Southwest Hikes

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Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Close-up of the Tern Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals showing the interior label and wool-polyester fabric blend.

Gear Review: Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie By Outdoor Vitals

Looking for the ultimate lightweight merino hoodie? The Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals blends breathability, sun protection, and odor control into a 5.9 oz layer you’ll wear all season.

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus held in front of a rugged desert ridgeline under a clear blue sky, ready for off-grid adventure.

Gear Review: inReach Messenger Plus By Garmin

The Garmin inReach® Messenger Plus enhances backcountry communication with photo and voice messaging capabilities, reliable SOS features, and extended battery life, making it an essential tool for remote explorers.

Orange Bakcou Scout eBike staged in front of dramatic desert mountains under blue skies

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

Bakcou eBikes are rugged electric bikes built for off-road adventure. With fat tires and long-range batteries, they’re perfect for trailhead access, 4x4 roads, basecamps, and deep backcountry rides.

Person wearing the Paka Pocket Tee outdoors in the desert, standing in front of mountains and blue sky, showcasing the shirt’s fit and comfort.

Gear Review: Pocket Tee By PAKA

Review: The Paka Pocket Tee blends Royal Alpaca and organic cotton for an ultralight, odor-resistant tee perfect for hot hikes, travel, and everyday wear. Naturally breathable, quick-drying, and sustainably made.

Macro image of the Springbok Hoodie showing Ibex-branded button, tag, and fabric texture up close.

Gear Review: Springbok Sun Hoodie By Ibex

The Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie blends merino wool and TENCEL™ for a lightweight, breathable sun shirt designed for hiking, backpacking, running, and multi-sport adventure.

Man wearing a brown PAKA SOL Hoodie and holding a water bottle labeled “Mountains Please,” standing in front of snow-covered peaks during a mountain expedition.

PAKA Memorial Day Sale 2025

This Memorial Day, PAKA is giving you a reason to pack lighter and smarter—get a free packing cube when you spend $150 or more on travel essentials. May 23–28 only.

LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS trekking poles folded next to an orange and black backpack on a rocky mountain slope.

Gear Review: Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles By LEKI

Looking for lightweight, anti-shock trekking poles designed for smaller hands? Check out our review of the LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS poles—perfect for women hikers and backpackers who want top-tier support and packability.