FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

See below for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a problem, complaint, suggestion, or praise for n2backpacking, please click to Site Feedback to send me an email. 

I notice some links are password protected.  How do I get more information on this hike?
You have a few options:

1.  Check the YourHikes.com discussion forum.  The answer to your question could be here, or you could post and ask other hikers and backpackers for help.  (Note: Registration is not required to browse the forums, but it is required to post in the forums.)

2.  Get one of the guidebooks recommended for this hike.  Direct links are provided to Amazon.com in cases where more information (ie directions, maps, etc.) is available from a specific guidebook.

3.  Click to YourHikes.com and do a search for the hike.  Directions, contact information, maps, photos and trip reports, are provided in some cases. 

4.  Earn VIP access at n2backpacking.com.  Some trip reports and trail maps are password protected, but VIP's are granted open access to the website via a password sheet.  Follow this link to make a Paypal donation, and a password list will be sent via email within 24-72 hours.  VIP's help cover some of the web hosting costs at n2backpacking.com and the donations are greatly appreciated.

What information is in a detailed trip report?
The trip report has main categories that include the following:

Trail Vitals: Trailhead Name, Trail Length, Starting Point, Ending Point, Blaze Color, Blaze Shape, Elevation High, Elevation Low, Elevation Change, Trail Difficulty, Trail Conditions, Trail Traffic, Trail Features

Weather Conditions: Weather, Precipitation, High Temperature, Low Temperature, Winds

Management Vitals: Management Agency, Management Address, Management Phone, Nearest City, Available Maps

Directions: Trailhead Directions, Parking Information, Lot Size, Lot Safety, Distance From Cities

Campsite Vitals: Campsite Features, Distance From Trailhead, Location, Ground Cover, Canopy Cover, Water Sources

Trip Summary:  Trip Party, Flora/Fauna, The Good, The Bad, Journal Entry

Overall Ranking: A combined score that rates the trip and averages the Trail Conditions, Unique Features, Weather, Party Dynamics, Food, Water, The Campsite, Flora/Fauna, and the general Groove Factor 

What is the difference between a detailed trip report and a brief trip report?  I notice that you have links to both for some of your hikes?
Follow this link for an example of a detailed trip report, and this link for an example of a brief trip report.  The brief trip reports are simply postings at yourhikes.com.  (Make sure you pop-up blocker is off when you click these links.)

I want one of your detailed trip reports, how do I order it?

You need to make a donation and obtain VIP access.  Click here for more information.

When I click a link to your detailed trip report, nothing happens. Why?
When you click a link to a trip report (and use the password obtained with your VIP access), you are pulling a Microsoft Word document. Your computer needs to have Word 2000 or higher to view the document. (You can check this by going to Microsoft Word, clicking "Help", then "About" Microsoft Word.)  Once Microsoft Word is open you need to enter a password to access the trip report.

Why do you charge for VIP Access?
It helps me recoup some of the web hosting costs associated with this site. There's a lot of photos on n2backpacking and bandwidth doesn't come cheap.
 

Why do some of your maps require passwords and some do not?
The only maps that require passwords are those that show details including campsites, water sources, trailheads, and scenic areas at a specific destination. If you obtain VIP access, you'll be able to get to all maps on the website.

You have some nice pictures at n2backpacking.  Can I use them on my website, or in an article I'm writing, or for a presentation I'm doing, etc.
Yes, and there is no charge for their use, but they are copyrighted so you need to include this under the photo: "Courtesy of www.n2backpacking.com, Copyright 200X, N2 Ventures, Inc. All Rights Reserved." You also need to send an email and include the following:

1. Your Name, 2. Address, 3. Phone, 4. Email, 5. Website

Also, please include a brief note on how and where you plan to use the photo. 

I would like to use the Appalachian Trail or Continental Divide Trail or Pacific Crest Trail maps on  my website, or in an article I'm writing, or for a presentation I'm doing, etc.  Do I need permission?    
No you do not.  They are branded with www.n2backpacking.com and free for public use.  Here is an example of the Continental Divide Trail map.

Can I link to your website?
Yes, you can link to n2backpacking and do not need permission. You are welcome to use these logos.  Just right click on your mouse and "save picture as"...

Will you link to my website?
Sure, as long as it relates to hiking and backpacking.  Create a link to n2backpacking on your website, and send me a link request which includes your link to this website in the email.  I have to post the reciprocal links manually so please give me a few weeks to list your site.

How can I advertise on your site?
Click to Advertising Information for more details.

Do you collect information on users when you take an order?  Do you sell it?
No.  Please read the Privacy Statement for more details.

What happens to the information I submit in the Site Survey? 
It helps me figure out how to upgrade the site to meet user needs.  Again, the Privacy Statement has more details, but this information never leaves my house.