Boots, backpacks, and trail gear
Showing 16 reviews in Hiking
Watching someone stop every 20 minutes to dig out a water bottle wasted time. A hydration pack lets you drink without breaking stride on long trails.
A good first aid kit needs bandages that stick, antiseptic that doesn't leak, and supplies you can find fast. Here's what works.
A heavy, poorly fitting pack turns a beautiful trail into a slog. Here's what actually works for women hikers.
A bad stove makes you hate cooking outdoors. Here's what lights reliably, handles wind, and doesn't burn through fuel.
My phone died and I got turned around on an unmarked trail. Since then, I don't hike remote areas without a GPS watch.
I hiked without gaiters once and spent the rest of the day with wet socks and boots full of dirt. Here's what works.
A good headlamp means seeing the trail clearly instead of stumbling over roots. Here's what actually works for night hiking.
A dead phone on the trail is no joke. These portable chargers keep your GPS, headlamp, and devices powered on multi-day hikes.
After burning my ears on a 15-mile exposed ridge hike, I learned baseball caps don't cut it. Real sun hats need wide brims and neck coverage.
I resisted trekking poles for years until I tried them on a steep descent. They save your knees and pack down small enough for travel.
Trail running on steep terrain demands aggressive tread and stable platforms. Regular running shoes slip on trails and wear out fast.
Finding hiking boots that fit wide feet without sacrificing waterproofing is frustrating. After years of blisters, I learned what works.
I learned about trekking poles the hard way on exposed rock near Linville Gorge. On rocky terrain, poles aren't a luxury.
I've hiked through tick-infested sections where cheap repellent doesn't cut it. Bites can carry Lyme disease and other problems you don't want far from a hospital.
Getting caught in rain without proper gear turns a good hike into a miserable slog. You need a jacket that sheds water and packs down small.
Blisters end hikes. I've limped the last five miles because I ignored hot spots. The right socks prevent blisters by managing moisture and reducing friction.
