Backpacking Europe Essentials: The Ultimate Europe Packing List

Are you planning your first European backpacking travel adventure? Packing for a trip can be exciting but stressful, especially if you don’t know what to bring. Whether you’re going for a week or for an entire summer, there are a few backpacking Europe essentials for your packing list. To help you get started, take a look at our backpacking Europe checklist, which will ensure you have everything you need for your trip. 

1. The Right Backpack

The right backpacking can make or break your trip. A backpack that’s too big can make traveling uncomfortable, while a backpack that’s too small won’t allow you to fit all your belongings in it. 

When backpacking Europe, you won’t want to bring a large, rolling suitcase. European cities were built before the age of elevators, which means that you’ll be walking lots of stairs. When navigating the metro, the old buildings, and the hotels, you’ll be happy to be able to take the stairs instead of lugging around an unwieldy backpack.

When it comes to essentials for your backpacking Europe packing list, it’s best to bring a carry-on sized backpack to avoid baggage fees on budget airlines. A carry-on sized backpack will also be small enough to keep nearby if you’re taking a bus or train tour in Europe.

Backpacking backpacks come in sizes based on the liter volume that they can carry. A 30-40 liter bag is comparable to a carry-on size suitcase, while a bag that’s 50-65 liters will be too big to take with you as a carry on.

Make sure you choose a bag that fits comfortably on your body. If you’re visiting a store, the employees will be more than happy to help you select a few bags that are suited to your body size. 

If you’re looking for the best backpack for backpacking Europe, the Osprey brand has some great all-rounder backpacks. Osprey is the go-to essential Europe backpacking option and fits most people comfortably. 

2. Day bag

When you’re taking a day trip or going on a hike, you won’t want to bring your huge backpack with you. Leave most of your items locked safely at your accommodation and take along a day bag. Your best bet would be to purchase a foldable daypack that can fit into your bigger backpack.

It will need to fit essentials such as money, a snack, water, and maybe a change of clothes, so it shouldn’t be too big or bulky.

3. Padlocks

Padlocks are a quick, convenient, and inexpensive way to secure your bags and hostel lockers. When assembling your backpacking Europe essentials for your packing list, a small item like this can be a lifesaver! You can also use your luggage lock on your backpack during travel days, ensuring all your belongings are safe, including your passport.

4. Universal travel adapter

Your Europe backpacking packing list should include a universal travel adapter, which will work for your phone charger or any other electronic devices. 

The outlets in continental Europe use the same 2-pronged plug, but if you’re traveling in the UK and Ireland, you’ll need a different 3-pronged system. Rather than taking multiple chargers with you, a multifunctional adapter will do. 

5. Camera

The best travel camera for backpacking europe

Your phone camera is sufficient for everyday life, but backpacking around the world is an incredible experience that you will never want to forget!

Your travel photos will prove invaluable once you return from your epic journey, so be sure to capture all the incredible things you encounter along the way. Bring a camera that not only takes great pictures but also fits easily into your backpack.

These days, the majority of cameras are equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, so they can be transmitted easily to your laptop or phone to post them online.

You may wish to bring a high-tech DSLR camera to take stunning photographs.

If you want to take your backpacking adventures to the next level, then consider bringing along a waterproof GoPro, which will accompany you everywhere from underwater adventures to skydiving during your European backpacking adventures.

6. Travel towel

Your essential backpacking Europe packing list should include a quick-drying travel towel, since you will be moving from hostel to hostel as you backpack between cities. My favorite travel towel is a Turkish towel which is quick to dry and easy to fit in your backpack. You can also use the towel as a privacy screen if you secure a bottom bunk in a hostel.

7. Power Bank

A power bank is one of the essentials on my backpacking Europe packing list, for multiple reasons. While traveling, you’ll be using your phone much more than normal – for navigation, taking photos, videos, or researching travel tips. On days like this, you’ll want to have a backup battery for your phone. 

I’ve also relied on my power bank during long travel journeys when I use my phone and want to make sure I have enough juice to find my way to the next destination.

8. Change purse

Reliance on physical money is surprisingly still pretty high throughout Europe. Plus, having lots of €1 and €2 Euro coins is a good idea if you want to leave behind tips or donate to street musicians that you’ll see on your trip. 

9. The right shoes

For your backpacking Europe packing list, don’t forget to throw in a pair of rubber sandals for the hostel showers. You should also bring a pair of comfortable but stylish walking shoes. Some nightlife spots will require a certain dress code, but you can get away with leather-style sneakers. And women can get away with stylish-looking flats that are secretly super comfortable.

10. Hostel survival kit

If you’ll be staying in hostels, don’t forget these 4 backpacking Europe essentials. We call it the hostel survival kit:

11. The Best Apps for Backpacking Europe

The Best Apps for Backpacking Europe

And lastly, before heading off for your European backpacking adventure, you should load up your phone with a few essential apps that will make backpacking Europe a breeze.

Apps to book transportation from place to place

Given the relatively compact size of Europe, you can travel between major cities by train or bus. There are a few useful apps for European transportation that can help make sure you find the best deal while sticking to your schedule.

  • Omio – compare trains, buses, and flight options in Europe and travel using mobile tickets
  • Trainline – a popular app in the UK to find train and bus tickets 
  • Flixbus – a long-distance bus company that is a favorite mode of travel for budget backpackers
  • Kiwi – a flight search comparison site that helps you find the lowest prices
  • Skyscanner – another classic flight search website that has powerful flexible search options
  • DiscoverCars – car rental search engine with direct booking to 500+ suppliers

Apps for Finding Accommodation in Europe

Apps to book discounted activities and Skip the Line tickets

Apps to stay in touch with friends and family back home

If you don’t want to change to an international mobile plan, you can use these apps over free public WiFi to stay in touch with people back home.

Gear Review – The Best Budget Backpacking Tents

Backpacking is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world and meet new people. When you are backpacking, you enjoy an incredible amount of freedom because all of your belongings are literally strapped to your back.  You can change your travel plans at the drop of a hat and explore interesting locations that you saw while on your way to your next destination.

If you take a lightweight backpacking tent with you on your journey, the freedom you can enjoy is even greater.  Having a tent available means you can camp in the most spectacular locations that each area has to offer.  It also means that you will save a ton of money on accommodation costs — allowing you to make your trip even longer!

We’ve field tested some of the best budget backpacking tents, to make sure you’re getting quality item without breaking the bank. After all, you want a backpacking tent that will hold up for many adventures to come.

This guide will take a closer look at the best budget backpacking tents.  We’ll give you an idea of the kinds of features that are useful in backpacking tents and explain how to choose the best tent possible.

The 5 best budget backpacking tents

Let’s cut to the chase. We’ve done the research, you’re here for our findings.

There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right backpacking tent. To save you the hassle of comparing dozens of tents, here are 5 of the best budget backpacking tents that have the perfect combination of features, ease of use, and durability. 

Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2-Person TentHyke & Byke Yosemite 1 and 2 Person Backpacking TentsALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person TentClostnature Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking TentWolfWise 2 Person 3-4 Season Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Rating: 4.5/5Rating: 4.4/5Rating: 4.6/5Rating: 4.6/5Rating: 4.8/5
Floor Size: 84” x 51” x 43” (W x L x H)Floor Size: 88” x 110” x 45” (W x L x H)Floor Size: 32” x 90” x 36” (W x L x H)Floor Size: 87” x 59” x 46” (W x L x H)Floor Size: 82.7” x 55.1” x 43.3” (W x L x H)
Weight: 4lbWeight: 2.5 lb for 1-person, 3.2lb for 2-personWeight: 4lb 4 ozWeight: 5lb 8ozWeight: 4lb
Materials: 75-denier Ripstop Polyester Rainfly and 210-denier Ripstop Polyester Floor (3000mm PU)Materials: 63-denier Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (2000mm PU) and Floor (5000mm PU)Materials: Water resistant Polyester (2000mm PU)Materials: Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (5000mm PU) and Bathtub Floor (5000mm PU)Materials: 190 Thread Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (2000mm PU) and 150 Denier Floor (3000mm PU)
Design: FreestandingDesign: FreestandingDesign: FreestandingDesign: FreestandingDesign: Freestanding
Cost: $$Cost: $$Cost: $$Cost: $Cost: $
Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2 Person Budget Backpacking Tent
Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2-Person Tent
Rating: 4.5/5
Floor Size: 84” x 51” x 43” (W x L x H)
Weight: 4lb
Materials: 75-denier Ripstop Polyester Rainfly and 210-denier Ripstop Polyester Floor (3000mm PU)
Design: Freestanding
Cost: $$
Hyke & Byke Yosemite 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents
Rating: 4.4/5
Floor Size: 88” x 110” x 45” (W x L x H)
Weight: 2.5 lb for 1-person, 3.2lb for 2-person
Materials: 63-denier Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (2000mm PU) and Floor (5000mm PU)
Design: Freestanding
Cost: $$
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
Rating: 4.6/5
Floor Size: 32” x 90” x 36” (W x L x H)
Weight: 4lb 4 oz
Materials: Water resistant Polyester (2000mm PU)
Design: Freestanding
Cost: $$
Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Budget Backpacking Tent
Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent
Rating: 4.6/5
Floor Size: 87” x 59” x 46” (W x L x H)
Weight: 5lb 8oz
Materials: Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (5000mm PU) and Bathtub Floor (5000mm PU)
Design: Freestanding
Cost: $
WolfWise 2 Person 3-4 Season Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Rating: 4.8/5
Floor Size: 82.7” x 55.1” x 43.3” (W x L x H)
Weight: 4lb
Materials: 190 Thread Ripstop Polyester Rainfly (2000mm PU) and 150 Denier Floor (3000mm PU)
Design: Freestanding
Cost: $

Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2-Person Tent

This affordable backpacking tent from Featherstone strikes the perfect balance between weight and comfort.  It is a highly durable, breathable, and lightweight tent ideal for backpacking.

The Featherstone Outdoor UL is a spacious lightweight two-person tent measuring with a floor space of  84 x 51 inches.  It includes two doors and two vestibules for storing backpacks.  This product is a 3-season tent made from 75-denier Ripstop Polyester with a 3000mm polyurethane hydrostatic-rated coating.  The floor is made from thick 210-denier Nylon with the same hydrostatic coating.

One of the best features of this tent is how weatherproof it is.  The seam-taped construction forms an impenetrable barrier against moisture — critical when backpacking in the rainy season. The bathtub floor design also prevents water from the ground from leaking into the tent through the walls.

The Featherstone Outdoor UL is fairly easy to set up, with a single aluminum pole design.  It is a freestanding tent, so you can quickly pick it up and move it to another location when necessary.  The generous lifetime warranty, price, and features make this tent an excellent choice.

Pros:

  • Excellent weatherproofing
  • Spacious for two people
  • Lightweight tent
  • Packs into a small space

Cons:

  • Could have stronger zippers
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Hyke & Byke Yosemite 1 and 2 Person Budget Backpacking Tent

Hyke & Byke Yosemite 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents 

Hyke & Byke have built a reputation for making excellent backpacking tents that are both affordable and highly durable.  Their Yosemite tents are no exception.  This tent is available as both a one-person and two-person tent, with the lightweight one-person tent measuring 88” x 75”, and the two-person tent measuring 88” by 110”.  There is plenty of headroom in these tents with the one-person and two-person having 42” and 45” respectively.

The Yosemite is very easy to set up.  It uses 2 poles with a clip-pole attachment that can be assembled in a couple of minutes.  The poles and stakes are both very lightweight, which is handy for backpackers who are already carrying a fully loaded pack.  The entire tent weighs just 3.2 lbs for the two-person model and 2.5 lbs for the ultralight one-person tent model.  This tent also collapses down to a small size (17.75” by 6.3”).

The materials used to make the Yosemite are all very high quality.  The rainfly is 63 denier polyester with a 190 thread count and 2000mm polyurethane coating.  The inner tent body is made from the same material but also has a B3 Net yarn.  The floor is identical but with a 5000mm polyurethane coating for additional waterproofing.

Pros:

  • One-person tent is ultralight at 2.5 pounds
  • Two-person tent model is particularly spacious
  • Rip-resistant material

Cons:

  • Lower denier compared to some other budget backpacking tents
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ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Budget Backpacking Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx One-Person Tent

This freestanding one-person tent from ALPS Mountaineering is highly durable, lightweight, and simple to set up.  It has been designed to be an ultraportable tent that packs into a small form factor.  It is perhaps the easiest tent to assemble from the 5 being reviewed in this guide, which makes it useful for when you quickly need some shelter.  Simply thread the two aluminium poles through the tent and stake it in 4 places.

The proportions of this tent are perfectly suited to the solo backpacker or camper, coming in at 32” x 90” x 36”.  The weight is also quite reasonable at 4 lbs 4 oz or 3 lbs 8 oz if you only take the essentials.  This tent is made from high-quality materials including water and UV resistant polyester, and aluminium poles.  A great choice for solo backpackers.

Pros:

  • High-quality zippers
  • Lightweight tent
  • Perfect for the solo backpacker
  • Fantastic value for money
  • Very long, so great for taller backpackers

Cons:

  • The stakes could be higher quality
  • May not stand up to extremely wet conditions
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Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Budget Backpacking Tent

Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent

This 2 person backpacking tent from TNH has been designed with convenience and comfort in mind.  The tent measures 7’3” x 4’11” x 3’10” with a maximum height of approximately 45”.  When it is packed up, it measures 16.5” x 5.9” x 5.9”, which is quite compact compared to many other budget backpacking tents. It is by far the best budget backpacking tent under $100, in fact, it’s the most affordable one on our list.

This is another freestanding tent design that uses two aluminium poles and a small number of pegs.  The curved design of this tent makes it a great choice if you expect to be camping in windy conditions.  It also has interior mesh walls, which provide plenty of ventilation if the weather becomes hot.  The two D-shaped doors open up the spacious interior which features 2 vestibules offering plenty of room for storing your backpacks.

This is one of the most waterproof backpacking tents reviewed, thanks to its 201 thread polyester rainfly (5000mm PU), groundsheet, and bathtub design.  The water-resistant coating is quite thick and performs well in harsh weather.

Pros:

  • At under $100, the tent is remarkably affordable for these specifications
  • Very spacious
  • A high level of water resistance
  • Interior accommodates very tall people

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than some of the other tents at 5lb 8oz
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WolfWise 2 Person 3-4 Season Lightweight Budget Backpacking Tent 

WolfWise 2 Person 3-4 Season Lightweight Backpacking Tent 

This WolfWise two-person 3-4 Season tent is made from high-quality anti-tear polyester with 190 thread count, double-stitched seams, PU coating, and stitch taping.  The floor is made from 150 denier anti-tear Oxford cloth and has a waterproof index of 3000mm.

The tent expands to a size of 82.7” x 55.1” x 43.3” from its folded size of 20.9” x 6.7” x 6.7”.  It comes with some fantastic features including a USB LED roof light, wind rope, and shock-corded pole.  The oversized doors make entry and exit simple.

This tent combines high-quality materials with ease-of-use and some excellent features.  The LED roof lights are very useful and the professional construction tent makes it capable of operating in all weather conditions.  The affordability of this tent is a major selling point, especially given the quality of its construction.

Pros:

  • Handy LED roof lights
  • Easy setup
  • Large size

Cons:

  • At over 5 pounds it is heavier than some other tents
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How to look after your backpacking tent

Here are a few quick tips for caring for your new backpacking tent!

Storing your backpacking tent dry

If you can, avoid rolling the tent up while it is wet.  This will cause mildew to form on the tent, which will ruin its appearance and may cause a health hazard.  Leaving moisture on a rolled-up tent can also damage the polyurethane coating that is on the rain fly.  A budget backpacking tent with a polyurethane coating will dry very quickly, so simply hang your tent out of the rain for a few minutes or wave it around to remove moisture.

Wash your tent when it needs it

Backpacking can be a dirty business!  You may often be camping in locations that are muddy or dusty.  It is important to remove any debris from your tent as soon as possible because mud, salt, and dust can damage the water-resistant coating on a tent.

Fortunately, cleaning your tent is simple.  Just spray a water hose on the tent until the debris is off.  Never use chemical cleaners on your tent and don’t place it in a washing machine as they may also damage the coating on the tent.

Re-sealing your tent

The water-resistant coating that is applied to your tent’s surfaces is not permanent.  It will gradually wear out over time as it is exposed to harsh weather, dirt, and other contaminants.  Fortunately, you can purchase spray-on water-resistant coatings for tents.  Once you have owned your budget backpacking tent for a year or two (depending on how often you use it), test how water resistant it is by running a hose over it.  If water seems to penetrate into the tent, apply a layer of water-resistant coating.

Thanks for reading Our Gear Review of The Best Budget Backpacking Tent.  For more outdoor gear reviews check out our other blog posts.

The Best SIM Card for Europe Travel

When traveling abroad, the modern traveler needs a reliable and stable connection, preferably at a reasonable rate. In this article, we will weigh the different mobile network options when traveling abroad, the best SIM card for Europe, and what an esim+mobile data travel can offer for users.

The best SIM Card for Europe: Roaming, travel eSIM, or local operator card?

The best mobile connection option when traveling abroad is the one that meets your needs. In order to find the right option for you, it is worth considering your usage scenarios. For this, you should ask yourself a couple of questions.

How long will the trip be?

If you are planning a return trip somewhere and you still have a local SIM card from your last visit, you may still be able to use it. Be sure to check its expiration date, because usually operators cancel cards that are inactive for more than six months. If the card works, there is a great chance of finding a tariff more profitable than roaming, especially for long-term trips.

But if you are going to a new country for a short time, a local SIM card is hardly your option: it can be pricey, and not everywhere offers weekly rates. 

In this case, an eSIM for your Europe trip is more economical.

How many countries do you plan to visit?

If your Europe trip covers several countries, it is advantageous to use a universal eSIM.

Which is more important to you: Calls or using the Internet?

If you need a phone just to call your mom, there is no need to overpay for a data plan. In this case you can simply use a package for calls. If you need a little data, you can pay for it by usage via a local operator, without splurging on a daily subscription fee. If you need constant and reliable connection to the internet, you should immediately choose eSIM for your Europe trip.

Often travelers overpay simply because they did not check the settings on the eve of the trip. Many operators have unprofitable tariffs by default: if you do not configure roaming for the destination country, then you can lose all the money at the first connection to the network abroad. 

To avoid senseless expenses, it is worth preparing for your trip in advance and choosing an eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM card is a virtual SIM card distributed in the form of a QR code. It is registered in the settings of mobile devices, without requiring a physical SIM slot. 

This technology is still in the early stages, but it is already supported in 88 countries. In the near future, it should be available worldwide. As the technology spreads, new devices with its support will appear on the market.

The eSIM card is a new technological development in the telecommunications market, which is a digital SIM card for working with modern phone models. The main advantage of this technology is the ability to link several virtual numbers and tariff plans at once. This can be convenient for situations such as simultaneous use of personal and work numbers on the same smartphone, or trips abroad which require connection with multiple mobile operators.

In addition, one of the key differences between eSIM and traditional physical SIM cards is the ability to purchase a digital SIM card online, without visiting the operator’s office. This may be especially important if you need to purchase a SIM card for cheap Internet while abroad.

What solutions does an eSIM provide when traveling Europe?

A SIM card for Europe travel can solve several problems at once. For example, the problem of the high cost of roaming tariffs abroad. Or the fact that Wi-Fi is not stable and available everywhere. 

Additionally, it is inconvenient to purchase a SIM card in a new country for several reasons. Firstly, it is not always easy and quick to find a local SIM card. Secondly, even on short trips, you typically have to buy a data plan for a month. Thirdly, you are leaving your personal data exposed in a foreign country. The fourth inconvenience concerns owners of smartphones with just one SIM card slot: once you change the SIM card, you will not be able to receive calls to your permanent number.

The main advantages of eSIM

  • There is no need to remove and rearrange the physical SIM card, which provides better moisture protection for the phone, and also eliminates mechanical failure or loss of the SIM card.
  • The ability to link several virtual SIM cards to one device at the same time.
  • The use of this type of SIM card is possible not only in phones and tablets but also in smartwatches, trackers, and other devices.
  • The new technology is more environmentally friendly because it helps to reduce the production of plastic, microchips, and other elements used in the production of traditional physical SIM cards.

Plastic or eSIM?

An electronic SIM card is a chip built into new models of smartphones, tablets, and watches. You do not need an additional slot for the second SIM card, you can use eSIM simultaneously with a plastic version of your local operator. If your phone supports eSIM, it’s more convenient than plastic.

Check if your phone has a built-in chip. If yes, just download the settings from the selected mobile operator. You can set up several electronic profiles from different operators. For the duration of the trip, you can disable your home SIM card and set up call forwarding to the sim. Or use one of the cards for calls and the other for the Internet.

The best SIM card for Europe Travel: Final Thoughts

In 2023, a large number of virtual SIM cards (eSIM) will be presented on the mobile communication market. They will be put forth from various manufacturers offering flexible tariff plan systems, both for calls within their country and abroad. When buying a digital SIM card, you can choose the region or country in which you plan to use communication services.

A convenient advantage of eSIM is that several SIM cards from different operators can be activated on one device at once, or with different tariff plans, with the ability to instantly switch the active SIM card.

The choice is yours, but we recommend choosing eSIM!

What to Wear for Winter Hiking

Snow-capped mountains, coniferous forests, and gently frosted streams – a winter hike is one of the best ways to catch the beauty of the winter landscape. It also presents a challenging and rewarding outdoor activity for you to go solo or with friends.

All hikes need to be prepared for in a way that ensures safety and comfort – but none more so than those attempted in winter. As you’ll learn, the season presents greater challenges than just keeping out of the cold.

In this article, we’ll look at what to wear for winter hiking, what gear you should be using, and some tips to retain that ever-important heat in the frigid winter months. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to get the most out of these affirming, exciting outdoor experiences.

What Are The Perfect Clothes For Winter Hiking?

We’re going for a comprehensive guide to what to wear for your winter hiking outfit, so let’s start the top down. As a general rule – warmth is the name of the game, but it’s not the only metric to consider when finding the perfect set of clothes for winter hiking. As we discuss each garment, we’ll be assessing its benefits and potential flaws.

What Hat Should I Wear For Winter Hiking?

Starting off on our list of cold weather hiking clothes – the hat. It’s often said that we lose most of our heat through our heads – this isn’t strictly true – but a sensible piece of headwear is a vital part of what to wear for winter hiking.

As with all items on our list, a good hat isn’t just about providing warmth but comfort as well. Think of how the tops of your ears feel when exposed to the cold wind – it stings, doesn’t it. That’s because your ears aren’t particularly fatty, and therefore aren’t as well insulated. It can be a shock to all those tiny blood vessels.

You can make up for this with a piece of headwear that covers them, such as a beanie. Polyester blends are popular, and typically more affordable than other materials. Wool offers the highest amount of heat retention at the lowest weight – but may not be waterproof, something you’ll come to value as all that snow settles on your head. This is where acrylic knit beanies come in handy, and they often include a microfleece interior to retain that level of warmth.

Whatever material you choose, you can go out into the snow in style – their popularity and versatility mean that many brands offer warm beanies that are the height of winter hiking fashion. To summarize:

  • Look for something that covers the tops of your ears, like a beanie or other wooly hat.
  • Choose a material that is waterproof, but still warm, such as acrylic knit with a fleecy interior.
  • Go for something that’s lightweight and unobtrusive.

And what do those little bobbles do, you might be wondering? Nothing – they were once used to denote ranks and status but are now just a cheerful remnant of winters passed.

What Jacket Should I Wear For My Snow Hiking Outfit?

In snowy conditions it's essential to have the right winter hiking attire

In snowy conditions it’s essential to have the right hiking attire

Once again, as is the general rule for a snow hiking outfit, warm and waterproof is the key. Puffy jackets do this best, and synthetic insulation is a popular option for its water-resistant qualities.

Traditional down insulation, while made from fluffy feathers that trap air to retain heat, becomes heavy and virtually useless once damp. For a dry cold weather hike, this may be your preferred option – it’s also far lighter, but if you’re entering areas with expected snowfall, the bulkier synthetic insulation is a better bet.

Regardless, in very cold climates make sure you have something that covers the torso and arms. Bodywarmers are a popular choice for what to wear for winter hiking – flexible and covering the vital chest area – but naturally provide less coverage.

Go for a tall collar that extends over the neck (this is fairly standard for most outdoor jackets) in order to protect that area as well.

Hikers may consider a scarf over the top of a looser fitting jacket to keep the collar tightly pressed to the neck stopping cold air from entering, but this may restrict movement and provide unnecessary bulk.

A good quality, well-insulated, waterproof, form-fitting jacket covers all the basics.

What Gloves Should I Wear When Winter Hiking?

While other areas are vital for retaining heat, the extremities are the most receptacle to the effects of cold, including the nasty and devastating effects of frostbite.

You’re going to be weighing up protection and dexterity here – you’ll want to wear something that offers plenty of heat, but you’re also probably looking to use most of your equipment with your gloves on, potentially even those finicky GPS screens. Mittens, while certainly warm, are probably not the best things to wear for winter hiking.

We can’t stress enough that in snowy or wet environments – make sure your gloves are waterproof. The last thing anyone needs after potentially falling in deep snow is cold hands and gloves that won’t dry out – in fact, we would advise bringing a spare pair in any situation. Windproof and waterproof qualities are an absolute must, despite how bulky they can be, and make sure they stretch over the wrists to stop snow and other elements from getting in.

What Trousers Should I Wear When Winter Hiking?

Any warm, water-repellent trousers will suit your hiking needs. Synthetic fiber is a popular material that suits these requirements – look for a stretchy fabric with breathable qualities for maximum comfort, and make sure that the fit is just right. You’ll need those stretchy qualities for better flexibility and demanding uphill walking.

If you’re wondering what boots to wear – we’ll move on to that in our next section.

What Gear Should I Bring With Me on a Winter Hike?

As vital as the right set of clothes – you’ll want a good set of boots and kit to take with you on a winter hike. Here’s some essential gear for hiking in the snow.

Boots

Your gear for hiking in the snow starts with a good pair of winter hiking boots. The ideal pair guarantees warmth, durability, and that all-important fit. Here are some factors you’ll want to consider for optimum functionality, and comfort.

  • Weight – the overall weight of the boot, including the weight of the insulation.
  • Shaft height – how high your boots rise up towards the leg.
  • Warmth – how good they are at retaining heat.

Waterproofing is a must regardless of whatever boot you’re going for – but there are costs and benefits to these other factors, and should be selected based on the kind of hike you’re intending on.

In terms of weight, think about how long you’ll be hiking. Heavier boots may cause a strain on your feet and your overall energy levels on longer excursions.

Shaft height depends on the kind of terrain you’re getting into. A high shaft is best in thick snow or potential water crossings, as it will reduce the chance of these frigid, uncomfortable elements entering at the top of the boot – this will however add an unfortunate bulk that can be more restrictive to your movements.

For warmth, boots are generally given a temperature rating to inform the consumer about the level of cold they can withstand, so consider what kind of climate and how much the temperature may drop in the area you’re going to be hiking in before you purchase.

In terms of fit, remember that you’ll likely be wearing thick socks, so make sure you wear these while trying your boots on. And don’t forget to give them a test run before purchase, including on different inclines, to ensure that they don’t slip.

Microspikes

In areas with frequently frozen surfaces – hiking microspikes are essential gear for winter hiking. These are devices consisting of a series of spikes and chains that can be tethered to the sole of the boot, digging into the ice and preventing slippage. They’ll also increase the surface area of your foot stopping you from sinking even deeper into the snow.

Other Equipment

  • A waterproof, lightweight backpack to carry all your equipment in – including that extra pair of gloves.
  • Sunglasses are always helpful in providing better visibility against the bright winter sun.
  • A sturdy pair of poles to help keep you steady and upright when hiking.
  • A buff to wrap around the neck and cover the lower face for comfort and heat.
  • An emergency bag and head torch for safety.

Tips for Staying Warm

Now that we’ve covered what to wear for winter hiking – here are a few ways to keep warm that’ll prove invaluable in a challenging winter hike.

  • Keep snow and water out however you can. This doesn’t just mean buying waterproof clothes – make sure your gloves are wrapped tightly around your wrists, and consider whether your boots can deal with the depth of whatever snow or water is ahead. These elements will result in dampness, and your gloves and socks will take a long and potentially dangerous amount of time to dry.
  • Think about your layers. A great jacket is essential – but layering up underneath will help to trap air and insulate your body. Thermals for both your torso, sleeves, and legs can be vital in those seriously cold climates.
  • Pack a hot drink. It’ll not only warm you up but keep you hydrated and energized on longer hikes.
  • Plan! Consider the climate of the area you’re hiking in. Consult local guides, other hikers, or the internet for information. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast!

 See outdooradept.com for more outdoor & hiking hacks and guides.

How to Choose a Family Tent

Going camping is always exciting, and it gets doubled when it’s with family, right? If you’re embarking on a group trip, choosing the right family tent is an essential part of the trip.

The right-sized tent determines the comfort level throughout the camping trip for you and your family, but choosing the right size isn’t an easy task. To help with the process of how to choose a family tent, we’ve assembled this guide.

Tent Size – Why Is It So Important?

The tent’s size holds the utmost importance for your camping trip. Its size determines your trip’s comfort level, not just for you but for your family as well. No matter the family size it’s better to get a slightly bigger tent than you need. Otherwise, you and your family members will feel cramped inside throughout the trip.

If you don’t select the right-sized tent for the family camping trip, you’ll face discomfort while staying inside. Not only that, you won’t have enough room to move around and sleep comfortably.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right-sized family tent. However, as mentioned at the beginning it’s not as you might think. Without the right know-how, you might miss something that’ll ruin the whole trip.

Not to worry, our following segments will help determine the right-sized tent for your family trip.

Different Types Of Family Tents

As we mentioned earlier, there are quite a few types of tents but not all of them are well suited for your family and conditions.

In the following segment, we’ll have a brief discussion about a few types of family tents, which will help you have a better understanding of your needs.

Pop-Up Tents

A typical pop-up tent with external flexible poles

A typical pop-up tent with external flexible poles

The Pop-up tent is the most portable tent on our list. It’s built with light aluminum looped framing which is confined with a tension strap.

When you release the tension strap from the framing you’ll have your tent ready to set up. Once the tent is popped you need to locate the braided loops at the bottom of the tent.

They are the stakeout points of the tent. Just stake out the braided loops and you’ll have your tent ready for camping. It’ll take about 2 to 4 minutes to complete the setup.

Yes, it’s true that pop-up tents are easy and quick to set up. However, it has a significant drawback, which is that it can’t withstand bad weather conditions. Because of its light aluminum framing, it can’t withstand bad weather such as heavy rain, wind, and snowfall. So if you know it’s going to be bad weather where you’re going then the pop-up tent is probably not the one for you.

Instant Cabin Tents

A large 'instant cabin' style family tent

A large ‘instant cabin’ style family tent

Instant cabin tents are square or rectangular-shaped tents that provide a huge vertical space.

The instant cabin tents are structured with large aluminum pole framing, which makes them sturdy. That makes them withstand bad weather with ease.

It takes roughly 5 to 7 minutes to set up this type of tent for a single person. However, the larger cabin tents are harder to set up and require at least 2 people.

One of the major drawbacks of this type of tent is that it’s hard to carry because of the large size even after being folded in a box. So if you wish to use the instant cabin tent then you’ll need a much larger space inside your car.

Dome Tents

A typical dome tent for families

A typical dome tent for families

Dome Tents are the most popular tent, the reason being they’re widely available, unlike the other tents, also they’re very cost-effective.

That being said dome tents are designed with versatility in mind. That means these tents can easily withstand any kind of weather.

It’s because of its structure. Dome tents are made from a flexible interlocking frame that supports the main body of the frame and helps withstand bad weather conditions.

One thing that makes the dome tent different from the other two is that it’s a double-wall tent. This means it’s both properly ventilated and well protected at the same time.

The only drawback when you choose a dome family tent is the setup process, which is quite complex. One missed alignment will make your tent set up unsuccessful.

So if you are planning on using the dome tent for your family camping trip you should learn the setup process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Family Tent

As we mentioned earlier, determining the right size of your family tent depends on many structural factors as well as your personal situation.

The variety of tents available on the market can easily overwhelm you if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this segment, we’ll review the factors you’ll need to consider while choosing a family tent for your next trip.

Tent’s Shape

The tent’s size and shape is the factor that will influence your comfort throughout the camping trip. Tents come in different shapes, and not every shape will provide the best support for you.

No matter the size of the tent, if the shape is not suited to you, it’ll cause hindrance to movement freedom and thus lead to discomfort.

So make sure you choose the right shape along with the size that’s suited to your needs and comfort for the tent. It’ll help ensure a successful trip for you and your family.

Living Space for a Family Tent

A family tent will offer plenty of space for the group

A family tent will offer plenty of space for the group

When you’re choosing a tent, you must consider the living space, and while considering the living space, you must include a few things. Such as:

  • Family members (How many members of your family you’re bringing along)
  • Trips duration (How many days are you going to stay for camping)
  • Whether you’re spending a lot of time inside the tent or not

According to these considerations, you must choose an ideal living space for your family tent. The rule of thumb is to plan for at least 20 square feet in the tent for each person. But if you plan to spend more leisure time in the tent, you will want to allow for even more space.

Entry Points

Along with shapes and sizes, there are different types of entry points that you can leave open or close as per requirements. You might be thinking that fewer entry points on the tent would be good for better protection of your tent. Well, just like living space, it depends on your needs.

Most tent doors are designed with nets that will keep the insects out and will let you enjoy the view without opening the whole door.

While choosing the entry points, you should also consider the number of members using the tent. For example, if you’re buying a large tent for 16 people, you should look for a tent with multiple entry points on each side.

Ventilation System

A proper ventilation system is necessary to allow for proper airflow inside the tent. Just having a few entry points can’t provide the required ventilation for you and your family.

So it’s a good idea to choose a tent with several windows. It will ensure the necessary influx of air, which will provide the proper ventilation system inside the tent.

Ease of Set Up

Setting up a tent can be easy or hard according to the methods. Some tents have an easy setup system that can be done by one person and some are so hard that it needs more than two people to set up properly.

So unless you want to go through a complex tent setup process you should choose an easy-to-set tent. It will not only save you a lot of hassle but also your valuable time. It’s also a good idea to run thru the setup process before your trip.

Organizational Features

Keeping your necessary items organized inside the tent is a hassle, especially if you have children.

You should know that there are tents that come with features that help you better organize your essential items and tools. If this is something you’re interested in, look out for tents that have organizational features like vestibules, gear lofts, and tent dividers. This will help keep the interior of your large family tent organized and make your camping experience more enjoyable.

Portability

It’s ideal for a tent to be portable, and as we all know, portability makes traveling much easier.

Before you buy a big family tent, you must consider its portability as well. Otherwise, you’ll face trouble and complexity while traveling.

Logically, a bigger tent takes a lot of space even after being folded in a box. So make sure you plan out enough space inside your vehicle for the large tent.

Rainfly

The rainfly is a water-resistant material that stops the rain or condensed water from coming inside the tent. If you’re looking to buy the cheapest possible family tent, the quality of materials may not be the best. If the rainfly material is of poor quality, it can lead to water condensing inside the coating, causing water to leak inside the tent.

On the flip side, buying a tent with a proper rainfly will help prevent the heavy rainwater from getting inside the tent, which is especially important if you’re faced with bad weather conditions. While buying your family tent make sure to check reviews that mention the rainfly.

Durability

Family tents need to be much more durable than your regular tents. The more people who will be using the tent, the more wear and tear will occur. The sturdiest tents are those built with aluminum framing. These are more resistant to damage.

Just so you know, aluminum frames bend if stressed, however, they can be easily repaired and you don’t need any special expertise for it either. So while buying a tent make sure you get the one with aluminum framing.

Final Considerations for Choosing a Family Tent

Not only is it important to choose the right-sized family tent, but there are also plenty of factors to consider before making your purchase. Luckily, now you can follow the above-mentioned factors and easily find the right tent for your family camping trip.