Author: Mason Reed

Mount Baldy, officially Mount San Antonio, rises to 10,064 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. It is the highest peak in the range and one of Southern California’s best-known mountain hikes. Its steep trails, exposed ridges, high elevation, changing weather, and seasonal snow also mean that access and conditions should always be checked before a trip. Quick Answer Yes. As of July 27, 2026, the Forest Service lists Manker Flat as open and identifies Baldy Bowl and Devil’s Backbone as summit routes. No Mt. Baldy trail closure appears on the current Angeles National Forest alerts page.…

NOBO is one of the most common pieces of shorthand in long-distance hiking. It simply means northbound: a hiker is traveling generally from the southern end of a trail toward its northern end. You will hear the term often on routes such as the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), where direction affects weather, crowds, permits, resupply plans, and the overall trail experience. Quick Answer NOBO means “northbound” in hiking. A NOBO hiker travels generally from south to north along a trail. On the Appalachian Trail, that usually means heading from Georgia toward Maine; on the Pacific Crest…

Swollen hands and “sausage fingers” are surprisingly common during hiking, walking, and other prolonged exercise. For most hikers, the swelling affects both hands, causes little or no pain, and settles after the hike. The exact mechanism is not completely understood, but exercise-related changes in blood flow, heat loss, hand position, and altitude can all play a role. Quick Answer Hands often swell while hiking because exercise changes blood flow and causes blood vessels near the skin to widen as your body releases heat. Hands hanging at your sides may also encourage fluid to collect there. The swelling is usually temporary,…

A hiking backpack should feel stable and close to your body without pinching your hips, pulling hard on your shoulders, or restricting your breathing. Getting that fit starts with the right pack size, but the way you load and adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap matters just as much. Quick Answer To wear a hiking backpack correctly, fit it to your torso, center the hip belt over your hip bones, snug the shoulder straps, gently tighten the load lifters, and position the sternum strap about 1–2 inches below your collarbones. Keep dense gear close to…

Hiking and trekking both involve traveling on foot through natural landscapes, and the terms often overlap. The practical difference is usually one of scale rather than a strict rule. Hiking can range from an easy hour-long nature walk to a demanding multi-day route. Trekking usually suggests a longer journey with more logistical planning, sustained effort, remote terrain, or several days on the move. Knowing those differences helps you choose the right route, fitness preparation, clothing, equipment, and safety plan. Quick Answer Hiking and trekking overlap, but trekking usually describes a longer, more involved journey on foot. A hike may last…

When embarking on a hiking adventure, the significance of comfortable hiking boots cannot be overstated. The right pair of boots serves as the foundation for a successful trek, influencing not only your comfort but also your overall performance on the trail. Hiking often involves traversing uneven terrain, steep inclines, and varying weather conditions, all of which can put immense strain on your feet. A well-fitted, supportive boot can mitigate these challenges, allowing you to focus on the beauty of nature rather than the discomfort of your feet. Moreover, comfortable hiking boots play a crucial role in injury prevention. Blisters, calluses,…

A hiking backpack collects sweat, trail dust, mud, food crumbs, sunscreen, and salt each time you use it. Cleaning that buildup can keep zippers moving smoothly, prevent stubborn odors, and help you spot damaged seams or hardware before your next trip. The key is to clean a hiking pack gently, because its foam, coatings, webbing, buckles, and suspension system need different care than ordinary laundry. Quick Answer The safest way to wash most hiking backpacks is by hand with lukewarm water, a soft sponge or brush, and a small amount of mild soap or a cleaner approved by the manufacturer.…

Calories burned while hiking can vary widely from one trip to the next. Your body weight and moving time matter, but so do pace, trail grade, surface, and the weight you carry. A hiking calories calculator can give you a useful planning estimate, especially when it uses a clearly defined activity intensity instead of a single generic “hiking” number. Quick Answer To estimate calories burned hiking, choose a MET value that matches your pace, terrain, and load, then calculate: MET × 3.5 × body weight in kilograms ÷ 200 × minutes hiked. Treat the result as an estimate, not an…

Hiking is one of the simplest ways to spend more time outdoors: you walk a trail or path, move at your own pace, and explore natural areas ranging from local parks to mountain routes. A first hike does not need to be long or difficult. The safest way to begin is to choose an easy route, check current conditions, bring the right essentials, and turn around before you are tired or the weather changes. Quick Answer To start hiking, pick a short, well-marked trail that matches your fitness, check the weather and trail alerts, tell someone your plan, and carry…

Choosing where to stay for a Mount Washington hike is more than a question of price or hotel style. Your lodging location can determine how early you reach the trail, how much driving you do before and after a strenuous hike, and whether you can use a shuttle instead of moving cars. Mount Washington rises to 6,288 feet in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, and its exposed upper slopes are known for rapidly changing weather, so a convenient base can make trip planning much easier. Quick Answer For Tuckerman Ravine, Lion Head, and other east-side routes, Pinkham Notch is the most…

Hiking boots are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast, particularly for men who enjoy exploring rugged terrains and diverse landscapes. Unlike regular footwear, hiking boots are specifically designed to provide the necessary support, traction, and protection required for traversing uneven ground, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather conditions. The right pair of hiking boots can significantly enhance the overall hiking experience, allowing for greater comfort and stability while reducing the risk of injury. The market for hiking boots has expanded dramatically over the years, with a plethora of options available to cater to various preferences and needs. From…

Hiking sticks, also called trekking poles, can improve balance on uneven ground and help distribute some of the load of hiking. Research has found that trekking poles can reduce some lower-extremity loading and may improve stability, although the benefit varies with terrain, technique, and backpack weight. The bigger question for travelers is whether those poles can come through airport security in a carry-on bag. Quick Answer Yes, the TSA currently allows blunt-tipped hiking poles in carry-on and checked bags at U.S. checkpoints. Sharp-tipped hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be checked. Your airline can still impose…