Independent field notes
Backpacking adventures, trail wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way.
James McAfferyJames McAffery is a lifelong backpacker who believes the best lessons are learned somewhere between the trailhead and the next campsite. He writes practical guides about gear, trail skills, backcountry meals, and avoiding mistakes—especially the ones he has already made himself.
Practical guidance for assessing and treating apparently clean water collected downstream of a campsite, including safer collection points, treatment options, and situations where chemical or environmental contamination calls for a different plan.
Read articleA practical guide to crossing muddy trails without widening them, damaging vegetation, or turning a wet section into a larger problem.
Read articleA practical home-and-local-trip checklist for testing a new backpacking shelter, including fit, setup, condensation, leaks, durability, and missing parts before heading somewhere remote.
Read articleSimple pack-management techniques for separating damp clothing from insulation while keeping rain gear available.
Read articleA practical system for separating sleeping clothes, cooking layers, and food odours in different wildlife environments.
Read articleA practical guide to storing food safely in bear country when campsites use different systems, from lockers and bear caches to approved canisters and hanging methods.
Read articleA troubleshooting guide for strap placement, pack height, clothing layers, and load distribution when irritation begins early in the day.
Read articleA practical guide to stepping off the trail for passing, stopping, and yielding without widening the tread or damaging fragile vegetation, soil, or alpine surfaces.
Read articleA practical guide to creating an emergency itinerary that a non-backpacking contact can understand, including route details, uncertainty, check-in plans, and what to do if plans change.
Read articlePractical etiquette for busy scenic stops, narrow viewpoints, tripods, and people moving through the frame.
Read article