Hiking trail guides, gear reviews, packing tips and route planning advice. Everything you need to plan your next multi-day hike — from the HikeLoad team.
Olympic National Park has rainforest, alpine and Pacific coast trails in one park. Day hikes need no permit; backpacking needs one via Recreation.gov.
Read articleVia ferrata requires three items: a ferrata set with energy absorber, a climbing harness and a certified helmet. This 2026 guide explains what to buy.
Read articleNight hiking opens up cooler temperatures and star-lit trails. This 2026 guide covers headlamp specs, beam modes and how to plan a safe hike after dark.
Read articleCarb loading for hikers, explained simply: how much, when, and what to eat before a big day or multi-day hike to keep your energy from crashing.
Read articleOmega-3 may help reduce inflammation and support joint recovery in active hikers. This 2026 guide covers EPA vs DHA, daily dosage and how to get omega-3 from backpacking food.
Read articleJordan Trail: 650 km through Wadi Rum and Petra. In 2026, the 5–7-day Wadi Rum to Petra section is the best starting point for first-time trekkers.
Read articleSleep loss reduces endurance and makes the same trail feel harder. This 2026 guide covers sleep systems, backcountry routines and recovery strategies for multi-day hikers.
Read articleThe lightest viable backpacking cook system in 2026 weighs under 215g total. Our guide compares canister, alcohol and integrated stove systems by weight, boil time and fuel cost.
Read articleAfter 50, your muscles need more protein per meal and your thirst reflex weakens. Here's how to fuel multi-day hikes differently in 2026 based on current sports nutrition research.
Read articleA 7-day backpacking food bag should weigh 4.9–5.6 kg total and deliver 2,800–3,500 calories per day. Here is a complete day-by-day plan with foods, weights and resupply strategy.
Read articleArmenia is 2026's most underrated hiking destination in the Caucasus. The Transcaucasian Trail, 4,090m Mount Aragats and Dilijan's forest monasteries reward early visitors.
Read articleA StairMaster at moderate resistance simulates 900–1,200 feet of vertical gain per 30 minutes — more trail-specific than any other gym machine. Here's an 8-week indoor plan.
Read articleThe Pembrokeshire Coast Path spans 186 miles of Wales's dramatic coastal scenery. Our 2026 planning guide covers stages, gear and best sections to walk.
Read articleHiking in Olympic National Park: the best trails across rainforest, coast and alpine country, distances, the best time to go and how to plan your visit.
Read articleWide-toe-box hiking shoes prevent blisters and black toenails on long trails. Our 2026 guide compares Altra, Hoka and Topo for hikers with wide or high-volume feet.
Read articleThe Ausangate Circuit is a five-day high-altitude trek around Peru's sacred Ausangate (6,384 m), crossing Palomani Pass at about 5,170 m.
Read articleAll four Sentiero Azzurro sections are open in 2026: 12 km end to end, Via dell'Amore included (€5). Official status, fees and the quietest hours to walk.
Read articleGarmin GPSMAP 66i, Oregon 750t, Suunto Traverse Alpha and inReach SE+ compared on battery life, maps and satellite SOS — and which one fits your hikes.
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