Knowledge & Tips
-
Hiking Nutrition 101: How to Boost Your Energy and Reach New Heights on the Trail
Hiking Nutrition is more than just packing snacks—it’s the key to maintaining energy, stamina, and performance on the trail. Whether planning a quick day hike or a multi-day trek, knowing what to eat and drink can make the difference between a successful hike and an exhausting ordeal. This guide covers everything you need to fuel…
-
Ultralight Backpacking Food List: A High Calorie, Lightweight Plan
There are two things I can’t stand, within the context of this article, when I’m on a backpacking trip. Those are being hungry and returning home with food left over. A good backpacking meal…
-
How Much Water to Bring on a Hike? How to Stay Properly Hydrated on the Trail.
Have you ever run out of water on a hike with miles or hours to go before your next sip? If you have, then you’re not alone…
-
My Cold Weather Hiking Clothes Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow
Introduction Over the last couple of years, I have been putting together an effective system of cold-weather hiking clothes. I designed my clothing system for three-season use. Later this year, I’m planning to hike the JMT. As a result, I am preparing for the unpredictable nature of the weather high up in the Sierra Nevada…
-
How to Repair a Puffer Jacket in 3 Easy Steps
After a night of desert shenanigans involving flaming Roman candles a few weeks ago, my favorite North Face puffer jacket needs some light repair. Thank the gear gods for Tenacious Tape. This stuff is like gold on and off the trail! In this quick “how-to,” I’ll show you how to repair a puffer jacket, or any piece of…
-
Leave No Trace Principles for Hiking and Camping Explained
Whether you’re new to hiking and camping or just starting, chances are you’re familiar with the term, “Leave no trace,” (LNT). But, are you familiar with the ethics and principles underlying the Seven Leave No Trace Principles? So, what does it mean to Leave no Trace? Simply put, it means leaving nature the way we…
-
Snake Bite First Aid and Prevention when You’re on the Trail
For those of us who enjoy heading out into the wilderness, snake encounters are a fact of life. The good news is that the chance of being bitten by a venomous snake is very low, while the likelihood of surviving a bite is extremely high. According to the CDC, “It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000…