New to hiking? This guide collects our hiking articles in one place, from what to wear on your feet to how to behave on the trail, how to look after your body, and where to hike. Start with the basics, then follow the links to the topics that matter for your next trip.
Each section below lists the related articles with a short note on what each one covers.
Getting started, etiquette and terms
- Trail color meanings: Explains what the different trail marker colors indicate and how to read them on the trail.
- Common hiking mistakes: Planning, environment, nutrition and navigation mistakes beginners should avoid on the trail.
- Peeing while hiking: Choosing a spot, technique, cleanup and hygiene for answering nature's call on the trail.
- What bushwhacking means: What bushwhacking is, why it is challenging, and the gear and planning it calls for.
- Hiking terms explained: A glossary of hiking terms and jargon, from beginner basics to mountain terms.
- Beginner hiking etiquette: Dos and don'ts for new hikers, including respecting nature and staying on designated trails.
- Pooping while hiking: Leave No Trace steps for human waste, including digging a cathole and disposing of paper.
- How switchbacks work: What switchbacks are, why trails use them, and tips for tackling them.
- Hiking as a hobby: Why hiking counts as a hobby, with its physical benefits and time in nature.
- Short hike essentials: What to pack for a short hike: pack, clothing, navigation, water, food and first aid.
- Hiking etiquette basics: Etiquette dos and don'ts, bathroom etiquette and how to pass other hikers politely.
- Thru-hiking basics: What thru-hiking is, who does it, how long it takes and how it differs from backpacking.
- Long-distance hiking guide: Trends, planning tips and trail ideas for long-distance hiking.
Boots, shoes and fit
- Men's hiking boots: Reviews of top men's hiking boots, with features and who each suits.
- Hiking boot toe room: How much toe room hiking boots need, how to measure it, and common mistakes.
- Keeping shoes dry: Footwear, socks, waterproofing and gaiters for keeping your feet dry on rainy hikes.
- Hiking ankle support: Why ankle injuries are common on trails and how ankle support gear can help.
- Beginner hiking shoes: What to look for in beginner hiking shoes and how comfort and price trade off.
- Top three hiking boots: A side-by-side comparison of three popular hiking boots and their features.
- Winter hiking boots: Features to look for in winter hiking boots, such as waterproofing, insulation and traction.
- Hiking boots in snow: How hiking boots compare with snow boots, and where they fall short in deep snow.
- How to fit hiking boots: How to measure your foot, try boots on and judge a good fit.
- Signs boots are too big: How to measure your feet and spot signs your hiking boots are too big.
- How tight boots should be: How tight is too tight and how loose is too loose for hiking boots.
- How snug boots should be: Factors affecting boot fit, choosing a size, and fixing common fit problems.
- Whether boots run small: How hiking boot sizing works and tips for picking the right size.
- Breaking in hiking boots: Why boots need breaking in, how long it takes, and steps to do it.
- Whether boots stretch: How boot construction affects whether hiking boots stretch, covering uppers, midsoles and outsoles.
- Stretching leather boots: Ways to stretch tight leather hiking boots, such as boot stretchers and thick socks.
- Waterproofing leather boots: Step-by-step waterproofing for leather boots, from supplies and prep to choosing a product.
- How long boots last: What affects hiking boot lifespan and signs it is time to replace them.
Gear, packs and clothing
- Best backpacking backpacks: A top-ten list of backpacking packs, plus what to weigh when choosing one.
- Adaptive hiking gear: Outdoor equipment for hikers with disabilities, such as mobility aids and adaptive seating.
- Hiking whistles: Why carry a hiking whistle, how to use it in an emergency, and top picks.
- Best hiking backpacks: A top-ten list of hiking backpacks, plus how to choose by capacity, fit and durability.
- Hiking gear checklist: A checklist covering clothing, navigation, shelter, hydration, nutrition and first aid.
- Hiking gear on a budget: How to set a budget and find quality footwear, clothing and packs at a good price.
- Summer hiking outfits: Clothing and accessories for staying comfortable and safe on summer hikes.
- Rainy day hiking outfit: Fabrics, layering, footwear and accessories for hiking in wet weather.
- Lightweight hiking water bottle: Choosing a lightweight, non-plastic water bottle for the trail.
Trails and destinations
- Hiking trails in Mindanao: Top Mindanao hikes in the Philippines, including Mount Apo, Linabo Peak and Sanchez Peak.
- Solo backpacking destinations: Ten destinations for solo backpackers, starting with Thailand, Portugal and Vietnam.
- Top countries for backpackers: Ten countries for backpackers, with what makes a country backpacker-friendly.
- Best hiking countries: Ten countries known for hiking trails, including Nepal and Switzerland.
- Hut-to-hut hiking Europe: What hut-to-hut hiking in Europe involves, its benefits, and how to plan a trip.
- Best US hiking trails: Fifteen scenic US hikes, with a comparison table and notes on how they were chosen.
- US trails for beginners: Beginner-friendly US hiking trails, from the Appalachian Trail to national parks like Zion.
- Hiking trails bucket list: Ten trails worldwide to add to a travel list, including the W Trek and The Narrows.
- New year hiking destinations: Hiking destinations to start the year, plus winter hiking tips.
- Yellowstone day hikes: Day hikes in Yellowstone for seeing wildlife, such as Lamar Valley and Mount Washburn.
- New Jersey hiking trails: Twenty-four New Jersey hikes, from Hacklebarney State Park to Mount Tammany.
- New Jersey's longest trails: New Jersey's longest trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Batona Trail.
- First hut-to-hut hike: How to plan a first hut-to-hut hike, including trail difficulty, length and elevation gain.
Fitness, health and weather safety
- Sore calves after hiking: Why calves get sore after hiking, including fatigue and dehydration, and how to ease it.
- Hiking versus running: Compares the physical, mental and social benefits of hiking and running.
- Hiking and glute strength: How hiking engages the glutes and how to turn hikes into glute workouts.
- Too hot to hike: Factors that decide when temperatures are too hot for hiking, and how to prepare.
- Hiking and calf muscles: How hiking works the calf muscles, and the benefits of stronger calves.
- Hiking training for seniors: A training approach for senior hikers: assess fitness, set goals and build a plan.
- Dangers of backpacking: Physical and environmental backpacking dangers, with safety precautions and emergency preparedness.
- Toning legs by hiking: How hiking affects leg muscles and tips for toning your legs on the trail.
- Hiking and core strength: How hiking engages your core and tips for getting more core work.
- Hiking in high temperatures: Preparing for and staying safe on hot hikes, with post-hike care.
- Cold weather hiking: Planning a cold-weather hike, with essential gear from boots to base layers.
- Hiking in the rain: The benefits and risks of rainy hikes, plus preparation and safety tips.
- Building muscle by hiking: How hiking builds muscle, with tips including weighted vests and terrain choice.
- Muscles hiking works: Which muscle groups hiking works and how to get more from it.
- Strengthening knees for hiking: Knee anatomy and strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges and leg extensions.
- High altitude hiking prep: Training tips for high-altitude hikes: fitness assessment, endurance, strength and balance.
- Hiking tips for seniors: Preparation, trail choice, packing and conditioning tips for older hikers.
Backpacking, food and water
- Hiking water calculator: How to work out your water needs for a hike, with examples and hydration tips.
- Food for hiking days: What to eat before, during and after a hike.
- Backpacking food list: A backpacking food list, including options for dietary restrictions and packing tips.
- Average backpack weight: Average pack weight for thru-hiking, backpacking and hiking, empty and loaded.
- Dry bags for backpacking: How many dry bags to bring, from assessing gear to sizes and materials.
- Salty snacks for hiking: Why salty snacks can help on a hike and how to choose and use them.
- Keto backpacking food: Low-carb meal and snack ideas for backpacking trips.
- Average backpacking weight: What average backpacking weight looks like, with tips for reducing it.
- How much food to bring: Working out how much food to bring, starting from caloric needs.
- Carrying water while backpacking: Water bottles, bladders and filter systems compared for carrying water while backpacking.
- Camping gear for backpackers: Choosing lightweight, compact packs, tents, sleep systems and cooking gear.
