Why Weight Matters on the Trail Here’s the simple truth: weight on your feet wears you down faster than weight on your back. Ounce for ounce, heavy footwear will cost you more energy over the course of a hike than a few extra snacks in your pack. And when you’re logging miles, that adds up […]
Breaking Down Sleeping Bag Types Not all sleeping bags are built the same and that’s the point. Your gear should match your terrain, weather, and sleeping style. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you’ll see on shelves (and trails) in 2026: Mummy Bags: These are the go to for backpackers and cold sleepers.
Know Your Trip Specs Before you even look at a backpack, get clear on what kind of trip you’re planning. A weekend out and back hike is a different animal from a 7 day wilderness loop. For 1 to 3 nights, you can usually get away with a lighter, more compact pack. Less food, less
National Parks Under Pressure Outdoor destinations that once promised refuge and renewal are now stretched thin under a new kind of pressure. Unpredictable weather is hitting harder and more often flash floods, blizzards in shoulder seasons, 100 degree days in high altitude parks. This isn’t just inconvenience; it’s making access and safety harder to guarantee.
The Non Negotiables: Core Safety Gear When things go sideways on the trail and they will it’s the basics that keep you alive. First up: map and compass. Yes, even now. GPS is great until your phone’s dead or the satellite signal ghosts you. Don’t rely on tech that forgets to work when you need
What Wilderness Permits Are (And Why They Matter) Wilderness permits aren’t just red tape they’re the gatekeepers of California’s most sensitive and spectacular backcountry zones. If you’re planning to spend the night deep in the wild, either in a state or national park, chances are high you’ll need a permit in hand. This applies to
Why Coastal Trails Are Worth the Hike California’s coastline isn’t just long it’s wild, protected, and quietly spectacular. Stretching over 800 miles, it cuts through marine reserves, secluded beaches, and state parks that keep development at bay. The result? A network of trails that don’t just hug the coast they dive into it. You’ll find
Start With the Terrain You’ll Actually Hike Not all trails are created equal and neither are hiking boots. The terrain you hike most should dictate the footwear you use. For flat and dry trails, you don’t need tanks on your feet. Trail runners or low cut hikers are lightweight, breathable, and still give you enough
Know Your Fitness Level Let’s not sugarcoat it lying to yourself about your fitness level won’t get you to the summit any faster. If your cardio hasn’t seen action in a year or your idea of a workout is walking from the couch to the fridge, that’s okay. Just don’t pretend you’re ready for switchbacks
Eco Tourism in 2026: A Growing Shift in Travel Habits Sustainability isn’t a travel trend anymore it’s the default mindset for an increasing number of travelers. As climate anxieties grow and over tourism makes headlines, more people are rethinking how and where they travel. Flights are getting carbon offsets. Packing lists now include reusable everything.