How to Choose Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
How to choose trail running shoes for hiking: fit, tread, cushioning, protection and waterproofing explained, plus when hiking boots are still the better pick.
Tipstest: practical travel, outdoor and gear guides
Cover storyGear Tests & Reviews
How to Choose Hiking Pants
Learn how to choose hiking pants by fabric, fit, features and weather, from convertible and softshell styles to rain pants, with a simple comparison checklist.
Read the guideLatest guides
Explore the sections
Travel TipsPractical travel planning advice: how to plan a trip step by step, build a realistic budget, pack the right things, and prepare for the details that usually go wrong.37 guides
Outdoor GuidesBeginner-friendly camping and hiking guides that cover preparation, safety, skills and checklists.37 guides
Gear Tests & ReviewsClear buying guides and comparisons for travel and outdoor gear, from backpacks and tents to footwear and clothing layers.43 guides
Active LifestyleWalking, beginner outdoor activities and active travel ideas for everyday life.16 guidesTravel Tips
Practical travel planning advice: how to plan a trip step by step, build a realistic budget, pack the right things, and prepare for the details that usually go wrong.
Solo Female Travel Safety Tips
Practical solo female travel safety tips for every stage of your trip: planning, safe stays, getting around, nights out and what to do if things go wrong.
Field note
To hike in cold weather safely, dress in layers that you can add and remove, stay dry, eat and drink more often than feels necessary, and plan a shorter route that fits the limited daylight.
Outdoor Guides
Beginner-friendly camping and hiking guides that cover preparation, safety, skills and checklists.
Fall Hiking Tips
Fall hiking tips for cooler days: how to layer, plan around shorter daylight, stay visible in hunting season and stay safe on wet leaves and changing weather.
How to Pitch a Tarp Shelter
Learn how to pitch a tarp shelter step by step, with site tips, beginner pitch styles, simple knots and how to set up for wind and rain on the trail.
Hiking Etiquette: Trail Rules to Know
Learn the hiking etiquette and trail rules every hiker should know, from right of way and passing to noise, dogs, groups and leaving no trace.
Gear Tests & Reviews
Clear buying guides and comparisons for travel and outdoor gear, from backpacks and tents to footwear and clothing layers.
Active Lifestyle
Walking, beginner outdoor activities and active travel ideas for everyday life.
Every guide, newest first
-
How to Choose Hiking Pants
Learn how to choose hiking pants by fabric, fit, features and weather, from convertible and softshell styles to rain pants, with a…
-
How to Choose Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
How to choose trail running shoes for hiking: fit, tread, cushioning, protection and waterproofing explained, plus when hiking boots are still the…
-
Down vs Synthetic Insulation
Down vs synthetic insulation compared: warmth for weight, wet performance, fill power, durability and cost, plus which to choose for bags and…
-
How to Waterproof a Tent
How to waterproof a tent step by step: find the leak, clean the fabric, seal seams, refresh the coating and DWR, and…
-
Backpack Rain Cover vs Pack Liner
Rain cover vs pack liner: learn how each keeps a backpack dry, where each one fails, and which setup suits day hikes,…
-
Campfire Rules and Fire Bans Explained
Campfire rules and fire bans explained: what Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions mean, how to check for a ban, and how…
-
Fall Hiking Tips
Fall hiking tips for cooler days: how to layer, plan around shorter daylight, stay visible in hunting season and stay safe on…
-
How to Pitch a Tarp Shelter
Learn how to pitch a tarp shelter step by step, with site tips, beginner pitch styles, simple knots and how to set…
-
How to Hike in Cold Weather
How to hike in cold weather safely: plan for short days, layer to stay dry, keep food and water from freezing, and…
-
Hiking Etiquette: Trail Rules to Know
Learn the hiking etiquette and trail rules every hiker should know, from right of way and passing to noise, dogs, groups and…