Vancouver Canada and I’m 16 so some of the comments saying take meds or cigars idk lol 😂 but thanks for all the tips!! I rlly appreciate it


r/CampingandHiking • • 2d ago

Campsite Pictures October Shenandoah Trip

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411 Upvotes

Believe it or not a tent from Amazon isn’t too bad when you reseal the seams. And it downpoured hard. Not very often you have a trip where it rains and you stay almost completely dry.


r/CampingandHiking • • 3d ago

My favorite wild camp spot of the season – Alpine lake camp above the valley

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1.9k Upvotes

Since this year, I’ve gotten into hiking and wild camping, and this trip has definitely been the highlight of my four outings so far!

Trip Details & Stats:

  • Location: Canton of Uri, Switzerland (Camped at ~2,200 m / 7,200 ft)
  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (first night was at a different location)
  • Stats: ~20 km (12.4 mi) total distance with nearly 2,000 m (6,500 ft) elevation gain
  • Pack Weight: Around 17 kg (37.5 lbs) each

The Experience: We hiked up to this ridge spot perched right between a sweeping valley view on one side and a high-alpine lake on the other.

Taking a swim in the lake was an absolute shock to the system, the water was around 5°C (41°F)! Later that evening, we settled into the tent.

How do you usually scout for legal high-altitude bivouac/camping spots that stay well clear of crowded trails?


r/CampingandHiking • • 2d ago

Soto Windmaster Inner Mesh Clean Help

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32 Upvotes

Hi! Anyone ever had this issue with the Soto Windmaster before? Milk boiled over and formed a film over and into the stove mesh, I’m not sure how to clean it. I’ve read some posts saying that it can be turned upside down and soaked in warm water? I wanted to be sure that’s ok and it wouldn’t ruin the igniter before I do anything. Using a brush alone can’t get into the inner mesh.

I’ve since wiped the surface as best as I can with a wet paper towel.

Will be grateful for any advice! Thank you 🙏


r/CampingandHiking • • 2d ago

How to wash waterproof bits

4 Upvotes

I went on my first proper outdoorsy trip a week or so ago and now I've got a carrier bag with my muddy/sandy/peatbogged gaiters/gloves in the flat. No bother to me if they're muddy while I'm USING them, but I don't have any other storage space and they seem to be sort of... increasingly be-mudding the surroundings of the bag when it gets jostled/tripped over ect. Can I put them in the washing machine? would hosing all that off in the bath be bad for the drains? I know it's a daft question but google is pretty useless these days and nobody else in my life does this sort of thing. Thanks!


r/CampingandHiking • • 3d ago

Is a BOA system suitable for a backpack hip belt?

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62 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

My hip belt tends to loosen while hiking. I also wear a pouch on the belt, and it sits over the backpack buckle.

I wanted to move the adjustment to the side so I can tighten the belt while walking, or quickly loosen it when I want to sit down without taking the pack off.

I used a BOA system from a shoe for this. I've built it, but haven't tested it on the trail yet.

What do you think? Is it worth it?


r/CampingandHiking • • 4d ago

Picture Florida Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve

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147 Upvotes

15 miles on the Florida Trail, Big Cypress North.


r/CampingandHiking • • 2d ago

Wild camping

0 Upvotes

Where is the cool wild spots at to kit up and go larp in the woods? I thought living in central Florida I’d have an abundance of opportunity but it seems like every turn it’s either illegal or there just isn’t any places to go. :/ help please!!! Spill your secrets!!


r/CampingandHiking • • 4d ago

Gear Questions Gear Suggestions - Backpack And Tent!

4 Upvotes

Hey I'm looking for a budget friendly backpack and tent for my first trip. I'm looking for something that will be able to carry enough stuff for about a day or two. because I plan to camp out along the way.

Any help is greatly appreciated! : )


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

I wanna gift my boyfriend a headlight for his birthday, he is really into hikking and backpacking and use the headlight alot. Please help me find a perfect one for him. Budget is $50-60

38 Upvotes

r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

Tips & Tricks Feeling overwhelmed by all the preparation?

10 Upvotes

As a hiker who wants to get back to the trails and I know have children and a wife I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the preparation. Does anyone feel the same?


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

New pad for 40 degrees?

6 Upvotes

currently: camping at car sites down to 40F, often in October in eastern Midwest. I’m a side sleeper and on past trips woke up feeling 50 years older (collarbone pain! didn’t even know that was possible). I’m a bit hyper mobile and usually sleep with 4 pillows😅

goal: weekend backpacking trips in 3 season weather, probably no lower than ~40 degrees initially

My mom and I camp together with my equipment. Wanting to upgrade a sleeping bag or pad that will work towards my goal of backpacking (alone or with a friend). We were a bit chilly last year and I’m thinking we need a new pad. Would love something comfy, doesn’t need to be crazy light since I won’t be going far. I would love something around $100, but can go higher if it'll limit me a lot.

also, opinions on secondhand? I’m a tad hesitant with pads.

current setup: (for 2 people)

hammock gear Econ burrow 20 quilt

Thermarest trail scout R3.2

NEMO switchback R2

random kelty 20 degree bag


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

Linville Gorge Camping Suggestions

0 Upvotes

My friends and I are planning on backpacking the gorge this weekend, camping outside the gorge (Table Rock, Pisgah by the Water) since we didn't get a permit for the gorge camping itself.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this or if they have suggestions on camping sites in those areas since it's our first time? We're planning to park at the top of FS99 and hike through the 22 mile loop.


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

Destination Questions Wind River Range in Wyoming. Green River Lakes to Elkhart Park or opposite?

5 Upvotes

Howdy I’m in the midst of planning my first backpacking trip into the winds for next year! I’ve been looking into some areas to try out and I found a trail that seems perfect and was looking to see if anyone else who has done it (or something similar) could spill some insight on it.

The general trail is as follows (however I haven’t decided what direction to start and hoping someone can chime in on what may be the best of the two): Green River Lakes - Knapsack Col - Elkhart Park. I’m going to be doing this with a group of at least 4 people minimum, but most likely more, and I’m thinking to keep stress to a minimum potentially utilizing a shuttle service, but we may use multiple vehicles so we may end up not needing to utilize a shuttle at all. I’m thinking to really give us the time to take all the nature in we would be looking at 5-6 days total (excluding travel days to get there)

Here’s the all trails for the route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/wind-river-green-lakes-to-elkhart-park-via-knapsack-col?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I’ve heard that if things get dicey you can take the CDT to Elkhart/island lake area instead of knapsack Col. however I’m quite a thrill seeker so I’m leaning towards wanting to do the Col. I’m dying to see what titcomb lake looks like from up above there. I’ve also read snow can last for a long while up there as well, do you think late August/early September is the best time frame for such a trip? Also are there any spots between Cube Rock pass, Peak Lake, and Knapsack Col one should be weary of? Just trying to get an idea for the terrain.

I was also considering bagging Fremont Peak via Indian basin/south buttress with this all trails route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/fremont-peak-via-pole-creek-trail-loop?p=-1&sh=ej2dsl&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I was hoping someone who has summited could maybe give some insight as to what to expect and what they did as far as camping adjacent and summiting/descending goes. I’ve read that the max difficulty is ~ lower class 3/upper class 2, but I’m curious as to how difficult it may have felt and if there are any particularly sketchy spots or nasty scree spots I should be aware of. I’ve read that descending down into Titcomb basin can be a little sketch compared to just going back down the way you ascend back down into Indian basin.

Sorry for the lengthy post, I’m just keen on making sure I know what I’m getting myself and others into. Thank you everyone and anyone so much for the help and insight.


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

what should i be wearing to summit mt. leconte at the end of this month?

3 Upvotes

we plan to reach the trailhead at around five am, i know this means about two and a half hours with headlamps but as we near closer and closer i’m worrying more about layering correctly for those early hours to be able to seamlessly transition for summit weather as well as afternoon sun. any help and advice regarding such is appreciated as im pretty new to being the one to work out the logistics for these things! thank you in advance!


r/CampingandHiking • • 6d ago

Using tent poles as a frame—is it possible?

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39 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm new to backpacking and still learning, so I'd like to get your thoughts on an idea.

The idea

I have a lightweight frameless backpack and a tent with fiberglass poles. Since I carry the poles anyway, I wondered if they could also serve as a frame for the backpack.

What I've tried so far

I arranged the poles in an X-shape along the back of the pack. I spread my gear along its length and used compression straps to hold everything close to the back panel.

I tried this setup on a hike. The pack became flatter instead of bulging into a cylinder, and walking felt easier. So far, the poles haven't transferred any load to the hip belt.

What I'm considering next

I'm thinking of adding four pockets inside the pack to hold the pole ends, with the lower pockets connected to the hip belt by webbing. This might allow the frame to transfer some of the load to the belt.

Before I start modifying the pack, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Does this approach make sense? Is there a simpler way to achieve the same result? What problems or alternatives am I overlooking?

I'm interested in any advice, especially from people with experience in backpack design or DIY gear.


r/CampingandHiking • • 5d ago

Gear Questions Hi, newish to this hobby, would like some recs, please!

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m relatively new to backpacking/camping idk what to call it but I’ll be camping and hiking lol, I’ve been camping plenty of times before. I’m looking to start doing more actual backpacking trips rather than just staying at established campgrounds, and I’d love some recommendations from people who have more experience with this than I do!

I’m planning on doing mostly spring and fall backpacking, with temperatures generally ranging from 40–60°F, possibly with some rain and damp ground.

Most trips would probably be 1–2 nights, with anywhere from 5–15 miles of hiking/backpacking depending on the location.

I’m trying to build a relatively affordable but reliable setup. I don’t necessarily care about having the absolute lightest gear possible, but I do want equipment that packs down reasonably small, is durable, and won’t break after a handful of trips.

Here’s what I’m currently looking for recommendations on:

1–2 person tent: Ideally something that packs down REALLY small. I’ve seen some incredibly compact backpacking tents recently, and I’d love recommendations for lesser known brands that offer good quality without costing a fortune. A rainfly or vestibule would be great.

Sleeping bag: Something comfortable for temperatures down to around 20°F, just to have some extra protection if it gets colder than expected. Ideally something that compresses down fairly small.

Sleeping pad: Looking for something reasonably comfortable, compact, and suitable for the temperatures mentioned above.

Backpack: Probably something around 50–70L, with a decent hip belt and good durability. I’d rather spend a little extra on a reputable pack than buy something cheap that starts falling apart.

Dry bags: Any recommendations for reliable waterproof dry bags for protecting clothes, electronics, and sleeping gear?

Odor resistant food bags: Any recommendations for storing food and other scented items? I’m aware these aren’t necessarily bear proof.

Headlamp: Looking for something rechargeable, reliable, and preferably with a red light mode.

Here’s what I already have or have picked out for my setup:

- compact cookware setup, including pots, pans, utensils, and a cooking grate

- small spice tin for seasonings

- couple of small stainless steel flasks for olive oil, honey, and other cooking liquids

- Plenty of shelf stable food options already planned out

- water filtration system that I trust

- Collapsible water bottles

- waterproof butane torch

- magnesium fire starter

- hatchet with a hammer on the back

- fixed blade knife

- trowel

- compass

- Two waterproof tarps (one 8 mil 12’x14’ and one 12 mil 8’x8’ for the tent to sit on if it’s raining or the ground is super damp)

- Plenty of paracord

- An ultralight folding camping chair

- small folding camping table

- well-stocked first aid kit

I know some of this equipment isn’t necessarily ultralight or essential for backpacking, but I genuinely enjoy the idea of having a comfortable little campsite and cooking actual meals outdoors.
That’s a big part of why I want to get into the hobby!

I’m especially interested in smaller or lesser known outdoor gear brands that make genuinely good equipment without the massive price tags. I’m not against spending money on quality, but I’d rather find equipment that’s a great value than pay extra
simply for a recognizable brand name.

My initial budget was around $400, although I’m willing to build the setup gradually and spend more on important items like the tent, sleeping system, and backpack.

If there’s anything I’m overlooking, any gear you swear by, or anything on my list that you think is unnecessary, I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance! I’m really looking forward to getting out there and exploring more!


r/CampingandHiking • • 6d ago

Gear Questions First solo backpacking trip in the Dolomites. Looking for gear recommendations on a €400 budget

0 Upvotes

Hello all!

I am planning a 4 or 5 day solo hiking / camping trip to the dolomites, hopefully in early summer. The plan is to try and hike around 15km per day and carry all of my gear on my person and camp somewhere different each night.

I'm starting completely from scratch, so would love some recommendations for the following:

  • A lightweight tent
  • A sleeping bag
  • A sleeping mat
  • (anything essential I may overlook)

I'm 6'0 tall and I'd say I'm pretty fit / active but completely new to multi day backpacking so any advice on keeping pack weight down / common beginner mistakes / anything unnecessary things that alot of beginners may pack would be greatly appreciated

(if I am underestimating the cost and need to up my budget I can)