trail community
I’ve joined the trail conditioning Facebook groups, where I see my peers averaging 15-20+ mile days daily, summiting multiple peaks, doing so as if they were out for a walk in the park. Meanwhile, I find myself having to mentally prepare for the physical and emotional requirements needed to get to the top of a new summit. If this resonates with you, I hope you continue reading and partake in my journey to train for and summit my 7th Adirondack high peak.
The temperature is dropping like a stone, and ice and snow are piling up in the great outdoors. Some people hide. Others get out there. If you are one of the adventurous soles (sic), choosing the right pair of winter boots is not an easy feat. Many manufacturers tout a temperature rating. -40ᵒ F. Really? You mean if I go outside in -40ᵒ, my toes won’t freeze and fall off if I’m wearing those boots? Wait, are we on the southern-most continent observing penguins? Not sure how accurate those temperature ratings are.
The towering spires, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and beautiful Rifugios seemed like a far away dream. The 75-mile point-to-point trail lived in the back of my mind. Finally, after a winter and spring of hiking constantly, starting a new job where I was happier, with colleagues who were understanding of my love for the outdoors, I began to plan to make my dream a reality.
In May of 2025, Traveling Jackie, Oboz Footwear, and Osprey Packs hosted a massive giveaway to award one lucky winner a spot on Jackie's group trip to Peru this fall. Oboz and Osprey also provided gear for participants of the trip, and in September of 2025…
Hiking Footwear Styles Explained: Choosing the Best Style for Adventure When it comes to hiking...
Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo recently caught up with Whole Earth Provision Co, a small chain of ou...
An interview with Oboz Local Hero, Jo Giese, and her inspiring tale of perseverance in the outdoors. After major surgery, Jo discusses her recovery and journey back to hiking with Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo.
Entering the world of hiking and camping provides us with an opportunity to re-think a lot of what we know about keeping clean and personal hygiene. Does a bear poop in the woods? Yes. And, so do humans. Taking care of ourselves, arguably, may be one of the most important business matters on the trails. While it's no big deal to stink, it's another thing to end up with a nasty stomach bug in the middle of nowhere because you didn't know any better. We teamed up with our friends at Sea to Summit to do you a solid (pun intended) and run through all the personal hygiene situations you may need to troubleshoot on the trail.
Thru-hiking is a commitment in all sorts of ways - a commitment to a physical and mental challenge, a commitment to planning and preparing, a commitment to time, a financial commitment and of course a commitment to, well, the sport of hiking! The Pacific Crest Trail, for instance, can take up to 5 months to complete. Section hiking is an alternative way to experience the allure of that long distance trail, often providing a less expensive and more approachable option for the hiker who cannot afford the time commitment of thru-hiking or a hiker who simply prefers to break it up for more flexibility. Section hiking can also lower the mental barrier of tackling a 2,000+ mile trek all at once and make completing more accessible than you think. It’s all ultimately in the magic of what motivates you and how you want to experience these trails.