Author: Mason Reed

Hiking poles can improve balance on rough trails and take some strain off your legs, but flying with them requires more than simply collapsing them and putting them in a backpack. At U.S. airport security checkpoints, the most important detail is the pole tip. TSA rules also work separately from your airline’s carry-on size and baggage rules. Quick Answer Yes—some hiking poles can go in carry-on bags at U.S. airports. TSA currently allows blunt-tipped hiking poles in carry-on or checked baggage, but sharp-tipped hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on bags. Your airline’s size rules still apply, and the TSA…

Hiking in Alaska means dressing for change, not for a single forecast. A mild trailhead can turn into a cold, windy, wet ridge within hours, and some routes add mud, brush, stream crossings, snowfields, or long stretches far from help. The safest approach is a layered clothing system backed by rain gear, reliable footwear, dry spare clothing, and the right safety equipment for the route. Quick Answer For most Alaska hikes, wear a moisture-wicking wool or synthetic base layer, a fleece or light insulated mid-layer, quick-drying pants, wool or synthetic socks, and grippy hiking footwear. Carry a waterproof rain jacket…

Cowboy boots may feel tough enough for the trail, but toughness alone does not make footwear suitable for hiking. Traditional Western boots were designed around riding, ranch work, and stirrup use. Their heel shape, pull-on fit, and often-smooth leather outsole can become liabilities on wet rock, loose soil, steep grades, or long walks. Quick Answer Cowboy boots are usually a poor choice for hiking. Traditional leather soles, raised riding heels, and a loose pull-on fit can reduce grip and control on uneven ground. They may be acceptable for a short, flat, dry walk if broken in and rubber-soled, but hiking…

Wearing a hiking backpack correctly makes a noticeable difference once you start climbing, descending, or spending several hours on the trail. The goal is not simply to tighten every strap. A good fit keeps the pack close to your body, places most of the support around your hips, lets your shoulders move freely, and keeps the load balanced from side to side. Quick Answer To wear a hiking backpack correctly, position the hip belt around the top of your hip bones, tighten the shoulder straps until they wrap comfortably around your shoulders, snug the load lifters to bring the pack…

Hiking shoes should hold your feet securely without squeezing them. The right fit keeps your heel and midfoot stable while leaving enough space for your toes to move and for your feet to expand during a long day on the trail. Shoes that pinch, cause numbness, or jam your toes are too tight; shoes that let your feet slide are too loose. Quick Answer Hiking shoes should feel snug, not tight. Your heel and midfoot should stay secure with little unwanted movement, while your toes should wiggle freely. Aim for roughly 3/8 to 1/2 inch, or about a finger/thumb-width, between…

Hiking boots can work in snow, but they are not automatically a substitute for snow boots. The right choice depends on the boot’s insulation, waterproofing, fit, the depth and condition of the snow, and how long you will be outside. A waterproof hiking boot may be excellent for an active hike through light snow yet still be a poor choice for hours of standing in deep cold. Quick Answer Yes, some hiking boots can be used as snow boots for light or packed snow if they are waterproof, warm enough for the conditions, and paired with suitable traction when needed.…

When venturing into the great outdoors, the right footwear can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a miserable one. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for anyone who plans to traverse wet or muddy trails, as they provide a barrier against moisture that can lead to discomfort and even injury. Wet feet can quickly lead to blisters, fungal infections, and a general sense of unease that detracts from the beauty of nature. By investing in a quality pair of waterproof hiking boots, hikers can ensure that their feet remain dry and comfortable, allowing them to focus on the…

Winter hiking can be comfortable and rewarding when your clothing works as a system rather than as one oversized coat. The goal is to stay warm without becoming sweaty, protect yourself from wind and snow, keep your feet secure on changing surfaces, and carry enough backup gear to handle colder or slower conditions than expected. Quick Answer For winter hiking, wear a moisture-wicking synthetic or merino-wool base layer, an adjustable fleece or insulated midlayer, and a windproof, weather-resistant shell. Add warm socks, waterproof hiking boots, a hat, gloves or mittens, and a neck gaiter. Carry extra insulation, dry clothing, and…

For most people with a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, hiking can remain a safe way to stay active during the first trimester. The key is to match the trail, pace, weather, and distance to how you feel now rather than automatically following your pre-pregnancy routine. Fatigue, nausea, heat sensitivity, dizziness, or a medical complication may mean shortening a hike, changing the route, or choosing another activity. Quick Answer Hiking during early pregnancy is generally safe for a healthy person with an uncomplicated pregnancy when the effort is moderate and the trail has secure footing. Choose manageable routes, avoid overheating and unnecessary…

How much water you should bring hiking depends on the length of the hike, weather, effort level, elevation, your personal sweat rate, and whether reliable water is available along the route. A moderate hike in mild conditions may require far less water than the same number of hours spent climbing with a heavy pack in exposed summer heat. The goal is to carry enough for the expected conditions plus a sensible safety margin without forcing yourself to drink more than your body needs. Quick Answer For moderate hiking in moderate temperatures, about 0.5 liter (17 ounces) per hour is a…

Selecting the appropriate hiking boots is a critical decision for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures. The right pair can significantly enhance your hiking experience, providing the necessary support, comfort, and protection against the elements. Hiking boots are not merely footwear; they are an essential piece of gear that can influence your performance on the trail. A well-chosen pair can prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, and allow you to tackle various terrains with confidence. Conversely, the wrong boots can lead to blisters, discomfort, and even serious injuries, detracting from the joy of exploring nature. Moreover, the choice of hiking boots can impact…

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.…