How-To Guides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether you are in it for the challenge, the views, or the clout, high-altitude hikes offer an experience like no other. Here are some high-altitude hiking tips to get you ready for your first or next big mountain. Big mountains are daunting – most offer many challenging variables, from rockfall hazards to steep trails. That … Read more

Hiking by yourself is a rewarding and magical experience. I love being lost in my thoughts and surrounded by nothing but nature. Oh, and did I mention the joy of setting your own pace? Despite its many perks, solo hiking can be daunting. While some of you may be seasoned pros, many of us feel … Read more

I got my first glimpse into the outdoors at a pretty young age. My parents were avid skiers and scuba divers, so naturally, my brother and I started doing the same. My parents had me in the water as an infant, I was swimming in elementary school, and I was learning to ski simultaneously. By … Read more

For many of us, the mountains are our home away from home. It’s where we go to clear our minds and appreciate the simplicity and comfort that the trails often provide. The trails can supply us with beautiful experiences that allow us to feel more connected to ourselves, and nature while benefiting our mental and … Read more

Anyone who’s been backpacking can tell you that the planning stage is often the hardest part. Uphills and hunger and weather and however many other challenges will inevitably crop up, but the part of the trip that happens before you even get in the car can be some of the most complicated — exactly because … Read more

Packing food for a backpacking trip is always a challenge! Every trip is different: different people with different styles hiking in a different place (et cetera, et cetera), and each of these things plays a role in what you’re going to want to eat. There are a huge number of factors that are worth considering … Read more

Hiking in the wilderness can be dangerous. Weather, fatigue, getting lost, and overall being unprepared can lead to very stressful and serious moments on the trail. The best way to mitigate any sort of dangerous scenario is to have a plan and be prepared. A hiking safety plan begins with being prepared on the front … Read more

As you chug up switchbacks and scrambles, your muscles are constantly exerting energy. A constant supply of calories is essential to keep you moving. Here is an ultimate guide to the best hiking snacks that will help prevent fatigue and hanger, so you can fully enjoy your hiking adventure. Day Hike Snacks A major benefit … Read more

Hiking in the snow is a very tranquil experience. The trails are coated in white, and the air smells crisp. This additional dimension of snow makes hiking more adventurous. Snow hikes can also be more dangerous. There are more factors to consider when preparing for a hike in the snow. These factors include hiking in … Read more

Whether you are on a local day hike or multi-day backcountry expedition, food is essential to replenish your energy. Here is an ultimate guide to the best hiking food to help you prepare for your next adventure. These hiking food ideas will keep you moving all day long. P.S. Whatever hiking food you choose to … 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