Hiking and Backpacking FAQs

Hiking is a recreational activity that involves walking for a long period of time on a trail which is usually located in the countryside. Hiking is a form of exercise that is natural and is deemed to promote physical fitness and emotional wellbeing. Hiking can sometimes be strenuous especially when it done on trails that are very hilly and mountainous.

Backpacking is a form of travel or hiking, where persons carry their belongings in a backpack. In the case of hiking backpacking, persons usually will hike for a period of time requires staying overnight. In this case, the backpacker will have a number of necessary items in his backpack such as a water, food, tent or hammock for sleeping, first-aid kit and other important supplies. In the case of travel backpacking, persons usually stay at accommodations that are inexpensive and explore their location via low cost means such as public transportation. The travel backpacker usually fits all his belongings for his travel journey in his backpack.

The longest hiking trail in the world is the Trans Canada Trail which is 14,912 miles (24,000 km). The Trans Canada Trail has 10 million square kilometers of various ecosystems, greenways, roadways, wilderness, waterways and terrain for exploration.

Feature: Beginners Guide to Backpacking

1. Eureka Space Camp 3
2.Marmot Limestone 4P 
2. Coleman Octagon 98
4. NTK Arizona
5. Ozark Trail 11
6. Coleman Cabin Ten with Easy Set-Up
7.  Coleman Sundome Tent
8.  Dream House
9. Outbound
10. Kelty All Inn

Here are the top 5 tents if you are backpacking solo.
1. Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid Tent – Ultralight, Double Walled, Backpacking and Thru Hiking Shelter
2. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL – Ultralight Backpacking Tent
3. MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
4. Nemo Dragonfly-Ultralight Backpacking 
5. Mis Mountain Inn -Portable Backpacking Tent with Footprint and Double Layer Waterproof

1. Mountain Hardwear Unisex Comfort Zipper Shifter 3 Tent
2. Marmot Fortress 3 Person Backpacking Tent
3. Marmot Crane Creek 3-Person Ultra Lightweight
4. Tentsile Stingray – 3 Person Portable Tree House Camping and Backpacking Tent
5. Kelty Night Owl Backpacking and Camping Tent- Lightweight Design Plus Oversized Doors with Spacious Interior

Bushnell Shield Series 9 Person / 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent CLICK HERE TO VIEW
EchoSmile Camping Instant 8/10 Person Camping Tent CLICK HERE TO VIEW
CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent CLICK HERE TO VIEW
CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent CLICK HERE TO VIEW
TETON Sports Sierra Family Tent CLICK HERE TO VIEW

1. Merrell Siren Edge Shoes-Excellent contour with support, stability and alignment CLICK HERE TO VIEW
2. Keen Targhee Vent Mid Hiking Boot- Extreme breathability for traverse in hot conditions CLICK HERE TO VIEW
3. Moab 2 Vegan Hiking Shoe – 100% fully vegan-friendly with supportive foot bed CLICK HERE TO VIEW
4. Vapor Glove 4 Sneaker (Variety of Colors and Design) -feel the texture of the earth CLICK HERE TO VIEW
5. La Sportiva TX2 Shoe-Designed for rock climbing on difficult trails CLICK HERE TO VIEW
6. ALTRA Superior 4 Trail Running Shoe-Great traction for miles of running CLICK HERE TO VIEW
7.Oboz Sawtooth Low BDry Shoe-Waterproof membrane to protect against puddles CLICK HERE TO VIEW
8.Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot-Designed to withstand snow, rain and mud CLICK HERE TO VIEW
9. Vasque Talus Trek Ultra Dry Hiking Boot-Great for super rocky terrain CLICK HERE TO VIEW
10. Columbia Bugaboot Plus Iv Omni-Patented temperature management system CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Hiking shoes are not good for walking because hiking shoes are designed for dirt surfaces, wearing hiking shoes on cement surfaces can result in the bottom thread being worn down very easily.

Hiking shoes are designed to withstand dirt and being soiled without getting damaged. Cleaning your hiking shoes can help the lifespan of your shoes to extend. The step to cleaning your hiking shoes are below:
1. Remove the insoles and lace
2. Remove deposits of dirt with a nylon brush
3. Immerse your hiking shoes in water
4. Use dish detergent and a toothbrush to scrub crannies and nooks

1. Ventura Pal lightweight Durable Travel Backpack
2. Osprey Atmos 65 AG
3.Osprey Levity 60
4. Deuter Aircontact Liite
5. Gregory Optic  48 
6. G4 Lightweight Backpack 
7. Ospray Exos 48
8. Eja 48
9.Paragon 48
10.Osprey Aether AG 70

The best hiking backpacks to carry toddlers are:
1. Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier for Hiking with Kids – Carry Your Child Ergonomically
2. ClevrPlus Canyonero Camping Baby Backpack – Carrier with Stand and Sun Shade Visor 
3. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Child Carrier -PerfectFIT Suspension System easily adjusts to fit both mom and dad
4. Osprey Poco Child Carrier– Built-in sunshade easily stores and deploys for UPF 50+ UV sun protection
5. Chicco Smart Support Backpack Carrier-Padded, vented lumbar support

The best hiking gps for 2020 is the Garmin GPSMAP 64s. It is ideally suited for remote hiking and is extremely accurate with excellent reception and a bright display.

The best hiking gps watch is the Garmin Instinct Solar. It has excellent battery life and can last up to 50 days with a regular amount of exposure to sunlight.

The best hiking gps tracker for 2020 is the Garmin GPSMAP 64s

1. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Adjustable Trekking Poles – Lightweight Quick Lock Walking Or Hiking Stick – 1 Set (2 Poles)
2. Trail Buddy Trekking Poles – 2-pc Pack Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks – Strong, Lightweight Aluminum 7075 – Quick Adjust Flip-Lock – Cork Grip, Padded Strap
3. Fit Life Nordic Walking Trekking Poles – 2 Pack with Anti shock and Quick Lock System, Telescopic, Collapsible, Ultralight for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Walking, Trekking
4. ETROL Trekking Poles-Adjustable Walking Sticks-Collapsible, Quick Lock, Antishock-2pc Pack, Strong, Lightweight Aluminum 7075, Cork Grip, Tips, Padded Strap, Bag Hiking Poles for Men & Women
5. Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles – Collapsible, Lightweight, Aluminum 7075 Hiking Poles, Walking & Running Sticks with Natural Cork Grips, Quick Locks, 4 Season/All Terrain Accessories and Carry Bag

Hiking poles are definitely worth it. If you are traversing in winter, hiking poles provide balance on trails that are snowy and slippery.

The best hydration pack for hiking is CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mountain Bike Hydration Pack – Easy Refill Hydration Backpack.

The best hiking hat which is highly rated in reviews is the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat.

The best and hiking hats for women that have been highly rated are:
1. GearTOP Fishing Hat and Safari Cap with Sun Protection
2. EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women, Sun Protection Wide Brim Bucket Hat Waterproof Breathable Packable Boonie Hat for Fishing
3. VICSPORT Women Sun Hat Wide Brim Bucket Mesh Boonie Cap Outdoor Fishing Hats UV Protection
4. Sun Cube Wide Brim Sun Hat with Neck Flap, UPF50+ Hiking Safari Fishing Hat for Men Women
5. Camptrace Fishing Hat Wide Brim Hiking Hat Sun Protection

The best hiking first-aid kit is Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit with 241Pcs Upgraded Outdoor Emergency Survival Kit Gear.

The best and most highly rated hiking socks is Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock.

The best and most highly rated backpacking pocket knife is Benchmade – North Fork 15031-2 Knife, Drop-Point Blade.

The best and most highly rated sleeping bag is Marmot Trestles 30 Mummy Sleeping Bag, 30-Degree Rating.