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 …
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 packs, boots, and camping 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 and the atmosphere is completely different from the rest of the year. The following …
Hiking the Wonderland Trail hike can seem overwhelming at first. You must consider permits, the weather, trail conditions, campsites, your route, transportation, gear, food, and more. This guide is designed to give you an overview of what to expect and an outline to follow to plan a Wonderland Trail hike. I also include some tips …
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 …