What to Pack for a Backpacking Trip With a New Pair of Prescription Glasses
A practical system for protecting glasses, managing fog, carrying spares, and handling vision problems far from the trailhead.
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Miles, Meals & Mosquitoes
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.
Recent articles
View archiveWhat to Look for When Buying a Used Backpacking Stove
A practical, safety-focused guide to inspecting a used backpacking stove, including seals, valves, fuel compatibility, corrosion, parts availability, and test burns.
Read articleWhat to Eat After a Long Day When Your Stomach Feels Off
A practical approach to choosing gentle foods, fluids, and smaller portions when exertion, heat, or unfamiliar meals disrupts digestion.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Water Filter Freezes Overnight
How to assess filter damage, use backup treatment, and prevent freezing on future cold-weather trips.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Tent Footprint Is Wider Than the Durable Campsite
Practical guidance for fitting a tent onto a durable campsite without widening your impact, damaging vegetation, or creating an awkward overnight setup.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Compass Bearing Leads Into Impassable Terrain
A practical, step-by-step reset for hikers whose compass bearing leads toward a cliff, dense vegetation, water, or other impassable terrain.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Backpacking Partner Cancels the Night Before
A practical decision framework for reassessing permits, transport, route difficulty, and personal safety when a backpacking partner cancels the night before.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Backpacking Group Has Different Speeds and Goals
Practical ways to plan pace, regrouping points, and shared goals when a backpacking group includes different experience levels and priorities.
Read articleWhat to Do When You Find Fresh Bear Sign on the Route Ahead
A practical guide to assessing fresh bear sign on a hiking route and deciding whether to continue, reroute, or leave the area.
Read articleWhat to Do When You Find a Snake in Your Sleeping Area
A practical guide to creating distance, avoiding a defensive bite, checking your tent and gear safely, and making a repeat encounter less likely.
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