Updated Articles and Resources
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How to Hike Alone
Created:
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Updated:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Sticking with a group is always the safest way to travel, and I definitely don't advocate hiking alone. But I'm as guilty of breaking my own rules as anyone who's ever given the same advice. So if ... -
Printable Packing List for a Dayhike
Created:
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
A printable packing list for dayhiking in mild weather. -
A Ten Essentials Checklist for Hikers
Created:
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Did you pack the ten essentials? Here's a quick checklist to help you make sure. -
What Hiking Gear Can I Take on a Plane?
Created:
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Congratulations -- if your commute to the trailhead involves a plane, you're officially hardcore. Here's how not to lose your hiking gear to airport security. -
Should I Buy Waterproof Hiking Boots?
Created:
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
If having waterproof hiking boots really an advantage? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's how to decide whether you should buy waterproof footwear or not. -
5 Hazards of Winter Hiking
Created:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Hiking in winter takes you into beautiful, untouched landscapes -- but it also exposes you to some backcountry hazards. Learn which hazards of winter hiking you should watch out for, and how to pre... -
How to Try On Hiking Boots and Shoes
Created:
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The very best hiking boots or shoes are the ones that fit you perfectly. No need to wait for Prince (or Princess) Charming to show up with a glass slipper -- I'll show you how to test your hiking s... -
How to Put on Gaiters
Created:
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Updated:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Hiking in gaiters keeps snow and mud from creeping up your pants or down into your boots -- but how do you put them on? Find out which way is up and where to put all those buckles. -
How to Attach Hiking Poles to Your Backpack
Created:
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Hiking poles sure come in handy -- until you don't need them anymore, at which point they become a big nuisance. Here's how to attach them to your backpack so you can go back to hiking hands-free. -
How to Waterproof Your Feet With Plastic Bags
Created:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
No waterproof boots? No problem. If you're faced with a stretch of mud or water to wade through, you can always use plastic bags to waterproof your feet instead. -
How to Attach Snowshoes To Your Backpack
Created:
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Snowshoes are great when the powder's deep -- but how are you supposed to carry them once you hit hard-packed ground? Find out here. -
Tips for Spring Hiking
Created:
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Spring hikes can provide the best -- and worst -- of both winter and summer. Here's how to pack, plan, and dress so you stay warm and comfortable on the trail. -
Hiking Book Review: Snow Sense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler
Created:
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
A book review of Snow Sense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler. Should hikers care about avalanches? Yes -- and Snow Sense is one of the best tools for learning how to avoid them. Avalanches aren't r... -
Action Wipes Instead of a Shower: How Well Do They Work?
Created:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Many hikers and backpackers use baby wipes for quick clean-ups on the trail. But they can be improved upon, and somebody finally has: Meet "Action Wipes." -
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Yuma Hiking Pants
Created:
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
I'm picky about my hiking pants, so it took a lot for Mountain Hardwear's Yuma pants to win my love. Check out what I like about them, and the few counts on which I think they could be improved. -
Book Review: How to Sh*t in the Woods
Created:
Friday, September 14, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
I poop, you poop, we all poop -- and eventually you're going to have to do it outdoors. How to Sh*t in the Woods, by Kathleen Meyer, is part -
Free Access Days for National Parks
Created:
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Every year, the National Park Service offers several opportunities for fee-free access to National Parks. Get the dates for all five opportunities in 2013 right here. -
Tips for Keeping Warm on a Winter Hike
Created:
Monday, December 31, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Hike smarter, not colder! Try these simple tricks for keeping warm on your next cool-weather hike. -
How to Try on Hiking Jackets
Created:
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
You have dozens of types of outerwear to choose from, and most of them cost a pretty penny. Here's how to try on hiking jackets, and make sure the one you buy fits both you and your needs. -
How to Find Hiking Pants That Fit
Created:
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
There's nothing worse than trying to take a big step on the trail and hearing your pants rip -- or even just feeling them hinder your movement. Here's how to make sure that won't happen. -
How to Hike as Part of a Group
Created:
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Aside from practical considerations like wildlife safety or handling emergencies, hiking as part of a group is just plain fun. But even your best friend's temper can fray if she's tired, footsore, ... -
Quick Review: Lock Laces for Hiking Shoes
Created:
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Lock Laces may not be marketed directly toward hikers, but they're a great addition to light hiking footwear. -
Gear Review: U-Dig-It Folding Hand Shovel
Created:
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Meant for digging cat (toilet) holes in the backcountry, the compact, fold-up U-Dig-It comes in handy for other purposes as well. -
"The Fenis" Urine Director for Hiking
Created:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Fenis is one of many urine directors, or devices that let women urinate standing up. Here's a candid review of how well the Fenis works for hikers. -
Tips for Hiking on Scree
Created:
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Scree -- also known as talus -- is practically purpose-engineered to make your hike difficult. Use these tips to cross scree fields safely. -
A Glossary of Hiking Boot Features
Created:
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Are you shell-shocked by the variety of features you have to choose between when you shop for hiking boots? No problem -- this glossary tells you what you need to know about every major part of the... -
How to File a Hiking Trip Plan
Created:
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
You're always told to file a trip plan -- but what exactly does that mean? Here's a guide to what information you should leave with a trusted contact person, just in case. -
Tips for Hiking Downhill
Created:
Monday, March 11, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Hiking downhill isn't always the easiest part of a trek. Learn tips for getting down even the steepest of hikes safely. -
Tips for Hiking Uphill
Created:
Monday, March 11, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
No doubt about it, hiking uphill is a challenge -- but it's one that you can meet, and even enjoy, by using these simple tips. -
Q & A With Buystand CEO Joe Davy
Created:
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
The CEO of Buystand explains how the company strives to revolutionize the gear-buying experience for outdoor enthusiasts. -
6 Things a Hiker Should Never Do
Created:
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Wondering if your trail etiquette is up to snuff? As long as you're not doing any of these six things, you're just fine. -
How Gear (and Clothing) Tests Work
Created:
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Updated:
Friday, May 10, 2013
A big part of my job as About.com's Guide to Hiking is reviewing hiking gear, clothing, and footwear. Here's the skinny on where I get those items from and how I test them.