Why Trail Etiquette Still Matters in 2026 The outdoors isn’t quiet anymore. Hiking has exploded in popularity, especially post pandemic, and many trails are struggling to handle the influx. What was once a solitary activity is now a shared experience with dozens, sometimes hundreds, of others. That’s not necessarily bad but overcrowding has clear consequences: […]
Why Learn to Navigate the Old School Way GPS is great until it isn’t. One drained battery, one lost signal, and suddenly you’re guessing which ridge leads home. That’s where old school navigation earns its keep. Learning to navigate without digital tools forces you to pay attention: to terrain, to light, to your own internal
Climate Pressures Are Redefining Habitat Survival Nature doesn’t move on human schedules. But climate change has started to move the clock. Rising global temperatures are throwing off migration patterns across continents. Birds leave too early, butterflies too late. Breeding windows shift, and offspring are born into ecosystems no longer ready to support them. It’s a
Smart Navigation Tools Staying found is the new staying safe. Whether you’re navigating alpine terrain or deep forest routes, modern outdoor exploration demands more than instinct and a smartphone app. Here’s how serious adventurers are leveling up their backcountry navigation in 2026. Satellite Communicators Today’s satellite communicators go far beyond SOS buttons: Global Messaging: Text
Understand the Core Differences Choosing between ultralight and traditional gear begins with understanding how the two compare in terms of performance, design, and user experience. Below is a breakdown of the critical differences to help you make a more informed decision. Weight & Bulk Ultralight Gear: Prioritizes trimming down both weight and physical size. Many
Tough, Trusty Backpack Your backpack is your home base on the trail. It carries everything you’ll rely on food, shelter, gear and if it fails, your trip could too. For most backpacking missions, 40 60 liters is the goldilocks zone. It’s enough space to cover multi day essentials without tempting you to overpack. Bigger packs
Map & Compass Skills Still Matter While GPS and digital apps offer unmatched convenience, relying 100% on devices in remote areas can become a risk especially when batteries drain or signals drop. Old school navigation isn’t outdated, it’s essential. Why Physical Navigation Skills Are Still Essential GPS dependency can fail: Devices are vulnerable to battery
Know Your Trail Before You Go Too many beginners hit the trail with nothing more than a water bottle and hope. Don’t be that person. Before you lace up your boots, get to know the trail. Start by checking what type of trail you’re walking into: loop, out and back, or point to point. A
Wildfire Risk in 2026 What’s New As hiking season ramps up, so does the danger and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable wildfire years yet. It’s no longer just about being cautious; it’s about fully understanding how current conditions are altering the trails and risks we’ve grown familiar with. A
Climate Change Redefining Iconic Trails What used to be predictable backcountry has become a moving target. Mountain snowlines are climbing higher every year. Trails that once offered solid footing through spring and summer are now blocked by late snowmelt or washed out by sudden, unseasonal storms. In places like Glacier National Park, entire routes are