Southwest Hikes

Latest

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator resting in a flowing stream, demonstrating its durable, water-resistant design for hiking and backpacking in remote terrain.

Gear Review: inReach Mini 3 Plus by Garmin

A lightweight, reliable satellite communicator built for hikers who go beyond cell service. The Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus delivers global SOS, messaging, and peace of mind in remote terrain.

Hiker holding two Neve Foods smoothie pouches outdoors, showing portable real-food fuel for endurance activities.

Review: Smoothie Pouches by Neve Foods

Hiker wearing a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear backpack on a narrow mountain trail, showcasing an ultralight pack built for long-distance backpacking. and small gear for organization.

Why Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Is a Favorite Among Ultralight Backpackers

Black Diamond outdoor gear featured during the New Year Outlet Sale with climbing, hiking, and winter equipment discounted up to 40 percent through January 31st

Black Diamond New Year Outlet Sale 2026

Best electrolytes for hiking in heat, including Skratch Labs, LMNT, Liquid I.V., Nuun, and Ultima tested in desert conditions 2026

Best Electrolytes for Hiking in the Heat: A 2026 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 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

Himali Accelerator Down Jacket worn outdoors in a desert mountain landscape during a cold-weather hike

Gear Review: Accelerator Down Jacket by HIMALI

Gear

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator resting in a flowing stream, demonstrating its durable, water-resistant design for hiking and backpacking in remote terrain.

Gear Review: inReach Mini 3 Plus by Garmin

A lightweight, reliable satellite communicator built for hikers who go beyond cell service. The Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus delivers global SOS, messaging, and peace of mind in remote terrain.

Hiker holding two Neve Foods smoothie pouches outdoors, showing portable real-food fuel for endurance activities.

Review: Smoothie Pouches by Neve Foods

Hiker wearing a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear backpack on a narrow mountain trail, showcasing an ultralight pack built for long-distance backpacking. and small gear for organization.

Why Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Is a Favorite Among Ultralight Backpackers

Himali Accelerator Down Jacket worn outdoors in a desert mountain landscape during a cold-weather hike

Gear Review: Accelerator Down Jacket by HIMALI

Hiker wearing a yellow rain jacket with trekking poles on a mountain trail as a rainbow arcs over forested peaks

Best New Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear of 2026

Backpackers camping with the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 tent at an alpine campsite during dusk

Gear Guide: Unbound 2 Tent by Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Ibex Kilometer Gloves worn while hiking in cold weather showing flexible fit and leather palm reinforcement

Gear Review: Kilometer Gloves by Ibex

Gear News

Black Diamond outdoor gear featured during the New Year Outlet Sale with climbing, hiking, and winter equipment discounted up to 40 percent through January 31st

Black Diamond New Year Outlet Sale 2026

Save up to 40% off premium outdoor gear during the Black Diamond New Year Outlet Sale, happening now through January 31st. Learn more about the 2026 sale here.

Flatlay of Sea to Summit camping gear including cookware, sleeping mat, and dry bags, highlighting the New Year Sale 2026 with 40% off sitewide and 50% off tents.

Sea to Summit New Year Sale 2026: 50% Off Tents + 40% Off Sitewide

a christmas tree and ornament set the tone of last minute gift giving in 2025 for hikers on amazon prime

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Hikers That Arrive Fast with Amazon Prime 2025

Traveler wearing a Helinox TERG everyday carry bag inside an urban architectural space, showcasing durable minimalist design built for city travel and daily use.

Helinox Introduces TERG: Everyday Carry Built with Outdoor DNA

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator clipped to a backpack shoulder strap during a hike, showing compact size and hands-free backcountry safety use.

Garmin Launches the inReach Mini 3 Plus: Even More Power in a Compact Satellite Communicator

Outdoor gear and apparel displayed for the REI Co-op Last Minute Gifts Sale, featuring up to 30% off gifts available through December 22.

REI Co-op Last Minute Gifts Sale: Up to 30% Off Outdoor Gifts Through December 22

Three Gossamer Gear Alchemy backpacks displayed with dramatic lighting: the Mirage 40 illuminated in yellow, Murmur 36 in red, and Elixir 20 in green

Gossamer Gear Launches the Alchemy Collection: Ultralight Innovation, Evolved

Expert Advice

Best electrolytes for hiking in heat, including Skratch Labs, LMNT, Liquid I.V., Nuun, and Ultima tested in desert conditions 2026

Best Electrolytes for Hiking in the Heat: A 2026 Guide

Water alone isn’t always enough in desert heat. After hiking year-round in the Sonoran Desert for a few years, we’ve learned which electrolytes actually help you stay steady, avoid the crash, and keep moving. Here are the best electrolyte mixes and tablets for hot hikes!

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 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

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

Ultralight solo backpacking tent set up on an alpine ridge at sunset, showing a lightweight pyramid-style shelter designed for solo backpacking

How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for Solo Backpacking (2026 Guide)

Female hiker wearing Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights while climbing over rocky terrain with a large backpack in misty mountain conditions.

The Complete Guide to Fjällräven Trekking Tights (2026): What’s the Difference Between All the Abisko Tights?

Person lying inside a camping tent reading a book while wearing a knit beanie, with a forest visible through the tent opening.

Best Books for Outdoorsy People: Top Adventure Reads for 2025

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

Stewardship

More

How to Responsibly Hike and Backpack With a Dog: A Guide for Good Trail Manners

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

Bikes

More

Gear Review: 600ADX by Priority Bicycles

Gear Review: Bassett Base Layers by Wild Rye

Gear Review: Vacuum Insulated Cycling Bottle by tiibo

Wild Rye: Fun, Trail-Tested Clothing for Women Who Ride, Hike, and Adventure Hard

Explore Further with Bakcou: eBikes Built for the Wildest Trails and Off-Grid Adventures

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