In 2024, I hiked over 1,000 miles and climbed more than 250,000 feet of elevation in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. These adventures were challenging but transformative. I discovered the many benefits of hiking steep trails up mountains in Colorado. Along the way, I experienced profound physical changes, including a 25-pound weight loss and significantly stronger … Read more
Like all hiking gear, underwear needs to perform. Any layer that doesn’t dry quickly is uncomfortable, so a moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric is essential. As always, that means opt for synthetic or wool and stay away from cotton. The six pairs of underwear weren’t chosen at random. Four of them because they were available at my … Read more
I don’t know what happened, but one day, none of my shoes fit anymore. Was it that nothing felt good after too much time in Birkenstocks? Or did a pair of shoes irritate my latent bunion? It doesn’t really matter. I had to find comfortable shoes, especially for situations where my Arizona’s don’t work – … Read more
You’ve heard of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), but what is it really like to wake up day in and day out in the wilderness? How do our bodies adapt to mile upon mile upon mile of movement? How does our mind cope with a goal like walking 2,650 miles (4,264 km) from Mexico to … Read more
In cooler seasons and climates, layers are essential for comfort. It’s not just about insulation. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep skin dry, which is just as important to staying warm as wearing a thick jacket. Fleece jackets provide that balance of warmth and breathability for hiking and backpacking. Invented in the late 70s, fleece was the … Read more
No matter how many trips I guide in Yosemite National Park, I’m always on a mission to pack the best possible gear for the job. In my three seasons of guiding backpacking trips in Yosemite, narrowing down my personal essentials for the trail has been a process of trial and error. Here, I simplify the … Read more
The Owyhee Backpacking Tarp is as Cozy as a Tent and as Lightweight as a Tarp Nestled beneath my Six Moon Designs Owyhee backpacking tarp, thunder and lightning unleash in the high Sierra. Rain and hail batter my shelter in the limestone cirque below Red and White mountain, deep in the range. Inside, dry and … Read more
The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is a Versatile, Do-It-All Pack for the Ultralight-Curious Up mountain passes, down talus fields, and over snowfields, I move through the remote reaches of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with my Granite Gear Crown3 60 snug against my back. After weeks of pack testing, I chose the Granite Gear Crown3 … Read more
One of my favorite things about hiking is how little you actually need to do it. Just pack a pair of trail runners or hiking boots, and you’re ready to go! Whether you are looking to find a location for your next big adventure or yearning to pick up all your belongings and move, there … Read more
Hiking is well known for its physical health benefits; I mean, they built stairmasters for a reason! However, hiking can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. For those grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, hikes can offer a transformative experience. In this article, we will dive into … Read more
Hiking on rugged terrain puts you at risk of a number of hazards. Falling rocks and uneven ground are just some of the obstacles you may find on alpine adventures. In such cases, a climbing helmet can provide valuable protection for your precious noggin’. We’ve compiled an overview of the best climbing helmets for hiking, … Read more
Water makes up approximately 60% of the human body and every biological system depends on it. Maintaining this fluid balance is essential to your cognitive and physical functioning. Even light hiking can drain your body’s water supply – leaving you feeling tired, achy, and ready to turn back to the trailhead. Fortunately, the solution is … Read more
I look down from nearly seven thousand feet above the slickrock canyonlands of Utah’s southeast desert. Just 45 minutes outside Moab, Utah, I’m taking Ridge Merino’s Solstice Sun Hoodie for a testing day out on the skin track in the La Sal mountains. From the snow-covered access road to the boot pack up to the … Read more
A top priority in 2023 is to find the best trail running shoes for hikes and trail running. My focus is on durability, foot protection, breathability, traction, cushioning that lasts, and stability on technical terrain. I have tested one or two potential options for the most trusted brands. This is my review of the Brooks … Read more
Hardshell jackets keep out water and wind while letting out heat and sweat. They do that with a waterproof breathable membrane, commonly known as Gore-Tex. There are 2-layer and 3-layer membranes, plus the third choice, 2.5 layer. Here’s what that means and how to decide which one is the best for you. The invention of … Read more
Featherlight Insulation Made for the Mountains A great down jacket is essential to my kit any time I head out into the mountains. I wanted to see if the Accelerator Down Jacket met my need for a versatile, lightweight down jacket that could keep me comfortable from mountaintops to evenings at camp. Over the course … Read more
Each year, I test the best lightweight hiking shoes and the most robust and durable trail running shoes. I aim to find the best shoes that deliver excellent foot support, stability over uneven terrain, and underfoot protection. They should also be flexible, lightweight, and not clunky. And, of course, the shoes can’t be ugly, weird-looking, … Read more
Hats do much more than protect facial skin from sun damage – they make being outside more comfortable. Air temperature is only a few degrees different between sun and shade but the shade can feel up to 20 degrees cooler. Many people just wear their favorite baseball or sun hat hiking. However, there are strong … Read more
This sun hoodie is the silky-softest ultralight layer for hiking, running, and skiing Wearing the Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie while touring in Crested Butte, CO. Photo Credit: Jordan Herbert No matter the season, when I’m out in the mountains, you’ll find me wearing a sun hoodie to protect my skin from the relentless UV rays … Read more
This Local Brand Makes the Best Merino Wool Baselayers for Mountain Athletes Who is Ridge Merino? Out on the skin track in Mammoth Lakes, CA, I glide between sun and shade, forest and meadow, ridgeline and basin. The temperatures swing from a balmy 34 degrees to a brisk 22 with windchill, but I feel comfortable … Read more
Tera Kaia is a sustainability-minded, women-owned business makes the best sports bras and underwear for outdoor-folks of all body types. Tera Kaia is the Best Up-and-Coming Sports Bra Brand on the Market Last year, living in the eastern Sierra Nevada, I often passed by Tera Kaia’s sleek corner storefront on Bishop, California’s Main Street. Bishop … Read more
Ticks, like mosquitos, are the tiny, evil, and blood-sucking spawns of Satan. Just kidding…(not entirely). Ticks are not just gross. These little arachnids can carry dangerous diseases that put you and your pet at risk of serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Unfortunately, ticks are omnipresent – they habitate in almost every environment, from forests to deserts, … Read more
For the past 20 years, the designers at Arc’teryx have worked hard to create the perfect hardshell. Their end result? The Arc’teryx Beta AR. The quality and versatility of the Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket set the industry bar – and it is hard to imagine anything better. Designed for any outdoor adventure, Arc’teryx equipped the … Read more
There are so many hiking footwear options these days. So, how do you choose the best option for your particular needs? What’s better for hiking? Trail running shoes or hiking shoes? It depends on several factors. In this guide, we will steer you in the right direction to help you make the right decision. When … Read more
Upon returning to Boulder, Colorado, this August, I immediately longed for the exposed ridges and exciting scrambling characteristic of the granite peaks of my home in the eastern Sierra Nevada. I set out on a mission to find the best scrambles that Colorado offers to stretch my alpine scrambling season into September and bag some … Read more
Introducing the brand new Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, the best lightweight hiking shoe made by Salomon. This shoe is designed for fast-moving and aggressive hiking on rough and rugged terrain. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is lightweight and athletic, similar to the build of a trail running shoe. The X Ultra 4s also … Read more
The best hiking watches that you can buy today are super powerful. Technology has taken some huge leaps. The apps, screens, battery life, and storage space have improved massively in the past year. I have tested the Garmin 6X Pro, and the Garmin Fenix 7 watches extensively for the past thirteen months. The benefits offered … Read more
Often times while hiking, our boots and hiking pants are just not enough to protect us from the elements. Snow, mud, branches, and rocks can be a nuisance while hiking. This debris can get into our boots or shoes, making the hiking experience uncomfortable. Hiking for hours with cold, wet, and muddy legs is just … Read more
Hiking in snow and ice can be slow, frustrating, and dangerous without proper winter traction devices. This is why microspikes, ice cleats, and crampons exist. The grip of these traction devices on rock-hard ice and in deep snow is phenomenal. They make hiking in Winter super fun. For most hikers, microspikes and ice cleats are … Read more
These aren’t your typical New Year’s resolutions! As outdoor enthusiasts, our goals often involve a mixture of consistency, exploration of new terrain, and pushing past our perceived limits. With a new year right around the corner, try adding some of these hiking challenges to your bucket list. They will surely test your limits and help … Read more
Aftermarket insoles are a magical and transformative experience. When I get new shoes or boots I immediately remove the floppy non-functional manufacturer’s insoles and replace them with high-quality protective and supportive insoles. If you experience plantar fasciitis, or sore, bruised, tired feet after your hikes you need to get some insoles. Once you try real … Read more
The most important equipment for any hike is comfortable shoes. In winter that means boots that keep snow out, heat in, and provide traction in wet, snowy, and icy and conditions. The best winter hiking boot depends on your activities and local winter conditions. A boot for moderate hikes in the rain won’t work for … Read more
There is a lot to think about when planning or training for a big hike. Especially when hiking is a new experience. In this post, we share our top tips to help you learn how to start hiking and be safe and comfortable out on the trails. You will find everything you need to know … Read more
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar watch has changed my life quickly. It motivates me to work hard and attain new health and fitness goals. Since I got the Fenix 7 watch, I have averaged 100 plus miles per month, increased my overall strength, and lost more than 15 pounds. These are thrilling results that I … Read more
I started dehydrating my backpacking food before I hiked the John Muir Trail in the summer of 2020. There were two big reasons for making my food and meals for backpacking with a dehydrator. First of all, I was attempting a zero waste thru-hike. Secondly, I was hoping to save some money. When I’m not … Read more
Buying new hiking and backpacking gear is fun and exciting. To me, gear is money well spent because these products last a long time and deliver comfort, safety, and joy in the outdoors. Hiking and backpacking gear adds a lot of value to my daily life. However, the cost can quickly add up. Hiking can … Read more
There is a lot of dating advice out there, most of it is bad. The only true advice is to be yourself. If part you enjoys nature, a hiking date is an inexpensive and authentic way to have good time and get to know each other. Hiking on a date adds looking good to the … Read more
I finished the Colorado Trail about a month ago, in the summer of 2022. The trail is majestic with vibrant wildflowers, epic ridge walks, incredible vistas, and unbeatable wildlife. If you are searching for an adventure to reinvigorate your love for life, rebuild your trust in humanity, and want to cry over the magic of … Read more
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is the ultimate car camping quilt. Snuggled in the back of my Jeep Wrangler at the Grays and Torreys Peak trailhead in Colorado this September, I feel warm and cozy, nestled in my Rumpl quilt. Parked at 11,000 feet, the mountain air is chilly against my skin, but burrowed in … Read more
Located just 70 miles northwest of downtown Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a large national park encompassing more than 300 miles of trails. Nested outside of the town of Estes Park, the park rises from an elevation of about 7,500 feet to the high point of over 14,000 feet. It includes more than … Read more
The Garmin Instinct group of watches has become a fantastic choice for hiking, backpacking, or trail running. The set of features and capabilities has come a long way in the past few years of its existence. The Garmin Instinct is a versatile, rugged, solar-charging GPS smartwatch. It is available in two sizes. The larger screen … Read more
It seems deceptively simple: you’ve got your big new pack, probably 65 or 70 liters, maybe even more than that — how hard can it be to get everything you need into that big sack? It’s harder than you think. Keeping your backpack balanced with easy access to the things you need over the course … Read more
At only 8.6 oz, the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody might weigh as much as a feather (okay, that might be an exaggeration but this hiking jacket is exceptionally lightweight). The minimalist jacket is shockingly versatile — it’s perfect for hiking, backpacking, AND staying sleek while you strut around town. First Impressions I was first introduced … Read more
There’s nothing like a great pair of hiking pants. And I had the chance to test out the KÜHL Radikl pants to see how they performed. Where to buy KÜHL Radikl Pants First Impressions of the KÜHL Radikl pants Looking for a pair of hiking pants can be a tiresome affair. There are just so … Read more
In 8th grade, my Dad brought me to REI to buy some hiking pants for a backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. We bought some pants from Kuhl. They quickly became my favorite pair, which I continue to wear almost ten years later (thanks to their stretch). Needless to say, when Kuhl sent us … Read more
Spring weather can serve up anything from sun to snow so a spring hiking outfit needs to be ready for anything. A day can start out cool, warm up, and then cloud over before thunder showers or wind. Depending on the location, snow may even be on the trail or in the forecast. As always, … Read more
Don’t let the winter deter you from getting out on the trails this year! There are so many benefits to winter hiking, including the pure bliss you experience on the snow-dusted trails, getting way more bang for your buck on cardio, encountering significantly less traffic on the trails, and so much more! Be sure to … Read more
