Southwest Hikes

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

Learn the basics of ultralight backpacking in this 2026 beginner's guide! We'll go over what UL is, why it can be a great choice for your body, and how to begin adventuring with a lightweight kit!

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

Stay safe while hiking in extreme heat with advice from an expert! If you can't resist the call of the desert in summertime, be sure to check out these tips!

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)

Choosing the best ultralight tent for solo backpacking isn’t only about shaving ounces; it’s about comfort, reliability, and confidence on the trail. This 2026 guide breaks down weight, materials, tent styles, and real-world considerations.

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?

Fjällräven offers six different Abisko trekking tights, each designed for a specific type of hiking. This guide breaks down the exact differences, from durability levels to reinforcements to warm-weather vs cold-weather performance, so you can choose the perfect pair for your adventures.

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

Whether you're shopping for an outdoorsy friend or looking for your next trail read, this guide highlights the best adventure and nature books of 2025. Perfect for hikers, travelers, backpackers, and anyone who loves wild places.

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

This article compares three leading devices: the Garmin inReach Mini 2, SPOT X, and ZOLEO Satellite Communicator, to help you choose the best option for your adventures.