Hiking & Climbing Gear
Jul 20 2026
When hiking beyond reliable cell service, carrying a way to summon help can be just as important as carrying navigation equipment, extra clothing and a first-aid kit. Two of the most dependable emergency devices are satellite communicators and personal locator beacons, commonly called PLBs. Although both devices can transmit an emergency alert from remote areas, …
Jul 20 2026
A satellite communicator can provide a critical connection when a hiking route takes you beyond reliable cellular coverage. These compact devices can send messages, share your location, provide weather information, and initiate an interactive SOS conversation with an emergency-response center. Unlike a conventional phone, a satellite communicator connects to satellites overhead rather than nearby cell …
Jul 17 2026
A backpacking pack must do far more than hold equipment. It carries your shelter, sleeping system, clothing, food, water, cooking supplies, navigation tools, and emergency gear—often for several days and across steep or uneven terrain. The right backpack can make a heavy load feel stable and manageable. The wrong one can create painful pressure points, …
Jul 16 2026
A first-aid kit helps hikers manage minor injuries, protect wounds, relieve common symptoms, and provide initial care while additional medical assistance is arranged. It can make a small problem easier to control and provide essential supplies during a serious emergency. However, carrying medical supplies does not automatically prepare someone to use them. A well-stocked kit …
Jul 15 2026
A hiking map does much more than show the name of a trail. A good map reveals how trails connect, where the terrain climbs or descends, which waterways cross the route, how far alternative exits are, and what natural or human-made features may help you determine your location. Modern hikers can choose from printed trail …
Jul 14 2026
Hats and gloves may be small compared with boots, backpacks, and jackets, but they can make a major difference in comfort and safety. A sun hat protects the face, ears, and neck from ultraviolet exposure, while an insulated hat reduces heat loss in cold and windy conditions. Gloves protect the hands from cold, rain, snow, …
Jul 13 2026
Rain can turn a comfortable hike into a cold and potentially dangerous experience. Wet clothing loses warmth, trails become slippery, visibility decreases, and falling temperatures or strong winds can increase the risk of hypothermia. Good rain gear helps prevent outside moisture from soaking your clothing while also allowing some of the heat and perspiration produced …
Jul 12 2026
Water is one of the most important items in any hiking pack. It is also one of the heaviest. Choosing how to carry it affects your comfort, pack balance, access to water, and ability to monitor how much remains. Some hikers prefer a simple bottle stored in a backpack pocket. Others use a flexible reservoir …
Jul 11 2026
Snow and ice can transform a familiar hiking trail into a completely different route. A gentle path may become dangerously slippery, while a steep snowfield can create consequences far beyond those encountered during an ordinary summer hike. Footwear traction devices help hikers travel more securely in winter and spring conditions, but not all traction is …
Jul 11 2026
Trail running shoes occupy the middle ground between road-running shoes and traditional hiking footwear. They are designed for moving quickly over dirt, gravel, mud, rocks, roots, and other uneven surfaces while remaining lighter and more flexible than most hiking boots. The right pair can provide dependable traction, protect your feet from trail obstacles, and help …
