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Hear From Our Hiking Community: Are Morning or Evening Hikes Better & Why?
Do you like to wake up before the sun and start your hike in the crisp morning air? Or do you prefer to snooze your alarm and hit the trails later in the day to witness a painted sky sunset and see the stars?
Both times of day have their benefits.
When you hike in the morning, you can see the sunrise and hear the birds waking up with the day. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, and you’ll likely encounter less crowds. This means a better chance at scoring a parking spot at populated trailheads. Plus, you’ll have more daylight to take a full day hike.
If you hit the trail in the evening, you’ll see sunset, and if you stay out into the night, you’ll enjoy lots of solitude while you gaze at the moon and stars. This hiking time also presents weekday hiking opportunities for those who have full time jobs, making the trails more accessible for those who work from 9 to 5.
So, which hiking time do you prefer?
We teamed up with Oboz Footwear to ask YOU - our community - which time of day makes for a better hike: in the early morning or late afternoon?
Read the blog to find out and get hiking tips for your morning & evening hiking adventures.
Animal Encounters While Hiking: A Majestic Experience or a Misadventure?
Are you always on the lookout for forest friends while hiking?
Whether you want to see wildlife or not, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings so you don’t startle or get startled by a wild animal.
With recent reports of bison goring over-curious tourists and viral videos of mountain lions stalking hikers, we’d like to take a moment to educate you on what to do if you encounter wild animals while on the trail.
We share all of this not to scare you but to remind you that wild animals are just that: wild. They are unpredictable, and as hikers, we are visitors in their home.
Most times, wildlife sightings are a wonderful experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Witnessing wildlife from a distance can be incredibly moving. But when you get too close to wild animals, it can be unsafe for you, those around you, and for the animals in question.
Generally speaking, it’s always wise to maintain space between you and wild animals. Appreciate them from a safe distance the way nature intended.
But what about when it’s too late to create space between you and the animal?
In this informational blog, you will learn:
- What is considered a “safe distance” away from animals
- How to minimize your risk of an animal encounter
- What to do if you encounter a wild animal
- What to do in the event of an animal attack
Not only will this information keep you and others safe, but it will positively impact the well-being and longevity of wild species.
Rain Gear Recommendations for Your 52 Hike Challenge
Hiking year-round means you’ll encounter all the elements throughout your 52 Hike Challenge: you will have some sunny days and some rainy ones.
While you might find it more challenging to get outside when it’s cloudy or if precipitation is in the forecast, hiking in the rain can actually be a relaxing and enjoyable experience – with the proper preparation and gear.
This blog is dedicated to the days when you might make an excuse to stay inside, but these gear recommendations will change all of that. In fact, once you have rain gear, you might even look forward to the “less desirable” days on the trail.
In this rain gear guide, you will discover…
- What rain gear is and why it’s useful for your hiking challenge
- The difference between water resistant, water repellent & waterproof
- The anatomy of a rain jacket including layers and materials to look for
- Our favorite rain jackets for men and women
- Gear recommendations for gaiters, rain covers and much more
- Additional tips for what to wear in wet conditions
Now it’s time to gear up so you can stay dry while hiking towards 52.
Hiking Tips: How to Clean & Re-Waterproof Your Hiking Gear
Are you giving your hiking gear the care it deserves?
You're going to be using your hiking boots, shoes and other hiking gear a lot during the 52 Hike Challenge – with a full year of weekly hikes (52 to be exact), your gear will be getting a lot of love!
This means your hiking gear will naturally wear and start to lose its waterproofing. But this doesn’t mean it’s time for new gear — it simply indicates it’s time for you to give it a glow up.
When you regularly clean and re-waterproof your gear, you extend its life expectancy so you can use it on many more hiking adventures to come.
Not only will this save you the money of buying all new gear (we know how quickly it adds up), but it will also help you recreate in a sustainable way.
So, how can you keep your gear clean and maintain its optimal water repellency?
In this new hiking blog, you will discover:
- The importance of cleaning water repellent gear
- Tips and tricks for extending the life of your waterproof hiking gear
- What DWR is and how it works on your technical gear
- How and when to reapply DWR to your gear
- How to use technical cleaning & waterproofing products
And more!
Hiking Footwear: 5 Questions to Ask When Selecting Your New Hiking Shoes or Hiking Boots
We heard you might be looking for a new pair of hiking boots or shoes. Good news: we partnered with Oboz Footwear to answer your questions about selecting the right hiking footwear for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you’re brand new to our favorite pastime, this blog will help you understand which shoes and boots will work best for your specific hiking needs.
Get ready to learn how to select the most supportive and comfortable hiking footwear for you.
Spring Hiking Guide: Rain, Wildflowers, Mosquitoes & More
‘Tis the season for more sunshine and time spent outside. It’s also the season for more mud and mosquitoes. But that shouldn't hold you back from continuing your 52 Hike Challenge.
In this Spring Hiking Guide, we’ll equip you with all the tips, tools and resources you need for hiking during this season of greener grass and blooming wildflowers.
From gearing up for the rain to repelling pesty insects and enjoying wildflower blooms responsibly, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re taking 52 hikes throughout the year or you’re crushing the 52 Hike Challenge Spring Series, this information will be helpful for you to enjoy the outdoors throughout the season.
Get ready to learn about rain gear, wildflower etiquette, mosquito deterrents and more!
Trekking Poles: Trusted Trail Companions for Your Hiking Challenge
When you’re hiking uphill, do you ever wish you had an extra boost? Do your knees ever hurt when you’re going down the mountain? Do you want to transform your 52 hikes into a full body workout?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, trekking poles are a great gear investment for you.
If you don’t have any experience with trekking poles or if you’re curious to learn more about their significance, you’ll find out everything you need to know in our latest hiking blog.
Get ready to learn…
- What trekking poles are
- Who can benefit from trekking poles
- How to use trekking poles for hiking
- The many types of trekking poles
- Trekking pole gear recommendations
Whether you want to get your arms involved in your 52 hikes or if you’re in need of a little more support for your lower body, trekking poles will be a friend to you.
Layering for Hiking: What to Wear for Every Season of Your 52 Hikes
Are you the best dressed on the trail? We’re not talking about looking fashionable while hiking – we’re referring to wearing layers so that you can keep hiking in all kinds of weather.
Since the 52 Hike Challenge runs all year long, you’ll be hiking in every season. This means your layering system will vary depending on the time of year. Whenever you step foot outside for a day in the outdoors, you’ll want to ensure you’re wearing a solid system of layers.
In this blog, we will discuss hiking clothing and how to layer strategically so you always stay comfortable on your 52 hikes. You will get hiking outfit ideas for every season, and you will learn how to layer for optimum protection from the elements.
Get ready to discover:
- The importance of layering for hiking
- The main hiking layers to wear on the trail
- Tips for layering in every season, including winter hiking layers
- Layering systems for cold weather, warm weather, wet weather and more
- Hiking clothing recommendations for every layer
The Dos and Don’ts of Hiking With Dogs and Other Pets
Step into nature with your four-legged hiking buddy and enjoy all the benefits!
When you bring your dog, cat, goat, hedgehog, etc. on your hikes, it can be a very special and rewarding experience for both of you. It will be difficult to tell who loves it more — you or your pet!
Have you hiked with a pet before? Do you know the dos and don’ts of bringing pets on the trail?
In order for hiking with dogs and other pets to be enjoyable, it’s important for you to be informed. In this blog, you will learn how to hike with your pet responsibly.
Keep yourself, your pet, and others safe by learning The Dos and Don'ts of Hiking With Pets right now.
Your New Hiking Backpack: How to Pick the Right Pack for Your 52 Hikes
Now that you’re signed up for the 52 Hike Challenge, it’s time to gear up for all of your 52 hikes!
There’s a lot of gear out there and you definitely don’t need to buy everything all at once, but there is one necessary item you may want to invest in right away: a hiking daypack.
From water and snacks to a rain jacket and sunscreen, your hiking backpack will enable you to carry the Ten Essentials and anything else you may want to bring on your hiking adventures. For example, your camera and tripod, journal, hammock, etc.
When it comes to choosing the right daypack for you, there are many options in terms of size, comfort level, colors, specific uses, material and much more.
In this blog about choosing the perfect hiking daypack for you, we will cover…
- What to look for in hiking backpack design
- The ideal capacity for your hiking daypack
- Key features to look for in a hiking pack
- How to find a backpack that fits you
Plus, we’ll gear you up with details on some of our favorite packs, including why we love them and where you can find them.
After all, a reliable daypack is necessary for a fun and safe experience outdoors.
Get ready to learn everything you need to know before you choose a hiking daypack for your 52 Hike Challenge.
GPS for Hiking: A Guide for Navigating On-Trail
Embarking on a hiking adventure is an exhilarating experience, but ensuring you stay on the right path is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey.
GPS units have become indispensable tools for hikers, providing accurate navigation, real-time tracking, and essential information about the terrain. Your GPS can alert your loved ones if you need help, and it can assist in search & rescue should you ever get into an emergency situation.
When taking a commitment like the 52 Hike Challenge, we recommend you consider some form of GPS tracking for your adventures, and if you’re hiking alone, we believe it’s a mandatory piece of gear to carry. After all, Navigation (including a map, compass and GPS unit) is one of the Ten Essentials for hiking and outdoor recreation.
In this blog we will...
- Talk about your options when choosing a GPS for hiking
- Explore each GPS unit's unique features and benefits
- Discuss how to choose the right GPS for your hiking adventures
Winter Hiking Guide: Your Guide To Cold Weather Hiking During The 52 Hike Challenge
The 52 Hike Challenge runs all year long, which means you will likely be hiking in cold, snowy conditions during your hiking challenge.
If winter hiking sounds a little daunting to you, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get asked is how to stay committed to 52 hikes during the winter season.
Well, good news: we’re here to tell you winter hiking is actually a lot of fun! As long as you’re well-prepared, you will love getting outdoors in the wintertime.
In this winter hiking guide, you will learn:
- How to stay safe, warm and dry during winter hikes
- What to wear while hiking in cold and snowy conditions
- Gear essentials and recommendations for winter hiking
- Wintertime snacks and nutrition while on-trail
- Educational resources for winter hiking
And so much more
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