Southwest Hikes

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

KUIU Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale graphic featuring KUIU hunting gear.

KUIU Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale 2026: Dates, Deals & What to Know

Waiting for the KUIU Black Friday Sale 2026? Find the latest sale dates, deals and Cyber Monday savings on KUIU backcountry apparel and gear.

Two outdoor adventurers sitting on a rocky mountain summit beneath the words “2026 REI Holiday Gift Guide,” with rugged peaks in the background.

Best REI Gifts: 2026 Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor Lovers

Looking for the best gifts from REI? Our evergreen holiday gift guide features 12 outdoor gear picks for hikers, backpackers, campers, and adventure lovers, from practical trail essentials to premium equipment upgrades.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 ultralight fastpacking backpack with water bottles and trail snacks on a rocky Sonoran Desert hiking trail surrounded by saguaros.

Gear Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 combines ultralight Dyneema construction, a running vest-style harness, and thoughtful storage for fastpacking and big-mile adventures. Here's what makes this premium pack stand out, where it falls short, and who should consider it.

Two hikers wearing sun hoodies, sunglasses, and backpacks on a sunny Sonoran Desert trail, with text reading Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers 2026 Gift Guide.

Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers: 2026 Holiday Gift Guide

Shopping for someone who loves the outdoors? Our holiday gift guide features the best gifts for hikers and backpackers, including premium hiking gear, warm layers, camping essentials, and thoughtful gifts for every kind of adventurer.

Hiker using KUIU camouflage gear and backpacking gear in the mountains during KUIU’s 2025 Biggest Sale of the Year, offering up to 50% off and free shipping over $149.

KUIU’s Biggest Sale of the Year: Up to 50% Off + Free Shipping

KUIU’s Biggest Sale of the Year runs Oct 22–28, 2026! Save up to 50% on ultralight hunting apparel, rain gear, and packs, plus more! This is your best chance of the year to stock up on high-performance backcountry gear. Learn more here!

Garmin fēnix 9 Pro inReach GPS smartwatch worn during a hike in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, displaying distance, pace, elapsed time, and heart rate against a desert trail backdrop.

Gear Review: fēnix 9 Pro inReach by Garmin

The Garmin fēnix 9 Pro inReach combines advanced GPS navigation, training metrics, titanium construction, and satellite communication in one premium adventure watch. We explore its features, limitations, and value for hikers.

Hiker wearing a pale yellow hoodie and backpack, sitting on a sandstone ledge with arms outstretched beneath a towering red rock overhang.

Best Wool Hoodies for Hiking & Adventure in 2026

Looking for the best wool hoodie for hiking? We picked our favorite merino and alpaca wool hoodies for hiking, backpacking, sun protection, cold weather, camp and everyday adventure in 2026.