How do thru-hikers cover 20 to 30 miles per day? Not only are they in great shape, but they’re also extremely efficient. By optimizng breaks and stoppages, experienced hikers can cut corners over the course of a full day on the move to make more time for what they enjoy most, be it extra hiking, side trips, […]
The most important thing to bring with you hiking (aside from your wits) is water. But how much water should you bring hiking? On one hand, you want to make sure you’ve got enough water to stay hydrated for the trip. On the other hand, you don’t want to bring too much because water is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When you’re new to backpacking, buying the gear you need is one thing, but learning how to use it can be downright daunting. That’s why we’re giving you a cheat code: We asked our editors and gear test captains for the advice that they wish someone had given them when they were just getting started. Internalize these […]
A dialed-in hydration strategy can make a huge difference in the success of a long hike—a fact many backpackers tend to undervalue. “I think a lot of people don’t see backpacking as needing a high level of fitness, but when you’re hiking 10 to 25 miles per day, that’s a really high output activity—and that’s […]
There are some really important things you need to consider when organising your food for a hiking trip. Depending on whether it’s just a long day hike or a multiday adventure, here are some of the key considerations you need to think about when planning your food. Focus on energy dense and nutrient rich food […]
Water hydration packs can help make your hiking excursion simpler and more comfortable by making hydration easy. Water packs allow you to drink on the move, eliminating the need to stop just to dig out water bottles from your pack. There are many styles to choose from, and it’s important to make the right purchase […]