Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking is wonderful. You get great exercise, you get to see the world, and you get in touch with nature. If you're looking for the perfect hike, hopefully this will help you find what you're...

Hiking in the desert adds an extra challenge because of temperature variations. In Arizona, for example, fall temperatures of 100 degrees are not uncommon. But as soon as the sun goes down,...

ALICE is an acronym for the U.S. Military's All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment issued to soldiers and Marines in the field today. This backpacking system was developed in the...

Teton Valley, Idaho is a hidden gem of the northwestern United States. Nestled under the shadows of the Teton Mountain Range and surrounded by rivers, hiking trails and camping opportunities,...

Your leather boots are a big investment. Learn how to make them last with these cleaning tips.

When you are on a backpacking or camping trip, chances are you will not be able to carry all the water you need. You must keep yourself hydrated, though, and no matter how clear and clean a stream...

Popcorn weed (Cornus canadensis L.) also goes by the name crackerberry, dwarf cornel, kinnikinick and bunchberry. The name popcorn weed comes from the white leaves surrounding the flowers,...

If you enjoy hiking, a GPS device can be an ideal tool to have with you. In addition to it being able to tell you your location, a GPS unit can also be used to store routes so that you can create...

Walking sticks are becoming increasingly popular among avid walkers, but they are not one-size-fits-all. Walking sticks need to be the appropriate height and material for their advantages to come...

If you have been cooped up for what seems like an eternity and crave fresh air during those late winter months, searching for shed deer antlers (called sheds) might be just the thing to get you...

Many people think of Arizona only as a desert. While it's true that a lot of the state is hot, there's a large part that actually has trees, mountains, and green areas! Arizona's highest peak,...

Walking sticks aid walkers and hikers in numerous ways. They are very easy to use and can help prevent injuries. They are also referred to as hiking sticks or trekking poles.

You would not start a road trip on a nearly empty tank of gas, and hiking is no different. Our bodies need fuel and plenty of water to function at our best during a hiking trip. A short hike can...

Before going out on that overnight backpacking adventure it's very important to pack your backpack properly. Doing so, you will prevent yourself from having any uncomfortable back aches.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1991 and set up guidelines for providing access to nature's wonders for those who until then were not able to. These are the basics for...

A mirror is an important piece of emergency hiking and backpacking gear that can save your life.

If you're planning a hiking trip that will last more than a few hours you should also plan for a way to safely replenish your water supply. While backcountry water purification methods now include...

With 4,800 feet in elevation gain and 14 to 16 miles of hiking in one day, the trek to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park poses a daunting challenge for some and a rewarding adventure for others....

Mink oil is a common sight in shoe stores and other places that sell leather boots. It is a useful part of caring for your boots, so it can be helpful to understand what mink oil is and what,...

Hiking is a fun but strenuous and physically challenging activity that can cause injuries such as plantar fasciitis.

Hiking in the wilderness, or even the local regional park, is a great way to clear your mind, renew your perspective, and get some good exercise. It’s even better when you take a few friends...

Every year hundreds, if not thousands, of people become lost in the wilderness, and many of them perish. Survival skills are an important part of the inventory of any woodsman or hiker, and...

Heavy or improperly carried backpack loads can cause neck, shoulder and back pain. Because backpacks are a common accessory these days, especially with students, here are few steps to help...

Centuries ago, Marshall Islanders from the Pacific built maps from sticks and shells. The sticks were woven into grids as "ocean currents", with shells attached to represent islands....

Being prepared for a hike is easy once you have plenty of experience. However, for less seasoned hikers, knowing what to pack might not be second nature. Forgetting one item can mean the...

A basic survival kit does not need to be heavy or complicated. Concentrate on small but essential tools and equipment that's easy to carry and convenient to wear. Supplies that fit in a pocket or...

When you are heading out on a hike, you must plan to eat along the way. This will give you energy to keep going and enjoy the hike. Picking the food for a hiking trip is an important task. You...

There are several types of tents in the world of outdoor camping and hiking. From the classic A-frame tents to the large cabin tents, there are all sorts of tents that will best suit anyone's...

The footwear you use on the trail can make the difference between a painful trek and an enjoyable hike. Choosing the best backpacking boots can seem like a daunting task, given all of the options...

Choosing a knife for outdoor activities is intrinsically tied to how the knife will be used. There are, however, some simple guidelines to follow when it comes to choosing and purchasing a new blade.

When trekking cross country in either urban parks or wilderness areas, a must-have article of equipment is a stout, reliable hiking stick. Over the years, having a stick in hand has enabled the...

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is one of North America's most elusive mammals. Though it is the largest land member of the weasel family, wolverines look more like small bears. They have been called...

Cooking outdoors can be fun and exciting. A hot meal is usually very welcome while you are enjoying the great outdoors. Survivalist cooking means you can make a meal out of the bare minimum when...

Walking sticks have been used for thousands of years all over the world. They differ from canes in that they are longer, less ornate and commonly used by hikers. There are many different types of...

This came to me one day while hiking. The day was hot and the bugs were out. I don't like insect repellent never carry it. The bracken ferns were thick as usual and....A Fern hat, you will look...

Proper footwear is a must for anyone wishing to experience the great outdoors at its fullest. Whether you're hiking miles of rough terrain or setting up camp for a few peaceful days, the correct...

Backpacking offers rewards and challenges. The beauty and solitude of the wilderness is exhilarating. Besides the physical demands, the challenges include packing only what you can carry and...

Lost? not if you have a map, compass and protractor! find your position on a map if your lost using terrain features.

Do you have a compass and a map? If you do learn how to effectively use them to navigate through any terrain

There are few things we need to know about our four-footed friends when taking them out on the trails in Arizona. Following are a few tips to make sure your dog is still wagging its tail at the...

Hiking is great fun. You do need to prepare whenever you go hiking anywhere but especially so at one of the national parks.

Starting a fire in the wilderness is a vital skill for hikers, hunters and fisherman. Making a survival fire does not end with producing a spark or flame, it requires sustaining it. Tinder helps...

If you are backpacking through the woods on a camping trip or just walking through the woods for a few hours to see the scenery, it is important to bring along a first-aid kit. A basic kit is...

If you're hiking or backpacking through snowy terrain, snowshoes are a must. Snowshoes distribute your weight across a broad surface area to allow you to walk on top of deep snow, rather than...

Backpacking can be a strenuous, calorie-burning activity. When it comes to choosing foods to carry on a backpacking trip, not only do you need the right foods to keep your energy up and your body...

If you are tired of boring camp breakfasts on your backpacking trips, try this hearty, tasty and energizing recipe for Chai Coconut Backpacker's Oatmeal. The following recipe makes about five days...

Hiking is a spectacular activity. It combines fresh air, the beauty of nature and exercise in one neat package. It is also a versatile activity, ranging from a mellow walk through gentle hills to...

Backpackers trekking across Brazil will encounter some of the most beautiful scenery on earth in wild, unsullied environments that most people experience only through postcards and pictures....

Different methods of starting a fire without matches.

The lowdown on getting properly dressed for a backpacking trip. This article outlines the 3 layers you will need to stay warm, dry, and HAPPY on your next outing.