Why You Should Use Trekking Poles
Ending too many hikes with sore, wobbly legs? Trekking poles can help you make it that extra mile.
Author
Emma Veidt
Emma Veidt is Backpacker’s associate editor who earned her master’s degree from the Missouri School of Journalism. These days, she’s mostly hiking, climbing, and running around Southern California. She has explored in all 50 states, and her new goal is to visit all the national parks in the country.
My Stories
Weekly Obsession: This Compact Flask Could Save Your Life (and Not Just Metaphorically)
Because whiskey and safe hiking go hand-in-hand.
Lost in the Wilderness? Don’t Change Your Voicemail.
A post making its way through several social media channels has misleading advice, according to SAR officials.
Hikers Save Drowning Men from Waterfall Pool With Their Turbans
A video of the rescue in Canada has gone viral on social media.
A Polar Bear Attack Is a Hiker’s Worst Nightmare. Here’s How to Prevent One.
And how to tell if a polar bear is aggressive or just passing through the area.
Long Covid Is Keeping Hikers Off the Trail for Months
Lingering COVID symptoms—such as fatigue and shortness of breath—can make it hard to hit the trails, even months after getting sick.
How Beginners Can Cut Pack Weight, Not Comfort
The best way to ruin your first backpacking trip? A pack that’s too heavy. Lighten your load with these tips.
When It’s OK to Help Find Missing Hikers, According to a Search and Rescue Expert
And what to do when you see an injured hiker on the trail.
How to Fuel for Every Length of Hike, According to a Dietitian
Backcountry Foodie’s Aaron Owens Mayhew explains what you should eat and when to best suit your individual body and hiking needs.
Tourists Could Do Prison Time After Approaching Bears at Katmai National Park
They were caught after livestream viewers saw them wade into the river.
A New Paved Trail Will Let Hikers and Bikers Zip Through Zion’s Entry Lines
An 18-mile paved trail will run from St. George to Zion National Park and offer parking lots, bathrooms, benches, and more. But you'll be waiting for a while.
Hiker Falls to His Death in the Grand Canyon as a Deadly Year Continues at the Park
Cliff falls are the second most common ways people die in one of America’s most dangerous national parks.
While the Rest of Us Talk About Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 5-Year-Old Just Did It
He averaged about 10 miles every day, but still had the energy to play freeze tag at night.
Does Your GPS Navigation App Give you Wildfire and Air Quality Maps? This One Does.
These new map overlays will help you safely plan your hikes around fire season.