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20 Tips For First-Time Thru-Hikers
PCT blaze buried in a sappy tree

20 Tips For First-Time Thru-Hikers

Are you considering the challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience of a thru-hike? Here are a few trail-tested tips to get you started
A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting task. This guide breaks down every detail, so you can pull off the adventure of a lifetime
10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter

10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter

Taking your dog for a rainy hike or a jaunt in the snow is incredibly fun and a great way to keep them active during the winter. But…
How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots
Closeup of a hiker's feet crossing a creek in a muddy pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 hiking boots

How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots

In this guide, we walk you through how to take care of your footwear – so your footwear can take care of you.
Best Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog
two backpackers and a dog taking a break on the ground

Best Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog

Following the tips in this guide will prepare you and your pooch for the trail and build confidence to take them…
5 Reasons To Ditch Your Hiking Boots
Hiker showing the bottom of the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

5 Reasons To Ditch Your Hiking Boots

Bye-bye boots, hello happy feet! See why trail runners and hiking shoes rule the trail when the miles pile up.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Review
Closeup of someone wearing the black Patagonia Torrentshell rain pants.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Review

These rain pants combine top-tier waterproofing with eco-friendly materials, offering reliable protection in heavy rain. Lightweight and durable, they feature H2No® technology and practical design elements like zippered side vents.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants Review
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants Review

Compact, lightweight rain coverage for backpackers and occasional storms, with limited airflow and less comfort in prolonged downpours.
Columbia Rebel Roamer II / Storm Surge Rain Pants Review
Image of someone wearing the black Columbia Rebel Roamer II on a trail.

Columbia Rebel Roamer II / Storm Surge Rain Pants Review

A straightforward, inexpensive weather barrier that skips pockets and side zips, best for simple trail and everyday rain coverage.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants Review

A minimalist waterproof layer for hikers focused on ounces, not pockets, long zippers, or protection against abrasive terrain.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Pants Review
Closeup of a person's legs in the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Pants Review

A lightweight, stretch-focused shell for active hikers who value natural movement more than extra layering room or extreme durability.
Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants Review
Scrambling on some rock in the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic rain pants.

Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants Review

Soft, quiet waterproof pants with excellent mobility and real venting, although brush resistance is not their strongest suit.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review
Demonstrating the full length side zips on the Arc'teryx Beta Pants.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review

Protective, feature-rich alpine rain pants for cold and exposed terrain, with a substantial price and less comfortable everyday fit.
Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Boots and shoes are still mainstays of the trail, but hiking sandals have a lot of merits that might just make you a convert.
20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

Desert hiking offers some of the most stunning scenery. In this guide, we offer our tips and tricks for staying safe and healthy in this beautiful but harsh landscape.
Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide
Contemplative Hiker Above Himalayan Valley

Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide

Nepal is a backpacker’s dream come true, and planning a trek in Nepal isn’t as difficult as you might think. This guide will help you plan your next trip
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