Hiking

Kick Off Camping: Free Entry at All National Parks on April 19

National Park Week kicks off with a free entry day, and extends to April 27 with events, themed days, and volunteer opportunities.

Written by Will Brendza April 14, 2025

Speedy Sole Meets Snug Support: SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX Review

The new SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX combines the ankle support of a hiking boot with the lightweight features of a trail runner.

Written by Pam LeBlanc April 04, 2025

New Dirt: 5 Newly Accessible Trails in the U.S.

Off-road ready and available with Multi-Terrain Select, Toyota’s lineup of trucks can tackle all the mud, sand, rock, dirt, and snow standing between you. These…

Written by Sponsored by Toyota April 03, 2025

Water Shoe Brand Dives Into Thru-Hiking: Astral Nosobo Hiking Shoe Review

Astral is best known for its water shoes, but the Nosobo just made a grand entrance into long-distance backpacking with its hearty construction.

Written by Mary Beth Skylis March 31, 2025

New Thru-Hike: ‘Northern Colorado Trail’ Opens for Debut Hiking Season

A Colorado thru-hiker is establishing a new long-distance trail that traverses the northern part of Colorado. If you’re looking for a new adventure this summer,…

Written by Will Brendza March 31, 2025

More Room and Versatility, Somehow Still Ultralight: Gossamer Gear Type II Packs

Gossamer Gear aims the new Type II pack line to continue the brand’s ethos of light and fast, but adds versatility.

Written by Josette Rolfe March 21, 2025

The Best Hiking Boots for Women in 2025

We tested the best hiking boots for women from Scarpa, Merrell, Salomon, La Sportiva, and more to help you find the best option for your…

Written by Miya Tsudome, Morgan Tilton and Chris Kassar March 15, 2025

The Best Hiking Pants for Women in 2025

We tested the hiking pants for women from Outdoor Research, REI Co-op, prAna, Patagonia, and more to help you find the best option for your…

Written by Miya Tsudome and Chris Kassar March 13, 2025

The Best Flashlights of 2025

We tested the best flashlights for 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Fenix, ThruNite, and more!

Written by Sean McCoy February 28, 2025

$10,000? Cost of Hiking Pacific Crest Trail Skyrockets

A survey of PCT thru-hikers found a big leap in costs in recent years. Surveys of the Appalachian and Continental Divide trails drew the same…

Written by Andrew Marshall and Andrew McLemore February 05, 2025

Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX Review: A Trail Runner in Boots’ Clothing

For hikers who prefer the fit of a trail runner but the protection and sturdiness of a boot, Salomon’s Cross Trek Hike 2 Mid might…

Written by Matthew Medendorp January 15, 2025

Iconic Sandal Brand Breaks Into Hiking Shoes: Teva Trailwinder Low Review

Teva might be known for its sandals, but its new Trailwinder Hiking Shoe was great for dry land trail excursions.

Written by Courtney Holden January 10, 2025

You’ve Never Seen a Hiking Shoe Like This: Merrell SpeedARC Surge Boa Review

Like an ATV for your feet, the Merrell SpeedARC Surge Boa excels when used in the environs it was built for.

Written by Adam Ruggiero January 06, 2025

Colorado Hiker Rescued After Shoes Were ‘Frozen Solid’

A good plan and a flashlight may have saved a Colorado hiker from a risky night alone in the mountains.

Written by Andrew McLemore December 16, 2024

National Park Service Announces 6 Fee-Free Days for 2025

The National Park Service will have 6 entrance fee-free days in 2025. These ‘free days’ provide free admittance to all national parks for everyone.

Written by Will Brendza December 16, 2024

West Virginia Hiker Rescued From ‘Quicksand’ Lake

When a lone hiker became stuck in the mud under a West Virginia bridge, it took a “vertical rescue team” to safely retrieve him.

Written by Andrew McLemore December 13, 2024

Seven Snow-Free Winter Hikes in the Seattle Area

From the Olympic Peninsula to the foothills of the North Cascades, these trails are perfect for off-season adventures just outside the city.

7 Nature Hikes Near Chicago to Escape City Life

See another side of Illinois on trails within a short drive of the Windy City.

The Best Winter Boots for Women of 2025

We tested the best winter boots for women in cold, snowy, icy, and sloppy conditions. Our top picks include Sorel, Timberland, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton and Mary Murphy November 15, 2024

The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking of 2025

We tested the best baby carriers for hiking from Osprey, Kelty, Thule, Deuter, and more to help you find the best option for your needs…

Written by PJ Solomon and Miranda Oakley November 12, 2024

The Best Hiking Socks of 2025

Get ready to hit the trail with the best hiking socks from Darn Tough, Smartwool, and more!

Written by Mary Murphy and Andrew Potter November 11, 2024

The Best Headlamps of 2025

We tested the best headlamps of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include BioLite, Black Diamond, and more!

Written by Nicole Qualtieri and Sean McCoy November 11, 2024

Hiking and Denver Are Inseparable: 7 Trails to Explore Within an Hour of Colorado’s Capital

You don’t have to venture far from the city to enjoy big mountain vibes and stunning trails.

Texas Thru-Hike: 1,500-Mile ‘xTx’ Trail to Open Spring 2025

By spring 2025, hikers, bikers, and equestrians will be able to traverse the Lone Star State by the xTx Trail to see some of the…

Written by Will Brendza October 17, 2024

‘Tired’ Hikers Could Face $25K Fine for Needless Rescue That Diverted Firefighters

By entering a closed national park — and then calling for rescue — a group of hikers may have hampered firefighting efforts, parks officials said.

Written by Andrew McLemore October 07, 2024

My Favorite Trekking Poles: LEKI Black Series FX Carbon 100-Mile Test

The LEKI Black Series FX Carbon are the best trekking poles I’ve used.

Written by Sean McCoy October 04, 2024

Hike Colombia’s Hidden Ancient Ruins: Guide to the Ciudad Perdida Trek

The Ciudad Perdida trek is 3 nights and 4 days, covers 37 miles, and gains 3,600+ feet up to an ancient ruin atop a mountain…

Written by Ariel Frager September 25, 2024

A Price Worth Paying to Keep Your Feet Happy in the Field: Tread Labs Insoles Review

Aftermarket insoles should not be an afterthought. Don’t sleep on Tread Labs Insoles. Or do — they’re pretty comfortable.

Written by Josh Kirchner September 24, 2024

Popular Hawaiian Hiking Trail Closed as ‘Rare’ Outbreak Spreads

The Department of Health is actively investigating a rare outbreak of norovirus along the Kalalau Section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. The entire…

Written by Will Brendza September 16, 2024