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Layering for Hiking: What to Wear for Every Season of Your 52 Hikes

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

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

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

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

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

Aging Outside: How Women Over 50 Are Reclaiming the Outdoors Through Hiking

Aging Outside: How Women Over 50 Are Reclaiming the Outdoors Through Hiking

Are you ever too old to get outside?

Absolutely not! Aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, aging is an invitation to embrace the years ahead with intention. It is an opportunity to set goals for your next chapter of life and seek to find what fills your cup and fuels your adventurous spirit.

In our humble opinion, hiking is the perfect way to do just that!

After all, spending time in nature has all kinds of healing benefits for people of all ages.

  • Physical activity helps keep joints healthy and mobile.
  • Being outside helps you unplug and be in the present moment.
  • Spending time outdoors can help improve cognitive function.
  • Taking a walk in nature can lessen stress and anxiety.

And so much more.

Even though we know getting outside is great for all ages, we don’t often see the 50+ community represented in outdoor content – especially women.

That’s why Over 50 Outside was created.

Summer Hiking, Camping & Backpacking: Hydration Systems for Your Outdoor Adventures

Summer Hiking, Camping & Backpacking:  Hydration Systems for Your Outdoor Adventures

This blog is published in partnership with Hydrapak Did you know it’s recommended for the average person to consume two liters of water per day wi...

Gear Review: The Oboz Katabatic Hiking Shoes - Trail Tested & Approved for Your Summer Hikes

Gear Review: The Oboz Katabatic Hiking Shoes - Trail Tested & Approved for Your Summer Hikes

Are you ready to hit the trails this summer?

Whether you’re signing up for the 52 Hike Challenge Summer Series or continuing to crush your 2023 hiking challenge, you will be getting out there a lot this summer – at least once a week!

That’s why it’s so important that your feet are comfortable while you’re exploring. That way, you can focus on enjoying all your hikes instead of stressing about hot spots and blisters.

Temperatures are warming up, and it’s the perfect time to trade in your hiking boots for a lighter, more breathable option.

Luckily, we took it upon ourselves to research the very best summer hiking shoe for you and your 52 Hike Challenge summer hiking adventures:

The Oboz Footwear Katabatic Collection.

Spring Hiking Guide: Rain, Wildflowers, Mosquitoes & More

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!

Laces for Hiking Boots: Techniques, Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Fit

Laces for Hiking Boots: Techniques, Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Fit

Did you know there are multiple ways to lace your hiking boots depending on your adventure?

It’s true: the way your boots are laced is just as important as how they fit. For many of us, we simply lace them up like regular shoes, knot them twice for added security, and hit the trails.

But what if we told you there are strategic ways to lace your boots so you can trek comfortably for long distances and prevent blisters and other hiking-related injuries?

In this blog, you will learn the anatomy of laces for hiking boots + discover various lacing techniques that will help you…

  • Prevent heel slip
  • Increase ankle support
  • Reduce pressure on the top of your foot
  • Keep hot spots and blisters at bay
  • So much more

Whether you’re hiking a rocky mountain or traversing multiple water crossings, get ready to lace up and hit the trails for your 52 Hike Challenge.

Read on to learn all the ways to keep your feet happy during your hiking challenge!

Influential Women In The Wilderness: 52 Hike Challenge Celebrates Women’s History Month

Influential Women In The Wilderness:  52 Hike Challenge Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month!

To celebrate, we are highlighting some of the most influential women in the wilderness. 

Keep reading to learn about Female Founders, Thought Leaders, Community Builders, and Pioneers in the Outdoors.

Your Ultimate Hiking First Aid Kit: How to Treat Minor Injuries & What to Carry on the Trail

Your Ultimate Hiking First Aid Kit: How to Treat Minor Injuries & What to Carry on the Trail

Did you know a first aid kit is one of the 10 Essentials you should always carry on any outdoors adventure?

Today you’ll find out everything you need to know about one very important hiking essential: your outdoors first aid kit.

Get ready to find out:

  • What to carry in your hiking first aid kit
  • How to treat minor cuts, scrapes and blisters while on-trail
  • A trail-tested and approved product to carry with you on your hiking adventures