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The Trailmaster Blog
- “Take a hike!” A Positive or Negative Suggestion?
GOP Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney thinks "Take a Hike" is a negative expression. The Trailmaster disagrees. Perhaps politicians should reach out to Hiker-Americans, a huge bloc of voters.
- Cretins Graffiti Canyon Trailheads
Not content with leaving their spray-painted messes on Santa Barbara’s urban landscape, vandals recently hit the trail
- “Take a hike!” A Positive or Negative Suggestion?
Featured Posts
- John McKinney's Talks, Programs and Seminars
Trailmaster John McKinney teaches, inspires and entertains with keynote talks and programs that include "The Hiker's Way," "Getting Kids Back on the Nature Trail" and The Trailmaster's Hike Leader Training Seminar.
- John McKinney’s Books
John McKinney, a.k.a. The Trailmaster, is the author of more than 20 books about hiking including The Hiker's Way: Hike Smart, Live Well, Go Green.
- John McKinney's Talks, Programs and Seminars
Hike Smart
Hiker’s Dictionary
New from The Trailmaster is the Hiker’s Dictionary. Download the PDF here. Hiker’s Dictionary [2.4M]
Posted in Hiker's Dictionary
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Grandparents: Take a Hike with Your Grandchildren
The wisdom that comes from age gives grandparents certain advantages in taking kids on a hike.
read more
Posted in How-to, The Trailmaster Blog
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The Trailmaster’s Tips for a Great Autumn Hike
In addition to the obvious lure of colorful fall foliage, hitting the trail in autumn offers an insect-free environment and sparkling clear-day views. read more
Posted in How-to, The Trailmaster Blog
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Hike Smart
The more you know, the safer hiker you’ll be. Master the basics and you’ll be a confident (but not overly confident) hiker. read more
Posted in How-to, The Trailmaster Blog
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For Good Health, Take a Hike
Millions of Americans who like to hike believe that hiking contributes to good physical and mental health. New research measures the many benefits of hiking to body and mind. read more
Posted in How-to
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Hike-ku: New Hiking Boots
“New Hiking Boots,” a hike-ku by Trailmaster John McKinney read more
Posted in Tales from the Trail
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Hike-ku: Year of the Rabbit
“Year of the Rabbit,” a hike-ku from The Trailmaster John McKinney read more
Posted in Tales from the Trail
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Hike-Ku: Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day, a Hike-ku from The Trailmaster John McKinney read more
Posted in Tales from the Trail
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Hiking with Children: Ten Trail-Tested Tips
Ten trail-tested tips for hiking with children from The Trailmaster. If parents know what kids can and can’t do, everyone has a great time on the trail. read more
Posted in How-to
Tagged children, hiking, hiking clothes, hiking tips, nature, Ten Essentials, The Trailmaster
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Ten Essentials for Hikers
A Ten Essentials list was first circulated in the 1930s and has become a kind of gospel among hikers, although there are slight variations among lists. Here’s The Trailmaster’s Ten Essentials List. read more
Posted in Gear, How-to
Tagged Clothes, Compass, First-aid kit, Food, light, Map, matches knife, Pocket knife, sun protection, Ten Essentials, Water
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No Way to a Segway on Hiking Trails
Hiker should say “no way” for Segways on the trail. Of what benefit is a hike if a machine does the hiking for you? read more
Posted in How-to, The Trailmaster Blog
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Hike-ku: Family Fun on the Trail
Hike-ku Family fun on the trail with Baby in the Backpack, Sibling Rivalry and Teens on the Trail. read more
Posted in Tales from the Trail
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Cold Weather Hikes: Ten Tips
The Trailmaster’s Ten Tips for Cold Weather Hikes. Make extra preparations, take extra precautions, and hit the trail. read more
Posted in Featured, How-to
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Cold Weather Hiking
Cold weather hiking has its rewards for the hiker who makes extra preparations and takes extra precautions. One reward for hiking in the colder months is more solitude on the trail. read more
Posted in How-to, The Trailmaster Blog
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Hiking Solo
Go take a hike. Alone. Additional precautions are necessary, but hiking solo can be a safe and rewarding experience. read more
Posted in How-to
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Hiking Solo: Seven Tips to Remember
1. Know your limits. No one is going to monitor you but you. Don’t exceed your personal speed limit or overreach your capabilities. 2. Leave your itinerary with a trusted friend or relative. Even better, be personally accountable by reporting … read more
Posted in How-to
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Hiking Boots Break-in
Experts warn not to wear hiking boots on the trail that haven’t been broken in. It’s an odd piece of advice—after all, don’t you need to wear them hiking in order to break them in? The answer is, “it depends.” … read more
Posted in Gear
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Hiking Gear Philosophy 101
Good gear—hiking boots, hiking clothing and accessories—makes an important, even critical, contribution to a hiker’s wellbeing and safety. While good gear alone doesn’t ensure a good hiking experience, it certainly can enhance the experience. Obviously you’ll enjoy a hike—even a … read more
Posted in Gear
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About Day Packs for Hiking
Choosing a Daypack A daypack (or day pack if your prefer) is a soft frameless pack that attaches to your shoulders and usually includes a hip band or waist belt for support. A good, small hiking backpack will last a … read more
Posted in Gear
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Hiking Socks
The time-honored two-sock tradition is still a useful one for hikers. A thin, inner liner sock of synthetic material, such as polypropylene or Capilene is coupled with an outer layer of rag wool. This tandem reduces friction and thus the … read more
Posted in Gear
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