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Hikematic Blog

Get the most recent gear reviews, tips, and guides. Read our newest articles to stay up to date on all things related to camping and hiking.

Woman wearing hiking boots and a backpack walks along a rocky path overlooking mountains
Product Comparisons

6 Hiking Boots That Hold Their Grip on Rocky Trails

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX leads for precise footing and sticky grip; compare six boots for scree,…

26 Oct 202611 min read
Campfire burning in a stone ring beneath a green tarp in a rainy forest
Hiking Skills

Build a Campfire in Rain Without Smothering It

A dry tinder core, split deadwood, and a raised fire lay help a small flame catch after rain; follow these…

24 Oct 202611 min read
A woman in hiking boots with backpack and trekking pole hikes on mountain trail
Hiking Gear Reviews

How to Get a Hiking Boot Fit That Works on Trail

Measure both feet late in the day, check toe room and heel hold, then use a downhill test to catch…

22 Oct 202610 min read
A hiker wearing hiking boots and a backpack walks along a rocky forest trail
Outdoor Clothing

A Safe, Gradual Way to Break In Hiking Boots

A two-to-four-week process helps hiking boots soften without blisters. Follow fit checks, short walks, hill tests, and hot-spot fixes before…

20 Oct 20268 min read
Woman with backpack and hat holding trekking pole hiking on gravel trail through rolling hills
Hiking Planning

Hiking Stanford Dish: Route, Access, and Heat

Stanford Dish is a free, paved foothills workout with 452 feet of climbing and little shade; get route, access, parking,…

18 Oct 202612 min read
A woman with a backpack and trekking poles hikes up a forest trail with mountains visible
Hiking Skills

Mount Si Trail: Hard Day Hike With Winter Prep Tips

The Mount Si trail gains 3,150 feet on 8 miles and is a tough day hike. This guide covers pacing,…

14 Oct 202612 min read
A hiker with a backpack and trekking pole standing at a desert trail fork
Hiking Planning

Match Joshua Tree Trails to Heat, Time, and Legs

A one-mile Hidden Valley loop is the safest first hike, easy miles sit at Barker Dam and Skull Rock, and…

12 Oct 202612 min read
Two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles walk along a coastal Big Sur trail
Destinations

What Are the Best Hiking Trails in Big Sur?

You get coastal meadows, redwoods, river scenery, and flexible loop options. Big Sur rewards hikers who match the trail to…

11 Oct 202617 min read