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.
Cut your base weight the smart way: 6 ranked changes that shed up to 5 kg, starting with a pack swap that saves 1.7 kg on its own.
Read articleThe best lightweight backpack for 2026 depends on your load, not the lowest gram count. Five picks from 510 g to 2,210 g, matched to base weight.
Read articleSouth Kaibab vs North Kaibab at the Grand Canyon: which corridor trail to descend, where the water is, and how to plan a rim-to-rim in 2026.
Read articleA practical head-to-head of the Salomon X Ultra 4 vs 5 hiking shoes — fit, outsole, waterproofing and which to buy.
Read articlePlan the 65.86 km Trans-Catalina Trail in California: book the ferry, reserve campsites from January 1, and pack water for dry Parson's Landing.
Read articleThe Routeburn Track is a 32 km, 2-4 day Great Walk over the 1,255 m Harris Saddle. Route stages, difficulty, best season and a hut packing list.
Read articleThe Kerry Way is a 214 km, 8-9 day loop around Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula. Route stages, difficulty, best months and a sub-8 kg packing list.
Read articleOregon's best hikes, from the 60 km Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood to South Sister and Columbia Gorge waterfalls — distances, permits and gear for 2026.
Read articleDownhill hiking hurts because descents multiply impact through the knee. 7 proven fixes: technique, eccentric strength, poles and lighter pack weight.
Read articleThe best approach shoes for 2026, ranked by grip, weight and durability — from the La Sportiva TX4 Evo to the Five Ten Guide Tennie.
Read articleFranconia Ridge has the better ridge walk; Mount Washington has the higher summit. Compare distance, gain and weather to pick your White Mountains day.
Read articleA head-to-head comparison of the Soto WindMaster and Soto Amicus canister stoves: weight, wind resistance, the micro-regulator difference, price and which...
Read articleMailbox Peak vs Mount Pilchuck: Mailbox gains ~4,000 ft over 9.4 mi, Pilchuck ~2,300 ft to a fire lookout. Which Washington climb to do first.
Read articleThe Jeju Olle Trail is a 437 km coastal route around South Korea's Jeju Island. Plan your routes, ride the island buses and budget your days.
Read articleThe best Grand Canyon hikes ranked for 2026 — from the easy Rim Trail to the 34 km Rim-to-Rim and the turquoise Havasu Falls, with distances and gear.
Read articleThe PCT runs 2,147 miles from the Campo terminus near San Diego to Cascade Locks, Oregon. How to reach the start and what the walk north really takes.
Read articleThe Carbon Z is the lighter fixed-length pole at 280g a pair; the FLZ trades grams for FlickLock adjustability. Weight, price and use-case verdict.
Read articleThe best ultralight backpack 2026: the 618 g Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 leads six sub-1 kg packs ranked by weight, frame, price and trail use.
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