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 to repacking backpacking food at the trailhead, with simple checks for labels, portions, fuel, rubbish, and the small mistakes that are easy to miss before departure.
Read articleA practical lesson in packing clothing for backpacking: how to build a sensible layering system, protect against changing weather, and leave fear-driven extras at home.
Read articleA practical inspection and testing checklist for buying or borrowing a used backpacking stove, including fuel-system checks, cleaning, field testing, and sensible replacement decisions.
Read articleA first-person reflection on pacing, food timing, camp chores, and why a trip can feel harder when effort is distributed poorly.
Read articleA practical guide to planning backpacking food by energy rather than ingredient count, with simple ways to assess calorie density, portion sizes, appetite changes, and whether a full food bag will actually keep you fuelled.
Read articleA practical comparison of sleeping bags and quilts for backpackers building their first lightweight sleep system, including warmth, drafts, comfort, condensation, and ease of use.
Read articleSimple etiquette for stove placement, food storage, washing, drying gear, and keeping communal space usable for everyone.
Read articlePractical guidance for choosing a lower-mosquito campsite in Canada's boreal forests, with advice on water, wind, vegetation, timing, and safe campsite practices.
Read articleA practical system for estimating food, planning resupply stops, and reducing the waste that can build up on a long-distance backpacking trip.
Read articleA conservative, practical guide to assessing river crossings in Western Canada, including current, depth, footing, weather, alternate routes, and when to turn around.
Read article