Trail Prep and Packing Tips ~ A Faticalawi Adventure
You’re Not Alone: Hiking Is More Accessible Than Ever More people are lacing up and heading outside in 2026 than ever before and it’s not just hardcore backpackers. First time hikers, city dwellers, and weekend walkers are all finding their way to a trail. Why now? Burnout is high, remote work stuck around, and people […]
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:
Situational Awareness in the Wild Out in the wild, being tuned in isn’t optional it’s survival. Start with the basics: know your terrain. Loose rock, crumbling trails, steep slopes don’t just glance, scan. Weather shifts fast, especially in the backcountry. A sunny morning can turn to lightning and flash floods by afternoon. If the sky
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
Why Trail Navigation Still Matters in 2026 Let’s start with the obvious: GPS is a great tool until it isn’t. Batteries die, signals drop, apps crash. In thick forest, deep canyons, or during heavy weather, your phone’s fancy nav system is basically a paperweight. If that’s your only plan, you’re gambling. Paper maps and trail
Why Leave No Trace Still Matters in 2026 The trails are getting busier. National parks, local forests, and once quiet backcountry spots are seeing record foot traffic. More people than ever are looking for fresh air and open skies but not everyone shows up with the know how to treat these spaces with care. That’s
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
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
Why Trail Markers Matter When you’re deep in the wilderness, trail markers aren’t just helpful they’re crucial. They offer direction, safety, and peace of mind. For first time hikers, understanding these signs can mean the difference between a rewarding experience and a risky misadventure. Your Backcountry GPS Without the Battery Trail markers serve as navigational
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