Choosing the right pair of hiking boots is one of the most critical gear purchases you’ll make, whether for everyday adventures or extended backpacking trips. To make matters harder, the perfect pair of hiking boots for one person might be the entirely wrong pair for another hiker. There’s nothing worse than a great hiking outing ruined by […]
One of the most important preparations before you hit the hiking trails is knowing what to wear. It’s one of the most common questions being asked by beginners. But whether you’re a hiking newbie or an advanced hiker, you need to have appropriate clothing for your outdoor adventure. First of all, you need to determine when […]
If you’re gearing up to head out on a hike, you certainly want to make sure you have all the right equipment, such as the proper backpack, maps, and other gear—but if you don’t also wear the right clothes, your trip will quickly become an uncomfortable experience. Wearing the right hiking clothes means knowing the […]
Hiking in water without the right footwear can lead to discomfort, blisters, and cold feet. Planning and preparation can help you to decide what footwear you should wear and whether you should carry any extra with you. Waterproof socks, fast drying shoes, and checking the waterproofness of your boots can all help make hiking in […]
Hiking blisters are uncomfortable and painful which is why learning how to prevent them is such a useful skill to have. There are lots of things you do to minimize the chances of getting a blister but ultimately it all comes down to your choice of footwear. Your footwear needs to fit perfectly and be […]
In this women’s hiking boot guide we explain exactly what to look for in a good hiking boot and how to avoid blisters on your next hike. As proven by the person who slid 500ft down an ice path on a mountain in their Nikes, hiking boots are essential for outdoor, wilderness activities. Whether you’re […]
Here are my top hiking date tips so that both you and your date will feel comfortable and enjoy the hike as much as possible. Pick an easy but spectacular hike Make sure you know your date’s fitness level before you pick the trail for hiking. First date or not, you don’t want the other […]
It doesn’t matter how fit or experienced you are: If your feet hurt, you’re going to have a miserable hike. The good news: With hundreds of models of hiking boots and shoes on the market, your perfect pair is waiting for you. The bad news: there are also thousands of pairs of shoes that won’t […]
Take clothing with seams, add body parts, a shoulder harness and hipbelt attached to a heavy pack, heat, humidity, and what do you have? The ideal recipe for chafing. This irritating red rash caused from rubbing can turn a pleasant hike into a miserable one. Chafing is simply damage to the skin caused by excessive […]
This may come as a surprise to you, but Backpacker’s editors weren’t always authorities on all things hiking. In fact, we were beginners once, too, and made our fair share of newb mistakes. Here’s everything we wish we knew before hitting the trail for the first time, so you can embark on your inaugural overnight wiser […]