FAQ 









Have some questions on your mind?  You have come to the right place, and hopefully we can answer them here!

QUESTIONS?    <<Back to Top>>
Please feel free to contact our Customer Service department at customerservice@backpackingdepot.com.  Also, please feel free let us know if you would like to see an FAQ added to this list.
PRIVACY & SECURITY    <<Back to Top>>
Following is The Backpacking Depot's policy regarding the privacy rights of visitors to this website. We respect your right to privacy and your desire for a secure online shopping experience.
 
The Backpacking Depot is an e-commerce website that is owned by
AnS Unlimited, LLC, based in California.
 
We can be contacted either by e-mail at contact@backpackingdepot.com, or through our Contact Us page.
 
How do you know the personal information you provide online is secure?
The Backpacking Depot promises that your information is secure. The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) interface is the industry standard, and among the best software available today for secure online commerce transactions. All of the information you submit over our SSL connection, including credit card number, name, and address, will be encrypted so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet. Most browsers will show a lock icon in the status bar on secure pages.
WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO YOU COLLECT?    <<Back to Top>>
When you place an online order we need to know your name, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number and credit card information. This information allows us to process your order, and to notify you of your order status.
DO YOU SHARE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION?    <<Back to Top>>
We never make your personal information available to any other company or organization without your permission.
 
If you supply us with your postal address, you may receive periodic mailings from The Backpacking Depot with information, including new products and other information we need communicate to our customers. If you do not wish to receive such mailings, please let us know by sending an e-mail to us at customerservice@backpackingdepot.com.
DO YOU SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES?    <<Back to Top>>
Yes, we do.  Simply .....
 
Gift Certificates can be applied to the whole order, and do not include shipping or tax, which will be charged to the customer when the certificate is redeemed.
PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS:    <<Back to Top>>
We try to keep the descriptions and pictures of all of our products as current as possible, but there are occasions where manufacturers change colors or features of their products, and we may have an picture not reflecting those changes.  In addition, sometimes the computer equipment used by customers can cause variations in the colors of product pictures.  The Backpacking Depot can guarantee that you will receive the product you order, however, we cannot guarantee that it will look exactly as it appears in the picture on our website.
WILL YOU SEND ME UNSOLICITED E-MAILS?    <<Back to Top>>
No way!  Unless, of course, you sign up to receive our e-mail newsletter, you will only receive e-mail from the Backpacking Depot when you have e-mailed a specific question or comment to us, or we need to contact you regarding an order you have placed.
WHAT IS THE BEST TENT / SLEEPING BAG / BACKPACK / STOVE?    <<Back to Top>>
There is no simple answer to this question. It all depends on what it is that you are wanting to do. For example, you might think that a four-season tent would be considered "the best", but that would only be true for extreme climates. If you were camping in the Arctic, and the wind was blowing, then it would be the best fit for that situation, along with a cold weather sleeping bag. You would not want to sleep in it during the heat of the summer, though. For that, you would want a nice mesh, to allow the tent to breath. Packs come in sizes too, not just to fit the person, but you want to take into account how long your trek is going to be, and get larger packs for longer treks. You can only say the equipment is "best" when it is matched to the use it was ultimately designed for.
 
We need to be realistic about what you need gear for and how you intend to use it. The trick to doing this is planning, planning, planning.  You will also want to consider some factors like what the product is designed for, quality of the manufacture and your own personal preferences (things like if you are an ultralight packer, a cold sleeper or like to watch teh stars as you sleep).
 
The Backpacking Depot is aiming to provide you with high quality products at competative prices.  We want to be a one-stop shop to provide you with all of your backpacking needs.
SHOULD I SEAL MY TENTS SEAMS?    <<Back to Top>>
Absolutely. Sealing your tents seams will help to keep moisture from rain and dew outside. Some tents come with factory-taped seams, and although they do offer more protection than unsealed seams, these should still be sealed for maximum waterproofness. Be sure to carefully follow both the tent manufacturer and seam sealer’s instructions, and seal the seams with adequate ventilation during the sealing process. Depending on how often you use your tent and the quality of your seam sealer, you may want to repeat this process annually.
WHERE CAN I CAMP WHILE BACKPACKING?    <<Back to Top>>
Be sure to have proper permits when hiking, and have notified the proper authorities.  While different areas have their own regulations and special concerns, it is generally best to camp on durable surfaces, such as designated campsites, rocks, gravel, or dry grasses. You should never need to alter a site to make a campsite. Also, remember to pitch your camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
 
Remember that you are responsible for knowing and adhering to all regulations for the area you’re visiting, including campfire permits (many times these are required for camp stoves, even when campfires are prohibited), and any backcountry permits. Generally, it is a good practice to check with the local ranger stations to verify you know the rules and regulations for that specific area.