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
minimize hiking impact
Leave No Trace & Environmental Tips

How to Reduce Erosion While Hiking: Tips for Trail Conservation

As a keen hiker, I know how erosion affects our trails. The Trans Canada Trail spans over 28,000 kilometers and counts on 500+ local operators and 4,000 volunteers. It’s crucial to reduce our impact and protect these paths. Eroded trails can become dangerous, with deep gullies, lost plants, and bare roots. In Canada, trails are close to 80% of people,

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affordable camping gear
Tents

Best Budget Tents for Weekend Camping Trips

If you love camping on weekends but need to watch your spending, finding affordable tents is key. These budget-friendly options let you enjoy nature without emptying your wallet. I’ve found a reliable tent for just $30, the Wenzel Lone Elk. It’s lasted me 15 years and traveled through eleven states. The tent is super light, weighing only 3 pounds and

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comfortable sleeping pads
Hiking Gear Reviews

Best Sleeping Pads for a Comfortable Night in the Wilderness

For those who love the great outdoors, the right camping gear is key for a good sleep. Choosing the right sleeping pads is crucial. They provide cushioning against the ground and keep you warm. This guide will review top-rated camping pads for all conditions, from summer trips to alpine treks. Finding the right sleeping pad can seem hard, but we’ve

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hiking jackets
Product Comparisons

Softshell vs. Hardshell Jackets: Which is Best for Hiking?

In the debate about hiking gear, there’s a discussion on hardshell vs. softshell jackets. Each type has benefits for different weather conditions. Hardshells are great for harsh weather, while softshells offer comfort, stretch, and breathability. This choice can be tough for hikers. When picking a hiking jacket, you need to think about several things. These include how well it protects

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hiking knee support
Safety & Health Tips

How to Prevent Knee Pain on Steep Hikes

Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and stay healthy. Studies show it can lower blood pressure and boost your immune system. But, knee pain is a big problem for many on tough trails. You can enjoy your hikes more by using the right knee support and managing pain well. Knee pain on hikes can come from repeating the

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leave no trace principles
Leave No Trace & Environmental Tips

The Ultimate Leave No Trace Hiking Checklist: What to Know

Hiking is more than just getting to the top. It’s about keeping the trails clean for others too. The Leave No Trace Seven Principles help us do just that. They were made in the 1980s, based on science about outdoor activities and caring for nature. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics made these principles official in 1999. They

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