Category
Gear
60 articles
Essentials
10 Fitness Gear Items for the Trail
There are hikers, and then there are fitness hikers. While regular hikers are concerned with packing the basics for a hiking trip, fitness hikers need to also make sure they have the best gear to aid their workouts. If you’re looking to get much more out of your hike by incorporating a fitness plan in, […]
1 min read · Feb 16, 2016 · hanalarock
Backpacking
Backpacking Gear You Can Live Without
There’s typically a hefty list of gear and supplies you’re going to need when you backpack. Most of the time, this stuff is necessary for comfort and safety. While some things come in handy, others are just unnecessary. There’s some things you can really go without and leave at home: This Hanging Cupboard: It might be […]
1 min read · Jan 14, 2016 · hanalarock
Backpacking
The SPARtool: A Lightweight Survival Tool
A student from the University of Utah has made headlines by creating a multi-purpose backpacking tool called the SPARtool. Though it’s not available yet, once you hear about it, you’re going to want to get on it as soon as possible. It’s no doubt that being in Utah alone is enough to inspire somebody to […]
1 min read · Jan 12, 2016 · hanalarock
2016
New Gear to Look Out for in 2016
A new year means more hiking goals, and with that, new gear to keep an eye out for. These days, technology is expanding quickly, and more and more useful gear and equipment for the trails are hitting the stores. With all that’s out there, it’s important to know what’s worth buying: Arc’teryx Acrux AR Boot […]
1 min read · Jan 7, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Getting Suited Up: Basic Winter Gear
Hiking during the winter means going out in conditions that are not always favorable by your current set of gear. The snow, ice, wind, and little visibility can take a toll on things, and you want to make sure that you’re prepared with only the most supportive and reliable gear. If you’re new to hiking […]
1 min read · Dec 17, 2015 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Choosing a Rain Jacket
A rain jacket is crucial when it comes to your health and comfort while hiking. Everyone who hikes knows that you need to layer up, but the outermost layer is the one that can be difficult to choose. If it rains while you’re on the trail you want to be prepared, because having to hike […]
1 min read · Nov 25, 2015 · hanalarock
Camping
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
Sleeping in a tent can be one of the great joys of the wilderness. If you don’t have the right sleeping bag, however, that joy can turn to misery quickly. There are a number of factors to take into account when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. Here are the main things that I look at […]
1 min read · Oct 9, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
First Time Gear for Beginner Backpackers: What to Invest In
If it’s your first time backpacking, it’s easy to get lost in all of the gear for beginner backpackers. Don’t get carried away with new gear. Necessary items can be difficult to decide on, especially when it comes to the price tag. You might find yourself saying, “I’ll get this for now, and I can […]
1 min read · Oct 6, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
Hiking Boots for Every Type of Backpacker
Every backpacker needs a good pair of hiking boots just as much as a good backpack. However, finding boots that are comfortable, affordable, and appropriate for your feet as well as the terrain you’re going to be hiking, can be a challenge. Before you start looking, know your brands and stores. REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, […]
1 min read · Sep 1, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
8 Gadgets For Backpackers That You Didn’t Know You Needed
Because one of the main reasons to pack a bag and head into the wilderness is to get away from civilization, the last thing backpackers are usually thinking about is what technology to bring along with them. Of course, some things are necessary – a compass or a GPS, a flashlight, a water bottle or […]
1 min read · Aug 28, 2015 · hanalarock
Backpacking
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
When you’re on the trail a good tent can be one of the most important items in (or sometimes on) your pack. Your tent provides you shelter from in-climate weather, privacy from other hikers and protection from bugs and (some) other critters out on the trail. Knowing how to choose a backpacking tent is a […]
1 min read · Jun 21, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
Knowing how to choose a backpacking stove can be an incredibly important consideration. Imagine, you’re out on the trail, packed with some of the best dehydrated food your local outfitter has to offer and the stove that you’re carrying has stops working on you. To paraphrase the movie Wild “great – cold mush.” Make sure […]
1 min read · Jun 15, 2015 · Ian Campbell