When choosing a hiking backpack, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with a framed or frameless model. The backpack you choose determines how much gear you can carry, your comfort, and your hiking speed. The best hiking backpack for you depends on several factors including the weight …
In the past, external framed backpacks were the standard. These days, spotting one on the trail is a rare occurrence. Over the past 30 years, sleek, lightweight, and modern internal framed backpacks have taken over the trails. For most hikers, an internal framed pack is the best choice. That said, external framed packs still have …
When dressing for cold weather, you have a number of insulating fabrics to choose from. Two of the most popular materials are fleece and wool. The best fabric for winter clothing depends on the weather conditions you expect, the activities you do, and your personal preference. This guide outlines the differences between fleece vs wool …
It’s important to always prepare for poor weather. You never know when it’s going to rain. The ideal rain gear depends on the activity you’re doing, the weather you expect, how much gear you want to carry, as well as personal preference. When choosing rain gear for your trip, you have two options. This guide …
When buying a pair of trekking poles, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which material to go with. The body of most trekking poles is made of either carbon fiber or aluminum. The best material depends on a number of factors including the type of terrain you hike on and …
Spotting a bear while hiking is both a beautiful and terrifying experience at the same time. On one hand, bears are absolutely incredible creatures to view in the wild. On the other hand, bears can be dangerous. Luckily, attacks are rare. This guide explains how to avoid bears while hiking or camping in bear country. …
One major annoyance while hiking is dealing with water, snow, dirt, twigs, or pebbles making their way into your hiking boots or trail runners. Gaiters offer a great solution. They provide an extra layer of protection to keep moisture and debris out of your footwear and away from your feet. This guide explains what gaiters …
Sometimes you have no choice but to hike in the rain. Maybe you got caught in an unexpected storm or maybe you live in a wet climate. Whatever the case, if you prepare properly, hiking in the rain doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, on rainy days the trails are less crowded, the air …
These days, the trend in hiking footwear is toward minimalism. Lightweight and breathable options are preferred. Many hikers have switched from heavy hiking boots to lightweight trail runners over the past few years. A new trend that is quickly growing in popularity is hiking in sandals. This guide outlines the pros and cons of hiking …
Some hikers can’t do without trekking poles and others couldn’t care less for them. This guide outlines the pros and cons of trekking poles to help you decide whether or not you want to use them during your next hike. I’ll also outline some of the different types of trekking poles available and what to …