Mountain Camping 101: Setting Up Camp in the Backcountry¶

Camping on a mountain is nothing like car camping at a park. This guide covers campsite selection, tent pitching on uneven ground, sleeping bag temperature ratings, water sourcing, cooking at altitude, bear-safe food storage, and Leave No Trace camping practices. Includes a comparison table of tent styles.

Introduction¶

Mountain Camping vs. Car Camping¶

Choosing a Campsite¶

Terrain, Wind Protection, and Water Access¶

Sites to Avoid — Ridgelines, Dry Riverbeds, Dead Trees¶

Shelter Setup¶

Tent Types Compared — Freestanding, Semi-Freestanding, Tarp¶

Pitching on Uneven or Rocky Ground¶

Wind-Resistant Setup Techniques¶

Sleep System¶

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Explained¶

Sleeping Pads — R-Value and Comfort¶

Cooking at Camp¶

Stove Types and Fuel¶

Cooking at Altitude — Boiling Points¶

Water Sourcing and Purification¶

Food Storage and Wildlife¶

Bear Canisters and Hang Methods¶

Other Wildlife Considerations¶

Leave No Trace Camping¶

Waste Disposal¶

Campfire Regulations¶

Campsite Comparison Table¶