Planning a safe hike always requires planning. Before you lace up your boots or strap on your backpack, you will need do some research into what type of trail you will be hiking, as well as the length and terrain. The hiking world is full of language that can bring up questions for new and

For most people heading out on a hiking trail, the thought of hiking speed or pace never really comes up.  But if you’re more than a leisure hiker, then knowing your speed is important as you plan long treks. Being able to calculate your pace ensures that you make it off the trail by dark;

If you’re planning a day hike or other outdoor adventure, then you might want to consider how waterproof your backpack is (in case it rains on you). While plenty of high end packs some with rain covers, your average cheap daypack does not. So, what do you do if there’s a chance of rain in

It’s summer, which means there’s no better time for a hike! Before you remove those boots and stash them away for next weekend, though, it’s crucial to take a step back. You never want to discover that your equipment has started to emit a nasty odor. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to ensure that

If you’re doing some hiking in a rainforest or anywhere else that leeches can be found, then it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the inevitable. Those blood-thirty little suckers will ruin an otherwise good hike. So we’ve got some tips on how to avoid them and what to do if some have already

Have you dreamed about a trek on the Appalachian Trail? If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve likely considered this trip at least once or twice. Like all thru-hikes, preparation needs to be a top priority — otherwise, you won’t make it to the finish line. You have to get in shape, mentally and physically, before

So, you’re planning a hike and you need a pack to carry your water, some snacks, and maybe some other things like sunscreen, a compass, and your cell phone. Do you just grab any old backpack out of your closet, or do you head to REI to get yourself a daypack just for hiking? Does

So, you’ve just got yourself a new pair of Chacos hiking sandals, but your outdoor adventure is soon and you don’t want to get blisters. You might be panicking now with lot of questions running through your mind. How long does it take to break-in a pair of Chacos? And how can you speed up

While certain members of the backpacking community are satisfied with hiking partial trails and the easier routes that can that can be completed in just a day or two, there is another group of individuals with an entirely different view of hiking: the thru-hikers. Thru-hikers can only be described as master outdoorspeople, and they come

As a hiker, you know there is nothing better than getting a chance to explore the outdoors. Connecting with nature and experiencing the beauty that surrounds you can be hard to beat, unless of course you can share that experience with your four-legged friend. Having a dog hike along with you gives you companionship and

There is something immensely beautiful about hiking with a blanket of snow around you. It feels so peaceful and helps promote a healthy lifestyle. However, without preparation, it can be incredibly dangerous. In this article, we will take a look at how to keep yourself safe while hiking during the winter. Preparation Arguably, the most

Whether you are a hiker, outdoorsperson, camper, construction worker, law enforcement officer or in the military, the ability to be comfortable when wearing boots is paramount to your profession or your hobby pursuits. However, one very real problem that can quickly take away from that comfort is the problem of heel slippage. Heel slippage when

If you are a regular hiker, or just someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, there may come a time when you will have to use a map and a compass to determine where you are and where you need to go. However, in order to accomplish this task, it is crucial that you have the

If you’re just starting out as a hiker, or even if you’ve been hitting the trails on the regular this year, you may have been wondering how it stacks up as a healthy activity. After all, there’s a lot of variability in what people consider a hike. One person’s 2 miles on a groomed trail

Hiking is a wonderful and extremely healthy activity, one that offers an immeasurable number of physical, mental and emotional benefits. In fact, for some, hiking is much more than a great outdoor activity, it’s a lifestyle. Although walking around a track or a suburb can offer many health benefits, with hiking those benefits are multiplied

Modern technology is not a prerequisite for successful navigation. The basic navigation skills are enough and essential to any survivalist or outdoorsman and especially people into sailing. Pinpointing true north is amongst the basic essential skills required by sailors, outdoorsmen, and survivalists. This skill is challenging in that a compass denotes magnetic north instead of true north, that