Trail Running

2025 Awesome Gear Guide

Our Spring/Summer 2025 Awesome Gear Guide is packed with standout apparel, footwear, and gear – handpicked by our Gear Specialists for their innovation, reliability, and unbeatable value. Whether you’re a dedicated backpacker, a weekend camper, a driven athlete, or a casual trail runner, you’ll find awesome gear that helps you make the most of every outdoor adventure.

How to Adjust Your Trekking Poles for a Proper Fit

We explain how to adjust your trekking poles for a proper fit, plus fitting wrist straps and basic use.

How to Choose Gloves and Mittens

We’ve all felt it: When it gets cold, your body directs more blood to core areas of your body. While that warms your heart, this response leaves your hands cold. Knowing how to choose gloves and…

What is Trail Mix?

What is trail mix? Trail mix, or GORP, is the ultimate trail snack, popularized by endless variations. While ‘GORP’ is fairly specific – Good Old Raisins and Peanuts – the term ‘trail mix’ simply means a…

How to Choose a Pack for your Dog

Dogs packs have a simple goal: to allow your pet to share the load when you’re together on the trail. Dog packs come in many sizes and configurations, allowing you to find the perfect fit for…

National Park Service Founder’s Day

On August 25th, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law Pub.L. 64–235, H.R. 15522, 39 Stat. 535, An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes. Less formally known as the Organic Act…

Boot Lacing Techniques for a Better Fit

Given how much we hike, run and roam, many of us dream about the perfect-fitting hiking boot or running shoe. One of the problems in achieving that goal is that our feet have unique shapes and…

IP Ratings: What Do They Mean?

You may have seen IP ratings when shopping for outdoor electronic gear like GPS units, headlamps, cameras and solar power devices. This very useful but sometimes mysterious rating system simply describes the ruggedness of your electronics.…

How to Choose a Hydration Pack

Hydration packs are designed to keep you well-supplied with fluids while hiking, biking, running, or wandering. Hydration packs are available with a wide variety of features. For our purposes, we’ll organize them into three categories. hydration…

How to Wash a Down Jacket

Taking proper care of your down jacket can increase its warmth and lifespan, whether it’s minor repairs or washing. How to wash a down jacket The first step in washing your down jacket is to consult…

Why Use Rubber Tips on Trekking Poles?

Trekking poles usually feature hard metal or carbide tips, which provide excellent traction on trails, snow and ice. Metal tips can wear down when used on ‘improved’ surfaces like asphalt or pavement. Metal tips can also…

How to Care for a Down Jacket

Down jackets often accompany us on our adventures. After standing up to the rigors of the trail, the slopes and untold campsites, puffy coats can start to show wear. You might be facing: Or maybe you…

How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Trekking Poles

A set of trekking poles is essential for many outdoor enthusiasts, whether they’re tackling high summits or exploring lowland traverses. With trekking poles being asked to serve such a wide range of activities, they have become…

Choosing a Headlamp for Trail Running

Whether you’re trying to beat the heat before the sun rises, sneaking in some late-night miles, or simply enjoying the pure pleasure of doing it in the dark, a good headlamp with features appropriate for trail…

How to Choose a Daypack

The daypack is tasked with carrying all of the essential gear for a day outside, making it a smaller cousin to the classic backpacking pack. Whether you’re heading out for a quick hike, an all-day epic,…