Hiking

From weekend strolls to full-on thru-hikes, trekking poles are essential for every hiker. They reduce knee impact, prevent long-term damage, and enhance stability to mitigate injuries on precipitous or uneven terrain. In this article, we share our favourite poles for 2025.Best trekking polesTrekking pole buying guideTrekking pole FAQs ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Trekking Poles Reviewed Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop {"title":"The Top Trekking Poles Reviewed","type":"default","products":[{"product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/black-diamond-pursuit-trekking-pole-unisex-llll-bdd-bd110066","product_feature":"","_id":"502d2d8","product_id":""},{"product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/life-sports-gear-speed-trail-poles-unisex-llll-lsg-polsptrail","product_feature":"","_id":"771d9b8","product_id":""},{"product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/leki-ultratrail-fx-one-superlite-trail-running-poles-unisex-llll-lki-65225841","product_feature":"","_id":"059f5c9","product_id":""},{"_id":"895ad80","product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/black-diamond-mens-alpine-carbon-cork-trekking-poles-llll-bdd-bd112514","product_feature":"","product_id":""},{"_id":"0f8e155","product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/black-diamond-distance-carbon-z-poles-llll-bdd-bd112554","product_feature":"","product_id":""},{"_id":"7672906","product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/leki-cross-trail-carbon-hiking-pole-llll-lki-65426421","product_feature":"","product_id":""},{"product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/koti-sports-lagile-snowshoes-and-poles-set-unisex-llll-koi-lagc","product_feature":"","_id":"92be5df","product_id":""}],"single_product_link":null,"cta_1_text":null,"cta_2_text":null,"pros":null,"cons":null,"collection":[{"feature":"Lorem ipsum dolorLorem ipsum dolorLorem ipsum dolor","_id":"615da88"},{"feature":"Lorem ipsum dolorLorem ipsum dolorLorem ipsum dolor","_id":"2c8b0c7"}],"single_product_id":null,"cta_1_url":null,"cta_2_url":null,"credit":null,"limit":null,"collection_link":null} ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best Overall Trekking Poles Why We Love

Hiking is a great activity to boost mental and physical health, and it's a great bonding experience with your kids. You may face challenges along the way and have to adapt without the usual distractions from home. Luckily, we've got you covered with fun hiking activities for children, safety tips for hiking with kids, and all the hiking essentials for families. Check out our 8 tips for hiking with children.Here's an overview. Read on for a detailed breakdown:Choose the Right Trails for KidsBring Your Essential Hiking GearPack Smart: Must-Have ItemsKeep Kids Engaged and Motivated on the TrailTeach Your Kids Some

What makes a good baby carrier? For starters, the top baby carriers for outdoor adventures will have an ergonomic design that evenly distributes the weight and protects the little one from the elements. In this article, we'll review the best child carriers for hiking and the key factors to consider when shopping for a carrier.Table of ContentKey Considerations When Choosing a Baby CarrierOverview of baby carriers fromOspreyDeuterThuleOsprey vs Deuter vs Thule Comparison TableWhat to Look for When Buying a Baby CarrierFrequently asked questionsKey Considerations When Choosing a Baby CarrierStart by choosing a carrier with an adjustable harness and hip belt.

Choosing the right hiking footwear is more than a matter of preference—it’s the key to enjoying your hike. The right pair can boost your performance, keep your feet comfortable over long distances, and most importantly, help prevent injuries. Whether you're heading out for a short trail walk or a multi-day mountain trek, getting your footwear right is the first step toward a great day outdoors. Table of Contents Which Type of Hiker Are You? Types of Hiking Footwear Footwear for Different Terrains Choosing the Right Hiking Footwear Hiking Footwear Materials Hiking Boot and Shoe Features How Hiking Boots and Shoes

Hiking in the winter is a beautiful and serene experience - the fresh snow, the blue skies, the snow-capped peaks in the distance. But hiking in winter also comes with its challenges: tricky terrain, cold and uncertain weather, and the potential for wet, freezing feet. However, avoiding cold, uncomfortable feet during winter hikes is easy with the proper footwear. The best winter hiking boots, such as the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots, are insulated, waterproof, extremely lightweight, and have great grip. Below, we break down all of our recommended winter hiking shoes. Table of ContentsBest Overall Winter Hiking BootsBest Runner-Up Winter Hiking

Getting to the top of a mountain and back isn’t a walk in the park. It requires preparation. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here, you’ll find the best gear for winter hiking and some winter hiking tips to keep in mind when you decide to abandon the comfort of your couch for the icy playgrounds of your local hiking trails and backcountry.Winter Hiking EssentialsTop Tips For Winter HikingWinter Hiking SafetyFAQWinter Hiking EssentialsWhether you’re new to cold-weather hiking and someone who’s been around the block (or up the hill) a few times, understanding the essentials is—essential. From jackets to boots, bags

Snow-blanketed landscapes, crisp air and serene silence make winter hiking a magical experience. But as invigorating as snowy strolls are, they also come with challenges—staying warm and protected. A reliable winter hiking jacket shields against the elements. Let’s explore why choosing the right jacket is crucial, the types to consider, and our top picks for this season. Types of Winter Hiking Jackets Why Choosing the Right Winter Hiking Jacket Matters Top 5 Winter Hiking Jackets Key Features to Consider When Buying a Winter Hiking Jacket FAQs About Winter Hiking Jackets Types of Winter Hiking Jackets Insulated Jackets Down Insulation: Made

It's always best to know how to layer for outdoor activities. Having an idea of the weather and the demands of the activities you'll be doing will make choosing those layers, including the outer layer, simple. But mid layers—like fleece vs. down vs. merino wool—aren't just for the mountains. You can wear them all fall and winter long. While a base layer is the root of a good layering system, choosing the best mid-layer is just as important. High-output activities that make you sweat need moisture-wicking components from all layers, not just the base. If your mid layer can’t breathe, there’s

Montreal’s vibrant city life is perfectly complemented by the natural beauty that surrounds it. Just a short drive away, you’ll find a jaw-dropping array of scenic hiking trails, offering everything from gentle walks to epic treks. In this guide, we share the top 10 hiking spots near Montreal. So, pack your bag, lace up your boots, and get ready to hit the trail! Mont Echo Trail Mont-Orford National Park Poisson Blanc Regional Park Mont-Mégantic Mont Saint-Hilaire Île Saint-Bernard Mont-Royal Canal Path Parc du Mont Loup-Garou Mont-Saint-Bruno 1. Mont Echo Trail [caption id="attachment_136040" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] Photo by Christian Moreno[/caption] Overview of

We’ll also talk about essential gear, safety tips and post-hike care so that you can hit the trail with your pup year after year. Table of contents: Pre-hike preparations Essential gear for your dog Hydration & nutrition Safety considerations Weather preparedness Post-hike care Pre-Hike Preparations While dogs are some of the best companions you could ask for on a hike, you need to make sure they can handle the trails you take them on. The first step is to take your furry friend to the vet so they are up to date on vaccinations. The vet will also be able

In the world of outdoor and sports gear, where unpredictable weather can be your toughest adversary, one technology has consistently risen to the challenge—GORE-TEX. Renowned for its unwavering reliability and exceptional waterproofing capabilities, GORE-TEX fabrics are a beacon of innovation in the realm of waterproof-breathable membranes. But what makes the GORE-TEX brand frontrunner in its industry? To understand its advantages and applications, we decided to dive deep. Read on to discover the unparalleled engineering and use cases that have turned GORE-TEX into a household name: A Brief History of GORE-TEX How GORE-TEX Works Types of GORE-TEX Fabrics Applications of GORE-TEX

Getting out on the trail on a rainy day offers a unique way of connecting with nature. With the right prep and a positive mindset, you can stay dry, comfortable, and safe—making the experience both enjoyable and memorable. In this article, we'll share 10 essential tips to help you navigate the challenges of hiking in wet conditions, from choosing the right gear to recognizing when it's time to turn back. 1. Check the Weather Before heading out, take the time to check the weather conditions. Learning to interpret forecasts is an essential element when embarking on a rainy-day adventure. Pay

When we hike, we exert energy. It’s important to hydrate to avoid any health risks and stay energized. If there’s one thing you don’t want to go without on your next hike—it’s water. You can survive in the woods for several weeks without food, but only about three days without water. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of vessels you can bring on your hike to stay hydrated. They’ve been chosen to seamlessly nest within your gear, making carrying and drinking water an easy task outdoors. We’ll also go over some key attributes to consider and then

The best summer sandals are versatile—taking you from city streets to mountain trails just as easily—and don't compromise on comfort, fit, or style. Having the right pair can make all the difference between a good day spent outdoors and one that ends in blisters, sore feet, and broken straps. Your ideal sandals shouldn't sacrifice fashion for form, offering features like cushioned footbeds, arch support, and adjustable straps. Fit, fabric, and function all play a part when choosing the right sandals for your summer activities. Here are our top picks, whether you're in search of an everyday pair for casual strolls

Hiking can be an exhilarating experience. But, without the right gear, it can become a laborious trudge rather than a saunter. Though often overlooked, hiking socks play a vital role in ensuring comfort and performance on the trail, from preventing blisters to boosting comfort.In this guide, we explore:What causes blister How to Prevent BlistersWhat to Look for in Hiking SocksBest socks for day hikesBest socks for multi-day hikes WHAT CAUSES BLISTERS?Blisters, those pesky interlopers, arise from the demonic marriage between friction and moisture. Repetitive motions, uneven terrain, and ill-fitting footwear lead to rubbing between the foot and the sock or shoe, generating

In this article, we’ll highlight the greatest features of daypacks, perfect for hikers at any experience level. We’ll show our favourite selections you can get today, and tips to make the most of your day hiking adventures. Happy trails! Types of daypacks for a typical day hike Best overall daypack Best options for trail running Best waterproof backpacks Best compact daypacks TYPES OF DAYPACKS FOR A TYPICAL DAY HIKE Daypacks are just big enough for key nutrition, hydration, extra clothing, and navigational tools while minimizing the amount of weight you have to tote into the woods. Before we show off our favourite daypacks, consider some of

Hiking pants get a bad rap. In the age of ultralight everything, running shorts have become the go-to bottoms for all manner of outdoor adventure. But even though shorts are admittedly awesome, hiking pants offer their own distinct advantages. So, to celebrate the rebirth of the trail pant, we’ve compiled a list of the best hiking pants men can own.Our choice for 2024’s best men’s hiking pants goes to the Fjällräven Vidda Pro Lite Trousers for their impressive mix of features, comfort, and breathability. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best Hiking Pants for Men Reviewed Product Name DurableFeature-richBreathable Shop Product Name TechnicalComfortableVersatile Shop Product

Finding the best women’s hiking pants takes a little work, but once you find the perfect pair, they can last you for years! In our book, a good pair of hiking pants has stretchy fabric that moves with you, durable material to withstand the elements, and a style that’s both comfortable and attractive. If you’re looking for the best women’s hiking pants, look no further. We’ve rounded up the top 12 hiking pants in this guide. You’ll find our best picks for different types of weather, price points, and features such as breathability, water resistance, and lightweight materials. For their

Whether you’re on high and dry alpine trails or wet, muddy paths, your hiking shoes are the piece of gear that matters most on any hike. They provide more support and durability than regular runners. We extensively reviewed the nine best hiking shoes on the market and present them here.In terms of waterproofing, grip, traction, and lightweight function, we found that the Altra Lone Peak 8 Hiking Shoes offer the most well-rounded feature set. Read on to find the best hiking shoes for every outdoor occasion. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Hiking Shoes Reviewed Product Name WaterproofHigh-quality materialsLightweight & waterproof Shop Product

If you've ever had a blister, you know just how debilitating those unimpressive little wounds can be. A great day's hike can be all for naught—or even worse, your trip turns into an unending succession of replacing bandages and wraps. That's why it's important to minimise your risk of any injury, great or small, by choosing the right pair of hiking boots. Our top pick for 2024's all-around best boot goes to the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots. The Renegade GTX offers hikers a mix of waterproofing, breathability, stability, and comfort. Read on to learn all about this year’s best hiking

It's no secret that merino wool has taken over the outdoor industry, because what's not to love from a soft-to-touch material that breathes as well as it fights odour-buildup? The sought-after properties of this wondrous fibre are praised throughout the winter months, but what if you could benefit from these features year-round? From base layers and socks to casual tees and dress shirts, merino wool isn't just for cold weather activities these days. Discover Smartwool Can merino wool be worn in the summer? Yes, absolutely! In fact, it's an excellent idea, and we highly recommend it. The benefits are plentiful,

Choosing the right insulated water bottle doesn’t have to mean choosing the most expensive one. Try to focus instead on picking a water bottle that best meets your needs, whatever they may be. Embarking on a day hike? Going camping with your family? Leaving on a kayak expedition? Mountaineering with your best friend? Enjoying a good hot drink? No matter what you’re doing, there’s a water bottle for it. The majority of insulated water bottles stay hot for 6 to 12 hours and stay cold for between 6 to 24 hours. Choosing a water bottle also comes down to the size

Understanding the different types of backpacking water purifiers and filters is paramount when planning your next adventure. With so many options on the market—from gravity and squeeze filters to pumps and straws to UV purifiers and drop solutions—it can be hard to make an informed decision.To make things easier, we’ve curated a selection of our favourite water purifiers and filters. Whether it’s an emergency-use LifeStraw, a Katadyn Gravity Microfilter, or just good, old purification tablets, we’ve got all your water filtration needs covered!Important things to consider to choose your water filterTypes of water treatment optionsDo I need a pre-filter to

In both outdoor activities, what you bring with you can simplify the process and make the adventure a lot more enjoyable. Examples of essential equipment include footwear, clothing, backpacks, and accessories like walking poles. In this article, we’re going to dive into the similarities and differences between hiking and trekking. We’ll also pour over the critical gear you need to make your next trek or hike more enjoyable.Similarities between Trekking and Hiking For starters, both concepts require you to use your feet! The idea of human-powered movement is central; you’re walking either way. You also need gear to sustain both activities, which

In this article, we walk you through the basics of choosing the right backpack, what to put in it, and the best way to pack it. This comprehensive guide is suitable for both newcomers to backpacking trips, as well as trail blazers in need of a quick refresher.Step 1: Plan AheadBefore you start packing—and before you decide on how much food or how much clothing you’ll need—plan your trip details. Packing wisely means not overpacking and certainly not underpacking. Remember this as we journey through the topic.Map It OutGrab a map and study your route. Take note of key trail

A backpack that is too large risks causing shoulder, back or even knee problems. You can mistakenly over-pack and end up carrying more weight than your body can handle. The three elements to look out for when choosing your hiking backpack are :How to choose the correct size of hiking backpackWhich hiking backpack features do you need?Is your hiking backpack the correct fit for you?Be sure to check our selection of the best hiking backpacks available today. Hiking Backpack SizeFirst things first, you need to decide what type of hiking you will be doing and how long your journeys will be. You need to take into consideration

This 101 guide will show you what to wear when hiking, as well as cover the different types of materials, accessories to consider, layers to wear (obviously you can’t dress the same for the rain, snow and heat) and much more so you can have the most successful outing possible. Hiking Clothing 101 The first thing to do is to plan your hiking outfit according to the weather forecast. As any good hiker knows, the weather is fickle, so you have to be prepared for all eventualities. For example, on a day hike, carrying a thin windbreaker or intermediate jacket

Everyone has at least one pair of leather boots in their shoe collection, whether it be a fancy lace-up like the Red Wing Shoes 6-inch Iron Ranger or a durable slip-on like the Blundstone Chisel Toe. We dress them up, dress them down and put them to the test through all kinds weather and terrain. From salted, icy roads in the winter to muddy puddles in the spring, to hot and humid summer days, our favourite leather boots can take a lot. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product

A hiking backpack is by far the most important piece of gear for any serious hiker. So choose your companion wisely. In fact, choosing the best backpack is like choosing the right car: it should be comfortable, able to carry all your essentials, and aesthetically pleasing. And, just like cars, the choices are seemingly endless. Our picks for this year's best hiking backpacks will guide you in making the right choice for your next trip in the wild. There are several important criteria to consider when buying a hiking backpack. Some of these include volume, weight, comfort, durability, and features.

If you’re an outdoorsman (or woman!) who loves roughing it but still wants to be caught up with all the best gadgets for outdoor geeks, we understand you. Camping gadgets are useful for everything from making sure your water is purified to ensuring you don’t get lost in the backcountry. Below, we’ve selected the best gadgets and tools to make sure your next trip is a hit. From the portable Moka pot to the ultra-bright headlamp, these gadgets will ensure you spend every minute of your next trip in nature-filled bliss. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Top 5 Outdoor Gadgets for Camping   Product

 Ask any experienced hiker what items should be on your hiking checklist, and we’ll all rattle off a similar list: Good hiking shoes for slippery and rocky paths, plenty of water or a purification system just in case you run out, a lightweight backpack to hold a few things, and a first aid kit for cuts, bites, and blisters. I pack most of these hiking essentials for those “just in case” moments like a sudden thunderstorm, unexpected injury, or my phone and navigation system dying. While purchasing and bringing along these items requires some planning and effort, it’s always best to

Warmer weather heralds more and more people getting outdoors. While hiking is something that goes year-round, we'll admit to being seduced more by the milder balm of Spring and the high skies of summer. With that in mind, we turned to our Altitude Sports buying team for expert advice on new hiking footwear and equipment must-haves for the season. From the coolest pair of kicks at the campfire to your campfire cooker, here are the picks bound to make your new hiking passion - and footwear and gear - the envy of all around you. hiking gear 2022 Vincent is