Author: Mason Reed

Waterproof hiking shoes can be a smart investment when your trails are regularly cold, damp, muddy, snowy, or covered in wet grass. But they are not automatically the best choice for every hike. A waterproof membrane helps block outside moisture, yet it also reduces airflow compared with similar non-waterproof footwear. The right choice depends on weather, terrain, hiking pace, fit, and how likely water is to enter over the shoe collar. Quick Answer Waterproof hiking shoes are worth it for cold, damp, muddy, or snowy hikes where water is likely to stay below the shoe collar. For warm, dry trails…

Traveling by air with hiking poles is easier when you know which rule actually matters. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows some trekking poles in carry-on bags, while others must be checked. The key distinction is the pole’s tip, not simply whether the pole folds or collapses. TSA rules are designed for the safety and security of passengers and crew, and sporting equipment can receive different treatment depending on its design. Hiking poles, also called trekking poles or walking poles, are a good example because a rounded pole and a sharp carbide-tipped pole do not have the same carry-on status.…

Hiking combines physical activity, time outdoors, and the chance to explore places that are difficult to experience from a road or building. A hike can be a short walk on a gentle park trail or a demanding climb over steep, uneven terrain. That range is part of its appeal: with the right route and preparation, many people can find a hike that matches their experience and abilities. Quick Answer Hiking can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, challenge balance, and support healthy weight management. Time in nature may also reduce stress and improve mood. Beyond health, hiking offers adventure,…

Hiking shoes and hiking boots are built for the same basic job—helping you move comfortably and confidently on trails—but they are not the same type of footwear. Hiking shoes are usually lower, lighter, and more flexible. Hiking boots are generally more structured and protective. The better choice depends on the terrain, weather, pack weight, pace, fit, and your own comfort. Quick Answer No. Hiking shoes and hiking boots are both designed for trails, but they differ in weight, height, stiffness, protection, and typical use. Hiking shoes suit many day hikes and lighter packs, while hiking boots can add structure and…

Yes, hiking can help you lose weight, but the hike itself is only part of the equation. Hiking increases the amount of energy your body uses, and regular hikes can improve cardiovascular fitness, leg endurance, balance, and overall activity levels. Weight loss occurs when your total calorie use is greater than the calories you consume over time, so hiking works best alongside sustainable eating, sleep, and recovery habits. Quick Answer Hiking can support weight loss because it burns calories and can make regular physical activity easier to maintain. The CDC lists hiking at about 370 calories per hour for a…

Hiking can burn a meaningful number of calories while building cardiovascular fitness and challenging the legs, hips, and core. But there is no single calorie number for every mile. Your body weight, hiking speed, trail grade, footing, elevation gain, pack weight, and the time needed to cover that mile all affect the result. Hiking can also support weight management when it is part of an overall calorie deficit and a sustainable activity routine. Quick Answer A 150-pound person may burn about 150 calories hiking one moderately hilly mile at roughly 2.5 mph. Under the same assumptions, a 120-pound hiker may…

Los Angeles is one of the few major cities where you can hike through chaparral-covered hills, walk beneath mountain peaks, reach Pacific Ocean viewpoints, and still be close to urban neighborhoods. The best hiking spots in Los Angeles range from easy city trails in Griffith Park to demanding summit routes on Mount San Antonio. Trail access has changed significantly since the 2025 wildfires, however, so checking current conditions is now an important part of planning any LA hike. Quick Answer For classic Los Angeles hiking, start with Griffith Park for Hollywood views, Runyon Canyon for a quick urban workout, Topanga…

Hiking poles, also called trekking poles, can improve stability on rough trails and may reduce lower-extremity loading in some hiking conditions. Flying with them is less straightforward because airport security rules depend on the design of the pole, while airlines separately control the size and type of items allowed in the cabin. Quick Answer In the United States, TSA currently allows blunt-tipped hiking poles in carry-on or checked baggage, subject to screening and the officer’s final decision. Sharp-tipped hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be checked. Your airline’s size and stowage rules also apply. Key Takeaways…

Cold-weather hiking is much more comfortable when your clothes work as a system instead of relying on one heavy jacket. The basic approach is simple: wear a moisture-managing base layer, add insulation for warmth, and carry a shell that blocks wind and precipitation. Then add or remove layers as your effort level and the weather change. The goal is not to feel as warm as possible at every moment. It is to stay warm enough while avoiding sweat that can leave you chilled when you slow down or stop. Quick Answer For cold-weather hiking, wear a wool or synthetic base…

“When I Met You” is one of APO Hiking Society’s best-known English-language love songs and an enduring part of the Original Pilipino Music catalog. Written by Jim Paredes, the song focuses on a simple but powerful idea: meeting the right person can change how someone understands love, purpose, and everyday life. Quick Answer “When I Met You” is an APO Hiking Society love song written by Jim Paredes and listed on the group’s 1982 album True to My Music. Rather than telling a story of heartbreak, its central message is about love transforming an ordinary life by giving the narrator…

Whether you can carry a gun while hiking in California depends on much more than simply owning a firearm or having a concealed-carry license. The exact trail, who manages the land, whether the firearm is concealed or openly carried, local restrictions, and current court orders can all change the answer. California firearm law also changes frequently, so hikers should verify the rules for their exact destination before leaving home. Quick Answer You cannot assume that carrying a gun while hiking in California is legal simply because you own the firearm or have a CCW license. Public parks and most California…

Choosing the right hiking backpack starts with the trips you actually plan to take. A short summer day hike may need only water, food, extra clothing, navigation gear, and emergency essentials, while an overnight or multi-day trip must also carry a sleep system, shelter, cooking gear, and more food. Fit matters just as much as volume: even a high-quality pack can become uncomfortable if its torso length, hip belt, or shoulder harness does not match your body. Quick Answer Choose a hiking backpack by matching its capacity to your actual gear, then size it to your torso and hips. Test…