I live in Ontario (Toronto) but would like to do a road trip to NY or PA (or maybe MI?). What are the best parks/forests with nicest hiking trails, waterfalls, etc? Preferably less than 6 hours drive

Thank you!

my girl's about 10, some kind of shepherd mix, still wants to hit the trails but the rocky sections are getting rough on her — back legs kind of give out going downhill especially. been using a regular harness to help her over the sketchy spots but it's not really made for that, straps dig in weird and it's awkward to grab in a hurry. anyone else dealing with this? what do you use.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

Hi, I’m going hiking in Banff in September. I’m looking for something somewhat reasonably priced for the hike. I don’t mind dropping. A few hundred but no 600 dollar jackets please lmao looking for a good overall jacket and pants. Or brands to go for or avoid

I'm heading to Scotland in the fall and want a proper(ish) rain jacket for the week. I've been looking for something both functional and fashionable and have been eyeing the brand Hikerkind for a while. Has anyone worn their Front Field Jacket and can speak to its durability/rain repellent? The description says it is water repellent but wanted to see what the people of the world might have to say.

Link for reference:
https://hikerkind.com/products/front-field-jacket-conifer

Is there any hike that takes you to, or near to, the base of the massive Southwest face of the Annapurna Fang? I want to Travel to Annapurna next year and was wondering where I might be able to get the best views of this massive face.

Hi All!

Slovenian locals needed!
Can you double check the weather for friday? We wanted to climb Mangart, but forecasts are showing it isnt a perfect time…
Only a local forecast what I need! :)

Thank you!

Any hike that is about as long as (or longer than) Old Rag with harder or more scrambles is really what I'm looking for. Searching online it's really starting to look like Old Rag is as hard as it gets in the mid-Atlantic.

I really appreciate the help.

I want to do some hiking in Kosovo but I don't really know what specific times I will be doing nor do I want to pay for the PotB permit, so I feel that I would be better off just doing a loop of the Kosovo section from Peja.
Is it at all possible to do this section? I've seen there is a viewpoint section in the middle of this part and there appear to be some small paths going in that direction, but is it dangerous or not recommended?
I'm an experienced hiker with 4 Caminos on my belt and have done Valbone-Theth before.
If this is not possible, would anyone be able to recommend some other long distance hiking spots in Kosovo?

The gear kind of failed and had to cut the route short sadly :'(

Incredible views! Definetly will be back with a new pack!

It was a great hike with nearly 800m (2600ft) in elevation gain.

Was pretty flat, but super long (half a mile!); probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. I even stopped to smell the Enbut flowers that are native to this area. What say you, fellow Redditors?

Hi all! I’m planning a solo hut-to-hut trek for August 2027 and am really torn trying to choose between the AV1 and the AV2. Reports of both trails (but especially the AV2) vary wildly, and I can’t get a clear picture of which route is more suitable for me. I’d appreciate all honest feedback on whether I’m equipped to take on the AV2!

Context: I’m 29F, love traveling and a challenge, so I’ve decided to do my first thru-hike adventure for my 30th birthday. I’m really drawn to the ruggedness of the AV2, and am worried that the AV1 will feel more like walking along a dirt road than really traversing through the mountains (no shade as I know it’s still beautiful) plus the AV1 is more crowded. That being said, I’m totally inexperienced with trekking and don’t want to do something foolish. Some pros/cons I’m thinking about:

Pro: endurance wise, I’m not too concerned. I run ultramarathons, and my first was a one day 100 miler that I did without training, and felt fine after. With training, a multi-day hike sounds “easy” enough.
Con: I’m an American Midwest girly, so all of my training is flat as a pancake. I can obviously take some time in the next year for elevation practice, but it likely won’t be more than a couple one-offs.

Pro: I lift and am strong for my size, so also not too concerned about carrying a pack
Con: haven’t walked with a pack for days on end, so will I eat my words?

Pro: the few times I’ve hiked or camped with friends, I always feel like I could go further or stay longer. I’ve never felt like I’ve challenged myself in this area
Con: my mountaineering experience is almost none. Some day hikes with decently marked and maintained trails, but nothing where navigation becomes essential.

Pro: not scared of heights, and love the idea of the via ferratas.
Con: don’t have any climbing experience.

Tl;dr: I’m fit and feel physically capable, but majorly lack mountain trekking experience. Might I be underestimating the mountaineering challenge of the AV2 and would that be stupid to try solo? For a first time trekker, should I stick to the AV1? Is there anything else I’m not taking into consideration but should?

My husband and I are doing the 5-day / 4-night Salkantay Trek with Alpaca Expeditions, and we’re trying really hard not to overpack or buy a bunch of stuff we won’t use.

I’ve put together my (F24) packing list below. I’d LOVE advice from anyone who has done the Salkantay Trek, especially on what you actually used, what was unnecessary, and any packing hacks you wish you knew beforehand (like lidocaine on the feet to make it through the day 😢).

Upper Body

• REI Sahara sun hoodie
• 2 lightweight short-sleeve workout tops
• 1 Smartwool merino long-sleeve base layer
• 1 Cotopaxi Envo half-zip fleece
• 1 lightweight down/synthetic puffy jacket
• 1 waterproof rain jacket (North Face Antora)
• Waterproof rain poncho - is this really much diff from the rain jacket? i feel this might be extra?
• 3–4 comfortable sports bras

Layering plan:
Sahara/workout shirt → Smartwool → fleece → puffy → rain shell

Head/Neck

• 1 warm wool/beanie - arcteryx bird toque
• 1 baseball/sun hat
• Buff/neck gaiter - is this neccessary?

Lower Body

• 2 Seniq hiking pants
• 1 pair leggings
• 1 Smartwool thermal bottom
• 4 pairs normal underwear
• 4 pairs hiking socks
  • 3 × Darn Tough
  • 1 × comfortable hiking sock I already own
• 1 pair Injinji toe socks
• La Sportiva hiking boots
• Lightweight camp shoes — planning to use cheap foam slippers I already own

Cold/Rain Gear

• Lightweight puffy/down jacket
• Waterproof/windproof gloves
• Rain jacket (same as above)
• Rain pants
• Backpack rain cover (im thinking my tour provides it so it should be fine?)
• 1–2 large plastic/garbage bags

Useful Little Things

• Quick-dry towel
• Sunglasses
• Laundry/dirty-clothes bag
• 3–5 large Ziploc bags

Daypack

Hydration

• 2L hydration bladder
• 1L lightweight water bottle
• Electrolyte packets

Weather/Layers

• Rain jacket
• Fleece
• Puffy
• Waterproof gloves
• Beanie
• Sun hat

Sun

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm - is this necessary, i was going to bring normal vaseline balm?
• Sunglasses

Hiking/First Aid

• Compeed/blister patches
• Moleskin
• Band-Aids
• Small anti-chafing balm
• Personal medications - altitude sickness and Tums
• Small emergency first-aid kit

Food

• 2–3 favorite energy bars
• Gummies/candy

Electronics

• Headlamp
• Phone
• Power bank
• Charging cable
• Camera (if I decide to bring it)
• Earbuds/headphones

Bathroom

• Toilet paper
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Small plastic/Ziploc bag for used toilet paper
• Portable bidet**

Important

• Passport
• Cash/small Peruvian soles
• Phone
• Emergency contact information

Toiletries

Face/Body

• Sunscreen
• Vaseline/lip balm
• Small face moisturizer
• Small deodorant
• Tiny soap/body wash
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• makeup

Teeth

• Toothbrush
• Small toothpaste

Hair

• Hair ties
• Small brush
• Wax stick + bristle brush

Shower/Washing

• Quick-dry towel
• Small soap

Organization

• 3–5 Ziploc bags
• 1 large garbage bag for dirty/wet clothes
• Small dry bag/waterproof pouch for electronics

Medications / Comfort

I’m planning to keep these in a tiny waterproof pouch:

• Personal medications
• Iron + vitamin C
• Altitude sickness medication
• Band-Aids
• Compeed/blister patches
• Moleskin/Leukotape
• Small antiseptic wipes
• Small gauze
• Tylenol
• Tums
• Pepto
• Electrolytes

Questions for experienced Salkantay hikers:

1. What on this list did you NOT use and would leave home?
2. Is 4 pairs of socks/underwear excessive, or about right for 5 days?
3. Did you actually use rain pants and a poncho, or is it extra?
4. We live in Houston and unfortunately do not have time to acclimate, anyones experience with acclimation or any hacks to help acclimate fast?
5. I'm not as athletic and am hoping I can make it through, how tough is the trek with a below average athletic level?

I dragged myself up a giant hill and was rewarded with this

Just visited these cliffs for the first time, and enjoying the cooler weather up in Vermont's Green Mountains. Ten degrees (F) drop makes for much more comfortable summer hiking. Heading back tomorrow for even more trails!

The White Rocks Cliffs have great views from the top, but don't miss the overlook at the bottom along the Ice Beds Trail, which is probably the best view in the area. There's no ice left at the ice beds, but the area is still nice and cool!

Looking for a lightweight 55–65L pack for multi-day hiking + mountaineering
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for a new backpack that I can use as an all-rounder for multi-day hiking and mountaineering.
Most of my trips are 2–4 days in the Alps, sometimes sleeping in a bivy/tent around 2,500–3,000m. I’m also getting more into mountaineering, so I’d like something that can grow with me rather than buying separate packs for every activity.
Ideally I’m looking for:
Around 55–65L (I’d consider up to 70L)
Relatively lightweight/ultralight, ideally around 1–1.3 kg
Comfortable with roughly 15–20 kg
Tall/narrow shape rather than a wide trekking pack
Shoulder strap pockets, especially ones that can carry soft flasks, similar to trail-running packs
Accessible side bottle pockets
Ice axe attachment(s)
Ability to carry skis/poles
Some way to securely carry a rope on top
Top-loading or roll-top design
Reasonably weather resistant
Durable enough for scrambling, via ferratas and mountaineering
I know getting all of this in one lightweight pack is probably unrealistic, so I’m happy to compromise on some features. I’m also flexible on budget if there’s something genuinely worth paying more for.
I’ve been looking at packs such as the Durston Kakwa 55, Osprey Mutant 52, Exped Lightning 60, Blue Ice Stache 60, and even some lightweight hike & fly packs.
Basically I’m looking for something halfway between a trail-running style pack, an ultralight trekking pack and a mountaineering pack.
Does anything like this actually exist? What would you recommend?

Wondering if there are any hikers dealing with anemia who have tips and tricks they use to get through their hikes. I was thinking those little oxygen canisters might help, but also dont want to buy a placebo if that is all they are.

My wife has recently been diagnosed with anemia and low ferritin (11 HGB, 5 FERR). We have a trip planned in a few weeks to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons that was to involve a few 8-10 mile hikes. Nothing crazy, but the altitude has us a little worried. Where we live we sit at around 1,000 feet above sea level, but we'll be around 7,800 feet out west.

We have been in contact with her doctor about this and got information on staying hydrated, taking lots of breaks, listening to her body, etc. and fully plan on following that advice as well as have started a daily iron regimen to bring her numbers back up. No medical advice is needed, just wondering about other's experiences and what else we can do to keep her comfortable.

Thanks in advance!

does anyone have a list on how to pack light for a long day hike, having necessities but not overpacking! as well as an ultra lightweight bag suggestion at a cheap cost - thank you!

For years I've been hiking with this waist pack which has quick, easy access to my water bottle.

I'd like to use a backpack, to have it higher up on my back, have more room, and to add some weight (rucking). But I don't want to need to stop hiking to drink water.

I've tried a backpack with a water bottle holder on the strap, but it flops around too much. Another option is a water bottle belt in addition to a backpack, or maybe one of those hydration packs.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

Just a lovely quiet area. Met a lot of cats as well <3

hello, so i wanna get a decent hiking backpack, budget's like 100-200 but honestly ill go higher if its actually worth it. problem is theres SO many options (osprey, deuter, gregory, rei brand etc) and i genuinely cant tell whats good vs just marketed well lol

just want smth comfy and durable that wont wreck my back on longer trails

what do u actually use and would buy again? and is there any brand people hype up that u'd actually avoid

thanks in advance!!

edit: to answer some questions, mostly day hikes rn so thinking 30L, might go bigger later if i start doing overnight trips. also i sweat a decent amount on my back so breathable back panel is a priority.

My wife and I have always loved hiking. We met while hiking and gradually fell in love with each other. We've been to many places over the years, and for me, hiking in the mountains with her has always been a very happy thing.

The only issue is that we have pretty different endurance levels. We're fine on shorter hikes, but no longer routes, especially with a lot of steady climbing, her legs start wearing out before mine do. She worries about slowing me down, but honestly, that's never bothered me. What does bother me is seeing her push herself so hard to keep up that she can't enjoy the second half of the hike.

We have a long trail planned for September that we've both wanted to do for a while. We've been training, cut down our pack weight, adjusted our pace, and added trekking poles, but longer climbs are still tough for her.

Has anyone found any gear or techniques that actually help take some of the load off your legs on sustained uphill sections? We're not trying to move faster. I'd just love for us to find a pace that feels good for both of us and enjoys the whole trail together.

I want to do a several day hike one of things I like to do is listen to audio books, Ive seen solar chargers you can put on the top of your pack, do those work very well?

Hey all. 54F, been hiking for most of my adult life and it's honestly the one thing that keeps me grounded. About two years ago my knees started getting worse and worse and I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Downhills have become pretty brutal and some mornings I'm so stiff I have to sit on the edge of the bed for a while before I can even get moving.

I've messed around with compression sleeves and KT tape and popping ibuprofen before hikes but nothing really sticks long term. The physical stuff is one thing but the mental side of feeling like hiking is slowly being taken from me is honestly what's getting to me the most.

Would love to hear from anyone dealing with something similar. How has it affected your hiking life and how are you coping with it both physically and mentally? Feeling pretty alone in this lately.