Hiking Articles
(111 results)- Buying Guides
How to Choose and Use Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs
Learn how to shop for trekking poles: You'll consider weight, price, shock absorption, shaft construction and the type of grip.
- Skills
The Ten Essentials
You’ll probably never fully appreciate the value of the Ten Essentials until you really need them. Bring these on every outdoor outing.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Backpack
Learn how to choose a backpack based on trip length and pack capacity, as well as fit, frame type and features.
- Checklists
First-Aid Checklist
Our first-aid checklist for the outdoors includes wound coverings, medications, treatments, tools, personal care items and much more.
- Skills
How to Pack and Hoist a Backpack
Learn the tricks for packing and hoisting your backpack, including ways to balance the load, organize gear and ensure essentials are handy.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Sleeping Pads
Sleeping pads offer cushioning and insulation for sound sleeping. Learn about types of pads, insulation, R-value and other key features.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Hiking Boots
Use our guide to find the right hiking boots for you. Includes expert tips from heel to toe and info on boot types, materials and fit.
- Skills
Ultralight Backpacking Basics
Ultralight backpacking done well can be safe and comfortable. Get tips on lightening up your Big Four items, plus water and food strategies.
- Skills
How to Go Hiking in the Rain
Learn how to prepare for rain when you go hiking: Get tips on gear to bring, how to keep it dry and special concerns for wet-weather hikers.
- Skills
How to Lace Hiking Boots
Increase comfort on the trail by learning simple boot lacing techniques that help you deal with heel slipping, pressure points and toe pain.
- Skills
Hiking or Backpacking with Your Dog
Learn the basics of hiking and backpacking with your dog including getting them ready, gearing up, food, water, and trail hazards to avoid.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Hiking Socks
Choosing the right hiking socks will keep your feet happy during the long haul. This article covers sock height, cushioning, fabric and fit.
- Care & Repair
How to Break in Your Hiking Boots
Learn how to break in a new pair of hiking boots so you can maximize your comfort along the trail.
- Skills
Hiking with Infants, Toddlers and Kids
Help your child develop a lifelong love of hiking with these tips to make sure they have fun and stay comfortable and safe on the trail.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Binoculars
Numbers on binoculars can be a little confusing; this article explains basic specs, why prices differ so much and how to choose based on your end use.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
Learn how to choose the best sleeping bag for backpacking based on bag temperature ratings, insulation type, bag shape and extra features.
- Skills
Leave No Trace Principles
Learn about Leave No Trace Principles for protecting and preserving outdoor spaces so you can be a responsible hiker and camper.
- Care & Repair
Sleeping Bag Care
Learn how to wash, dry and store your down or synthetic sleeping bag. Get tips on care and repair in camp and at home.
- Skills
How to Size and Fit a Backpack
Learn how to measure torso length and hip size so you can get the right backpack size. Then, learn to adjust the straps for an ideal fit.
- Skills
How to Use a Compass
It's one of the Ten Essentials, but do you know how to use your compass? Learn the basics of declination, bearings and how to use them.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Insoles
Insoles for your boots or shoes can improve fit and alleviate foot problems. This article explains the basics on how to choose a pair.
- Care & Repair
How to Clean Hiking Boots
With proper cleaning and care, your hiking boots will last you for many years and many miles along the trail.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger
Learn the difference between a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a satellite messenger, and which emergency signal device might be right for you.
- Skills
Sleeping Tips for Campers
Learn to sleep soundly in a tent—whether at a campground or in the backcountry—with tips on gear, getting ready for bed and staying warm.
- Skills
Backpacking With Your Period
With a little knowledge (tampons vs. menstrual cups) and prep (bringing along a go kit), you won’t hesitate to head into the backcountry.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier
Learn about backcountry water risks, ways to treat water and factors to consider when choosing a filter, purifier or other treatment method.
- Checklists
Ultralight Backpacking Checklist
We'll help you pack what you need so you can go faster, farther and lighter on the trail while still keeping an eye toward safety.
- Skills
Backpacking in Bear Country
Before backpacking in an area where black bears or grizzlies live, learn what precautions you can take to protect you and the bears.
- Skills
How to Train for Hiking
Learn how to do a few basic strength-training exercises to prepare you for hiking; this article also offers a simple workout plan and training tips.
- Skills
How to Read a Topo Map
A topo map is an indispensable navigational tool, but only if you know how to read it. In this article, we'll teach you the basics.