Tackling elevation while hiking can be both physically and mentally challenging, even for experienced hikers. When faced with an uphill climb, comfort and stamina can feel like a distant memory. However, with the right techniques, gear, and mindset, you can transform your uphill hiking experience, making it far more achievable and enjoyable. Improved hiking form…
With the onset of darkness, hiking trails can transform into an entirely new adventure awaiting exploration. As a seasoned hiker and naturalist, I can attest to the unique allure of night hiking, which brings forth heightened senses and an intensified connection to nature. The following information and guidance will aid any aspiring night hikers in…
The enchanting landscape of Zion National Park often leaves visitors in awe, with its sheer cliffs, rugged terrain, and a wide array of flora and fauna. Deciding on the best time to visit this stunning national park can be a major factor in experiencing everything it has to offer. A month-by-month breakdown is essential in…
You might think of Amtrak as a commuter train system whisking people to business meetings along the east coast corridor. But if you want to experience camping and hiking at the highest levels of quality, the best access from an Amtrak train comes at Glacier National Park in Montana. Amtrak, unlike most airlines, is quite…
Heading out to the mountains this weekend on a hike? Hiking is a well-loved outdoor activity that aside from being great fun has many major benefits from helping you focus better to improving your fitness level. Hiking allows you to unplug, explore the world around you and reach neigh heights – mentally and physically! In…
Are you’re hiking boots looking a bit tattered and you’re wondering how long before you should invest in a new pair? In this guide, I’ll answer the key questions around boot longevity and help you calculate how long your boots have left. Hiking boots typically last between 500-900 miles depending on the quality of the…
Heading out on the trail this week or planning a trip and wondering what are the best pants to wear? In this guide, I’ll walk through the best clothing options for your legs and help you figure out the best pants to wear when trekking. In warm and mild weather many hikers (including me) like…
Are you looking to improve your fitness, physically and mentally? Hiking as a huge number of benefits from improving your strength to increasing your ability to focus. Perhaps the most incredible thing about hiking is that almost anyone can do it. Hiking is free, accessible and open to all. It requires some equipment if you’re…
Hiking involves walking outside, usually over long distances and up and down hills from wide open paths to rocky ascents. Hiking is a total body workout but relies most heavily on the lower body (Quads, Glutes, Calves) for power and movement. With trekking poles and a heavy backpack, the upper body and core muscles will…
Heading out hiking or to climb a mountain peak and wondering about the effects of altitude on breathing? Bottled oxygen is normally only used for advanced mountaineering – common above 7,000m (22,965 ft) and practically mandatory above 8,000m (26,246 ft) when you enter the so-called death zone. For most recreational hikes you will not need…
Heading out for a day hike or a backpacking trip and wondering if you should get a pair of trekking poles and how to use them correctly? Trekking poles are sticks that you walk with and hold in each hand to help you walk further and faster. Hiking poles provide extra points of contact with…
Hiking is a physically intensive activity that involves hours of exercise. Are you interested to know how many calories you’ll burn while hiking? Hiking burns between 430 to 440 calories per hour for a 72kg (160 pound person). If you weigh more and/or have a faster metabolism hiking burns more calories. If your hike has…
