Author: Mason Reed

Walking sticks, more commonly called trekking poles when used as a pair, can add stability, help you manage steep climbs and descents, and shift some work from your legs to your upper body. The biggest benefits come from choosing the right poles, setting them to the correct length, and learning when to plant, shorten, lengthen, or stow them. Quick Answer To use walking sticks for hiking, start with the poles adjusted so your elbows bend about 90 degrees on level ground. Plant the opposite pole with the opposite foot, keep a relaxed grip, shorten the poles on long climbs, and…

Cloudy skies can transform an ordinary hike into a dramatic outdoor experience. Mist can settle between ridges, overcast light can deepen the colors of forests and waterfalls, and cooler conditions can make strenuous walking feel more comfortable. The rugged cliffs and evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest, for example, can look especially striking beneath low clouds and shifting light. That does not mean every cloudy day is automatically a good hiking day. A calm layer of overcast is very different from dense fog, steady rain, wet cold, or a developing thunderstorm. The best cloudy-weather hikes come from enjoying the atmosphere…

Knowing what to pack in a hiking backpack is less about carrying everything you own and more about preparing for the problems that could realistically happen on your route. The right kit should help you navigate, stay hydrated and fed, handle changing weather, treat minor injuries, see after dark, and call for help if your plans go wrong. Quick Answer Pack navigation tools, water and a treatment method, extra food, weather-appropriate layers, emergency shelter, a first-aid kit, a headlamp, fire-starting supplies where fires are allowed, sun protection, repair tools, and an emergency communication option. Adjust the exact gear to the…

Apo Hiking Society helped shape Original Pilipino Music (OPM) across several generations, and “When I Met You” remains one of the group’s best-known love songs. Written by Jim Paredes, the English-language ballad appears on True to My Music. Its lasting appeal comes from a simple idea: meeting the right person can give life a new sense of love, purpose, and connection. Quick Answer “When I Met You” is an English-language love song by Apo Hiking Society, written by Jim Paredes. Current Apple Music and Universal Records catalog metadata places it on the group’s True to My Music album in 1982.…

Hiking shoes do more than complete an outdoor outfit. The right pair can improve grip, protect your feet from rocks and debris, and make long days on the trail more comfortable. Style still matters, but fit, traction, weather protection and the demands of the trail should come first when deciding what to wear. Quick Answer Wear hiking shoes with moisture-wicking socks, secure your heel with snug but comfortable lacing, and leave enough toe room for your toes to move without hitting the front on descents. Choose the shoe’s traction, stiffness, weather protection and cut for the terrain rather than relying…

Hiking poles, also called trekking poles, can add stability on rough trails, give your upper body a useful role in forward movement, and reduce some of the forces placed on your legs during certain types of hiking. They are especially useful on steep descents, loose terrain, long backpacking trips, and stream crossings. The biggest benefits, however, come from choosing the right poles, setting them to the correct length, and using them with a natural walking rhythm. Quick Answer Hiking poles can improve stability and provide extra support on climbs, descents, loose ground, and uneven trails. Start with your elbows near…

Hiking shoes can feel comfortable on city sidewalks and concrete floors, especially if you already own a well-fitting pair. However, footwear designed for trails and footwear designed for pavement solve different problems. The best choice depends on how far you walk, how much time you spend on concrete, whether you also use trails, and which shoe feels comfortable on your feet. Quick Answer Yes, hiking shoes can be good for walking on concrete if they fit well and have enough cushioning, but they are usually not the best choice for long, pavement-only walks. A lightweight walking or road shoe is…

Choosing the best hiking backpack is less about finding one universally “best” pack and more about matching capacity, fit, load support, and features to the trips you actually take. A light daypack may be perfect for a few hours on a local trail, while an overnight or multi-day hike usually calls for more space, a supportive hip belt, and a frame designed to transfer weight comfortably. Quick Answer The best hiking backpack is one that fits your torso and hips, carries your expected load comfortably, and has enough space for your trip without unnecessary bulk. Roughly 20–35 liters works for…

Walking sticks, also called trekking poles or hiking poles, can make hiking feel more controlled on steep, loose, muddy, or uneven ground. The biggest gains come from choosing poles that fit you, setting them to the right length, and using a relaxed, natural technique. Used correctly, they can add stability and shift some work from your legs to your upper body without replacing good foot placement or trail judgment. Quick Answer For normal hiking, adjust trekking poles so your elbows bend about 90 degrees when the tips rest beside your feet. Use the opposite pole with the opposite foot, keep…

Hiking with a partner can make a day on the trail safer, easier to manage, and more enjoyable. Good teamwork means more than simply walking beside another person. Partners need to communicate, match the route to the abilities of the group, share responsibilities, watch for changing conditions, and know what they will do if something goes wrong. Quick Answer Hiking with a partner gives you another person to help with navigation, notice hazards, share appropriate group tasks, provide encouragement, and respond during an emergency. The biggest benefits come when partners plan together, stay together, match the pace to the slower…

Hiking in 80-degree weather can be comfortable, but the best outfit depends on more than the number on the thermometer. Humidity, direct sun, elevation, trail difficulty, wind, and how hard you are hiking all affect how much heat your body must handle. A good hot-weather hiking outfit should help sweat evaporate, protect exposed skin, prevent chafing, and still provide enough protection for the terrain. Quick Answer For hiking in 80-degree weather, wear a loose, lightweight moisture-wicking shirt, breathable shorts or lightweight hiking pants, moisture-wicking socks, and supportive closed-toe trail shoes. Add a wide-brimmed hat, UV400 sunglasses, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen,…

Choosing the right hiking pack starts with three things: what you need to carry, how long you will be on the trail, and how the pack fits your body. A small daypack may be enough for a few hours outside, while an overnight or multi-day trip usually requires more volume, better load support, and room for sleeping gear, food, water, and extra clothing. Weather and terrain matter too. Wet conditions may call for a rain cover, pack liner, or dry bags, while hot-weather hiking makes ventilation more important. Technical trips may require attachment points for trekking poles, an ice axe,…