wanderingpine Backpacking, Food, Skills

Backpacking Meal Planning + 3 Favorite Recipes

Our Border Route Trail trip report and Ultralight Gear list just published, so it's time to talk about FOOD! This post features the menu from my Border Route Trail trip, THREE favorite recipes (ie kitchen experiments), and some handy tips and resources for making your own meals on the trail. IMPORTANT NOTE: My caloric intake … Continue reading Backpacking Meal Planning + 3 Favorite Recipes

wanderingpine Backpacking, Gear, Scouts, Skills, Superior Hiking Trail

Lightweight Backpacking Tips: 5 ways I reduced my pack weight – Including packing list

FUN NEWS! Our Superior hiking Trail adventure is being featured all week as a series on the BSA Instagram page. Volunteering with our son's Boy Scout Troop has provided me with opportunities that have ignited a passion for the outdoors and empowered me to pursue adventure both inside and outside of Scouting activities. I'm grateful … Continue reading Lightweight Backpacking Tips: 5 ways I reduced my pack weight – Including packing list

wanderingpine Gear, Minnesota State Parks, Superior Hiking Trail

Shakedown #1 and Tarptent Saddle 2

Shakedown hikes and backpacking trips are the best way you can train yourself to become a confident backpacker or day hiker. They provide a low pressure setting for you to practice new skills, learn how to use your gear, plan a hike, and develop the physical fitness required to hike all day with a backpack. -Section … Continue reading Shakedown #1 and Tarptent Saddle 2

wanderingpine Backpacking, Gear, Superior Hiking Trail

Gear Review: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Here it is!   My first shot at writing a dedicated gear review.   I have written quick reviews and recommendations embedded in trip reports that mostly express discovering nifty things or gear I found a good deal on…but wanted to challenge myself to focus on writing a review about ONE piece of gear.  So why not … Continue reading Gear Review: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

wanderingpine Backpacking, Gear, Minnesota State Parks, Superior Hiking Trail, Training, Winter, Winter Camping

Backpacking on the North Shore – Part 1: Testing My New Pack and SHT Packing List!

I'm still mentally and spiritually unpacking my trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.   It was so beautiful, I'm at a bit of a loss for words, but they will eventually come.  So, lucky for you, this will be a two part post! One of the first things I did when I decided … Continue reading Backpacking on the North Shore – Part 1: Testing My New Pack and SHT Packing List!

wanderingpine Backpacking, Gear, Scouts, Skills, Superior Hiking Trail

Making Your Own Ultralight Backpack!

Have you ever thought about making your own backpacking gear?  This week's post is about my experience sewing an ultralight backpack.   There are lots of reasons to do it yourself, including:  financial, weight savings, customization and just learning something new! If you have been reading in the last 6 months, you already know that … Continue reading Making Your Own Ultralight Backpack!