Backpacking resources for the Midwest and beyond
Since I m still living in the Chicago burbs, this place continues to be my favorite destination for newbies and for quick one-night getaways when I need to get a hiking fix. I ve visited numerous times since my last summary, including a two-night autumn trip with my 6-year-old son (now 8), and several other trips introducing Continue reading Update: Forest Glen Preserve
The big out-west mountain trips are the ones that we re all really preparing for while we re scouring maps of the plains for some decent topography to hike near our hometowns. The following trip that I took to Grand Teton National Park in 2016 is one of a few exotic destinations that I may write about Continue reading Backpacking Grand Teton National Park
Writing about Yellow River State Forest pains me due to the fact that anything I can say about it will only result in attracting more attention to this little-known Midwestern backpacking gem. Less than 4.5 hours from downtown Chicago, 3.5 hours from Des Moines, 2.5 hours from the Quad Cities, and only 2 hours from Continue reading Backpacking Yellow River State Forest
Newport State Park is a great place to camp in Door County without spending the night on top of your neighbors as you might at Peninsula State Park, and without spending a fortune on ferry rides as you would when visiting Rock Island State Park. (Which I still highly recommend, by the way, despite the Continue reading Backpacking Newport State Park
Salty snacks, GORP, energy bars Palate fatigue is a real thing, and after a few days of these foods something fresh tasting is like a little slice of heaven. Fruit leathers are one of the snacks that provide a break for my palate. This awesome recipe* helped me power my four-day trek through the Tetons this Continue reading Fruit Leather Summer Recipe
There s nothing more exciting for a new backpacker than the purchase of their first backpack. Sure, the other gear can be fun to collect, but the backpack makes it official. You re not just a camper any more. You re ready to go places – wild, and otherwise inaccessible places. But there are several variables to consider when shopping for a backpack, plus dozens of brands, Continue reading How to…
Savage Gulf State Natural Area is one of nine properties that make up South Cumberland State Park in Southeastern Tennessee. Roughly an hour and a half from both Nashville and Chattanooga, TN, and 5-6 hours from Midwestern cities such as St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, the beautiful views and extensive trail system are enough to justify a multi-day Continue reading Backpacking Savage Gulf…
When it comes to backpacking food, the name of the game is calorie density. The easiest snacks are pre-made, and they re usually really high in sugar or processed starchy carbohydrates. Common trail snacks are candy bars, Twizzlers, traditional GORP ( good old raisins and peanuts which usually contains M Ms or chocolate chips as well), Cliff Continue reading My Favorite Backpacking Snacks
Three hours from St. Louis, two and a half from Chicago, one and a half from Indianapolis, and less than an hour from U of I in Urbana-Champaign, Forest Glen Preserve is close enough to be a great day hike and/or picnic destination, but challenging and remote enough to be an excellent one or two-night backpacking destination. Mix and Continue reading Backpacking Forest Glen Preserve River Ridge…
The most common doubt that beginners have expressed to me before their first backpacking experience relates to their physical ability. My typical response to these doubts is if you can walk unassisted and without pain, you can go backpacking. (And please do try backpacking if that response describes you!) While that statement is generally true, it is admittedly a bit of an oversimplification.…