Backpacking

Hannegan Pass Trail, North Cascades National Park.

Ask Me: Tips On Food For Backpacking With Kids

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Hi Michael,

I just discovered your site, The Big Outside, while looking for information on backpacking with kids. We have been car camping with our kids since they were tiny but will try our first actual backpacking trip with them (now ages 8 and 10) later this summer. Do you have any recommendations for food? I would rather not go the (dehydrated meals) route for taste and expense reasons. Ideally I would find a resource for ideas that were homemade but did not require the purchase of a food dehydrater—perhaps I am limiting my options too much?

Thanks,
Anne
Cupertino, CA

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Gunsight Pass Trail, Glacier National Park.

Ask Me: Advice on Buying Lightweight Boots

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Hi Michael,

I hope all is well with you. I talked to you a couple of months ago about winter packs and you were extremely helpful.

I need new boots for hiking/light backpacking, and I have a very high-arched foot and wear after-market insoles. My last pair of boots were Kaylands and they were incredible, but off course they stopped shipping to the USA.

I’m wondering which boot you think is better Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR or La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX?

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Jotunheimen National Park, Norway.

Ask Me: How ‘Waterproof’ Are Waterproof-Breathable Apparel and Boots?

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Can I sound off for a moment about Gore-Tex and other supposedly waterproof/breathable membranes? I’ve owned four pairs of boots, a running suit and a pair of gloves that have been Gore-Tex lined, and got wet in all of them. Not wet from sweat or water going over the boots, but wet from rain (soaking through) and in the case of the boots, even wet grass. I think Gore-Tex should change its slogan to Guaranteed to Keep You Dry—If It Doesn’t Rain. How can manufacturers make these waterproof claims? People’s lives can depend on their gear.

Thanks,

Dave
Worcester, Mass.

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A young boy backpacking the wilderness coast of Olympic National Park.

Featured Video: Backpacking the Olympic Coast

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Washington’s Olympic National Park protects the longest wilderness coastline remaining in the continental United States, and the season for hiking it is fast approaching. Watch this short video of a classic, three-day, 17.5-mile backpacking trip along the southern section of the coast, where you’ll see sea stacks rising out of the ocean, seals, sea otters, and tide pools filled with …

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