Hike Smart

Trail-tested wisdom for the savvy hiker. Hiking expert John McKinney shares what’s trail sense and what’s nonsense. Enjoy happy trails and stay out of harm’s way.

Women Hikers

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

Women hikers have hit their stride. Lacing up their hiking boots and hitting the hiking trail, women hikers are becoming sole mates in huge numbers—15 million American women hike regularly, and more than 50 million call themselves fitness walkers. Hiking … read more →

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Hiking Humor

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

Hikers have a sense of humor. Really. Perhaps we project a too serious demeanor as we climb to the top of the hill, prompting non-hikers to view us as humor-challenged. Anyone out there working on a collection of hiker humor? … read more →

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Hiking Songs

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

There’s something about hiking that makes us burst out into song. I’ve listened to hikers belt out everything from Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” to that old classic “Five Hundred Miles.” I’ve heard Waldorf school kids hiking in Wildcat Canyon … read more →

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Selecting Good Hiking Trail Maps

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

“Map” is often listed as first essential on the hiker’s list of The Ten Essentials and you’ve got to have a map. But not just any map. You need a good trail map, one designed for hikers. I’ve supervised the … read more →

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Homage to Switchbacks

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

“What’s wrong with this trail?” the perspiring young sportsman in the Boston Red Sox baseball cap complains to me as I catch up with him at the one-mile marker on Echo Mountain Trail. “It doesn’t seem to be leading anywhere. … read more →

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Hiking Sticks and Poles

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

Hiking sticks and hiking poles help with balance, absorb shock, and provide much-welcomed leverage for steep ascents. read more →

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Pedometers

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

Pedometers are devices that track how far you walk. By sensing body motion and electronically counting footsteps, these gizmos can inform you of the distance walked. read more →

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Hiking Boots, Get a Good Fit with these Five Tips

Posted on December 6, 2010 by admin

To get a good fitting pair of hiking boots, use these five tips. The shoe fits if: 1. You have room to wiggle your toes, but the boots won’t be so loose that you feel like you’re floating in them. Tightness in the toe box can eventually lead to extreme discomfort later on, especially when hiking down steep hills. read more →

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Hiking Boots: Choosing the Best Pair

Posted on December 6, 2010 by admin

A good pair of hiking boots can keep you on the trail for years, and a bad pair may march you right back to the store. Before you even think about buying, be sure to be clear about how your hiking boots will be used. read more →

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Hiking with Companions

Posted on December 6, 2010 by admin

Hikers have a broad range of abilities, interests and enthusiasms. The company they choose to keep on the trail reflects that diversity. If you’re accountable to someone other than yourself, you’re more apt to walk the walk. When you’re facing … read more →

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Ten Trail-Tested Tips for Hiking with Children

Posted on December 6, 2010 by admin

1. Keep your children in sight at all times. That may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how fast kids can get off the trail. 2. Repeat and repeat again all instructions ranging from snack breaks to porta-potty locations. 3. … read more →

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