Hiking 101: Everything You Need to Head for the Hills

Forget camping out on the sofa all winter. Discover the great outdoors with these daypacks, hiking shoes, and more.

ROARING FIREPLACES AND loads of television just waiting to be binged can be powerful motivators to hibernate indoors all winter, but don't do that. Don't miss out on the wondrous winter wilderness just because it's a little nippy outside. The rewards for venturing outdoors during this season are immeasurable. Trails take on a unique character this time of year, and they're much less crowded, too. America has never had more public wilderness set aside for your enjoyment than it does right now, and no matter where you live, there are most likely trails near you.

Yet getting started can be daunting. Fear not. It's easier than you might think to stay dry, warm, hydrated, and safe. In this guide, we have recommendations for everything you need to take to the outdoors, whether it's just a peaceful afternoon hike or a roving weekend-long backpacking trip.

Be sure to check out the complete hiking gear list, written by Matt Jancer here.

LAST UPDATED

October 27, 2024

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Much of his work centers around telling stories of underserved voices. He documents indigenous stories, especially up in the Arctic, and stories from the BIPOC community that revolve around their connection to the outdoors.

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Get clean water during your adventures with this ultralight filter that removes 99.99999% of bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, leptospirosis, and e. Coli. It also removes 99.99999% of protozoa!

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Its a project where residents are given buckets that connect with water filter, a Sawyer PointONE model, that is designed to last over 20 years, effectively removing harmful bacteria, parasites, and protozoa.

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