Latest posts
Best Microspikes for Winter Hiking (vs. Crampons & Snowshoes)
The best microspikes for icy winter trails — microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes, what to look for, Kahtoola picks, and when to put them on.
Best Hiking Socks: Why Merino Wool Wins (Darn Tough & More)
The best hiking socks and why merino wool beats everything else — cushion levels, fit, blister prevention, and the Darn Tough picks hikers swear by.
Best Hydration Packs & Bladders for Hiking (Size Guide + Care)
The best hydration packs and bladders for hiking — how many liters you need, the features that matter, top picks, and how to keep a bladder mold-free.
Best Outdoor First Aid Kits (And What to Add to Them)
The best first aid kits for hiking and camping — pre-built vs. DIY, what a trail kit must handle, top Adventure Medical Kits picks, and the items worth adding.
Best Backpacking Water Filters (Squeeze, Gravity, Straw & Tablets)
The best backpacking water filters and how to choose — squeeze vs. gravity vs. straw vs. purification tablets, top picks, and filter care mistakes to avoid.
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.
