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.
The 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 articleNo permit required: the Ausangate Circuit is a 75 km high-altitude trek around Peru's most sacred peak, reaching 5,200 m over 5–7 days.
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.
Read articleLearn to pitch the Zpacks Plex Solo and Durston X-Mid Pro 1 in under 5 minutes. Trekking pole shelters save 200–400 g over freestanding tent designs.
Read articleMake your own 5.5 kcal/g trail mix that outperforms commercial blends on calorie density and cost. Three recipes with full ingredient calorie tables.
Read articleA daily dose of 2–3 g EPA+DHA may help reduce exercise-related joint inflammation and support recovery. What the evidence says about fish oil for hiking recovery in 2026.
Read articleBulgaria's Rila and Pirin mountains offer Alpine-quality hiking at 20–30% of Swiss Alps costs. Seven Rila Lakes, Pirin Traverse and Musala summit guide.
Read articleThree weekly 30-minute kettlebell sessions build the hip-hinge power and single-leg strength hiking demands. An 8-week programme with 8 exercises.
Read articleThe Haute Route links Chamonix to Zermatt across 180 km and six mountain passes above 2,500 m in 11 stages. Complete 2026 hut-to-hut planning guide.
Read articleDown is warmer per gram and packs smaller; synthetic insulates when wet and costs less. Here's how to choose the right fill for hiking in 2026.
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