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Hiking

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Hiking is one of the simplest, most rewarding outdoor activities anyone can do. It doesn’t take much — just a good pair of shoes and an idea of where you want to go or what you’d like to see. Maybe you want to hike up a mountain just to see the morning sunrise – or perhaps you’re considering tackling the Pacific Coast Trail. Whatever your interest level, we’ve got all the best gear and advice to keep you enjoying your hikes.

Collection of survival food and dehydrated meals.

Stock up for emergencies with these great survival food packs

Having a survival food kit stashed away in your apartment or your car might come in handy sooner than you think. Here are the best survival food kits this year.
best water filter systems purifiers hiking camping backpacking young man checks alongside river

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

What to do when you see a bear on the trail this spring

A view of the waves and the mountains at Pescadero State Beach in Pescadero, California.

Here are the 9 best hikes in and around San Francisco to experience and enjoy

People kayaking down the river at the Big Bend National Park.

The most and least visited National Parks: See popular sites (or avoid crowds)

A waterfall forms as the waves hit La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California.

Here are the best beaches in San Diego for you to explore and enjoy

Guy wearing cotopaxi.

Why Cotopaxi has become my favorite outdoor clothing brand

is expensive winter gear worth it man camping in snow outside unsplash

Good investment or an elitist ripoff: Is expensive winter gear worth the money?

winter hiking boots

The best winter hiking boots: Don’t leave home without one of these great picks

Feet wearing Merino wool socks on a blue background.

The best merino wool socks (whether you’re hiking, skiing, or going to work)

Find the best places to rent outdoor gear.

Go green and save with the best places to rent your outdoor gear in 2023

winter camping tent snow sunrise

Winter camping: Everything you need for a safe trip

hari mari boots for fall and winter chelsea

These winter boots are the best of the best from Hari Mari this year

These winter boots are the best of the best from Hari Mari this year

Give your feet the warmth and style they deserve as you endure the fall and winter months with these must-have boots from Hari Mari.
Workouts for the Cold and Snow

These winter workouts get you out of the gym and into the great outdoors

These winter workouts get you out of the gym and into the great outdoors

Winter isn't the easiest time of year to get outside and stay fit, but these four ideas can help you to change it up this year and keep up your fitness journey.

Explore the winter landscape with our snowshoeing tips

Snowshoeing is a great winter alternative to skiing if you want to explore local trails on foot. These tips will help you to get started or hone your skills.
Closeup of campfire inside BioLite FirePit+ fire pit.

The surprise must-have item for your winter sports adventures

The surprise must-have item for your winter sports adventures

Ever wanted to warm up between ski runs? When tailgating at a ski resort, you need the best gear possible. The BioLite FirePit+ is this year's must-have.
The best gaiters are lightweight, waterproof, and durable to protect your legs and footwear.

The best leg gaiters for exploring the snowy outdoors this winter

The best gaiters keep your legs, feet, and footwear dry and protected while bushwhacking, post-holing, and extreme off-trail exploring.
Hiker in the snow.

Don’t let the season stop you: Our top picks for the best winter hiking gear

Winter hiking provides some of the best views and quietest trails of the year, but along with this comes the need for a whole different set of gear.
Woman jogging in winter holding a chemical hand warmer.

Keep your fingers toasty warm this winter with the 7 best hand warmers

Keep your fingers toasty warm this winter with the 7 best hand warmers

Serious cold demands serious heat. These battery- and chemical-powered hand warmers are the best way to keep your hands warm this winter.
The best heated clothing delivers portable all-day warmth.

The best heated clothing for your cold-weather adventures in 2023

The best heated clothing for your cold-weather adventures in 2023

Today's best heated clothing provides reliable, ultra-portable heating — usually battery-powered — for constant, all-day warmth in the winter.

Take a break at one of these U.S. National Parks this winter

Take a break at one of these U.S. National Parks this winter

Winter provides the most beautiful, peaceful, and picturesque landscapes at some of the most popular U.S. National Parks.
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Stay hydrated this winter with these fantastic insulated water bottles

Whether you're skiing, hiking, heading to the gym, or just in the office this winter, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
mount everest nepal

This is how much it actually costs to climb Mount Everest

We talked to mountaineer Alan Arnette and guide Garrett Madison to know what it takes to summit Mount Everest and how it feels to reach the top of the world.
lesser known us national parks humpback whale breaches the water  park of american samoa 2015 gallery

5 Little-Known National Parks That Are Cooler Than Their Overcrowded Brethren

More obscure national parks are just as majestic, but receive a fraction of the crowds. Try these little-known U.S. national parks in the Great Outdoors.
A close-up shot of a man running away from the camera. He is wearing blue jacket and carrying a blue backpack

In Review: Why My Go-To Ultralight Pack is the Montane Trailblazer LT

In Review: Why My Go-To Ultralight Pack is the Montane Trailblazer LT

The Montane Trailblazer LT is an ultralight pack for runners and hikers who want minimal fuss and maximum load bearing.
A person standing on a hill alone at sunset

Embrace the Summer With These 10 Microadventures

Embrace the Summer With These 10 Microadventures

Microadventures take place close to home and fit in the 5-9. Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of summer.
Person in hiking boots crossing stream in the woods

Here Are the Best U.S. Hikes Accessible in the Summertime

Here Are the Best U.S. Hikes Accessible in the Summertime

Summertime is here and it's time to hit the trail for a hike. Travel along with The Manual to find the best places to chew dirt during the sunny season.
Person with a trekking pole and backpack standing atop of a mountain, looking at a view of the forest

The Ultimate Guide for Fastpacking Success

The Ultimate Guide for Fastpacking Success

Here's our guide on how to fastpack. Learn what you need to consider before heading out on the trail.
Keen Men's Uneek leather sandals

Here Are the Best Shoes for Leaping Into Summer

Here Are the Best Shoes for Leaping Into Summer

The sun is out and warmth is in the air. Time to get outside with the best new men’s shoe releases to lace up and get going on the season’s best activities.
Two pairs of trekking poles resting on a large pile of rocks; there is a landscape of hills and mountains in the background.

Are Trekking Poles Worth It and Do You Need Them?

Are Trekking Poles Worth It and Do You Need Them?

Do trekking poles really help you while out on the trail? Here is our take on whether they're really worth the hype.
Columbia Fairbanks snow boots on a white background.

REI Is Having a SURPRISE SALE on Hiking Boots Today

REI Is Having a SURPRISE SALE on Hiking Boots Today

Today REI is hosting a surprise sale on some of the best brand names in men's hiking boots.
Person in hiking boots crossing stream in the woods

Here is the Gear You Will Need for Those Spring Hikes

Here is the Gear You Will Need for Those Spring Hikes

We’ve rounded up the best new gear for hiking (and camping and kayaking and whatever else you’re getting into) this spring.
Best National Parks Header Image - Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park

The 20 Best U.S. National Parks to Explore Now

The 20 Best U.S. National Parks to Explore Now

Soaring mountains, dune-covered deserts, glacial lakes, primeval forests, and red-rock canyons set the stage for special adventures in splendid national parks.
hiking poles backpack mountain

Hiking the Trail? Here’s 9 Tips for Safe Self-Navigation

Hiking the Trail? Here’s 9 Tips for Safe Self-Navigation

Getting lost on the trail can be a terrifying experience, particularly for solo hikers. But it’s also preventable with proper preparation.
Best Hiking and Backpacking Tents

The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping

The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping

The best backpacking shelters balance weight, bulk, affordability, and wet-weather protection.
What to wear camping

What to Wear Hiking: Menswear That Works On and Off the Trail

What to Wear Hiking: Menswear That Works On and Off the Trail

Want to gear up in style for your next hike? We did the leg work and found what to wear hiking. These picks work outdoors and in the city.
The "secret beach" at Ko Olina in Kapolei, Hawaii.

The Best Hiking Spots Across Hawaii, From the Big Island to Oahu

The Best Hiking Spots Across Hawaii, From the Big Island to Oahu

Heading to paradise, but want to spend time at more than just the beach? Check out some of the best hiking spots that Hawaii has to offer.
A hiker walking up toward a mountain.

The 6 Best Gifts For Hiking Enthusiasts

The 6 Best Gifts For Hiking Enthusiasts

Show a fellow hiker some love with our top 6 best gift ideas that will make their next journey memorable and exciting!
White and brown Timberland hiking boot on a white background.

This Timberland Hiking Boot Deal Cuts 18% Off the Price

This Timberland Hiking Boot Deal Cuts 18% Off the Price

Timberland's Men's Field Trekker Mid Hiking Boots are 18% off right now at REI, but this offer won't last long.
man hiking on rocky mountain peak

How To Prepare Your Body for a Long-Distance Hike

How To Prepare Your Body for a Long-Distance Hike

To fully enjoy a long-distance hike, you need to be physically prepared. Our guide will have you ready to hit the trail for days at a time.
A man and a woman eating snacks as they look ahead.

Fuel Yourself for the Trail Ahead and Avoid Hiker Hunger

Fuel Yourself for the Trail Ahead and Avoid Hiker Hunger

Here are our time-honored tips for keeping yourself fueled on the trail and avoiding hiker hunger and the sugar-crash cycle.
A view of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in Peru.

These are 8 of the Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

These are 8 of the Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

From Huayna Picchu in South America to El Caminito del Rey in Spain, these are the world's most dangerous hikes. Take yourself to the edge -- but not over it.
hiking-france

6 Exhilarating Hiking Movies To Inspire Your Next Trek

6 Exhilarating Hiking Movies To Inspire Your Next Trek

When you're stuck inside, get a bit of that wild charm by watching hiking movies (both fiction and nonfiction) that put the natural world front and center.
Best Hydration Packs

The Best Hydration Packs for Hiking, Trail Running, and Day Trips

The Best Hydration Packs for Hiking, Trail Running, and Day Trips

If you spend any time running or hiking outdoors, it’s time to get a real hydration pack. These are the best to buy in 2022.
A trail runner overlooks a rocky pathway up the next incline.

Fast and Light Overnight: A Newbie’s Guide to Fastpacking

Fast and Light Overnight: A Newbie’s Guide to Fastpacking

Going ultralight is the new trend, but what about fastpacking? Learn all you need to know about covering maximum distance, with minimal equipment.
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors.

Ditch the GPS: How to Navigate Using a Map and Compass

Ditch the GPS: How to Navigate Using a Map and Compass

No matter how advanced technology is, the age-old map and compass are indispensable. Learn how to use them with our quick and easy guide.
A majestic view of Zion National Park Angels Landing in Utah.

The 6 Best Day Hikes in U.S. National Parks

The 6 Best Day Hikes in U.S. National Parks

Hiking season is here and the trail awaits. Take in amazing natural experiences and stunning landscapes that only require day hikes through U.S. national parks.

This is How to Avoid Getting Sick While Camping

This is How to Avoid Getting Sick While Camping

Getting sick is never fun, but it is particularly unfortunate when you're out camping. Utilize these basic tips to stay safe and well in the outdoors.
beginners guide to mountain running close up of hand holding trail mix

Hit the Trails With These Homemade Trail Mix Recipes

Hit the Trails With These Homemade Trail Mix Recipes

Hit the trails this spring with your own homemade trail mix, customized to your tastes. Here are some easy-to-follow recipes to get you started.

The 15 Best Travel Pants for Literally Everything

The 15 Best Travel Pants for Literally Everything

To travel in comfort is to wear the best travel pants for every activity and environment, from finding comfort on the plane to embarking on adventure outdoors.

Snowsports

Camping

Snowboarding

Backpacking