River & Trail Talk

How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Backpacking

How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Backpacking

Posted by Kirsten on 2025 May 30th

When it comes to sleeping on the trail, your sleeping pad is a significant determining factor for your comfort level. Perhaps you won’t reach the same level of comfort as your bed at home, but you can get pretty darn close with the right gear. When we say the “right gear”, we mean the right gear for you. Your sleeping pad is an essential part of your gear kit. You can invest in a …
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How to Build Your Backpacking Kit: The Big 3

How to Build Your Backpacking Kit: The Big 3

Posted by Potter on 2021 Feb 12th

There are heaps of resources on the River & Trail Talk blog and enough information on the internet to keep you inside staring at your screen indefinitely. I will happily redirect you to some of our staff member’s resources like Taryn’s great article on Hiking safety and etiquette, and Bryan’s geeky plunge into the world of Ultralight Backpacking. If you drop into the store any time there wi …
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Backpacking Checklist

Backpacking Checklist

Posted by Taryn on 2020 Jul 14th

Forgetting something?If you've ever been on a trip and realized you forgot your headlamp.... or worse....the TP... you understand the importance of having everything packed before you head out on your next adventure.   A check list is one of those key components of any gear kit. Print this off and keep it with your gear boxes so the important stuff doesn't get left behind.   …
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