Top Gear Picks of 2023 When we hit the trail, this is the equipment we carry in our packs. Unlike the CleverHiker Gear Guide, where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, this page is where we talk about our personal favorites. For more of our favorite gear recommendations, have a look through these popular […]
10 Best Hiking Socks of 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM) Wearing the right footwear is key to success in all outdoor adventures, but it’s especially important for hiking and backpacking. As hikers, our feet are the workhorses that carry the load and take the most beating on the trail. Our experience has taught us that we have to treat our […]
10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM) If you’ve ever spent a night in the backcountry shivering uncontrollably, teeth chattering, just waiting for the sun to come up, then you know exactly how important carrying a high-quality sleeping bag is. Well, fear not! We’re here to help make sure you’re snuggled up cozy in your toasty warm […]
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM) Choosing a great pair of hiking shoes is one of the most important gear decisions you’ll make. Getting a pair that has the right balance of comfort, traction, weight, and durability will make a huge difference with every step along the trail. Finding the perfect fit can be tricky though, […]
20 Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon
PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM) Get excited REI members – it’s coupon time! This weekend only (September 23-24th) REI members can get 20% off one full-price item using coupon code: SEPT23. Oh yeah, and if you’re not an REI member yet, don’t fret! You can pick up a lifetime membership for $30 and still get […]
Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women in 2023
Long gone are my days of wearing tank tops on the trail. With all of the time I spend outside, all of that sun exposure really adds up. Between painful sunburns, visible aging, and my concern over skin cancer, protecting my skin when I’m outdoors has become a much bigger priority as I’ve gotten older. […]
5 Reasons to Buy Used Outdoor Gear from REI Co-op
Have you ever wanted to try something new outdoors, like car camping or an overnight backpacking trip, but were intimidated by the cost of buying all new gear – like a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad? Or what if, after buying all that new gear, you decide that sticking to day hikes is more […]
Beginner Bikepacking Tips: Preparing for Your First Overnight Ride
Are you looking for some beginner bikepacking tips? You’re in the right place! Over the past few years, bikepacking has really taken off among the biking community. It’s a great way to explore new places, spend some time outdoors, and cover more ground than you can on foot. I’ve been going on bikepacking trips for […]
Beginner Bikepacking Tips: Preparing for Your First Overnight Ride
Are you looking for some beginner bikepacking tips? You’re in the right place! Over the past few years, bikepacking has really taken off among the biking community. It’s a great way to explore new places, spend some time outdoors, and cover more ground than you can on foot. I’ve been going on bikepacking trips for […]
How to Bike Idaho’s Hiawatha Trail
Biking the Hiawatha Trail on the border of Idaho and Montana is an adventure that should be on every biker’s bucket list. With beautiful and rugged mountains, 9 train tunnels, and 7 trestles suspended over the forest, the Hiawatha is one of the most scenic and unique biking trails in the country — and certainly […]