Author: Daniel Globe

Hiking sticks—usually called trekking poles when used as a pair or a hiking staff when used alone—give you extra points of contact with the ground. Hikers use them for balance, support on uneven terrain, controlled descents, stream crossings, and help when carrying a backpack. Modern poles are commonly made from aluminum or carbon fiber and may include adjustable shafts, folding sections, ergonomic grips, wrist straps, baskets, and replaceable tips. Quick Answer Hiking sticks give you extra contact points with the ground. They can improve balance on uneven terrain, reduce some lower-body loading, help control descents and heavy packs, and involve…

“When I Met You” by APO Hiking Society is one of the best-known English-language love songs in the group’s catalog. Written by Jim Paredes and associated with the 1982 album True to My Music, the song describes how meeting the right person can turn an ordinary, emotionally distant life into one filled with love, purpose, and hope. Its simple message has helped it remain a familiar part of Filipino popular music for decades. Quick Answer “When I Met You” is a romantic APO Hiking Society song written by Jim Paredes and released on True to My Music in 1982. Its…

Hiking shoes do not have one fixed expiration mileage. As a practical benchmark, a solid low-cut hiking shoe may last up to about 500 miles, while a sturdier hiking boot can sometimes last roughly twice that distance or more, especially when its construction allows resoling. Actual lifespan depends on terrain, construction, fit, load, care, storage, and how the footwear is wearing—not mileage alone. Quick Answer A good hiking shoe may last up to about 500 miles, while heavier hiking boots can sometimes reach roughly 1,000 miles or more. Treat those figures as rough guides. Replace footwear sooner if the tread…

Knowing what to take on a hiking trip is less about packing as much gear as possible and more about carrying the right gear for the route, weather, distance, and time you expect to be outside. A short local hike and a remote overnight trip need different equipment, but both should leave you prepared for sudden weather, delays, minor injuries, and navigation problems. Quick Answer For a hiking trip, pack the Ten Essentials: navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, illumination, first aid, fire-starting supplies, repair tools, extra food, water plus treatment supplies, and emergency shelter. Add suitable footwear, a comfortable backpack,…

Summer hiking can mean blazing sun at the trailhead, humid forest shade, sudden rain, or a chilly summit a few hours later. The best hiking outfit keeps sweat moving away from your skin, protects you from sun and insects, and gives you enough flexibility to adjust as conditions change. Your clothing should match the weather, terrain, elevation, and length of the hike. Quick Answer For summer hiking, wear a lightweight moisture-wicking shirt, quick-drying shorts or pants, wool or synthetic socks, and trail shoes or hiking boots with reliable traction. Add a brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry a light…

Selecting the appropriate hiking shoes is a critical decision for anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors. The right footwear can significantly enhance your hiking experience, providing comfort, support, and protection against the various challenges that nature presents. Hiking shoes are not merely an accessory; they are an essential piece of gear that can influence your performance and safety on the trail. Poorly chosen footwear can lead to blisters, discomfort, and even injuries, which can turn an enjoyable hike into a painful ordeal. Therefore, understanding the importance of selecting the right hiking shoes is paramount for both novice and seasoned…

Hiking poles can make steep climbs, rough trails, and long descents easier, but flying with them requires knowing two different sets of rules: airport security rules and your airline’s baggage rules. For flights departing through a U.S. TSA checkpoint, the most important factor is the pole’s tip. Blunt-tipped hiking poles may be allowed through the checkpoint, while sharp-tipped poles must go in checked baggage. Quick Answer Yes, you can fly with hiking poles. TSA currently allows blunt-tipped hiking poles in carry-on or checked bags, but sharp-tipped hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on baggage. Your airline may impose additional size…

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By Editorial Team · Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated August 2026 A first camera drone should be easy to control, inexpensive enough to learn on, and sturdy enough to handle a few beginner mistakes. The PLEGBLE PL516 targets that need with brushless motors, a foldable body, propeller guards, two batteries, and a 4K Wi-Fi camera. Its simple controls and compact size make it a practical…

The appeal of hidden hiking trails is easy to understand. A quiet path can offer more space to hear birds, notice small details in the landscape, and enjoy a viewpoint without standing in a crowd. But “hidden” should not mean trespassing, following an unauthorized shortcut, or wandering into unmarked terrain without the skills to navigate it. The best lesser-known hikes are usually legal, established trails or permitted backcountry routes that receive less traffic than nearby headline attractions. Finding them takes more research than scrolling through a list of popular hikes, but that extra planning can lead to a safer and…

New hiking boots should feel good before you ever take them on a serious trail, but some models still need time to flex and settle around your feet. The amount of break-in depends mostly on the boot’s materials, stiffness, construction, and how well its shape matches your foot. Quick Answer There is no universal break-in mileage. Lightweight synthetic hiking footwear may need only a few short walks, while stiff leather backpacking boots can take several outings or a few weeks. Start indoors, progress to short walks, then easy trails. Your boots are ready when they stay comfortable with your normal…

High elevation hiking can turn an ordinary trail into a much bigger physical and mental challenge. Around 8,000 feet (about 2,450 meters) and higher, lower atmospheric pressure means less oxygen pressure is available with each breath. You may breathe harder, move more slowly, tire sooner, and face a real risk of altitude illness even if you are very fit. The reward can be extraordinary: alpine lakes, rugged ridgelines, unusual plant communities, and wide mountain views that are rarely found at lower elevations. The key is to respect the altitude rather than trying to overpower it. Good fitness helps you handle…

Choosing the right hiking pole size is mostly about getting your arms into a comfortable, neutral position. For normal hiking on level ground, the best starting point is a pole length that creates roughly a 90-degree bend at your elbow when you hold the grip normally and place the pole tip beside your foot. From there, small adjustments can make steep climbs, descents, and sidehill trails more comfortable. Quick Answer Set your hiking poles so your elbows bend to about 90 degrees when you stand upright with the pole tips on the ground beside your feet. As a starting point,…