Gareth Lewis

Imagine this: You’re hiking in the mountains. The sun is shining, and the views are amazing. But suddenly, you take a bad fall. You need help, and fast. Your cell phone? No signal. That’s when you realize how important it is to have a way to call for help, no matter where you are. Choosing … Read more

Ever had a blister ruin a perfect hike? Ouch! It’s a common problem, and often, the culprit isn’t the trail, but your socks. Hiking socks might seem like a small detail, but they can make or break your outdoor adventure. They’re the unsung heroes protecting your feet mile after mile. Choosing the right socks is … Read more

Did you know that winter hiking can be even more beautiful than summer hiking? Imagine snow-covered trees, crisp air, and the quiet stillness of the mountains. But, before you dream of those perfect winter hikes, you need the right gear! Choosing the perfect winter hiking boot can be tough. It’s like trying to find a … Read more

Have you ever hiked for miles, only to have your feet scream in pain? Blisters, arch aches, and throbbing heels can ruin a beautiful day on the trail. Choosing the wrong insoles for your hiking boots can be a big reason for this! Hiking boots are tough, but the insoles they come with aren’t always … Read more

Have you ever been caught in a downpour miles from your car, wishing you’d brought a shield against the rain? We’ve all been there! Hiking is awesome, but bad weather can quickly turn a fun adventure into a miserable experience. That’s where waterproof pants come in. Choosing the right waterproof hiking pants can be tricky. … Read more

Have you ever felt the sun beating down on your neck while hiking? It can make a fun day turn into a sweaty, uncomfortable struggle, right? Finding the right gear to protect yourself from the sun is super important, especially when you’re out on the trails. Choosing a hiking sun hoodie can be tricky. You … Read more

Do your feet feel like they’re baking in an oven when you hike in the summer? You’re not alone! Summer hiking is awesome, but the heat can make your feet sweat and blister. Choosing the wrong hiking boots can ruin your fun quickly. Think about it: soggy socks, painful rubbing, and a hike that feels … Read more

Ever twisted an ankle on a rocky trail? Or maybe blisters ruined your last hike? We’ve all been there. Hiking is amazing, but the wrong shoes can turn a fun adventure into a painful ordeal. Finding the perfect hiking shoes for men isn’t always easy. There are so many types, brands, and features! Trying to … Read more

Ever woken up on a camping trip feeling like you wrestled a tree all night? You toss and turn, your hips ache, and the cold ground seeps through your flimsy sleeping pad. That’s not a fun way to start a day of hiking! Choosing the right sleeping pad can be the difference between a restful … Read more

Ever hiked in pants that ride up your ankles every time you take a step? Or maybe you’ve experienced the dreaded “high-water” look on the trail? If you’re a tall woman, you know the struggle is real when it comes to finding hiking pants that actually fit! Finding outdoor gear that fits is tough for … Read more

Did you know Indiana has over 2,000 miles of trails just waiting to be explored? That’s a lot of ground to cover! Choosing where to hike can feel overwhelming, though. Finding the perfect trail can be tricky. You might wonder: Where are the best views? Are the trails easy or hard? Will there be crowds? … Read more

Have you ever stood on the edge of a towering cliff, the wind whipping through your hair, and felt completely alive? That’s the feeling you can get hiking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (the U.P.)! This amazing place is filled with forests, waterfalls, and stunning views. But picking the right hike can be tough. There are … Read more

Have you ever felt like your fingers were going to fall off during a winter hike? The cold wind bites, and even the best gloves can sometimes fail. That numb, painful feeling is a clear sign that your hands aren’t happy! Winter hiking is amazing, but staying warm is super important for a fun and … Read more

Ever gotten gloriously lost in the woods? It’s a fun story to tell, but not so fun when you’re actually *lost*. Hiking is amazing, but getting turned around can quickly ruin a good day. That’s where a handheld GPS comes in handy! Choosing the right GPS for hiking can feel like another adventure in itself. … Read more

Ever been on a hike, enjoying the scenery, when a surprise rain shower hits? Suddenly, your socks are soaked, your feet are freezing, and the rest of your hike is miserable! Choosing the right hiking shoes can make the difference between a fantastic outdoor adventure and a soggy disaster. But with so many waterproof options … Read more