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.
New Zealand's 10 Great Walks span 915 km of fiordland, volcanic plateau and rainforest. Here's how to book, prepare and choose the right trail in 2026.
Read articleZone 2 cardio at 60–70% of max heart rate is the most effective way to build the aerobic fitness needed for long hiking days. Here's exactly how to train with it.
Read articleThe Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus is the best satellite communicator for hikers in 2026. Compare Garmin, Zoleo and SPOT on price, messaging and plans.
Read articleThe best sun hoodies for hiking in 2026 block 98% of UV while staying breathable and light. Top picks from Ketl Mtn, Cotopaxi, REI and Icebreaker compared.
Read articleThe MSR PocketRocket 2 is the best backpacking stove for 2026. Compare canister, alcohol and integrated stoves on weight, boil time and price.
Read articlePlan your Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2026: start windows, costs, Hurricane Helene trail conditions, gear essentials and training tips covered.
Read articleThe best hiking socks of 2026 compared — Darn Tough, Smartwool, Injinji and Farm to Feet tested on blister prevention, durability and multi-day comfort.
Read articleThe best ultralight sleeping bags of 2026 weigh 340–510 g with genuine 15–20°F ratings. Sea to Summit Spark leads; Zpacks Classic is the lightest.
Read articleThe best ultralight rain jackets for hiking, ranked by weight — waterproofing, breathability and packability, with top picks and budget alternatives.
Read articleThe best backpacking water filter of 2026 is the Sawyer Squeeze at 85 g, rated for 100,000 gallons. HydraPak UltraFlask leads for on-the-go drinking.
Read articleBest hiking headlamps of 2026: Black Diamond Spot 400-R leads at 86 g with IP67 waterproofing. The Nitecore NU25 UL is the lightest at just 28 g.
Read articleEverything you need for the Tour du Mont Blanc: the stages, distance, elevation, best time to hike, huts and a free GPX — a practical TMB planning guide.
Read articleThe best lightweight backpacking tents of 2026 weigh 650g–1.1 kg. The Durston X-Dome 1 and NEMO Dragonfly lead for weather protection and livability per gram.
Read articleThe Camino Francés covers 780 km in 30–35 days with 530,791 pilgrims completing a Camino route in 2025. Budget €900–€1,400 for the full French Way in 2026.
Read articleHikers burn 400–700 kcal/hr and need to refuel every 60–90 minutes. The best trail snacks hit 500–700 kcal per 100g from nuts, dates and dark chocolate.
Read articleThe Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT at 340 g and R-value 4.5 leads our 2026 sleeping pad rankings. Full comparison across weight, warmth, and value.
Read articleThe lightest backpacking tent of 2026 is the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV2 Carbon at 530 g. Compare the top 6 ultralight shelters tested this season.
Read articleThe Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L at 510 g leads our 2026 ultralight backpack rankings. Full comparison of weight, volume, and frame type for thru-hikers.
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