Southwest Hikes

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Three Kula Cloths hanging side by side, featuring a rope design, a rainbow design, and a mountain biking desert scene design.

Kula Cloth Small Business Week Sales – Save on All Kulas!

Kula Cloth is celebrating Small Business Sales Week with 20% off everything – don’t miss your chance to snag new prints, custom designs, and fun bundles!

backpacker using sea to summit spark sleeping bag in a snowy mountain scene

SALE: Sea To Summit Anniversary Sale 2025

Woman wearing the Fjallraven Keb Trousers in a grassy field with fog in the background, showcasing the improved fit for Summer 2025.

Fjallraven Summer 2025 Gear Lineup: Trail-Ready Essentials for Every Adventure

Close-up of PAKA Trail Ankle Socks showcasing their design and material blend.

PAKA Launches Trail Ankle Socks: Ultralight Alpaca Comfort for Every Step

Close-up of a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear fanny pack worn crossbody over a bright orange and yellow puffy jacket.

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear: Ultralight Backpacking Gear with a Purpose

Hand holding the PACT One Kit outdoor bathroom tool, designed for digging catholes and practicing Leave No Trace.

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Person walking with Gossamer Gear Aero Jet backpack and duffel bag from the new travel collection, showcasing lightweight travel gear in an urban setting.

Gossamer Gear Launches Ultralight Travel Collection for Smart Adventures

Gear

Woman wearing the Fjallraven Keb Trousers in a grassy field with fog in the background, showcasing the improved fit for Summer 2025.

Fjallraven Summer 2025 Gear Lineup: Trail-Ready Essentials for Every Adventure

From updated Keb Trousers to breezy Abisko tops, Fjallraven’s Summer 2025 lineup is here. Discover the best hiking gear for hot days, including trail-ready shorts and compact packs for all your adventures.

Close-up of a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear fanny pack worn crossbody over a bright orange and yellow puffy jacket.

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear: Ultralight Backpacking Gear with a Purpose

Smiling hiker wearing the black Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie on a sunny alpine trail with snowy peaks in the background.

Gear Review: Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie by Ridge Merino

Rear view of a hiker wearing Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved and a backpack while walking through a red rock canyon in the Southwest.

Gear Review: Keb Trousers Curved By Fjallraven

Back view of a hiker wearing the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 40 pack on a dry trail in desert mountains, walking toward distant peaks.

Gear Review: Windrider 40 Backpack By Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Person in an olive green Ibex Indie Hoody crouched on snow near a glacier with fall-colored hills in the background.

Gear Review: Indie Hoodie By Ibex

Southwest Hikes Best Gear of 2025 graphic featuring star rating, mountain background, and silhouette of hiker with trekking poles.

Best Gear of 2025: Top Picks from Southwest Hikes

Gear News

Three Kula Cloths hanging side by side, featuring a rope design, a rainbow design, and a mountain biking desert scene design.

Kula Cloth Small Business Week Sales – Save on All Kulas!

Kula Cloth is celebrating Small Business Sales Week with 20% off everything – don’t miss your chance to snag new prints, custom designs, and fun bundles!

backpacker using sea to summit spark sleeping bag in a snowy mountain scene

SALE: Sea To Summit Anniversary Sale 2025

Close-up of PAKA Trail Ankle Socks showcasing their design and material blend.

PAKA Launches Trail Ankle Socks: Ultralight Alpaca Comfort for Every Step

Person walking with Gossamer Gear Aero Jet backpack and duffel bag from the new travel collection, showcasing lightweight travel gear in an urban setting.

Gossamer Gear Launches Ultralight Travel Collection for Smart Adventures

Person sleeping inside the Hyperlite Bug Bivy under a tarp, demonstrating breathable mesh and Dyneema floor

Meet the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Bug Bivy: Ultralight Insect Protection for Serious Backpackers

Six Moon Designs Haven Tent set up in a forested campsite, showing sleeping bags and water filtration gear under the tarp.

Ultralight Shelters from Six Moon Designs: Trail-Tested Favorites for 2025

A closer look at the fine-knit alpaca and TENCEL™ blend that makes the COOLPLUS® Crew feel incredibly soft and naturally breathable.

PAKA Unveils Ultralight COOLPLUS® Crew: Redefining Summer Hiking Apparel

Expert Advice

a family with many kids going for a hike on a nice wild hiking trail and all the children look very happy.

How to Get Kids Excited for Hiking: Fun Tips and Trail Games

Ready to turn your next hike into a family adventure? Discover how to get kids excited for hiking with fun tips, engaging trail games, and simple strategies. Make hiking with kids a delightful adventure for the whole family!

hiking in extreme heat requires some expert advice. if you plan to hike in the desert or with saguaro advice is key

How to Hike in Extreme Heat: Advice From An Expert

the view from inside one of the best ultralight tents for solo backpacking

How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for Solo Backpacking: A Complete Guide

an ultralight backpacker heads up a steep section of slick rock, happy to hae minimal gear and a lightweight setup!

What Is Ultralight Backpacking? A Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

Scenic southwest trail with a hiker carrying an ultralight backpack, surrounded by canyon walls and steep slopes

30 Ultralight Backpacking Tips: Expert Advice to Lighten Your Load

a beautiful backcountry camp site where you would need a satellite comminication device to reach people

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Satellite Communicator for Your Outdoor Adventures

a hiker standing under an arch in the desert southwest

Essential Gear for Hiking in the Southwest Deserts

Hiker Stories

More

Beer, Boots, and the Mighty Angels Landing

A Quick Escape: Two Days in the Chiricahua Mountains

Sky Island Traverse Thru-Hike: In My Pack

Through the Fog: A Hiker’s Tale

The Bright Angel Trail Hunger Scare

Stewardship

More

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Why I Always Pack a Kula Cloth: Gear with a Big Leave No Trace Impact

Protecting Cryptobiotic Soil: A Hiker’s Guide to Preserving the Southwest’s Hidden Life

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards

Pack It Out: How to Keep Southwest Trails Trash-Free and Beautiful

Trail Reports

More

Trail Report: Salt Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop in Canyonlands National Park

Trail Report: Cactus Wren Trail To Signal Hill In Saguaro National Park

Trail Report: Crystal Forest Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Trail Report: Reservoir Hill Trail System

Trail Report: Treasure Falls Trail