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 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 articleTour du Mont Blanc in 11 stages: 170 km and about 10,000 m of climbing. Stage distances, hut booking and half-board at about EUR 65-95 a night.
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 on manufacturer specs.
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.
Read articleThe 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 articleDistance, ascent, pace, surface, body size and carried load all affect hiking effort. An online tool estimates that effort; it cannot measure your personal...
Read articleA hiking calorie estimate and a whole-day food budget are different quantities. Your daily energy expenditure includes time walking, time resting and other...
Read articleThe best backpacking tent of 2026 is the Durston X-Mid 1 at 745 g and $269, with a fly-first pitch. Full comparison of 6 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 Pro 2 (509 g) leads our 2026 comparison. Weight, livability and storm performance of the three best ultralight tents, side by side.
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.
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