Snippets from an upcoming VIDEO on the Rail Trail in Bermuda.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Author: Administration
Cam Honan’s most challenging hikes
I’d say Cam Honan is the world’s most accomplished hiker.
He’s done more of the best trails than anyone else — and hiked them everywhere in the world.
Needless to say, Cam has faced some life and death situations in the wilderness:
- river crossing on the Pacific Northwest Trail
- many challenges on the 24-day traverse of Southwest Tasmania
- avoiding drug traffickers on the Copper Canyon Traverse, Mexico
When things get tough on our (much easier) hikes, Cam’s advice is to stop. Think. And try to process the danger as an objective observer rather than a subjective participant.
Be logical. Not emotional.
Read his full post here:
Subjective Participant or Objective Observer?
Cam Honan descent from San Antionio PassBermuda Graveyard – Drone VIDEO
Working on a longer video for the Bermuda Rail Trail hike, I’ve been posting exerpt clips as YouTube #shorts.
With no indigenous population, Bermuda was discovered in the in the early 1500s.
Only 21 square miles, there are a lot of graveyards.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Tenerife, Canary Islands in 4K
I enjoyed my first trip to Tenerife in 2022. And I’ll be returning SOON for more hiking on the Canary Islands.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
10 Best Backpacking Tents
10 Best Backpacking Tents
What is the best backpacking tent? Backpacking is one of the most exciting and exhilarating ways to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, having the right gear is crucial to your comfort and safety. One of the most important pieces of gear you’ll need for any backpacking trip is a tent. Backpacking tents come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of features and prices. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best backpacking tents on the market.
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a popular backpacking tent that has won numerous awards for its lightweight and innovative design. The tent weighs just 3 pounds 7 ounces, making it one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market. The Hubba Hubba NX also features a unique pole design that maximizes head and shoulder room while minimizing weight. The tent has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for two people and their gear.
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is another lightweight backpacking tent that’s ideal for two people. The tent weighs just 2 pounds 12 ounces and has a unique pole system that provides more interior space than traditional tents. The Copper Spur also features a large vestibule and a mesh canopy that provides excellent ventilation.
- Nemo Hornet Elite
The Nemo Hornet Elite is a ultralight backpacking tent that weighs just 1 pound 11 ounces. Despite its light weight, the Hornet Elite is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, with a unique pole design that provides ample head and shoulder room. The tent also has two doors and two vestibules, making it easy for two people to get in and out.
- REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2
The REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 is a budget-friendly backpacking tent that doesn’t skimp on quality. The tent weighs just 2 pounds 14 ounces and has a unique hubbed pole design that maximizes interior space. The Quarter Dome also features two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for two people and their gear.
- Zpacks Duplex
The Zpacks Duplex is a minimalist backpacking tent that’s perfect for solo backpackers. The tent weighs just 1 pound 3 ounces and is made from ultralight Dyneema fabric. Despite its light weight, the Duplex is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, with a unique two-door design that provides excellent ventilation.
- Tarptent Double Rainbow
The Tarptent Double Rainbow is a popular backpacking tent that’s ideal for two people. The tent weighs just 2 pounds 10 ounces and has a unique trekking pole design that minimizes weight. The Double Rainbow also features two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for two people and their gear.
- Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT
The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is a high-end backpacking tent that’s built to withstand extreme weather conditions. The tent weighs just 4 pounds 5 ounces and is made from rugged Kerlon fabric that’s designed to last. The Anjan 2 GT also features a unique tunnel design that provides excellent stability in high winds.
- Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 2
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 2 is a lightweight backpacking tent that’s ideal for two people. The tent weighs just 2 pounds 9 ounces and has a unique pole design that provides more interior space than traditional tents. The Ghost UL 2 also features a large vestibule and a mesh canopy that provides excellent ventilation.
- Black Diamond Firstlight
The Black Diamond Firstlight is a
lightweight and compact backpacking tent that’s perfect for solo adventurers or small groups. The tent weighs just 2 pounds 11 ounces and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a great option for high-altitude mountaineering. The Firstlight also features a unique single-wall design that provides excellent ventilation and reduces condensation.
- Marmot Tungsten UL 2P
The Marmot Tungsten UL 2P is a durable and versatile backpacking tent that’s ideal for two people. The tent weighs just 3 pounds 7 ounces and features a unique pole design that maximizes interior space. The Tungsten UL 2P also has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for two people and their gear.
When selecting a backpacking tent, there are several factors to consider. The first and most important is the weight of the tent. A lightweight tent is essential for backpacking, as it will make it easier to carry and allow you to move faster on the trail. However, it’s important to balance weight with durability and functionality, as a flimsy tent won’t hold up in harsh weather conditions.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tent. You’ll want a tent that’s big enough to comfortably fit you and your gear, but not so big that it’s bulky and difficult to carry. Two-person tents are the most common size for backpacking, as they provide a good balance of space and weight.
Finally, it’s important to consider the features of the tent, such as the number of doors and vestibules, the quality of the ventilation system, and the ease of set up. Look for a tent that’s easy to set up and take down, as this will save you time and energy on the trail.
Overall, the best backpacking tent for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as weight, size, and features when selecting a tent, and be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. With the right backpacking tent, you’ll be well-prepared for all your outdoor adventures.
#1 Hiking Town – Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand. YES!
The Adventure Capital of the World, a gorgeous location on Lake Wakatipu opposite the saw-toothed Remarkable range.
If you’ve never been to New Zealand, start planning. Now. It’s our #1 hiking destination on Earth.
Queenstown is an international resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island. …
According to the 2006 census, the usually resident population of the Queenstown urban area … is 10,416 …
… a centre for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes. …
Queenstown is the departure point for a large number of day trips to the similarly famous Milford Sound …
More interesting photos tagged Queenstown.
If you find it too much of a tourist trap, move away up the lake to Te Anau (pop. about 2000). It’s got everything you need to stage for an epic Kiwi hike.
Our favourite hike hikes out of Queenstown and Te Anau are:
• Milford Track
• Routeburn Track
• Kepler Track
These are the three on the list of Great Walks. (Kiwis avoid them because they’re crowded with international tourists. Locals can take you on hikes just as good, but unknown to foreigners.)
More “best hikes” in New Zealand and Australiasia.
Best months for these alpine tramps are December – March.
Start with our New Zealand information page.
____
OK. What world class hiking towns did we miss?
Honourable mentions will be posted tomorrow.
What is “Bikepacking”?
Currently planning my adventures for summer 2023, I’m looking at bikepacking Italy and Norway. Faroe Islands and Iceland … if I last that long. Perhaps 2-3 months.
Along the way I’ll be doing the BEST HIKES, of course.
On a private Facebook page a bikepacker asked ChatGPT to define bikepacking. Nailed it.
Here’s my bike for the adventure – the Checkpoint ALR 4.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Ready for bad weather.
Hiking Bermuda in the Winter
BestHike editor Rick McCharles
I’m in Bermuda for about 5 weeks Jan/Feb 2023.
It’s an ideal time of the year for hiking with highs averaging about 70°F (20C). Very little humidity.
Best of all, the beaches are near deserted in the winter. I had this one to myself. Launched the drone.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
#10 day hike – Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Hiking out of the small town of Göreme is one of our top 10 day hikes in the world.
Why?
Every traveller dreams of getting to the the “fairy chimney” rock formations of Cappadocia. Göreme makes an ideal base.
- weird and wonderful geology
- walk out of your Göreme accommodation directly to a trail … or take a taxi to the Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint (15 minute drive uphill from town). There is a small entry fee.
- most of these trails will be crowded with walkers
- see all of the main attractions in one day: Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint > Rose Valley > Çavuşin > Love Valley > Uchisar Castle > Pigeon Valley > Göreme
World → Asia → Turkey → Göreme
For details click over to our Göreme, Cappadocia information page.
Backpacking Loop in the Uinta Mountains
Chris hikes the Unita mountains in Utah most summers.
Over the years, he’s put together loops to make logistics easier.
In 2017 they did 80 miles as a circuit.
Check his detailed trip report for specifics on where they camped.
related – Uinta Highline Trail – documentary
