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Are you just starting your #52HikeChallenge and need a little help finding trails and/ or planning your hikes?

Planning your hikes may seem challenging when you first begin the 52 Hike Challenge, but we're here to help.

Since you’re going to be getting outside a lot, we would like to guide you through how to plan your hikes and set goals to help you succeed on your 52 Hike Challenge journey.

Read on to start planning your hikes now!

Safety is the word when you're out on the trail. Which is why you must always (yes, always) carry your 10 essentials. But knowing exactly what to get, or even remembering to pack all of them, can be a overwhelming for some. Check out our gear review of the Stay Alive Hiker's Pack.

Do you know what to do if you encounter an aggressive animal on the trail? What about if your hiking partner shows signs of dehydration or heat stroke? What if a thunderstorm or wildfire comes out of nowhere?

While hiking is usually a pleasant experience full of great views and bonding time with your hiking buddies, the unexpected can happen at any time.

When you practice hiking safety, you reduce your risk of…

• Dehydration
• Heatstroke
• An animal attack
• Getting stuck in inclement weather 
• Getting lost in the wilderness

And much, much more.

 Of course, most of these hiking mishaps are out of your control. That’s why knowing how to react to hiking emergencies is not only important - it’s essential.

We want you to have fun and enjoy nature, but we also want you to be safe on the trails. 

Keep reading to learn…

• What to carry with you on ALL your hikes
• How to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and injuries
• What to do if you see a bear, mountain lion or rattlesnake
• How to plan for and react to extreme weather
• What to do if you get lost in the wilderness

And much more.

Now more than ever, it's so important to get kids in nature. Taking a hike can help kids boost creativity, improve mental wellbeing, increase physical fitness, and the list goes on! At 52 Hike Challenge, we are firm believers that nature heals. And it's time to share the healing power of hiking with our youth. Read on to learn about our NEW much-anticipated 52 Hike Challenge Kids Series now.

Shop naked and save the world! By that, we mean shop plastic-free. You can significantly reduce your plastic waste by shopping in the bulk food section. Shopping in the bulk food section will not only help you save money when grocery shopping, but it will dramatically reduce your food packaging waste. Learn the five simple steps to shopping bulk now.

We were humbled to see our name on Fox40 not too long ago, and we're so excited about our new partnership with Camp California! It's great to see that our hiking challenge is making a difference in the community. Read on to find trail recommendations from Camp California, and sign up for your 52 Hike Challenge 2020 now!

Havasupai Indian Reservation, surrounded Grand Canyon National Park, is known for its cascading waterfalls with crystal clear bright blue water. ...

There’s nothing quite like a good hike to clear the brain, recharge, take in the views and get those muscles working.

But with endless options of great hiking trails all over the U.S., it can be difficult to decide which one to tackle next. Of course, we all have our bucket list hikes, but there are some unique ones out there that might just offer you a fresh perspective — fire lookouts. 

Are you a hiker?

Do you know what the 7 Leave No Trace Principles are?

If you're taking on the 52 Hike Challenge, you should know these important guidelines. Think of the Leave No Trace Principles as a way to help you and your hiking buddies minimize your impact on wild spaces and protect the great outdoors. That way, we can all continue to enjoy nature for many years to come.

Guest Blogger: Kaitlin Musser I live full time in a Thomas short school bus that is a roomy 18 feet in length and less the 100 square feet of livin...

We know some of the activities we are asking you to do in our Kids Series might be new to you, so we have compiled some information and links to he...

Thank you for joining us this year for #OptOutside! Since the new Opt to Act initiative was such a success, now we are encouraging you to continue the effort into the new year and all year long! Join us and REI as we continue to Opt to Act into the new year. In this blog, you will discover the first of 52 action steps to help you Opt to Act all year! Clean up the trails, go on stewardship hikes, and give back to nature when you pursue your 52 Hike Challenge 2020. Read the blog to get started right now.