When You Eat on the Trail Matters More Than You Think. A Dietitian Explains.
Registered dietitian Aaron Owens Mayhew explains that when hikers eat is as critical as what they eat. He frames hiking as an endurance sport and urges pre‑hike breakfasts, hourly carbohydrate snacks, and terrain‑specific fueling. The article outlines six practical timing tips, from early breakfast to post‑hike protein, emphasizing that proactive nutrition prevents energy crashes, mood swings, and safety hazards. By treating nutrition as part of the hike plan, outdoor enthusiasts can boost performance and recovery on multi‑day trips.
The Best Trail Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Backpackers with IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, or other GI sensitivities can keep their energy up by adopting a low‑residue, low‑fiber diet on the trail. Hiking diverts blood from the gut, adds dehydration and altitude stress, making high‑fat, high‑fiber foods harder...
Hiking the Adirondacks’ High Peaks? You May Need a Permit to Do That Soon.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing a report that could impose a permit system on the Adirondack High Peaks, the state’s most trafficked wilderness area. The study, commissioned by Otak Inc., recommends capping daily hikers at the...
Is It Safe to Drink Straight From a Stream? Why “Pristine” Backcountry Water Is a Lie in 2026.
Backcountry hikers face a high risk of waterborne illness, as recent studies show pathogens like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter are present in 80‑90% of untreated surface water sources. Even seemingly pristine lakes now contain microplastics and human fecal contamination, debunking...
The Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2026
The article reviews the top men’s hiking shoes and boots for 2026, highlighting models that excel in value, versatility, speed, grip, backpacking support, cushioning, and durability. Prices range from $179 for the Scarpa Moraine Low to $420 for the Meindl...
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking Half Dome
The author recounts a 2023 Half Dome hike in Yosemite, highlighting the notoriously tough permit lottery, the physical contrast between the iconic cable ascent and the often‑overlooked subdome switchbacks, and the option to backpack the route instead of a single‑day...
What This Year’s Historically Low Snowpack Means for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers
The USDA’s snow surveys show the Klamath basin at just 6% of its 30‑year median snow‑water equivalent, while the Sierra is hovering around 66% and melting faster than usual. River runoff is projected to peak in March and decline by...
Ready to Go Ultralight? Start with These 7 Gear Picks.
The article spotlights seven ultralight hiking essentials, ranging from a 1‑lb 7‑oz Big Agnes single‑person tent to a 1‑lb 13‑oz REI Flash Air 50 pack. Each product blends minimal weight with functional features such as weather‑proof fabrics, high UPF ratings, and advanced suspension...
Meet the 77-Year-Old YouTuber Inspiring Viewers to Get Outside
At 77, Wendy Eden has turned her love of camping into the YouTube channel Wendy Outdoors, which now boasts nearly half‑million subscribers and a million‑view hit. She documents paddle trips, hikes and solo camping across Vancouver Island, the Oregon coast...
This Trail to a Popular 14er Is Now Public—But the Summit Is Still Off-Limits
The U.S. Forest Service has purchased a 480‑acre parcel on Mount Bross, opening the Decalibron Loop to the public while the summit remains off‑limits due to private ownership and safety hazards. The acquisition resolves decades‑long disputes between hikers and landowners...
Tired of Rolled Ankles? These 13 Expert-Approved Exercises Could Save Your Hike.
Backpacker outlines a comprehensive plan to prevent ankle sprains that frequently sideline hikers. The article curates 13 expert‑approved exercises—including resistance‑band stretches, calf strengthening, and balance drills—to fortify ankle stabilizers and improve mobility. It also highlights gear such as the Sidekick...
Deal of the Week: Get the Coziest Sleeping Bag You’ll Ever Use for 50% Off
Mountain Hardwear’s Yawn Patrol 30 sleeping bag is now available at a 51% discount, priced at $135 through REI. The bag features 650‑fill down insulation, a 30°F rating, and a lightweight 2 lb 5 oz construction, offering a roomy, bed‑like feel. Its convertible design...
You Can’t Just ‘Hike Into Shape.’ Here Are the 4 Muscle Groups You’re Missing.
Physical therapist Marc Monroe argues that hiking alone won’t fully prepare the body for the trail and that targeted strength training is essential. He identifies four primary muscle groups—core, glutes, quads, and lower‑leg muscles—as the foundation for safe, efficient hiking....
Two Epic Thru-Hiking Memoirs Just Dropped. Here’s What You Should Read.
Early 2026 saw the release of two standout thru‑hiking memoirs: Heather Anderson’s *Farther*, chronicling her eight‑month, 8,000‑mile Calendar Year Triple Crown, and Derick “Mr. Fabulous” Lugo’s *A Fabulous Thru‑Hike*, recounting 3,100 miles on the Continental Divide Trail. Anderson’s narrative mixes...
How Much Will It Cost to Thru-Hike a Long Trail in 2026? We Did the Math.
Backpacker estimates that a 2026 Appalachian Trail thru‑hike will cost roughly $8,000, while the Pacific Crest Trail will average about $10,700. The rise reflects 38% overall U.S. inflation since 2015, plus outdoor‑industry specific price pressures from tariffs, supply‑chain disruptions, and...
The Secret to Beating Altitude Sickness Could Be in Your Gut
Around 200 million people travel to high‑altitude regions each year, and up to 75 percent develop acute mountain sickness (AMS). A double‑blind study by UC San Diego researchers found that participants taking probiotics maintained higher oxygen saturation at 12,470 feet compared with a placebo group....
Want to Crush Steep Hikes? This 6-Move Squat Workout Is Your Secret Weapon.
Backpacker magazine outlines a six‑move squat routine designed to boost hikers’ strength, stability, and power. The program combines heavy back squats, side squats, Bulgarian split squats, curtsy squats, and plyometric finishers to mimic the load of a packed backpack. Physical...
What Size Backpack Do You Really Need to Go Hiking?
Choosing the right hiking backpack hinges on two measurements: torso length for fit and volume capacity for gear. The article breaks down size recommendations by hike type, from 15‑25 L daypacks for short outings to 50‑65 L packs for weekend backpacking, and...
How to Stay in Hiking Shape With Just One Workout Per Week
Recent research and expert insight reveal hikers can preserve endurance with just one weekly workout if the session meets a specific intensity threshold. Strength‑and‑conditioning specialist Marc Monroe advises 150 minutes of Zone 2 aerobic work plus 10‑30 minutes of Zone 4‑5 effort,...
Want to Hike 30 Miles in a Day? Here’s How to Do It.
Long‑distance hikers Willie McBride and Ally Watson break down how to tackle a 30‑mile day on the trail. Their core advice is to add extra hours rather than speed, start before sunrise, and be prepared to finish after dark. They...