Features
The Best Rain Jackets for 2025
A good rain jacket is the most important piece of gear you'll never think about — until you need it. Here are the ones actually worth buying in 2025.
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20 articles about hiking, gear, trails, and the great outdoors.
Features
Treading Lightly: The Hiker's Guide to Eco-Friendly Trail Practices
Nobody sets out to trash the backcountry. But small habits add up. Here's what I've learned about actually leaving no trace — not just saying you do.
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Trailblazer Fitness: Conditioning Your Body for Extreme Hikes
I can run 10K without much trouble. The first time I hiked with a loaded pack, my body had other opinions. Here's what actually works to get trail-ready.
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America's Hidden Wilderness: Exploring the Most Secluded Backcountry Trails
There's a difference between hiking and disappearing into the backcountry. I learned that on the West Coast Trail, and I've been chasing that feeling ever since.
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First Time Backcountry Camping: How to Get Over Your Fears
Your first night in the backcountry is going to be weird. Every sound is amplified, every shadow looks like a bear, and you'll wonder why you didn't just book a hotel. Here's how to push through it.
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Step by Step: A Comprehensive Review of High-Performance Hiking Shoes
I've gone through more hiking footwear than I'd like to admit. Here's what I've learned about what actually matters when you're picking shoes for serious trails.
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The Art of Solo Hiking: Finding Peace in Wilderness Solitude
Most of my trips have been with friends. But the few times I've gone solo, something different happened. Here's what I've learned about hiking alone.
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Seasonal Gear Shift: Adapting Your Hiking Equipment for Changing Climates
The gear that works in July will get you in trouble in October. Here's what actually changes between seasons and how to adapt without owning four complete kits.
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Trail Difficulty Ratings Unveiled: Planning Your Next Challenging Hike
Trail ratings seem straightforward until you show up to an 'easy' hike that has you scrambling up a rock face. Here's how to actually read them.
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In-Depth Reviews: Hiking Boots That Go the Distance
Some boots fall apart in one season. Others last for years. Here's what separates durable hiking boots from disposable ones — and how to make yours last longer.
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Lighten Your Load: The Best Lightweight Gear for Long-Distance Hikes
Every gram matters on a multi-day hike. Here's how to cut pack weight without spending a fortune or sacrificing the gear that actually matters.
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Hiker's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Backpack
Your backpack is the one piece of gear that touches everything else. Here's how to pick the right one without wasting money on the wrong size, fit, or style.
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