mattv 
The hiking in Boulder Colorado is incredible. There are so many hiking trails accessible within minutes of downtown Boulder. Boulder is truly a hiker’s paradise. You can wander the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks for days. In this guide, you will learn how to navigate all the best hikes in Boulder. After a decade … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When you hit the trails for several hours (or days) at a time, comfort is essential. Hiking shirts are designed with that in mind. Performance shirts are made of material that helps regulate temperature and are constructed to prevent chafing or discomfort when wearing a pack. Once you try a hiking shirt you won’t go … Read more
Quality gear will keep you comfortable and safe on hikes, no matter how far you go. Finding all the best gear takes some time, so I’m going to tackle this in order of importance. If you’re new to hiking, this is a good sequence to buy equipment in. You don’t need all these things to … Read more
There are so many different types of rain jackets available in the stores today. The features vary quite a bit from one jacket to the next. Making a solid choice can feel overwhelming for many hikers. Don’t worry, we have done all the research for you. In this guide, the choices have been narrowed down … Read more
Men’s hiking shoes are better than ever. It is truly remarkable how much hiking footwear is improving each season and year. The newest hiking shoes of this current season are more comfortable, durable, supportive, and protective. At the same time, they are lighter than ever which helps to be nimble on the trails and conserve … Read more
The pumpkin spice latte is back and that means summer is on its way out. In most places, fall means cooler temperatures and more precipitation, whether that is rain or snow. To stay comfortable and safe, fall hiking outfits need to be ready for anything. With layers to shed for warmer weather and add when … Read more
It was bound to happen. Trends from the 90s like overalls, bike shorts, and baggy sweatshirts are back. The fanny pack has made a come back too. And like all the aforementioned fashions, the fanny pack is stylish for men and women. If it makes you feel better, it doesn’t have to be called a … Read more
The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 trail running shoes are officially my favorite shoe that I have ever worn hiking. They are an unbelievable blend of comfort and support. Lately, I have found my regular hiking shoes too heavy, clunky, and overly rigid. I tried on many lightweight hikers and couldn’t find one that worked … Read more
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity shell jacket is a pro shell that is super versatile (I use it for hiking and skiing), 100% waterproof and windproof, quick-drying, extremely breathable (amazing long open wide pit zips), eco-responsible (no harsh chemicals), lightweight (500 grams), and packable. What is really awesome is that the fabric is not noisy … Read more
Spring is here, Summer is close. Time to shed some layers. These are the best hiking shorts you can get this year. All are totally functional and they win huge style points. No need to get boring, boxy, bland-looking shorts with too many pockets. Modern, cool, high-performance and sexy hiking shorts are a way better … Read more
The answer to, “what is the one thing I need to go hiking?”, is good hiking socks. Ok, water too. But definitely socks. Hiking socks are very different from other types of socks. They are designed specifically for performance, comfort, and to prevent the slipping or bunching that leads to blisters. They are also exceptionally … Read more
Extra water is one of the ten essentials to hiking and backpacking. Always take more water with you than you think you will need. Too much water is really better than too little. If you run out, and do not have a water filter/purifier, you may confront some serious health issues. Particularly when hiking at … Read more
I have tried many backpacks made by all the most trusted backpack manufacturers over the years. Without a doubt, my best experience has been wearing Osprey backpacks. They are super comfortable, breathable, hug tight to the body, and I find that I don’t feel like I am carrying a heavy amount of weight on my … Read more
More than ever hikers are leveraging new technology when they head out into the backcountry. There are so many incredible devices for hiking and backpacking such as mobile phones, GPS hiking watches, handheld GPS devices, satellite communicators, cameras, and headlamps. But, of course, they all require batteries! Without a continuous flow of battery power these … Read more
This year I have had the pleasant experience of testing out some new Maui Jim prescription sunglasses courtesy of SportRX for my hiking and backpacking adventures. Are Maui Jim prescription sunglasses worth the money? Yes, they are. These sunglasses are a dream come true! Crystal clear vision. The value that these sunglasses deliver is unbeatable. … Read more
Drinking water is one of the most important items to carry with you on your hikes and backpacking trips. It is one of the ten essentials. I always carry more water than I know I need. And often I run out before I return to the trailhead. And of course, on a backpacking trip at … Read more
The saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” isn’t specifically refering to hardshell jackets but it could be. A hardshell jacket blocks out the harshest weather – pouring rain, gusting wind and even surprise snow. Even if you only hike in warm weather, summer conditions often include thunder showers and … Read more
A hiking compass is a very important and often overlooked navigation tool. You should have a compass stashed in your hiking daypack at all times in addition to a paper map. A compass and map are two key items that are part of the ten essentials to hiking that could save your life. Of course … Read more
In this guide, you will learn how to choose the best hiking clothes and put together your go-to hiking outfits for different situations and weather conditions. Find out exactly what to wear hiking so you can take on the most challenging conditions and terrain. If you are a beginner you may wonder why not just … Read more
Winter and snow hiking is a magical experience that all hikers should try. A blanket of snow transforms the landscape and views, making your go-to hikes seem completely new. Dampened sounds and smaller crowds provide solitude that can be challenging to find in other seasons. The conditions that makes winter hiking feel so special also … Read more
As we close off another year, we completely updated our guide to the best hiking shoes for women. It is mind-blowing how much better, more durable, and lighter women’s hiking shoes are getting each season. We have gathered a great selection of top performers. In this new guide, we cover everything you need to know … Read more
Hiking footwear gets better and more advanced each season of the year. It is truly remarkable when you look at the newest men’s hiking boots made by the top brands. So, what are the best hiking boots for men to get this year? Well, the answer can be different for everyone. The best hiking boots … Read more
This is our ultimate guide to choosing the best hiking boots for women. In this article, we cover everything that you need to know to make a good choice. You will also find our top picks of what we think are the best hiking boots you can get right now. Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots: … Read more
As the seasons change, it is time to reassess your hiking gear and hiking clothes. Winter hikes demand some extra thought and planning. You require the best winter hiking gear and winter hiking outfits for your hikes. Severe weather can be more of a threat to your well-being. A good pair of winter hiking pants … Read more
If you are looking for the best GPS hiking watch, we now recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 watch series. The Garmin Marq Adventurer is the ultimate GPS watch for outdoor enthusiasts. This watch is awesome because it has a plethora of cool features that cross over into different backcountry sports. We think this totally makes … Read more
During the summer hiking season in most locations, you can get away with wearing a hiking shirt that makes sense. As cooler temperatures prevail in Fall, Winter, and Spring you will likely need to wear base layers on your hikes with a softshell jacket, fleece jacket, or another type of jacket on top. You can … Read more
Sometimes it is nice to feel free and light on a hike and not be weighed down by a heavier daypack. A hiking fanny pack is the perfect lightweight bag to carry your essentials. When I do close-to-home hikes where I know I don’t need too much or am unlikely to get into trouble, I … Read more
It’s not easy having wide feet. I know, because I have had them my whole life. There are certain brands of shoes that will just never fit my feet. The same is true for hiking boots and hiking shoes. If you do have wide feet there are only so many options that are going to … Read more
If you have young children, you will need some new hiking gear to keep them safe and happy when out on the hiking trails. The first item that you should get is a child carrier for hiking and backpacking. Then you can take your baby (or toddler) on hikes with you. In this guide, we … Read more
If you want to hike in the backcountry, you should definitely get a satellite communicator device. If faced with an unexpected emergency it could save a life. The Garmin inReach Mini is one of the best devices you can have in your daypack. This compact device allows you to send and receive text messages, track … Read more
Hiking at higher altitudes is more challenging. This is because there is less oxygen in the air to breathe. When you hike at high altitudes you may experience a shortness of breath, sluggishness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms of altitude sickness. Enter, oxygen for hiking! So, what exactly is oxygen for hiking? You can … Read more
Comfortable high-performance underwear is super important for a good time on the hiking trails. Nobody wants to experience hours of chafing and discomfort. Comfy underwear is just as important as a comfy pair of hiking shoes, hiking boots, or hiking socks. One should take care of those sensitive areas when out on the trails. Read … Read more
Hiking is a fantastic way to lose weight if that is your goal. The number of calories burned hiking is quite high especially when large elevation gains are involved. You can burn more calories on a hike compared to a regular walk. And, as a bonus, you get to enjoy nature and hiking views at … Read more