Hiking & Climbing Gear
Jul 10 2026
Hiking socks may not receive as much attention as boots, backpacks, or trekking poles, but they are one of the most important parts of a comfortable hiking system. Your socks sit directly between your feet and your footwear, where they help manage moisture, reduce friction, provide cushioning, and protect your skin over thousands of steps. …
Jul 09 2026
At first glance, a hiking backpack may look similar to an ordinary school, work, or travel backpack. Both have shoulder straps, zippered compartments, and enough space to carry water, food, clothing, and personal belongings. The differences become more noticeable after several miles on the trail. Hiking backpacks are designed to remain comfortable during continuous movement …
Jul 08 2026
A satellite communicator allows hikers, backpackers, climbers, and other outdoor travelers to send messages or request emergency assistance beyond the reach of ordinary cellular networks. Depending on the device and service plan, a satellite communicator may provide: These devices can provide an important connection with family members, trip contacts, emergency-coordination centers, and search-and-rescue agencies. They …
Jul 07 2026
The Ten Essentials are the basic safety systems hikers carry to prepare for injuries, navigation mistakes, unexpected delays, sudden weather changes, equipment failures, and unplanned nights outdoors. You may complete dozens of hikes without needing several of them. Their value becomes apparent when a routine outing stops going according to plan. A trail may take …
Jul 06 2026
An emergency shelter provides protection when a hike lasts longer than planned, weather makes continued travel unsafe, or an injury forces a group to remain outdoors while waiting for assistance. Shelter is one of the Ten Essentials recommended for outdoor travel. The National Park Service lists tents, tarps, bivy sacks, and emergency space blankets as …
Jul 06 2026
A GPS device can show your location, record your route, guide you toward a waypoint, and help you recognize when you have taken a wrong turn. Modern handheld navigators may also display topographic maps, elevation profiles, trails, roads, water features, and geographic coordinates. However, carrying a GPS does not automatically make a hiker a capable …
Jul 05 2026
A good layering system begins with the clothing worn closest to your skin. This first layer—known as a base layer—helps manage perspiration, reduce dampness, and keep you more comfortable as your activity level and the weather change. Base layers are commonly associated with winter hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, but they are useful throughout the year. …
Jul 05 2026
Trekking poles can provide additional stability on steep climbs, rocky descents, stream crossings, muddy trails, and routes where footing is uncertain. They can also help establish a steady hiking rhythm and allow the arms to share some of the effort of moving across demanding terrain. However, poles are not automatically helpful in every situation. Poorly …
Jul 04 2026
A good daypack carries everything you need for a hike without becoming an unnecessary burden. It should hold your water, food, extra clothing, navigation tools, emergency supplies, and personal equipment while remaining comfortable over uneven terrain. Although daypacks may look similar, their designs vary considerably. Some are little more than lightweight fabric bags with shoulder …
Jul 03 2026
The right hiking boots can make the difference between an enjoyable day in the mountains and a painful walk back to the trailhead. Good hiking footwear protects your feet from rocks, roots, mud, water, and uneven ground while providing the traction and underfoot support needed for the trail ahead. However, the heaviest or most expensive …
