Southwest Hikes

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shop banner for the big Near Zero's much anticipated Spring Sale 2025 backpacking gear

SALE: Near Zero 2025 Spring Sale!

If you're looking for great deals on budget-friendly outdoor gear for your backpacking and camping adventures, be sure to check out Near Zero's 2025 Spring Sale! All the details about it can be found right here.

Hikers wearing Gossamer Gear’s new 2025 ultralight backpacks on a rugged mountain trail, showcasing their lightweight design and durability for backpacking adventures.

Gossamer Gear Announces Type II Collection For Spring 2025

BōnDry Hydration Bladder Dryer By Ancient Trail in packaging with directions on drying a hiking bladder

Gear Review: BōnDry Hydration Bladder Dryer By Ancient Trail

A bold red warning sign with the text ‘⚠️ WARNING: Read This Before You Subscribe to The Nomadik!’ displayed in large letters.

The Nomadik Exposed: Unethical Practices and Stolen Gear

rei member sale march 2025 coupons and discount code

SALE: REI & REI Outlet Member Savings March 2025

an array of custom backpacking and hiking gear from top companies, along with must have picks from el coyote liteAF and ctu

Ultimate Guide to the Best Custom Backpacking & Hiking Gear: Top Companies & Must-Have Picks

The One Tent By Gossamer Gear pitched out in the woods in a snowy scene

Gear Review: The One Tent By Gossamer Gear

Gear

BōnDry Hydration Bladder Dryer By Ancient Trail in packaging with directions on drying a hiking bladder

Gear Review: BōnDry Hydration Bladder Dryer By Ancient Trail

Keep your hydration bladders and water bottles free from bacteria and stink with the BōnDry Hydration Bladder Dryer by Ancient Trail. Check out our review to learn all about this nifty piece of gear!

an array of custom backpacking and hiking gear from top companies, along with must have picks from el coyote liteAF and ctu

Ultimate Guide to the Best Custom Backpacking & Hiking Gear: Top Companies & Must-Have Picks

The One Tent By Gossamer Gear pitched out in the woods in a snowy scene

Gear Review: The One Tent By Gossamer Gear

a hiker wears Piedra Sunglasses By Bajio in a southwest national park

Gear Review: Piedra Sunglasses By Bajio

a woman drinks a Recpak One Complete Meal while out on a big backpacking adventure in the southwest

Review: Recpak One Complete Meal

a backpacker sits in the Hornet OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent By NEMO Equipment sending off a satelite message

Gear Review: Hornet OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent By NEMO Equipment

a hiker holds the Ti-Double 450 Anodized Mug By Snow Peak in a forested blue sky scene

Gear Review: Ti-Double 450 Anodized Mug By Snow Peak

Gear News

shop banner for the big Near Zero's much anticipated Spring Sale 2025 backpacking gear

SALE: Near Zero 2025 Spring Sale!

If you're looking for great deals on budget-friendly outdoor gear for your backpacking and camping adventures, be sure to check out Near Zero's 2025 Spring Sale! All the details about it can be found right here.

Hikers wearing Gossamer Gear’s new 2025 ultralight backpacks on a rugged mountain trail, showcasing their lightweight design and durability for backpacking adventures.

Gossamer Gear Announces Type II Collection For Spring 2025

A bold red warning sign with the text ‘⚠️ WARNING: Read This Before You Subscribe to The Nomadik!’ displayed in large letters.

The Nomadik Exposed: Unethical Practices and Stolen Gear

rei member sale march 2025 coupons and discount code

SALE: REI & REI Outlet Member Savings March 2025

a hiker uses the shadowlight ultralight backpack now on sale through outdoor vitals in 2025

SALE: Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack

a banner featuring a backpackers using thermarest gear by cascade designs now on sale for 2025

SALE: Up To 40% Off Cascade Designs! Save Big On Thermarest, MSR & More!

a backpacker is cozy in his outdoor vitals summit sleeping bag that is currently on sale for 2025

SALE: Outdoor Vitals Summit Sleeping Bags

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

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

Stewardship

More

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

Leave No Trace: Essential Practices for Responsible Hiking in the Southwest