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.

Articles
identifying poisonous plants while hiking
Safety & Health Tips

How to Identify and Avoid Poisonous Plants on the Trail

Hiking in Washington offers a beautiful view of nature. However, plants like stinging nettle, poison ivy, and poison oak can ruin the fun. To avoid these dangers, wear long sleeves and stick to known paths. Hiking becomes safer and more fun when you’re careful. Use a trail guide to spot harmful plants. Knowing what these plants look like and staying

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Best Hiking Compasses
Hiking Gear Reviews

Best Hiking Compasses for Accurate Navigation on the Trail

If you love hiking as much as I do, you know how important the right gear is. A crucial piece of gear is the hiking compass. Unlike GPS devices, a magnetic compass is reliable for precise navigation outdoors. A compass works with Earth’s magnetic field to show magnetic North. This keeps you aware of your direction. It’s simple but vital

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Leave No Trace hiking
Leave No Trace & Environmental Tips

How to Properly Dispose of Waste While Hiking and Camping

Hiking and camping let us bond with nature, but they require us to be responsible. This means we need to be careful about how we dispose of our waste outdoors. The Leave No Trace principles guide us to minimize our impact on nature. They teach us how to manage our waste to keep the outdoors beautiful for everyone. As more

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family hiking with toddlers
Hiking for Families & Beginners

Tips for Hiking with Toddlers: What You Need to Know

Hiking with toddlers is a fun yet challenging activity. They might ride in a carrier or walk beside you. It’s a great way to show them the beauty of nature. You’ll need patience and a good plan. Toddlers move slow and need fun things to keep them interested. I’ve learned that kids get into hiking at different ages. Some want

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trekking poles review
Hiking Gear Reviews

Top Trekking Poles for Rugged Terrain: Hiker’s Review

Trekking poles are a key part of my hiking equipment, especially on tough trails. In this review, I’ll share my top picks for trekking poles. They offer stability and support, making hiking safer and more fun. I looked at various sources, including Backpacking Light and Backpacker Magazine, to find the best poles. I also watched many video reviews. Through this

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engaging trail activities for children
Hiking for Families & Beginners

Best Hiking Games to Play with Kids on the Trail

Going on hikes with kids turns into fun when you add some games. These activities make the journey exciting for everyone. Family trips become better with simple games. Games like Hiking Scavenger Hunt make time fly. Or try Roving Hide and Seek for a creative twist. These games keep kids busy and let them enjoy nature. Playing games like Twenty

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