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the “PCT Method” – hanging a bear bag

Affectionately known by the lightweight hiking underground as the “PCT Method” (presumably because it was first used by long distance hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail), a bear bag hanging method exists that is lighter, requires less rope, offers the benefits of counterbalancing, is easier to set up, and offers simple and quick hanging and retrieval of your food.

Click PLAY or watch and comment on TheBackpacker.tv.

You can make your own system quite easily by assembling the following components:

* Food storage bag
* 40 feet of hanging rope
* Keychain carabiner
* Small stuff sack for a rock (”rock sack”)
* Pencil-sized twig about 4-6 inches long.

I particularly like the second option shown by Bryan DeLay. Many’s the time I’ve needed that in the past.

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World’s Best Trekking Destinations

Kudos to Open Travel for posting an excellent and original list.

Pack your pack. Here are some excellent options:

1. Colombia. The Andes.
2. Tajikistan. The Pamir.
3. The USA. California.
4. Argentina and Chile. Patagonia.
5. Iceland.
6. Slovakia. The Tatras.
7. Kazakhstan.
8. The USA. Alaska.

I’ve always been intrigued by this spot, in particular.

… The travelers are still rare in Kazakhstan, so the vastness of its highlands is literally all for those who decide to venture into this remote state in Central Asia. This huge country, the ninth largest in the world, contains two grand ranges: the Tian Shan and the Altai Mountains, where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together. The beauty, remoteness and wilderness of the country go beyond imagination. Although the mountain areas cover around 10% of the Kazakhstan’s territory, their untouched and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the world’s most rewarding trekking and hiking destinations. …

read more, enjoy more great photos – Open Travel – World’s Best Trekking and Hiking Destinations

I once met a woman from Kazakhstan. She warned me that I’d be robbed or kidnapped should I trek independently in her beautiful country.

…

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hike Waterton National Park in Canada

Continuous with Glacier National Park in Montana, Waterton in Alberta is one of our favourite hiking destinations.

It’s home to our #6 best hike in the world, Glacier North Circle.

Rachel Tynan from Waterton Park Inns and Resorts recommends the ExperienceWaterton.com hiking page:

Waterton Lakes National Park boasts world class hiking trails with unparalled scenery and the opportunity for many wildlife encounters. There are 255 km (191 miles) of managed trails in Waterton Lakes National Park. Ranging in difficulty from short jaunts to steep advanced treks that can take days. …

read more

Our other favorite hikes in that park:

• Tamarack Trail
• Crypt Lake
• Carthew/Alderson

Besthike world headquarters is Calgary, Canada. We’ve been hiking Waterton for decades. Like Glacier, it’s one of the very best places in the world to see wildlife. (One day we saw 6 bears!)

more Waterton photos

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beautiful Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Two million people a year visit Multnomah Falls.

I’ve never been one of them. … Until now.

It’s one of the most scenic waterfalls anywhere. Perfection.

… two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower falls of 69 feet (21 m), with a gradual 9 foot (3 m) drop in elevation between the two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet (189 m). Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon. …

more interesting photos of the Falls

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avoid crowds on the Tongariro Crossing

When adventure writer Richard Tulloch refers to the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand as ” the world’s greatest one day hike”, we don’t argue.

It’s fantastic.

If there’s one valid criticism, it’s that the tramp is too popular. On a clear day you’ll be only one of thousands of walkers.

Richard had some advice new to me. He signed on …

… with a tour group guided by Stewart and Chris from Adrift Outdoors, who have devised cunning ways of seeing the best of the area while avoiding the crowds.

Stewart guides walks starting in the dark to catch the sunrise, winter expeditions with crampons and ice-axes, as well as today’s planned adventure, an ‘off track’ loop taking us to the summit of Mt Tongariro itself, and across a part of the park where few people go. …

details on his blog: Richard Tulloch’s LIFE ON THE ROAD – TONGARIRO CROSSING – the world’s greatest one day hike?

besthike information page – Tongariro Alpine Crossing

An even better way to avoid the mob is our favourite multi-day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Northern Circuit. It includes all of the famed “Crossing”.

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California Hiking author a doper?

Moon California Hiking is the guidebook sitting beside me on the passenger seat.

Author, Tom Stienstra, has just been arrested.

… Stienstra, 55, was arrested March 25 after sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant at his home in Weed and found a “sophisticated cultivation operation” in his barn, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Susan Gravenkamp said in an e-mail.

Deputies allegedly found 31 immature marijuana plants, 29 mature marijuana plants and 11 pounds of processed marijuana …

Redding.com

That’s one way to support your hiking habit.

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5 great hikes in the USA

Outdoor Camping Survival personal favorites:

1 – Breakneck Ridge Trail, Hudson Highlands State Park in NY

2 – Glacier Gorge, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park

3 – Mount Whitney, California

4 – Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle

5 – Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado

Of these, only Mount Whitney is specifically on our list of the best hikes in North America, so far.

marklarson on the Pinnacle
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hiking out of Needles, California

trip report by site editor, Rick McCharles

I awoke early and drove out of town about 10min towards Lake Haversu City.

This geology looked, from the highway, very interesting.

hiking near Needles, California

It’s easy to hike anywhere you wish here. Simply follow the jeep tracks and dry arroyos.

hiking near Needles, California

hiking near Needles, California

This was not an official hiking trail, but made for a very pleasant morning, none the less.

Here’s the view looking back towards Needles.

hiking near Needles, California