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 Dolomites rank #1 in Europe for 2026, with Slovenia's Julian Alps the fastest-growing alternative. Full guide to Europe's top 5 hiking destinations.
Read articleHikers burn 400-700 kcal per hour depending on weight, gradient, and pack load. Full calorie tables by body weight plus daily food strategy for multi-day hikes.
Read articleMost backpackers need 3,500–5,000 calories per day. A 75 kg hiker with a 15 kg pack on alpine terrain burns approximately 4,200 kcal in 8 hours. Here is how to calculate yours.
Read articleThe best backpacking tent of 2026 is the Durston X-Mid 1 at 624 g and $269 — pitches in 2 minutes, handles 60 mph winds. Full comparison of 7 leading shelters.
Read articleThe best trail runner for hiking in 2026 is the HOKA Speedgoat 7, updated with higher-energy-return foam. See how 6 top models compare on grip, cushion and durability.
Read articleThe best trekking poles of 2026 are the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon at 230 g per pole and $220 per pair. See how carbon compares to aluminium across 6 leading models.
Read articleThe HOKA Kaha 3 GTX leads our 2026 boot test. Full comparison of the top four waterproof hiking boots by weight, grip and value.
Read articleThe Durston X-Mid 2 Pro at 680 g tops our 2026 ultralight tent test. Full comparison of weight, livability and storm performance.
Read articleBuild a complete day-hiking kit for under $200 and an overnight setup for under $400 in 2026. Best budget picks by category, tested and ranked.
Read articleThe England Coast Path circles the entire English coastline across 2,700 miles. Best sections, seasonal tips and planning essentials for 2026.
Read articleTatra Mountains hiking in 2026: best routes (Rysy, Orla Perc), real daily costs and transport from Kraków — genuine Alpine summits 40–60% cheaper than the Alps.
Read articleTrail runners weigh 300-490 g less per pair than hiking boots and dry 3x faster. Find out which footwear wins for your next hike in 2026.
Read articleThe Fife Coastal Path: 187 km of Scottish cliff-top walking through fishing villages and St Andrews. Complete stage-by-stage guide for 2026.
Read articleGrindelwald sits below the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Discover the 5 best hiking trails in the region with distances, costs and season tips for 2026.
Read articleYou lose 500-1,500 mg of sodium per litre of sweat on trail. Learn how to use electrolytes correctly on long hikes to avoid fatigue and hyponatremia.
Read articleA 12-week strength programme for hikers targeting quads, glutes and calves. Reduce knee pain on descent and improve uphill power with 3 sessions per week.
Read articleThe Theth to Valbona hike in Albania: distance, elevation, difficulty, the best season and how to get there — a practical Accursed Mountains day-hike guide.
Read articleThe best ultralight backpack of 2026 is the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra at 567 g. Compare 7 sub-1 kg packs on weight, price and waterproofing.
Read article