Greetings, fellow nature enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers! Welcome to our guides about all things hiking, trail running and ultralight camping. This is the place to uncover invaluable outdoor gear tutorials, lightweight camping how-to’s, and adventuring tips and tricks. So kick off your shoes—the untamed wonders await, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.
Basics
Lacing up your boots and hitting the trails can be an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while enjoying physical activity. However, before embarking on your hiking journey, first you need to master some fundamental skills and knowledge. Here’s an introduction to the basics every beginner should know!
Preparing for a hike: 9 Critical steps you shouldn’t ignore
A long hike is a journey that tests your physical endurance and mental resilience. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from…
Hiking Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts on trail
Hiking etiquette is more than just good manners; it’s a crucial aspect of preserving the natural environment and ensuring a…
Hiking 101: 13 tips Every Beginner needs to know
Hiking—what a simple, joyous activity! To some, it’s just walking in the woods, but to those of us who cherish…
How to choose your first hike as a beginner
Embarking on your first hiking journey can be as thrilling as it is daunting—where do you even start? Fear not,…
Hiking, walking and trekking – What is the difference?
Did you know that hiking and walking, often used interchangeably, can lead to vastly different health outcomes? It’s time to…
What sets trekking apart from hiking?
Hiking and trekking aren’t just different names for the same activity—they represent entirely different philosophies of adventure. Hiking involves shorter,…
The 7 “Leave No Trace” Principles
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Let’s return it unspoiled. The…
Hiking safety
The most important part of a hike is to return home safely. Here we have assembled the knowledge you need to brave the elements, altitudes, bears and other dangers awaiting you on trail – if in doubt, start with our comprehensive hiking safety guide.
How to prevent ticks while hiking
Your hiking boots are laced, your backpack is ready, but are you prepared for ticks? This guide will arm you…
Hiking safety tips
Hiking is an exhilarating way to explore the natural world, but you still need to approach these adventures with safety…
23 tips to prepare for a high altitude hike
Do you know that smell of a high mountain? It’s special. And this article will teach you everything you need…
Bear safety tips for hikers
Bears are magnificent creatures, but they can be unpredictable and dangerous. Some bears may be curious, others indifferent, but in…
How to avoid insect stings while hiking
Hiking connects us with nature, but insects often interfere. This article covers why insects are attracted to humans, and offers…
13 Lightning safety Tips for hikers
Stay safe on your outdoor adventures with these lightning safety tips. Learn how to protect yourself and enjoy your hiking…
19 Dangers of hiking (that you can avoid)
Venturing into the wilderness, you face the dangers of nature’s unpredictable moods and your own human follies. A sunny hike…
Tips for Safe Hiking in Cougar Country
Hiking in cougar country requires extra precautions to ensure safety. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are large predators that…
Protect Yourself from Aggressive Dogs on hikes (17 tips)
On my hikes throughout Taiwan, I often come across incredibly aggressive dogs, and have on more than one occasion almost…
Hiking Safely in Taiwan: 11 Tips You Need to Know
As John Muir once said, ‘The mountains are calling, and I must go.’ But before you answer that call in…
13 Tips for Hiking alone – safely!
There’s a moment in every solo hike when you realize you’re completely on your own. It’s thrilling but can be…
How to use an emergency blanket: Which side goes up?
The emergency blanket is a lightweight, versatile and often overlooked survival tool that should always find a spot in your…
How to use an emergency whistle
Emergency whistles are a prime example of a simple safety tool with a potentially life-saving impact. The sound of a…
Personal Locator Beacons – and how one could save your life
What is a Personal Locator Beacon? A Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, is a compact, portable device designed to send…
Nutrition & hydration
Keto diet for hiking: Avoid “hitting the wall”
If you’ve spent any time in the health and fitness world recently, you’ve likely heard the buzz around the ketogenic…
How to use a limited water supply efficiently – 5 strategies
Water, the fundamental elixir of life, becomes even more critical when you’re pushing your physical boundaries against the backdrop of…
How much water do I need to bring on a hike?
Walking on a trail, stepping over roots and rocks, breathing in the fresh air, and marveling at the beauty of…
Fitness
Overcome Mental Challenges & Gain courage on Trail
Hiking is more than just a physical journey; it’s a mental voyage that can take you through a spectrum of…
Is hiking Cardio or strength training?
Is hiking more about strength or cardio? Now, as a hiker, you’re likely no stranger to the panting and sweating…
How to Hike Without Getting Tired (9 tips)
The path ahead is steep, and the summit is still miles away. Your legs are heavy, your breath is short,…
5 essential tips on How to Recover quickly After a Hike
Out there on the trail, your body is your best companion. It’s there with you as you ascend the steepest…
Navigation
How to use Landmarks to Navigate a forest
Landmarks, as we call them in navigation, are easily identifiable physical features in the landscape. They’re our anchors, the stable…
How to Navigate at night – Don’t get lost in the Dark!
So, you’ve gotten lost in the forest, the sun is setting, and your phone is about to die. Now what?…
Techniques & Skills
Should you land on your heel or forefoot while walking?
Maybe just switched to minimalist or zero-drop footwear, and suddenly, you’re hyperaware of every step you take. You might be…
How to hike downhill without hurting your knees – 7 Tips
Downhill hiking, while a gravity-assisted breeze for some, can be a knee-wobbling challenge for others. If you’ve ever wondered why…
The Art of Silent Walking: Techniques from Native Cultures
In the quiet rustle of leaves underfoot, the whisper of wind through trees, and the distant call of a bird,…
Wildlife
Nature’s Spectacle: How to Spot More Wildlife on Your Hikes
There’s a certain thrill that comes with spotting wildlife on a hike. It’s a moment of connection with nature that…
Resources
The ultimate Hiking Time Calculator
This tool calculates your estimated hiking time based on distance, elevation gain and loss, trail conditions, maximum altitude, and your…
Assorted hiking tips & Tricks
What types of hiking trails are there?
Think every hiking trail is the same? Think again—prepare to be astounded by the sheer variety! Understanding the types of…
How is hiking different from backpacking, trekking, thru-hiking?
Is it just a hike, or are you embarking on a real backpacking expedition? The difference is more profound than…
How to use a signal mirror
Getting lost in the wild is a hiker’s nightmare. But what if you had a simple tool that could turn…
Should you shower before a hike?
Should you shower before hitting the trail? After all, you’re about to get sweaty either way. Here are some good…
Ultralight Hiking vs. Fastpacking – Which is Right for you?
In the vast expanse of nature, we’re simply tiny explorers on a quest for awe-inspiring views, pushing our limits, and…
How to use clouds to predict the weather while hiking
As we venture into the wilds, an awareness of the weather becomes paramount. Weather dictates our choice of gear, the…
The Best 7 Free Weather Apps for Hikers
When planning a hiking trip, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the weather. Predictions from observing the clouds and…
Hiking in the rain: 5 Tips to stay comfortable when it’s wet
Ah, rain! Some see it as a curse on their outdoor plans, but not us! We see it as an…
What colors to wear for hiking: 3 important Aspects
You’re about to embark on a grand hiking adventure. You’ve got your gear all sorted, your trail mix packed, and…
Why low base weight matters
Can you imagine carrying a house on your back? Sounds preposterous, doesn’t it? Yet, when we pack our hiking backpacks,…