Hiking
Why turning back is the best decision a hiker can make
A short column on why turning back before the summit is a skill, how to set a turnaround time and why it keeps you hiking for years.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Karim Belkacem
Editor
Writes the gear lists and trip checklists, and keeps them up to date.
Articles by Karim
Desert camping
What makes a night in the desert different
Field notes on the dark, the quiet, the cold and the wind that set a desert night apart, and what that changes about how you camp.
Karim Belkacem3 min read
Gear lists
Sleeping pad vs air mattress for camping: which to pick
Sleeping pad vs air mattress for camping: a pad keeps you warmer and lasts longer, an air mattress feels more like a bed. Here is how to choose for your trip.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Desert camping
Best tent stakes for sand and loose ground
The best tent stakes for sand and loose ground are wide or long ones, plus buried anchors. Here is what holds in wind and what pulls out first.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
How much water per person per day when camping
A simple way to plan camping water for drinking, cooking and washing, plus a reserve, with an official hiking source and a hot-weather rule.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Gear lists
Headlamp vs flashlight for camping: which should you bring
Headlamp vs flashlight for camping: a headlamp frees your hands and suits most jobs, a flashlight throws light farther. Bring one of each if you can.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Gear lists
How to keep a cooler cold while camping for days
How to keep a cooler cold while camping: pre-chill, pack in layers, use block ice, keep it in shade and open it less. A simple plan for a weekend.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Gear lists
Weekend car camping packing list: what to bring for two nights
A weekend car camping packing list for two nights, sorted by when you need each item, with what to leave at home and what fails first.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Desert camping
Desert camping gear for hot-weather nights
What to pack for a desert night when the day was hot: shade, water, sleep, wind and sand, with a conditions table and what fails first.
Karim Belkacem6 min read
Cold weather
Down vs synthetic sleeping bag for cold weather camping
Down vs synthetic sleeping bag for cold weather camping: down packs smaller and lighter, synthetic copes better with damp and is easier to care for.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Gear lists
How big a power bank do you need for camping
How big a power bank for camping? A small one covers a phone for a weekend, but add capacity for kids, a headlamp, cold nights and a long trip.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
Summer vs winter desert camping: which season suits you
Summer vs winter desert camping: winter days are mild and nights get cold, while summer heat limits what you can do. Pick winter for most first trips.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Beginner camping
Car camping vs backpacking for beginners: where to start
Car camping vs backpacking for beginners: start with car camping to learn your gear and habits, then move to backpacking once you know what you need.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Family camping
What size tent for a family of four with kids
What size tent for a family of four? Pick a 6 person tent for comfort, a 4 person tent only if you pack light, and check the floor plan, not the label.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
What to do in a sandstorm while camping in the desert
What to do in a sandstorm while camping: stop moving, face the vehicle away from the wind, cover your face, shut the tent and wait for visibility to return.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Hiking
Trekking poles vs no poles: are poles worth it for hiking
Trekking poles vs no poles: poles help on steep, rough or slippery trails and with a heavy pack, but can get in the way on easy flat paths.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Gear lists
Camping kitchen box checklist: what to keep packed
A camping kitchen box checklist to keep packed all year, so cooking on a trip means grabbing one bin and adding food, fuel and a cooler.
Karim Belkacem5 min read
Desert camping
How to keep a tent cool in desert heat during the day
How to keep a tent cool in desert heat: add shade, pitch for morning cover, open vents, use a light colored fly and stay out of the tent at midday.
Karim Belkacem5 min read
Gear lists
Canister stove vs liquid fuel stove for camping
Canister stove vs liquid fuel stove for camping: canister stoves are easier for most trips, liquid fuel stoves suit deep cold, long trips and remote places.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Desert camping
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke while camping: what to do
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke while camping: heavy sweating and weakness is exhaustion, while confusion and hot dry skin is an emergency. Cool and call.
Karim Belkacem2 min read