Author: Mason Reed

Scrambling is what happens when a hike becomes steep and rocky enough that your hands become part of the movement. It can be an exciting step beyond ordinary hiking, but it also adds exposure, loose-rock hazards, route-finding challenges, and sections where a fall could have serious consequences. The safest approach is to understand the terrain before you go, choose a route that matches your experience, and treat the descent as part of the challenge. Quick Answer Scrambling in hiking is hands-on travel over steep, rocky terrain that sits between ordinary hiking and technical rock climbing. Easy scrambles may need only…

The best hiking pants depend on where you are going, what the weather may do, and how demanding the trail will be. A lightweight pair that feels great on an easy summer path may not offer enough protection for brush, cold wind, rain, or scrambling over rough rock. Start with the conditions you expect, then choose the fabric, fit, and features that match the hike. Quick Answer For most hikes, wear lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants made from nylon or polyester with some stretch. Choose breathable pants for heat, softshell or layered pants for cool and windy conditions, and waterproof rain…

A safe hike starts before you reach the trail. Good footwear matters, but so do navigation, weather protection, extra food and water, first aid, emergency shelter, and a realistic plan for getting back on time. The 10 essentials of hiking give you a simple system for preparing for unexpected delays, injuries, changing weather, or navigation problems. Quick Answer The 10 essentials of hiking are navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair tools, extra nutrition, hydration and water-treatment supplies, and emergency shelter. Carry them on day hikes as well as longer trips, then add route-specific gear for weather,…

New Mexico gives hikers an unusually wide choice of places to stay, from high-alpine resorts near Taos to hot-spring retreats beside the Gila Wilderness. The best base depends less on finding a property labeled a “hiking lodge” and more on matching your lodging to the trails, elevation, driving time, and level of remoteness you want. The state has far more hiking than a single statewide mileage figure can capture; the Gila National Forest alone lists more than 1,600 miles of trails. Quick Answer Santa Fe and Taos are the best all-around bases for New Mexico hiking because they combine good…

Finding the right hiking boots is not just about choosing a well-known brand. Where you buy them matters because fit, return options, available widths, expert help, and the chance to test several models can make the difference between comfortable trail miles and painful feet. The best buying method depends on your foot shape, terrain, weather, and how much support you need. Quick Answer The best place to buy hiking boots is usually a specialty outdoor store or well-stocked outdoor retailer where you can try several models, test the fit on an incline, and get fitting help. Online shopping can also…

Timberland makes everything from low-cut trail shoes to more substantial waterproof hiking boots, but the best option depends on where you hike, how far you go, the weather, and how the shoe fits your feet. A good pair should feel secure without pinching, provide suitable tread for the trail, and match the level of weather protection you actually need. Quick Answer Timberland hiking shoes can be a good choice for day hikes and many established trails when you choose a model that matches the terrain, weather, distance, and your foot shape. Features vary widely by model, so check waterproofing, outsole…

Hiking boots should hold your feet securely without squeezing them. A good fit keeps the heel and midfoot snug while leaving enough room for your toes to spread and move, especially when your feet swell during a long hike. Boots that are too tight can create pressure, numbness and hot spots, while boots that are too loose can allow rubbing and unwanted foot movement. Quick Answer Hiking boots should feel snug around the heel and midfoot, but never tight enough to pinch, numb or restrict your toes. Your heel should have little lift, and your longest toe should have about…

Cold-weather hiking can be comfortable and rewarding when your clothing keeps you warm without trapping too much sweat and your pack covers the risks that come with snow, ice, wind, and shorter daylight hours. A good system combines adjustable layers, weather-appropriate footwear, protection for your hands and head, traction when needed, and enough emergency gear to handle an unexpected delay. Quick Answer For cold-weather hiking, wear a moisture-managing base layer, an insulating midlayer, and a wind- and water-resistant shell. Add warm socks, weather-appropriate boots, gloves or mittens, and head protection. Carry traction, water, food, navigation, a headlamp, spare dry clothing,…

Hiking is one of the simplest ways to explore the outdoors: choose a route, travel it on foot, and enjoy the landscape along the way. A hike can be a short walk through a local park or a demanding journey through mountains and wilderness. The key is matching the route, gear, pace, and preparation to your abilities and the conditions. Quick Answer Hiking is recreational walking on trails or through natural areas. It can improve fitness, provide time outdoors, and range from easy day walks to challenging backpacking trips. Safe hiking starts with choosing an appropriate trail, checking conditions, carrying…

A well-packed hiking day pack gives you enough food, water, clothing, navigation gear, and emergency equipment to handle both the hike you planned and a reasonable delay or change in conditions. The best pack is not simply the smallest or lightest option. It should fit comfortably, hold the gear your route requires, and keep important items easy to reach. Quick Answer Pack the Ten Essentials: navigation, sun protection, extra layers, light, first aid, fire, repair tools, extra food, water and treatment supplies, and emergency shelter. Add personal medications, ID, a whistle, and a charged phone. Choose a pack that fits…

Hiking is an accessible way to exercise, explore natural areas, and take a break from everyday routines. A hike can be a short walk on a maintained park trail or a demanding trip through steep, remote terrain. The key is choosing a route that matches your fitness and experience, carrying the right equipment, and preparing for the conditions you may encounter. Quick Answer Hiking is walking on natural trails for recreation, exercise, or travel. Beginners should choose a manageable route, check weather and trail conditions, carry the Ten Essentials, tell someone their plans, and set a turnaround time. Comfortable footwear,…

Hiking can burn a substantial number of calories, but there is no single calorie-per-hour figure that applies to every hiker or trail. Your body weight, walking speed, elevation gain, terrain, pack weight, fitness level, and total hiking time all affect how much energy you use. Quick Answer A 160-pound adult may burn roughly 290 calories per hour during slow hiking, about 400 at a normal pace over fields and hills, around 460 cross-country, and about 590 while hiking with a daypack. These are estimates; pace, slope, terrain, pack weight, fitness, and body weight change the result. Key Takeaways Hiking calorie…