We always carry binoculars around our neck and we use them extensively for navigation, wildlife, scenery, and people-watching. Good waterproof binoculars suitable for backpacking are available for $200-$400.
A comprehensive list of all the gear we carry that is not already covered in the other three Gear articles. This concludes the four-part series on gear. Includes models and rationale for unique or obscure items.
CalTopo.com is our favorite tool for pre-trip planning. We use it to prepare detailed route information, print custom maps, and share map data with others.
We stopped cooking on backpacking trips twenty years ago. Our no-cook menu has evolved over many iterations and is now finely tuned to what works for us. We share it here for others who want to try a no-cook trip and are not sure where to start.
Stealth camping is the practice of camping where it is not permitted. It enables us to backpack in areas where the administering agency either does not permit overnight camping, or limits camping to select locations.