Spring may be in the air, but winter is still in the mountains. This past season, the West Coast experienced record snowfall. Some regions in California’s Sierras and Oregon’s Siskiyous received up to 180% of their normal snow levels. Even now, many of Oregon’s mountain passes are still snowed in and receiving new snowfall. This signals …
When it comes to drinking water in the backcountry, you can never be too careful. There are some nasty bugs and viruses that inhabit mountain streams and lakes. Contracting one of these bugs can lead to some very discomforting experiences—to say the least. That’s why, as one of hiking’s Ten Essentials, you should always carry (and …
It wasn’t that long ago that socks were about as technologically advanced as bleached cotton. They covered your feet, provided a bit of insulation and kept your sweaty feet from rubbing against your hiking boots. That was about it. Today, socks are just as advanced as the rest of your outdoor gear. Thanks to advancements …
I’ve been a fan of the Gregory Jade women’s backpack for a while. In fact, I spent a month trekking the trails of Europe while researching for my new guidebook, Exploring Europe on Foot, with one attached to my back. When you spend that much time with a backpack, you get to know it pretty well—its strengths and …
The holidays are coming, and you’re probably thinking about a couple gear upgrades as you plan for next summer’s hiking adventures. After all, there’s nothing quite as nice as being gifted new gear for the holidays. Lucky for you, we’re going to help you put together your gear wish list. Here are 10 new and classic gear items that have …
Last month, I ended the summer by spending a couple weeks tromping trail in the new Oboz Scapegoat Mid light hiking boots. I got my first look at these boots earlier this year at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City. The two things that caught my attention were their gaiter-like scree collar and their light weight. As …