Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking poles, also known as trekking poles, make hiking long trails easier. Hiking poles help you balance better on steep downhill sections or on unstable terrain. And adjustable hiking poles ease...

Hiking poles are exceptionally easy pieces of gear to use, but like any tool, you should dedicate some time to learning their proper use. Just like different poles have different uses, each set...

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...

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

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...

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

Trekking poles are a great a way to help cushion the impact of trekking and hiking on the knees. Properly used poles offer support for moving over both trails and more rugged off-trail terrain....

While usually not critical to the success of an outing, a good hiking stick can lend great comfort and is a must-have for stability-challenged hikers. A hiking stick can also be a valuable...

Choosing backpacking supplies is dependent upon the frequency of hikes, the terrain and climate, and budget. Find great backpacking supplies online, at outlet stores or from friends with helpful...

Hiking poles can be of great benefit no matter how easy or difficult a hike might be. They help keep stress off the knees, which reduces knee pain, as well as helping to maintain balance on hills...

Contour maps, or topographic maps, are typically used to navigate in the back country. These maps indicate the location of geographic features such as lakes and rivers, and man-made features such...

Give support to help hikers in rough terrain, but avoid pushing motions. Help a partner hike up to a ledge safely with tips from an experienced trail guide in this free hiking video.

A good walking stick can prevent hikers from falling forward and offer support during tricky terrain. Keep a walking stick for safe hiking with an experienced trail guide in this free hiking video.

In dangerous terrain like ledges, hikers can help each other psychologically and offer motivation. Lead hikers safely with tips from an experienced trail guide in this free hiking video.

Avoid hiking alone and ensure people know when a hike is planned in case hikers don't return. Learn what to keep in mind when hiking from an experienced trail guide in this free hiking video.

When hiking in nature, dress carefully, keeping in mind terrain and weather. Learn to dress for hiking from an experienced trail guide in this free hiking video.

One of the most stimulating forms of exercise is hiking. With the ever changing scenery and the sweet smell of fresh air to inspire and motivate you, you'll never get bored of this type of...

Hiking is a sport enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts. Avid hikers are always on the lookout for rough and rigorous terrain to explore. Hiking the backcountry--hiking trails that are far off the...

You may associate hiking with mountain climbing, but hiking is actually any walks that take you off the beaten path. Hiking can be trips in the woods on well-maintained trails, or it can be...

Hiking is one of the best family activities, because it’s refreshing, flexible and requires only basic skills and common sense. The earlier you introduce your kids to the joys of hiking, the...

Hiking is a fun way to burn calories and experience the great outdoors. While it can be tempting to pick a direction and start walking, doing so without the proper equipment can cause damage to...

Hikes provide superior cardiovascular exercise due to the uneven terrain and climbing challenges they entail. If you are embarking on a long hike, it’s imperative that you properly...

Stick to known terrain for winter hikes; find tips for hiking in winter and staying warm in the snow in this this free video on winter exercise.

Learn how to navigate steep slopes and difficult terrain when hiking, in this free backpacking and hiking safety guide.

Whether you are planning a hike for sport or just play, there are many things you should consider before stepping onto the trail. You should know the local weather forecast, the distance you plan...

Hiking trails provide outdoor enthusiasts with many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature in its most organic form. Hiking trails range in levels of difficulty, types of terrain, distance...

Hiking a mountain trail for a week is a great way to clear your head, reduce stress, challenge your body and get back to nature. Across the U.S., national forests and parks offer fantastic...

There's nothing like the exhilaration hiking provides. The adventure of the woodlands, the rewarding exertion of the body and the refreshment of the mind combine to make the experience unique and...

A trekking pole is a light-weight, adjustable support tool that is used to save energy and add stability on all types of terrain. Also known as yuppie poles, these items were at first widely...

In addition to all of the factors that are involved in preparing for a backpacking trip, you must be physically up to the task. Since backpacking requires strength and endurance, you should train...

The Highlands of Scotland offer some of the most beautiful and challenging hiking terrain in the whole of Europe. From day excursions to week-long expeditions, the Highlands attract thousands of...

The desert can be a dangerous place. In order to hike it it safely, one must carefully consider the many hazardous conditions that can occur at almost any time of the year. A good plan is...

This is the most useful navigational skill and the foundation of accurate navigation: You travel while associating the features on the map with features in the real world.