Year: 2024

Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com) We’ve been hiking with our kiddos for years and we want to share our six tips for keeping yours safe and happy in the woods. Preparing for the weather, bringing the right gear, and packing lots of snacks and water are key. Practice setting boundaries around hiking. Fun, slow, worry-free […]

Saucony Cohesion 14 – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com) Hiking with kids is about prioritizing fun, and staying safe and comfortable. We researched the market and tested the most promising models to come up with this list of the best hiking shoes for kids. We assess comfort, traction, user-friendliness, durability, and water resistance for shoes […]

If you’re looking for a lightweight backpacking shelter that blends comfort, user-friendly design, and excellent weather protection, a semi-freestanding tent is the ideal choice. Semi-freestanding tents offer lower weight without sacrificing the comfort and ease of double-wall tents – a combination that has made them more popular than ever in recent years. Thanks to a […]

Choosing the right pair of hiking boots or shoes can be overwhelming – there are a lot of options for your feet. When considering any hiking boot, the soles are one of the most important elements to understand. Tread patterns, materials, and design can define your performance, safety, and comfort in the backcountry. Hiking boot […]

Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com) It’s Member Rewards time at REI! That means REI members have just received their annual 10% reward on purchases from last year. We look forward to this every year since – if you have a backpacking gear addiction like we do – your reward can add up to big savings […]

May 24 2021 An average of 7.5 million acres of forest are impacted by wildfires each year. And almost 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. These statistics may look pretty bleak, but the good news is that it means most of the fire damage done to our forests each year can be prevented. With a little […]

Salomon Quest 4 GTX – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com) How many ways can you tie your shoes? If you like to hike, you’ll need more than one. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to the trail, proper lacing can be the difference between a pleasant trek and a painful outing. Tying your shoes […]

Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com) Keeping outdoor gear clean isn’t always convenient, and muddy hiking shoes are often the last thing we want to wash. However, anyone who’s had to pull on a pair of crusty boots knows that a little maintenance goes a long way.  A few fast and simple steps can extend the […]

Photo credit: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com) One of La Sportiva’s most unusual shoes, the Spire GTX, is a hiking boot masquerading as a trail runner. These shoes have received high praise in both the fastpacking and hiking worlds – but do they live up to the buzz? We put the Spire GTX through rigorous testing over […]

Photo credit: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com) One of La Sportiva’s most unusual shoes, the Spire GTX, is a hiking boot masquerading as a trail runner. These shoes have received high praise in both the fastpacking and hiking worlds – but do they live up to the buzz? We put the Spire GTX through rigorous testing over […]