Hiking Tips

Hike like a pro with our best day hiking and backpacking tips! Whether you’re looking for beginner hiking tips, safety advice, or simply looking to have more fun in the outdoors, you’ll find everything you need here. Learn how to read a map, the basics of trail ettiquette, solo hiking advice, and more.

Kristen Bor looking out at mountains and fall colors in Telluride, Colorado while hiking the Wasatch Connector Trail

Day Hiking Essentials: What I Bring on Every Hike

a closeup of Kristen Bor drinking water from a hydration reservoir with mountains in the background

10 Tips For Staying Hydrated While Hiking

Protecting your skin from the sun is especially important if you spend lots of time outdoors. Learn all about sun protection for hiking.

Essential Sun Protection Tips For Hikers

A pair of feet hanging out of a backpacking tent with mountains in the distance,

How to Prevent & Treat Hiking Blisters on the Trail

Kristen Bor wearing a mosquito net while hiking in Sequoia National Park

17 Ways to Repel Mosquitos While Hiking and Backpacking

Woman hiking through dry meadow on high alpine hike in Colorado

65+ Essential Hiking Terms You Need to Know (A-Z Glossary)

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor on a rainy hike in Alaska

23 Tips For Hiking In The Rain: How To Stay Dry and Comfortable

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor on a desert hike in red canyon utah

32 Essential Desert Hiking and Backpacking Tips

Learn our top winter hiking tips to keep you toasty and safe on cold and snowy trails, including advice on layering, snacks, staying hydrated & more.

25 Winter Hiking Tips for Staying Warm and Safe in the Snow

Woman standing under red rock arch looking up at bridge overhead

Ultimate Guide to Taking Great Hiking Photos: Outdoor Photography 101

Women standing on rocky section of the Mount Olympus Trail overlooking Salt Lake City Utah

22 Hiking Safety Tips Every Hiker Should Know

Man hiking on trail in the Italian Alps with baby strapped to chest

10 Practical Tips for Hiking with Kids

Hiking is a fantastic way to build strength, improve fitness, and cultivate mental health. Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of hiking.

11 Benefits of Hiking for Health and Well-Being

Woman hiking on a dirt trail in Colorado with low mountains in the background

How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking: Tips for Preparing for the Trail

Woman doing a quad stretch on trail before a hike

10 Easy Stretches for Hikers and Backpackers

Learn how to put together a hiking first aid kit to keep you and your friends safe out on the trail with this DIY first aid kit checklist.

How to Build a Hiking First Aid Kit: A Complete Checklist

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor hiking the Kaweah Gap with backpacking gear in Sequoia National Park

Knee Pain Hiking Downhill? 10 Tips To Lessen Discomfort on the Trail

Woman hiking at high elevation on a rocky trail with mountain peaks in the background

How to Increase Your Lung Capacity for Hiking

An orange trowel, toilet paper roll, hand sanitizer, and Ziploc bag laid out on the ground. This is a poop kit for backpackers.

How to Poop Outdoors and Leave No Trace

Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

Should your hiking boots be waterproof? Learn the difference between waterproof vs non-waterproof hiking boots and which ones you need.

Do You Need Waterproof or Non-Waterproof Hiking Boots?

Looking to discover new hikes? Here are the best hiking apps and trail finders to help you navigate and find local trails.

Best Hiking Apps for Finding Local Trails & Navigation

Don't let Type 1 diabetes hold you back. Learn everything you need to know about hiking with diabetes, including practical safety & first aid tips.

11 Tips for Hiking with Type 1 Diabetes

Ready to start hiking but not sure where to start? Read our tips for finding the best beginner hikes near you.

How to Choose a Hiking Trail: Tips Before Heading Out

Worried about getting enough protein as a vegan hiker? Read on! Get tips for plant-based hiking and learn how to stay energized on the trail.

Plant-Based Hiking: How to Get Enough Protein and Maintain Energy

Brush up on your outdoor ethics and learn best practices for your adventures with the basic guidelines of Leave No Trace principles.

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles & How to Follow Them

A healthy amount of fear is normal but not when it is holding you back from getting outside and having an adventure! Here are our tips and advice for how to overcome fears of the outdoors.

8 Most Common Outdoor Fears and How to Overcome Them

Group of hikers on a trail in Colorado with views of meadows, snow-capped peaks and forest

Trail Etiquette 101: The Basic Rules of Hiking

Have you let your fear of hiking alone keep you indoors? Conquer those fears on your first solo hike with these tips to stay safe & feel confident.

Hiking Alone: Solo Hiking Benefits and Safety Tips

Just getting your feet wet with hiking? Here's some essential hiking 101 tips for beginners to help you hit the trail with confidence - from hydration to the gear you do & don't need to how to pick a trail.

Hiking 101: How to Start Hiking for Beginners

What is cryptobiotic soil and why is it so important? Learn everything you need to know to protect this biological soil crust in the desert.

A Desert Hiker’s Guide to Cryptobiotic Soil: Don’t Bust the Crust!

The best tips for how to avoid tick bites while hiking, including which ticks to watch out for and where; plus how to prevent tick bites on your dog.

How to Avoid Ticks While Hiking

Woman smiling for photo on hiking trail. She's wearing a camera around her neck

Essential Tips for Comfortably Hiking with a Camera

If you've ever been lost while hiking, you know it's a scary thing....but you shouldn't let the fear of getting lost hold you back. In our new blog post, we share essentials tips and tools you need to become a skilled navigator.

How to Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking

Topo graphic map laid out on a table

How to Read A Topographic Map

Heading to a high elevation? Learn how to recognize altitude sickness symptoms & get our tips to avoid and prevent altitude sickness while hiking & traveling.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness While Hiking at Elevation

Hiking foot pain is not just annoying it's fairly common. We'll share our favorite exercises to keep your feet and muscles happy on the trail.

Eliminating Hiking Foot Pain: Foot Rehab for the Outdoor Enthusiast

Prevent dangerous wildlife encounters. Learn wildlife safety tips & what to do if you are attacked by a bear, snake, mountain lion or moose while hiking.

Wildlife Safety Tips & How to Prevent Dangerous Encounters

What are Rock Cairns & Why You Shouldn’t Build Them

What are Rock Cairns & Why You Shouldn’t Build Them