Southwest Hikes

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Backpacker with trekking poles standing beside a weathered wilderness trail sign in the San Juan Mountains.

How to Pack Your Backpack: The Complete 2025 Guide for New Backpackers

Packing your backpack right can make or break your trip. Learn how to organize your gear, balance the load, and stay comfortable on the trail with this step-by-step beginner’s guide.

Hiker eating a Skratch Labs Energy Bar on the trail with mountain ridges in the background.

Review: Energy Bars by Skratch Labs

Looking for a trail snack that fuels without the sugar crash? Skratch Labs Energy Bars are made with real ingredients, gentle on digestion, and perfectly balanced for hiking, backpacking, and endurance adventures.

Backpacker wearing camouflage jacket with a blaze orange pack cover for added visibility on the trail.

Best Blaze Orange Hiking Gear for Hunting Season Safety 2025

Hiking during hunting season? Blaze orange hiking gear is essential for safety. From jackets and hats to backpack covers and dog vests, the right blaze-colored gear keeps you visible, reduces risks, and helps you enjoy autumn trails with confidence.

Hiker wearing the Mammut Eigerjoch Light IN Hooded Jacket in bright blue while exploring a rocky alpine ridge under a partly cloudy sky.

Gear Review: Eigerjoch Light IN Hooded Jacket By Mammut

The Mammut Eigerjoch Light IN Hooded Jacket is a lightweight, breathable insulated layer built for alpine pursuits. With Primaloft Gold Active insulation, stretch panels, and a helmet-compatible hood, it’s perfect for big hikes, climbing, and fast-moving mountain adventures.

REI Trail Icons banner showing hikers overlooking a mountain valley.

Is REI Membership Worth It? The Ultimate Guide to Benefits, Savings & Why It Pays for Itself

Is REI Membership worth? Absolutely. For a one-time $30 fee, you’ll get 10% back on purchases, exclusive coupons, discounted rentals, and lifetime perks! All while supporting outdoor conservation. Learn why millions have joined the REI Co-op.

Hiker wearing the Hyperlite Windrider 70 Backpack while trekking through alpine forest toward rocky peaks.

Gear Review: Windrider 70 Backpack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 70 Backpack is a high-capacity ultralight pack featuring Hyperlite’s new material. With 70 liters of storage, waterproof construction, and iconic mesh pockets, it’s built for thru-hikes and big expeditions.

Banner for REI Co-op Member Days 2025 with the text “Made for Life Outside,” promoting exclusive member benefits and outdoor savings.

REI Co-op Member Days 2025: Exclusive Savings & Perks for 11 Days

REI Co-op Member Days return September 12–22, 2025. Members enjoy exclusive perks, from 2X Mastercard rewards to bike shop and Re/Supply discounts. Join now: membership pays for itself with a $30 bonus card offer.