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.
A practical guide for backpackers on recognizing dehydration despite drinking water, understanding the effects of heat, exertion and sodium loss, and knowing when to stop or seek medical help.
Read articleA practical guide to spotting early heat illness on desert trails, taking immediate action, and planning hikes to reduce dangerous heat exposure.
Read articleA practical guide to combining forecasts, landforms, vegetation, and nearby ridges to anticipate wind before choosing a high-country campsite.
Read articleA practical guide to using contour lines to estimate steepness, identify terrain features, and make better route decisions when a trail description leaves out important details.
Read articleA practical guide to interpreting trail closure notices in Canada and the United States, including full and partial closures, advisories, alternate access, dates, maps, and reliable trip-planning checks.
Read articleA practical guide to interpreting mountain forecasts in Western Canada, including temperature, wind, precipitation, freezing level, thunderstorms, and how to turn forecast information into safer daily decisions.
Read articlePractical, low-impact ways to collect water, wash, cook, swim, and move around camp without damaging a lake shoreline.
Read articlePractical, low-impact choices for protecting alpine plants, soil, and narrow mountain routes when crowds, mud, and unofficial shortcuts make a trail difficult to navigate.
Read articleA practical guide to planning food resupplies from local stores, pre-packed boxes, and flexible menus when a mail drop isn't available.
Read articleA practical guide to planning warm, calorie-dense breakfasts that are easy to prepare and tolerate when cold weather suppresses your appetite.
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