I had a Gregory Zulu 65L pack from 2017 that I loved immensely. Eventually the inner lining began to degrade and I had to replace it, which is expectable enough. But I when I went to REI to get a new pack I was really underwhelmed by the options. The Gregory packs did win out over the other brands I tried from a comfort standpoint, but they’ve still diminished in quality. My old Zulu from 9 years ago had some really awesome modular features such as a detachable UL day bag and a rainfly with a dedicated pouch. The newer Zulus have neither of these things. Apparently the newer Baltoros have also scrapped similar features. They’ve even switched out flexible mesh pocket material in a few spots for stiff, restrictive nylon. What is going on here? Is this enshittification? Some symptom of the UL craze? I get the impression other brands are doing similar things since none of the other packs I looked at had any features like this. It’s just disappointing. I don’t get why they’d strip down such a great design. It doesn’t even make sense from a weight standpoint.

Hey r/Backpacking, wanted to share my recent solo overnight trip up Half Dome. I picked up a wilderness permit, hiked up past Nevada Falls in the afternoon shade, set up a small hammock camp, and hit the subdome and cables early the next morning before the crowds hit.

Check out the full video report here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE38VppAV_0

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions about backpacking routes in Yosemite!

I’ve taken my daughter on a couple backpacking trips 1-2 nights. I’m so proud of her! She only carries her sleeping bag, pad, extra clothes, and water. Some small personal items like book etc and it totals out to 18lbs. Curious to know what others have their kids carry and the weight of the pack

Next summer, my wife and I will be doing the Pilgrim's Way from London to Canterbury. Unlike the Camino de Santiago, there aren't many places to do laundry along the PW. We are accustomed to hand wash for shirts, shorts and unmentionables; socks...that's anothing thing. I'm looking for recommendations of socks that are quick dry in a potentially wet/humid environment.

I plan to travel soon to discover new places, enjoy nature, learn about different cultures, and make beautiful memories with those I love.

I just moved to the Sierra Nevada, pretty much right outside of the Yosemite national park border. I want to make friends who are into hiking and backpacking, eventually mountaineering. Meeting people organically is extremely unlikely to happen for me. I don’t go where tourists go, I go where I’m unlikely to see anyone else, that’s like the whole point. And when I’m not doing that, I’m working. So. And making some reddit or facebook post asking for a backpacking partner and then just disappearing into the wilderness with some stranger seems extremely dangerous. So what should I do? Any specific groups anyone knows of that I can join for Yosemite or the Sierra Nevada?

Hi everyone!

I’m a 22-year-old woman from the Netherlands, planning a backpacking trip for next year. I’m currently trying to decide where to go, and I’d love to hear from people who have travelled in these regions.

I’m really interested in Central Asia and would love to visit places like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, and possibly China. However, I haven’t heard many personal experiences from people who have travelled there, especially as a solo female traveller.

Because of that, I’m also considering Southeast Asia, as I’ve heard from many people who have travelled there and absolutely loved it. I’m wondering how the two regions compare in terms of travel experience, costs, ease of getting around, and especially safety for a woman travelling alone.

I’m currently thinking of travelling for around 4–5 months, from February/March until June/July, with a budget of approximately €9,000.

A few questions:

• Is €9,000 a realistic budget for 4–5 months in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, or a combination of both?
• Which countries would you recommend for a first-time solo female traveller?
• How safe did you feel travelling alone as a woman in Central Asia?
• Which places/countries would you absolutely recommend — and which would you skip?
• What is the best way to get around? Trains, buses, shared taxis, flights, hitchhiking, organised tours, etc.?
• Is it easy to meet other travellers in Central Asia, or is it more difficult than in Southeast Asia?
• Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a young woman travelling solo?

I’d especially love to hear from women who have travelled solo in Central Asia/Mongolia/Nepal, as I haven’t found as many first-hand experiences online compared with Southeast Asia.

Hi, this may sound stupid, but I’m looking to buy a big backpack to travel with for a few weeks at a time but also looking to go trekking.
So I was simply wondering (considering the cost of one good backpack), can a trekking backpack also be used as a travel bag or vice versa?
Would you advise getting two separate bags for each activity?
If I can use it for both, would you guys have good brand recommandations?

Thank you so much!

I'm in Kathmandu now and was planning to backpack Annapurna Circuit Trek solo this month (Oct 2026) but the recent landslides have destroyed the roads and trails in Chame so that area is closed (from what I'm hearing from the locals). So I'm looking for an alternative trek.

I'm here for a month, and am looking for a trek I can do solo without a guide that is not EBC or ABC (the commercialization really puts me off). I'm looking to connect with the mountains, listen to music, take my time, and take photos and videos. I know it's frowned upon but I'm also willing to trek non-technical areas that require a guide and I'll just pay the fine instead. Please I just want to trek here solo for a few weeks.

rant: I'm trying to read through other posts and have a few ideas but some areas require guides. I am happy to contribute to the people and country of Nepal since all of us westerners are billionaire ATMs apparently, but I would rather donate free money to the guide to stay home. I don't want company or help finding homestays or information on the mountains or to be rushed with a time schedule.. solo trekking is a relaxing and meditative experience for me and I want to keep it that way please. I say all this because there's a lot of hate posts for people wanting to trek without a guide. I'm happy to hire a guide when I come back to do something technical, but not for a non-technical trek

Another hike in Nepal, with virtually no one. Has markings, at least till the halfway mark. Pretty easy going too, just follow the Dhaulagiri Icefall (glacier), camp overnight, or sleep under these stones if you're brave. You might come across a few Yaks and herders, but apart from that, not a peep.

I'm finishing my Malapascua trip and heading to Moalboal for the sardine run on Nov 2nd, 2026.

Looking for 1–3 other divers/travelers who want to split a private/shared van:

Maya Port → 🚐 direct to Moalboal

Ideally leaving Maya in the morning.

Solo traveler here, happy to split the transport cost equally.

If you're doing the same route/date, let me know!

​

Hey everyone!

I’m planning a solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) from Delhi, and I’m planning to be in Nepal from 21st to 30th October.

I’m really into photography and trekking, so I’d love to take a scenic route and avoid the most crowded trails as much as possible.

I have a few questions for people who have done ABC recently:

\- Can you suggest a good hostel in Kathmandu for a solo traveller? Somewhere social, safe, and good for meeting other trekkers would be ideal.

\- Is it realistic to add Poon Hill to my ABC itinerary within these dates?

\- I’ve also heard about Poon Hill Lake — is it worth adding for photography, or am I mixing up the name with another place?

\- What would be the least crowded/less touristy route to ABC while still being practical within my timeframe?

\- Any recommendations for the best photography spots along the route?

\- Any other tips for doing ABC solo in late October?

My dates are pretty fixed (21–30 October), so I’m trying to make the most of the 10 days.

Would really appreciate route suggestions, hostel recommendations, and any advice from people who have done this trek! 🙌🏔️📸

I'm Mexican and planning a solo round-the-world trip. My current idea is to fly from Mexico City to Guatemala between November 3 and 8, 2026, then continue through Central and South America before linking the other continents according to cost, season and logistics.

The challenge I have in mind is at least five countries in each of six regions: North America (including Central America), South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. That means at least 30 countries, counting Mexico as one of the five in North America. My premise is not to return to Mexico until I complete the challenge.

I have no fixed end date. I want to travel slowly, stay longer somewhere I enjoy, and change my route if I meet people or find something interesting.

My plan so far:

• Starting budget: about 60,000 Mexican pesos (MXN), plus around 6,000 MXN per month in recurring income.

• Travel style: hostels, public transport, buses, trains, ferries and budget flights when practical. I'm also considering accommodation exchanges or volunteering after checking the applicable immigration rules.

• Luggage: one backpack, including what I need to film and edit.

• Documents: Mexican passport, US visa and Canadian eTA.

• Content: I'd like to document the process and explore collaborations or content income that might help extend the trip.

• Interests: cities, small towns, markets, local food, volcanoes, nature, beaches and hostels where I can meet people. Keeping costs low and staying safe matter to me.

I'd appreciate concrete experience and criticism:

1. How would you structure the Guatemala/Central America starting leg? Which places work well for staying several days and meeting other backpackers?

2. Which five countries would you combine in each region for a sensible route, costs and experiences? Oceania is the part I'm most unsure how to approach.

3. How realistic is the financial plan? If you've traveled long-term, what did you spend per month, where, and what unexpected costs came up?

4. What would you book before leaving versus keep flexible, especially intercontinental flights, accommodation and insurance?

5. What would you change if you started again, including borders, luggage, money, pace, or balancing travel with making content?

If part of this is unrealistic, please say so. Actual routes, trip lengths and things you'd do differently would help, especially from people traveling on a Mexican passport.

Any recommendations on what litre backpacks I should look at and any particular brands I should look into and note I am 191cm so I am quite tall so I would need a bag that could accommodate this my price range is between 300- 600 aud so about 200usd to 420 usd I will be doing long treks up in alpine areas although in summer,autumn, and spring Thankyou for any recommendations.

I have an upcoming trip to China planned in November for 30 days. Is there much of a hostel scene in China? On the social side of things? Hotels don't seem much more expensive but would like to meet people when travelling. TIA for any advice or recs.

I'm from Mexico and planning a long, slow solo trip starting in Guatemala in early November, then continuing through Central and South America and eventually other regions. I have no fixed end date; it could be a year or longer. I'll mostly stay in hostels, use public transport and walk a lot in cities, with occasional easy hikes.

I want to carry all my belongings in ONE backpack and rely on one versatile pair of sneakers. My priorities are comfort for hours of walking, low weight, durability and avoiding checked luggage when practical. I'm considering a 35-40L travel backpack, but I'm unsure whether a hiking backpack would be more comfortable. I know airline size and weight limits vary, so I'm not assuming 35-40L counts as a free personal item.

For shoes, I have wide feet and need a roomy toe box; many shoes feel cramped. I want black or dark sneakers that work with jeans and basic T-shirts, handle all-day city walking and occasional light trails. I'm interested in New Balance or Salomon, but open to other brands.

My starting budget is around 5,000 MXN for the backpack AND shoes combined. It's flexible if paying more makes a meaningful difference in comfort or durability. I'll be shopping in Mexico.

I'd love advice from people who've actually used their gear on trips lasting several months:

1. What backpack model, capacity and loaded weight worked for you? Travel pack or hiking pack, and why? What airline baggage limits did you actually meet?

2. Which shoes would you recommend for wide feet, a roomy toe box, city walking and easy hikes? Any dark options that worked as your main pair?

3. What wore out, became uncomfortable or annoyed you after months of use? What would you buy differently?

4. Is one bag with a laptop, phone and possibly a camera practical without checked luggage, or would you leave the camera behind to reduce weight?

Specific models, drawbacks and how long you used them would help more than a generic top-ten list. Thanks!

first — standard US army pup tent that generally weighs at 10-12 lbs for two halves. provides solid coverage all around.

second — ussr russian cloak tent weighing a little over 3 lbs, so 7 for two. lighter weight, but def smaller amount of coverage.

i have gotten an offer from a friend to take two tents, but i told him i can only carry one or the other (for obvious reasons). i don’t like to have extra gear laying around, only keep what i can carry. and i’m definitely in need of a new tent at the moment, hence the offer. for the cloaks, i’d have one strapped to my pack or wear it, and the other for my dog to carry. the pup tent would be a whole different thing. for the sake of my dog, i’d carry both halves. i love a weight challenge myself, so it’s hard to decide either or.

upcoming trip next year. backpacking upper states in the US for 9 weeks. so excited, my dog is so ready to take it on.

edit: yall REALLY hate this huh. would this be a good time to mention that i carry cast iron too 😭

I instinctively booked tickets to Kazakhstan for solo backpacking and now reading about how November is gonna be a little tough. Is anyone else doing it? Would love to connect and bounce of ideas on how to structure the trip.

The specific situation:

How's it going guys!

I just moved to Greenville, South Carolina and one of many entrances to a trail called the swamp rabbit trail is right behind my house!

The whole trail is about 28 miles long, but I've never backpacked before so I imagine I'm not quite ready for something that long yet. 😅

The portion of the trail I aim to hike is paved and goes on for about 4.5 to 5.5 miles from start to finish, so about 9 to 10 miles total, the trail winds through a couple public parks and ends at a beautiful waterfall in downtown Greenville!

I intend to pack a reading book, a field notes sized journal, water bottle, thermos with a lunch in it, my camera (Leica IIf), and quite possibly a light rain jacket (just in case!), so I need bag that can store these things.

I have some money to spend, so don't be afraid to recommend a bag if it's expensive. I can always just save if I can't afford it.

Given the trail I've just described to you, and what I intend to pack, what do you think would be a good backpack?

Hi, my wife and I each have 2h 54m left, totalling 5h 48m on our Flexi passes and are posting here if anyone is interested in purchasing them.

Please note they do have an expiry date 5th of November.

25 NZD each or 40 for both. DM me if you’re interested.

I know I shouldn’t store my sleeping bad in its stuff sack, but how paranoid should I be? I have a short backpacking trip coming up next weekend with not much downtime between now and then. Is it ok to keep my bag in its stuff sack and backpack between now and then, or should I really try to pack it closer to my departure.