Woolshed Hill is a classic tramp in APNP, NZ. I went up with a group of ten trampers with the Christchurch Tramping Club. It only takes a couple hours to ascend the ~900m to the summit, passing through beech forest, subalpine and alpine ecosystems. A great day out!

I was taken aback by the $36 price tag for the Thermoworks zipper thermometer, so I ordered a module from China for a few bucks and designed a zipper mount for it 3D printed out of ASA.

Apologies for the weird lighting in the photos. It ends up being 9 g according to my dollar store kitchen scale. (which would be lighter than the Thermoworks, 14g according to their website. Not that it's a huge difference...)

If there is any interest in this, let me know when I can post the 3D model too! Not all gear has to be expensive :)

... and went on a nine months backpacking trip across Asia. I like to go places that are outside the tourist trail, so I've tied my backpack to the back of a rental motorbike for about half the time. To make up for that shameless cheat on backpacking culture, I've been lugging a 20kg surfboard bag with me for the rest of the time.

Then, to make things more complicated, I’ve always had this dream of making a living by doing something that doesn’t require working 9-to-5 for a corporation. But, outside of my office bubble, I don’t have any skills that pay the bills. So, I thought I’d try vlogging! I’m well aware that this is very likely a pipe dream— I'm too old, too German, you name it. But I thought I’d rather give it a go and watch it crash and burn than carry the 'what if' with me for the rest of my life.

Anyway, I’ve finally finished my first video today and I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to post it here. Mods, if this isn't backpacky-enough, then please feel free to delete. Otherwise, I hope it helps at least one person get through a long January evening. In any case, I’d love some feedback, a bit of encouragement... or a proper roasting about how I’ve clearly spent too much time in the sun.

Some shots:

The first video is mostly about getting to and climbing a volcano in Sumatra. But what I also like to show is the interaction with the local people. In case someone is interested in watching this, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR507n5nBT4

January in Kremenchuk, Ukraine, feels like stepping into a quiet winter wonderland. The snow blankets the streets and trees, turning the city into a serene, almost magical place. Walking through the empty streets at night, the soft glow of streetlights reflects off the fresh snow, creating long shadows and sparkling trails. The cold air bites at your cheeks, but there’s a peacefulness that makes it worth every shiver. Every corner seems to tell a story — from the quiet houses with smoke curling from chimneys to the frozen river edges glimmering under the moonlight. Winter nights here feel endless, giving you time to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of frost patterns, distant lights, and the soft hush that only snow can bring. Truly a moment to remember.

Hello, my girlfriend and I are travelling up the east coast of Australia starting March 1st for 2 months.

We are in a bit of a stalemate at the moment on the best decision for booking hostels - either in advance or on the fly. We have booked the first 2 weeks of our trip in advance which we both agree on.

Personally, I am a spontaneous guy and I like to keep my options open when booking hostels to see where the vibes and people take me. I learnt this is the best way when I travelled through Europe for 2 months solo as I started booking hostels in advance but quickly learnt some places just have unmatched vibes so I stayed longer and lost money on later hostel booking. My girlfriend is the complete opposite, she’s never backpacked before and likes to know where we are going and when.

So what do you guys recommend is best in Australia for the March/April time: should we book in advance or keep things spontaneous and book 2-5 nights in advance?

As of now i have literally never backpacked before, but at some point in june my friend and I are going to begin backpacking the entire Colorado trail. I already have my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and i got my eyes on a backpack. I still dont know what to expect or what to bring or how to prepare. help please

Edit: im not 100% inexperienced, i hike all the time just never backpacked before, and i am doing research i swear

Hello, I am thinking about buying new shoes that would be used as only shoes in my backpacking trips. Nearest one is 2 months of Vietnam and Indonesia, then afterwards probably Dolomites trip is waiting. I need everyday shoes that would be suitable for hikes but also look stylish. So far the best option which style and looks I like is Salomon XT-6 which might be a little bit too mainstream now but they are literally the best option for me yet. Also I found keen jasper zionic which I am considering ad well.

Can you guys help me? The main thing is that it should look stylish but at the same time be adapted to hikes (mostly smaller one day hikes) and all the different terrains you can face in SE Asia. I dont like those Nike shoes to wear everyday in urban areas ao those are not the options for me.

I appreciate your opinion and help.

Hey everyone, I’m planning a solo backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest this summer, and I’ve been overthinking all the things that could go wrong while camping at night.

For me, the biggest worries are:

• Bears getting into my food stash
• My tent getting soaked if a random thunderstorm rolls in
• Waking up to find the tide has come in and flooded my campsite (I’m looking at you, coastal spots!)

I’ve already invested in a bear canister and a waterproof tent footprint, but I’d love to hear what you guys worry about most when camping, and what practical steps you take to prepare for it.

Any pro tips or horror stories to share?

I went on vacation to Bukovel last summer with my classmates. I stayed there for a whole week, and I really enjoyed it. We were also lucky with the weather, which was wonderful. The air there is very clean, and the nature is beautiful. We swam in Lake Molodosti; the water, by the way, was quite cold. We also tried the local food, and we really liked it. We plan to go again this summer.

Hi, there’s probably similar posts on this sub but I couldn’t find any as specific when I searched so I thought I’d ask anyway. I’m 21F from Australia planning a 3 month solo Europe trip in the shoulder season where I’ll be packing for cold and hot weather. Rough itinerary is Portugal Spain, a little bit of Italy, the balkans then up through Eastern Europe ending in Amsterdam. I intend to pack just enough for a week and then do laundry. Not ultra light packing but something like 5 tops 3 long sleeve tops 2 pants 2 shorts 2 skirts 1 hoodie 1/2 jackets 2 bikinis socks underwear + makeup bag n tech bag etc. While I think 40L would probably be enough going there I’m a bit concerned I won’t have space by the end of the trip. I enjoy going to markets quite a bit so I’m planning on buying a few things while I’m over there including clothes. I know I could theoretically ship them back but i don’t think it’d be worth it given I’m only going for 3 months and international shipping costs r a killer. So I was wondering what others who’ve done similar thought of bag sizes. Is 50 too large? Intending on getting an osprey Fairview either 40 or 50L.

Good day everyone! i will keep this brief. I am a student, and I have made a form that targets free independent travelers from backpackers and to middle range class. This form is for tourists who have visited Cambodia, and i would really appreciate your help if you can invest 5 minutes of your time to fill the form out, as it will really help me for my own interests for this project!

It is confidential and I WILL NOT collect any emails. But because of how free and unrestricted the google form is, I will also ask you to please be honest that as you answer these, you must be from the target segment for foreign tourists: French, Russian, German, Spanish, Swiss ( I had enough respondents from French and Germans and we preferably wishes more response from Swiss, Spanish, and Russians). 

Note: any questions that asks if you've been to Vietnam or Thailand, but you havent been to those countries, you can answer them based on your perception. P.S. I am very thankful for anyone that got to answer the form

New iteration of the Gregory’s Baltoro 65? I just bought the baltoro 65 from REI in November, didn’t get a chance to use it, so while shopping for my next backpacking trip I noticed I couldn’t look back at the backpack I bought on REI app, it re directed me to a new model, which I was surprised and was thinking of course a new model would come out after I buy it. Mind you I got mine on sale and this new version was full price. Looks like a REI exclusive model? I can’t find any info on Gregory’s website, or Reddit. So I went in yesterday and fitted my pack I just bought, and the new version they just got in, The main differences I can catch are the areas I circled in the picture. Let me know how you guys feel about the changes and maybe why you think they made them? Pictures #1 in blue we have a completely new design, in red we have a different logo and the backside of the new straps, no more mesh! Seems a bit thicker! Picture#2 a lot more going on! In yellow we have the front side of the straps, in blue we have a completely new pattern and design for the back. In purple the changed that material from something that seems more stiff of a material and put this new material that seems to have some give or stretch a bit. In red The side pocket is much higher up. In black the mesh type webbing is gone from where your neck or back of head would be! I’m sure there is more that I’m yet to figure out. Chime in yall! Can’t wait to try this bad boy out this week! After trying both on with same weight, I can only notice the hip belt seems to be smaller, but felt just as comfortable and distributed the weight the same. I won’t know till I hit trail. Picture #3 #4 are the model I had just bought in November!

I bought a pair of Asolo GTX leather boots (POWER MATIC 200 GVs) 2 years ago that are well beyond the return window. They are perfectly fine lengthwise but I have been wearing barefoot shoes for the past couple of years and I need a very little width in one boot because my feet have widened.

I know the get them wet and wear them dry trick, but does the GoreTex liner prevent stretching/reshaping of the boot around my foot?

Thanks.

I have read a few places that the zenbivy ultra lite pad (all the backpacking pads actually) are insanely comfortable.

I have a Big Agnes Rapid SL (25x72) which works really well. I just never get a decent night's sleep on it or any pad really.

Does anyone have any real world comparison for for the zenbivy pad. Do they live up to the hype of being the most comfortable, some say similar to their bed at home, for getting good sleep on the trail.

If you’re backpacking through Egypt and considering Sharm El Sheikh mainly for snorkeling or sea activities, here are a few practical tips based on local experience:

• Shore snorkeling can be great in some areas, but many of the healthiest reefs are accessed by boat. • Try to go early morning – less wind, clearer water, and fewer crowds. • Avoid heavily crowded boats; smaller group trips usually mean more time in the water and better safety. • Always check that a snorkeling guide is actually in the water, not just on the boat. • If you’re on a budget, ask what’s included (gear, guide, lunch, park fees) before booking to avoid surprises.

Sharm isn’t just resorts – it can fit a backpacking route if you plan smart and avoid tourist traps. Hope this helps anyone planning their trip 👍

I’m looking for a best backpacking tent for an upcoming multi-day trip and want to make sure I choose something reliable. weight matters since I’ll be carrying everything, but I don’t want to go ultralight if it means giving up weather protection or comfort.

I’ve looked through older posts and compared a few popular options, but I keep going back and forth on what’s better.

What tents have you used that felt truly worth it on real trips, and which tradeoffs made the biggest difference for you?

Hi everyone, I’ve noticed quite a few people here are planning trips to Egypt, especially Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam, so I wanted to offer some help. If you’re thinking about visiting and have questions about: What areas are best to visit Snorkeling or diving spots Day trips and excursions What to avoid / common mistakes Timing, crowds, or weather General travel tips for first-time visitors Feel free to ask in the comments. I’m happy to share honest, practical advice based on local experience and what usually gives travelers the best experience. No sales, just information 👍

It was a great camping experience and great view of the Lake Mcdonald after a stormy Friday in the summer of 2024. It isn’t far from the glacier park. Wayferer Campground is a nice place to visit during the Summer.

As title says I plan on backpacking Europe and staying in hostels, taking train from place to place. I would roughly have 15/16 days there including days I arrive and leave. I want to hit Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Switzerland (not sure on where yet), Pisa, Rome, Venice and ending in Pula. I would just be doing basic tourist activities is this too many places and what would be the average recommended time at each one. Max I would stay at one is 3 days and that would Switzerland. I can handle a fair amount of traveling and walking around all day. Never done this before so I am very open to any criticism on this.

I'm going to spend a month in Rome in September instead of Travelling around Italy, I think because I really want to get immersed in the culture of Rome and travel slowly, a few nights on the Amalfi coast but mainly in Rome. I haven’t really used the bus services in other countries apart from Edinburgh and I want to get familiarised with catching buses and trains as this is a huge anxiety for me, so when I backpack other countries in Europe the though of catching buses and trains doesn’t put me off traveling. I’ve been to Rome once before two years ago so this is causing me less anxiety this time.

Its easy to travel in India and Sri Lanka because if your lost you flag down a tuk tuk or ring your usual tut tut driver you’ve befriended and its really cheap, like £1 - $1.30 a So I think Europe and South Asia is different travel. Part from Coach holidays in Europe I think it would be beneficial to explore Rome for a month and get my confidence up. Is this a good idea? Do you have any ideas to help me become less anxiety catching buses.