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Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

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BearVault

Backpacking Articles

Our personal experiences, gear recommendations, and what you need to know about backpacking in Florida.

Highline: Florida Movie Premiere

The hikers of Highline

February 22, 2020    Sandra Friend

Premiering on Feb 28 in Florida, Highline follows a backpacking adventure across the Utah mountains. Learn about its Florida connections. Proceeds will be donated to the Florida Trail Association.

Best Hikes on the Florida Trail

Explore our picks for the best scenic hikes along the Florida Trail. We’ve hiked the entire trail: these are pieces of the trail we’d be happy to hike again and again.

East or West around Lake Okeechobee?

Construction zone along Lake Okeechobee

January 8, 2020    Sandra Friend & John Keatley

Making the decision to walk the Florida Trail east or west around Lake Okeechobee used to be easy. Now, with construction zones blocking access to much of the southern half of the lake, it isn’t. Here are the facts on each route’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide the best route for you.

Backpacker Tips for Hurricane Prep

Tent camping Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

August 28, 2019    Sandra Friend

Backpacking skills are survival skills. Use your knowledge and gear to make personal preparations for hurricane season power loss and evacuations in Florida.

Florida Trail for Scouting

Florida Trail, Little Big Econ

There are many opportunities for Boy Scouts to complete hiking and backpacking merit badges and 50-miler awards along the Florida Trail; this list will start you planning your next trip.

Thru Hike the Florida Trail

Lightheart Duo Florida Trail

A thru-hike in Florida takes 60-90 days through lush landscapes you won’t see on other long distance trails

Florida Trail Backpacking

Oak hammock in Chandler Slough

Backpackers will appreciate the many places the Florida Trail provides a pleasant overnight, three-day-weekend, or multi-day hiking experience to escape to the outdoors.

Section Hiking the Florida Trail

Shepherd Spring Cathedral of Palms

Section hiking the Florida Trail provides some logistical challenges, but a sense of satisfaction in being able to complete an 1,100-mile walk across Florida over time

How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip

Sandra and her gear at Southern Terminus

How-To in Florida      ( Articles )      

What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more

Bear season in Florida

Bears opening trash can

February 23, 2019    Sandra Friend

As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors – whether in your campsite or at home.

Plan your Florida Trail Hike

Planning tools for the Florida Trail

Thinking of section hiking, thru-hiking, or simply backpacking the Florida Trail? Plan ahead with this step-by-step guide of what you need to do in advance of hiking the Florida Trail.

Choosing Gear for a Florida Trail Hike

Backpack Big Cypress

Our detailed recommendations and reviews of the best hiking and backpacking gear for your thru-hike or section hike of the Florida Trail based on our own successful use of certain tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.

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