Thad

What is a switchback in hiking? A switchback is a path that follows a zig-zag pattern up a steep terrain such as a hillside or mountainside.  Rather than going directly up the slope, switchbacks run back and forth in opposite directions, switching back and continuing until the summit is reached. Switchbacks are found on trails, … Read more

There are few things as important to your health as having enough water and staying properly hydrated, especially during strenuous physical activity like hiking.  Hikers have been trying to find the best way to carry water while hiking to balance the necessity of water with maintaining a light pack load for comfort and better hikes. … Read more

Ask any avid hiker and they’ll tell you: nothing’s worse than having blistered or sore feet while out on the trail.  As such, it’s important to know how to prepare your feet for hiking to ensure you’re not dealing with foot pain or blisters. In this guide, we’ll walk through 18 different ways on how … Read more

Hiking is great exercise for building strength, stamina, stability, and even has proven cognitive benefits like elevated mood and increased serotonin levels. But beyond all these benefits, many of our readers want to know: is hiking good for back pain? It turns out that yes, hiking is good for back pain because it strengthens the … Read more

There’s a few surefire ways to prepare and strengthen your knees for hiking, and just like everything else in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Knee pain while hiking can impact the enjoyability of your time outdoors and can even cause you to cut your hiking trips short – two … Read more

Hiking patches are a cool way to remember some of the bigger hikes you’ve completed, but what to do with hiking patches is a whole other issue that comes up once you’ve gained a decent collection. Fortunately, there are many options for displaying your hiking patches, which we’ll cover in today’s guide. Read on for … Read more

40 degree weather is one of the best times of the year to get outdoors and be in nature, but choosing what to wear hiking in 40 degree weather can be quite a challenge! We’ve set up this 40 degree weather hiking clothing guide to make sure you’re prepared on the trail no matter what … Read more

Fall is one of the best times of the year to get outdoors and be in nature, but choosing what to wear hiking in fall can be quite a challenge! We’ve set up this fall hiking clothing guide to make sure you’re prepared on the trail no matter what the weather throws at you. Read … Read more

A great fitting pair of hiking boots is arguably the single most important piece of gear for any hiker, and knowing how to stretch out hiking boots is essential to get the perfect fit. There are many ways to stretch out hiking boots, and we’ve covered them all in this guide for you today. Read … Read more

If you’re looking to go on adventures with your little ones, having the best kids waterproof hiking boots and shoes is critical to having successful outings and making long-lasting outdoor memories. With so many options to choose from, many parents find themselves overwhelmed with which kids waterproof hiking boots to choose. That’s exactly why we … Read more