Hiking and Backpacking Blog Tagged "skills"

Self Care for Outdoor Adventurers

by Erin Gautier January 23, 2019

Hikers and backpackers are constantly outside and being active, even in the off season. The physical impact of carrying weight, working muscles repeatedly, and being exposed to uncontrolled conditions can take its toll both in the short and long term. Being able to hike, backpack, snowshoe and do whatever outdoor activities you choose is a special thing, and calls for attention to remain possible, comfortable, and enjoyable.

To stay healthy and protected from injuries, here are a few self-care tips to keep you doing what you love.

Going Solo: Tips for Safely Hiking Alone

by Austin Campbell October 28, 2016

backpacking hiking skills tips

Hiking alone can be peaceful and the perfect way to spend some quality time with yourself. Hiking alone can also be terrifying. Is that a cougar stalking me? Is that bearded dude hiking towards me dangerous? And what about Bigfoot? Don't worry those fears are mostly just in your head (except for Bigfoot) and taking a solo hike has some major advantages. You won't need to worry about that friend that's never on time, or waiting at the top of every switch back for a slow hiking partner, and you get to be fully in charge of the adventure you have. While hiking alone isn't as safe as using the buddy system and hiking with a friend, there are a few simple things you can do to have an epic solo adventure.

11 Tips for Hiking and Backpacking in the Rain

by Austin Campbell October 07, 2016

backpacking hiking skills tips

A rainy day doesn't need to keep you off the trail. With the proper preparation and gear hiking in the rain can be just as enjoyable as a clear day, just a little muddier. When it's raining you'll have popular trails, that you usually avoid because of the crowds, all to yourself. CloudLine is based in Seattle so we have spent many days testing hiking socks in the rain and over the years we've discovered 11 tricks that make sure we have a great day on the trail rain or shine.

5 Knots Every Hiker and Backpacker Should Know

by Austin Campbell September 15, 2016

backpacking hiking skills survival

The right knot can be a lifesaver when you run into the unexpected in the backcountry. So if a granny knot is your go-to knot for every situation, it's time to upgrade your knot skills with these knots every hiker and backpacker should know. The 5 knots below are perfect for attaching loads to your pack, tensioning a rainfly, securely connecting two ropes, rescue lines and more. Best of all we've embedded Youtube tutorials from Backpacker Magazine's Knot School Series so learning each knot is as clear as possible.

Sock Size Guides

WOMEN'S	US	UK	Europe	CM
Small	4 - 6.5	2 - 4.5	35 - 37	20.5 - 23
Medium	7 - 9.5	5 - 7.5	38 - 40	23.5 - 25.5
Large	10 -12.5	8 - 10.5	41 - 45	26 - 28.5
X-Large	13.5 - 15	11 - 13.5	46 - 49	29 - 31

MEN'S	US	UK	Europe	CM
Small	N/A	N/A	N/A	20.5 - 23
Medium	6 - 8.5	5.5 - 8	39 - 41	23.5 - 25.5
Large	9 -11.5	8.5 - 11	42 - 44	26 - 28.5
X-Large	12 - 14.5	11.5 - 14	45 - 47	29 - 31

T-Shirt Size Guides

WOMEN'S	FITS SIZES	US Sizes (Inches)
Small	2 - 4	Length: 26"	Width: 15 ¾"
Medium	6 - 8	Length: 26 ½"	Width: 16 ½"
Large	8 - 10	Length: 27 ⅛ "	Width: 17 ½"
X-Large	10 - 14	Length: 27 ¾"	Width: 18 ½"
2X-Large	14 - 18	Length: 28 ⅜"	Width: 19 ½

MEN'S / UNISEX	CHEST TO FIT	US Sizes (Inches)
Small	34 - 37	Length: 28"	Width: 18"
Medium	38 - 41	Length: 29"	Width: 20"
Large	42 - 45	Length: 30"	Width: 22"
X-Large	46 - 49	Length: 31"	Width: 24"
2X-Large	50 - 53	Length: 32"	Width: 26"