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.
Rucking — walking with a weighted pack — is 2026's fastest-growing hiking training method. A 10-week program improves VO2 max 6–8% and builds the posterior chain needed for mountain days.
Read articleMerino wool wins on multi-day odour control; synthetics dry faster and cost less. Here's how to choose the right hiking base layer for 2026.
Read articleThe Dolomites offer Europe's most dramatic hiking, from the iconic Tre Cime circuit to the 115 km Alta Via 1 traverse. Here's how to plan your 2026 trip.
Read articleWork out food weight from the calories on your actual food labels, then weigh the packed bag. There is no fixed food weight that supplies enough energy for...
Read articleThe W Trek in Torres del Paine covers 80 km in 4–5 days and is one of the world's great multi-day hikes. Here's everything you need to plan and book it for 2026.
Read articleStair climbing and treadmill incline sessions are the most effective gym-based hiking prep. This 6-week progressive plan builds uphill power and knee-saving descent strength.
Read articleThe Coros Apex 2 Pro matches the Garmin Fenix 8's trail navigation for $550 less. Four hiking watches compared on GPS battery, topo maps and weight.
Read articleMadeira packs 1,862 km of marked trails into 57 km of coast. The 5 best levada walks and mountain hikes for 2026, with distances, permits and how to plan.
Read articleMost hikers eat only 40–60 g of protein per day on trail, far below what's needed to prevent muscle breakdown. Here's how to close that gap with real food.
Read articleNew Zealand's 11 Great Walks cross 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 articleGarmin inReach Mini 3 Plus leads for 2026. Two-way messaging, SOS, battery life and subscription costs compared — and which device fits your hiking.
Read articleFive sun hoodies for hiking compared on UPF rating, fabric and fit: Ketl Mtn NoFry, Cotopaxi Sombra, REI Flash Shade, Icebreaker and Mountain Hardwear.
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 articleDarn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew tops our 2026 hiking sock test: 65 g merino, lifetime guarantee. Five pairs under $27 compared on blisters and weight.
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 Zpacks Vertice is the lightest rain jacket for hiking at 113 g; the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L wins on value. 6 shells weighed, priced and compared.
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