Latest posts
Best Satellite Messengers & Tracking Beacons (And How to Choose)
The best satellite tracking beacons for hikers and hunters — Garmin inReach messengers vs. ACR personal locator beacons, what to look for, and which to buy.
How to Use a Map and Compass: Backcountry Navigation Basics
A plain-English beginner’s guide to using a map and compass — compass parts, reading topo maps, declination, and how to take and follow a bearing.
Best Beginner Summit Hikes (Big Views Without the Big Risk)
Beginner-friendly summit hikes with huge payoffs across the US — how to pick a first peak, and the small kit that keeps a first summit safe and fun.
Best Fall Foliage Hikes in the US (Peak Color, Region by Region)
Where and when to hike for peak fall color across New England, the Appalachians, the Rockies, and beyond — plus what to pack for crisp autumn trails.
How to Choose Trekking Poles (Weight, Locks, and Grips Explained)
A plain-English guide to picking trekking poles: aluminum vs carbon, flip vs twist locks, cork vs foam grips — plus three solid pairs to consider.
Best Desert Hikes in the US (and How to Hike Them Safely)
The best desert hikes in the US – Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches, the Wave, and Joshua Tree – plus the heat-safety rules and the water, electrolytes, and sun protection that keep desert hiking safe.
How to Choose a Backpack: Size, Fit, and Features for Any Adventure
How to choose a backpack: sizing by trip length (liters explained), why fit and hip-belt support matter most, matching features to daypack vs backpacking use, and organizing what is inside.
Best Waterfall Hikes in the US (Big Payoff, Every Skill Level)
The best waterfall hikes in the US – Multnomah, Havasu, Ramsey Cascades, and Yosemite Mist Trail – from roadside cascades to backcountry giants, plus gear for wet, slippery trails.
Snowshoeing for Beginners: The Easiest Way Into Winter Adventure
Snowshoeing for beginners: how snowshoes let you float on snow, choosing the right size, why poles and gaiters matter, dressing in layers, and where to safely start.
Bear Safety: How to Hike and Camp in Bear Country
Bear safety for hikers and campers: knowing black bears vs grizzlies, making noise to avoid surprises, storing food in a bear canister, and exactly what to do in an encounter with bear spray.
