These days, many hikers are making the switch from sturdy and heavy hiking boots to lightweight and breathable trail runners. The best footwear for your hike depends on the terrain you hike on, the distances you hike, and the amount of weight you carry in your backpack. Hiking boots are more durable, stable, and protective. …
Hiking
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 best hiking backpack for you depends on several factors including the weight and volume of your gear, how far you’re hiking, and personal preference. This guide outlines the pros …
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. In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between internal and external framed backpacks. I’ll also outline the pros …
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. …
I bought the Unigear gaiters on Amazon in preparation for my Wonderland Trail hike around Mount Rainier. Initially, I wasn’t planning to pack gaiters but the weather forecast was calling for heavy rain. I decided to buy a pair last minute for a bit more protection from the wet weather. I have since hiked about …
While hiking the Wonderland Trail, you must be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions due to the extreme 23,000 feet of elevation change. During the regular hiking season, you can experience temperatures between 30 and 80 degrees. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll encounter rain. For early or late or early season hikes, …
The 93 mile (150 km) Wonderland Trail encircles beautiful Mount Rainier. Along the trail, you’ll find 18 wilderness camps and 3 non-wilderness campsites. This guide outlines all of the Wonderland Trail campsites. Under each campsite name, I list the elevation, distances to the nearest sites, facilities, terrain, and more. I’ll also outline the camps of …
The Wonderland Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Pacific Northwest. This 93-mile hike circling beautiful Mount Rainier is on every hiker’s bucket list. Unfortunately, getting permits can be a challenge because demand is so high. There are only so many campsites, after all. Luckily, there is still a way to …
Most hikers stash their gear into the closet after the first frost and wait for the spring. With the right gear and a few extra safety precautions, winter can offer some excellent hiking. The trails are quiet, the air is crisp, and the atmosphere is completely different from the rest of the year. This guide …
The Sawyer Mini is a minimalist water filter that is perfect for hiking, bicycle touring, and travel. It is incredibly lightweight, affordable, versatile, and reliable. I have used mine to filter water from streams, rivers, and even puddles while hiking and cycling throughout the Western US. While traveling with this little filter in Africa, Latin …