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 backpack for the Abel Tasman in 2026 is a 30-45 L pack; hut sleepers want 30-35 L, campers 40-45 L for the 60 km coastal walk.
Read articleThe best thru-hikes in the United States in 2026 run from the 4,265 km Pacific Crest Trail to the 4,990 km Continental Divide Trail.
Read articleThe best time to start the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 is late April to mid-May northbound, timing the 4,009 m Sierra for a June entry.
Read articleThe Pacific Crest Trail packing list for 2026 targets a 4-6 kg base weight to cover 4,265 km of desert, Sierra snow and Cascade rain.
Read articleThe Pacific Crest Trail is a very hard 4,265 km thru-hike with 150,000 m of ascent; only about 60% of starters finish in a season.
Read articlePCT vs CDT 2026: the 4,265 km Pacific Crest Trail suits first thru-hikers, the 4,990 km Continental Divide Trail suits navigators.
Read articleThe best hikes in Zion National Park in 2026 include the 8.7 km Angels Landing chains route and the 16 km Narrows river walk.
Read articleThe best time to hike Angels Landing in 2026 is April to May or September to October, with 20-28 C highs and no icy chains.
Read articleThe Angels Landing packing list for 2026 covers a 8.7 km day hike: 3 L water, grippy shoes, gloves for the chains and sun protection.
Read articleAngels Landing is a strenuous 8.7 km hike with 453 m of climbing and a chained spine over 300 m drops; the danger is exposure, not distance.
Read articleAngels Landing vs Half Dome 2026: an 8.7 km exposed spine in Zion versus a 23 km cabled granite climb in Yosemite. Here is how to choose.
Read articleThe best coastal hikes in New Zealand for 2026 include the 60 km Abel Tasman Coast Track and the 78.4 km Heaphy Track.
Read articleThe best time to hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track in 2026 is December to March, with 20-24 C days, warm swimming and settled weather.
Read articleThe Abel Tasman packing list for 2026 covers a 60 km coastal Great Walk: light pack, swimwear, sandfly repellent and full rain gear.
Read articleThe Abel Tasman Coast Track is an easy 60 km Great Walk with gentle grades; the only real challenges are tidal crossings and distance.
Read articleHadrian's Wall Path is a 135-km coast-to-coast National Trail in northern England with roughly 2,400 m of ascent — easy to moderate over 6-8 days.
Read articleA complete Mount Whitney packing list for 2026: layers, permits, water and gear for the 35 km, 4,421 m climb as a day hike or overnight.
Read articleMount Whitney is a strenuous 35 km, 1,860 m climb to 4,421 m. This 2026 guide covers altitude, fitness and why most hikers turn back.
Read article