I, too, am struggling with finding something that will work on our upcoming Tanzania trip. We will be trekking up Kilimanjaro and then will follow that with a safari. The trek is a 9-day trip, and I would like to have my camera handy rather than stuff it inside my backpack. And I will obviously need my zoom lens for the safari portion of our excursion; therefore, any carrying case will be heavy. (I will be bringing only one lens with me because another will be too much weight and overkill.) I have an old Speedo fanny pack that has some cushioning for my camera and lens. I figured I would use that instead of purchasing something new because this is a one-time thing. I don't usually bring my camera equipment with me on extended backcountry backpacking trips. So I thought I would just put my camera inside a dry sack inside the fanny pack, and I thought that would work out. However, the problem is carrying the case somewhere on my body where it's comfortable yet accessible.  I purchased a USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness with Quick Release Buckles (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JD0NBU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). And while it's quite comfortable and will work just fine for the Safari portion of the trip, it's uncomfortable to wear in conjunction with my backpack. The straps of this harness end up sitting underneath my backpack straps, and I think it will be problematic over the course of 9 days. I had seen somewhere that some folks use a Hill People Gear Kit Bag (https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1), which looks like a great alternative. There's even an image of someone using one of these kit bags in conjunction with a backpack. However, since I find the USA Gear Chest Harness uncomfortable, I don't see how this will be any more comfortable.  So, as it stands right now, I'm still looking for solutions. I'm going to try rigging my carry case to hang from my shoulder straps (or maybe somewhere else on the pack) using some paracord and carabiners. I was thinking of wearing the fanny pack as it is intended, above the hip belt of my backpack; however, I suspect that this will be fatiguing on my back with the weight of the camera pulling on my waist. II thought I'd share even though I don't have a solution for you, perhaps one of these harnesses will work for you. I'll keep you all updated as to what I ultimately end up doing. ... View more

I agree with everyone else here about using gloves. I use sun gloves like the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves (https://www.rei.com/product/117105/outdoor-research-activeice-spectrum-sun-gloves). And @OldGuyot is right; using the straps on the poles to your advantage is also key (see this YouTube video https://youtu.be/HOQFPL2lpMY). Not only will you have less of an issue with gripping the poles, but you also will not have a problem with blisters and will have maximum use of the poles with little effort.   ... View more

@nathanu  Here’s a video that I’ve found helpful when I first bought a hammock. I did end up buying the gear mentioned in the video; however, setup is a breeze and secure. Adjustments are quick and easy. There are no fancy knots that are hard to remove because they have tightened under load (the Muletape also helps with that). The benefit of using the Muletape and tree strap is that they don’t stretch, even when they get wet, resulting in a sagging hammock. I have other videos for creating a continuous ridgeline for the rainfly if you’re interested. Antigravity Gear Tree Strap and Muletape Suspension https://youtu.be/H0u25ZBcr20 ... View more

@Philreedshikes I didn't see your question until now. I must have missed the notification. Sorry for the late response. For clarification, if I need to wash the bandana using soap, that is never done directly in a lake/stream/creek. For LNT reasons, I always make sure I'm 200 feet away from any water source when using soap. It's also important to note that if a bandana is used to wipe sweat, and you wear sunscreen or bug repellent, it is recommended to rinse that bandana using water carried away from a lake/stream/creek not directly in the water source.  ... View more

@DixieRN  I use a Brondell GoSpa (Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet GS-70 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008CSDKSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_UzpZFbM9393T7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1). It holds about 13 ounces of water. Usually, it’s enough to get me clean. I do use additional water, though, to wash my hands after using the bidet.  I remain squatting when I use the bidet, so no splashing or water running down the legs. I pat dry with a bandana after use, which I subsequently wash when I have an abundant water source.  One other tip, I fill my Brondell in the evening before bed, and I get my sanitation kit ready too. This way, in the morning, when the urge hits me, I’m ready to go!  ... View more

@MarkPDX Bidets are quite popular in other parts of the world, and they are used regularly. I've seen elaborate contraptions integrated into the toilets in Japan, with features that are quite ingenious and convenient. They've become commonplace, found in almost every public bathroom. Using a bidet doesn't necessarily require 'wiping.' Some people prefer to drip-dry, but using a designated bandana (which weighs almost next to nothing) serves the purpose of 'dab' dry. Yes, some housekeeping needs to be done, such as washing your hands thoroughly afterward (which you should be doing anyway) and laundering the drying apparatus (I use Dr. Bronner's, which I have as a backpacking staple anyway). Hang the bandana off the back of your pack, and it touches nothing else.  Although most people don't do a number 2 in the 'cold dark night', (who would even want to because visibility is poor, and critters) a good slathering of hand sanitizer (another item that backpackers are usually carrying) will do the job until the morning.  I don't mind carrying my 2.25 oz bidet. I like to leave the wilderness as I found it, sans toilet paper. And, in my opinion, my bidet weighs much less than packing out poop-laden used toilet paper for the duration of an extended trip. It's a personal preference.  ... View more

If you're up to making your own meals, check out Backcountry Foodie. Aaron has a bunch of ultralight recipes including gluten-free and vegan.  https://backcountryfoodie.com ... View more

@OldGuyot Yeah, I use the Brondell too! I opted for a separate bidet bottle rather than the spout that you can attach to your SmartWater bottle because I don't want to contaminate my drinking bottle with feces. Yuck! I don't use TP or wipes, I just wash well and use my trusty old bandana to dry (a separate bandana that I use just for hygiene purposes).  ... View more

Besides the essentials and my trusty trekking poles, three pieces of gear I've used the past couple of years that I'll NEVER backpack without are (two are girl-specific, so sorry guys): My pStyle FUD (female urinary device) - it allows me to pee standing up and I don't have to drop my drawers every time I have to take a leak. I LOVE IT! My Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet - I don't use toilet paper on the trail anymore (I carry some as a backup in case I'm camping somewhere there's no water, and I pack out the used stuff if I must use it) and it gets me fresh and clean! It is incredibly useful during that time of the month too.  My Diva Cup - I don't have to carry tampons and pack out used ones, and I can go 12 hours without having to deal with my period at all. The above-mentioned item comes in handy to deal with cleaning up.  LNT baby!  ... View more