Trail Running 101
Whether or not you’re already a runner, trail running is easily accessible for any outdoor enthusiast, and it offers a variety of scenery, terrain, and challenges. Equipped with some simple advice, a little gear, and a passion for the outdoors, you’ll soon be raring to hit the trails.
Backpacking with a Toddler or Preschooler
How many miles should you backpack with a toddler or preschooler? As many miles as your child wants to walk. And that’s probably a lot farther than most parents would think.
Backpacking with Baby
Taking a baby along on wilderness excursions can be both safe and enjoyable. Parents will need to make adjustments, but the result is a child who is comfortable in the outdoors, strong, and self-confident. And a family that can engage in its favorite activity together.
I’m Lost, Help Find Me: A SPOT Gear Test
Bill Straka explains the types of personal locator devices available for the backcountry and tests the SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker in redwood forests, a snowcave, and other locations.
Backcountry Water Treatment Part 4: Methods for Making Water Safe
Whether you choose to treat your water by boiling, filtering, chemical treatment, or UV radiation depends on a number of factors, like convenience, cost, and what might be in your water.
Backcountry Water Treatment Part 3: What is in Backcountry Water?
Biological, chemical, and aesthetic contaminants can be found in any water source, even in the backcountry, potentially ruining a trip. And you can’t tell just by looking.
Backcountry Water Treatment Part 2: Keeping Your Water Supply Safe
Keep water sources clean and uncontaminated whenever and wherever you camp, whether it’s summer or winter, wilderness or front country, for the sake of you, other hikers, and wildlife.
Backcountry Water Treatment Part 1: Proper Hydration
Stay sufficiently hydrated while hiking, backpacking, or climbing to avoid dehydration's dangerous effects and a ruined trip.
The 10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel
Certain outdoor gear is essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods.
Building a Better Water Bottle: Aluminum, Steel, and No BPA
Whether it’s for a trek into the backcountry or a trip to the store, there are a growing number of aluminum, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic water bottles.
Backpacking and Camping Pillow Comparison
Many backpackers consider pillows a backcountry luxury, one usually left behind to save weight and pack space. But a good night’s sleep can be worth a few ounces (and maybe more) in your pack.
Getting Kids Geared Up for Outside
There's no need to hang up the backpacks when Junior arrives. The early years are a great time to share the joys of the backcountry with a new generation.
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In the News
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Trailspace Blog
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Hiking and Backpacking with Kids
Hiking and backpacking with kids of any age can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. There are many variables when hiking and backpacking safely with kids, but the following tips should start you out on the right foot.
Soft Shells 101
Soft shells have become extremely popular backcountry (and around-town) clothing in recent years, but this rapidly growing category of stretchy, breathable outerwear can also be confusing to navigate. Here’s a basic introduction to this newest and continually expanding category of outerwear.
Leave No Trace
You pack out your trash, camp in designated areas, and dig a hole when nature calls. But do you really leave no trace?
Guide to Tents
Like campers and backpackers, tents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Tents provide not only a place to sleep, but protection from the elements (and mosquitoes and other critters), a sheltered spot for you and your gear, and a little privacy and sense of security in the great outdoors.
Guide to Sleeping Bags
Down or synthetic? What temperature rating? Mummy or rectangular? Extra-long or women-specific? With the range of sleeping bag types and options on the market there’s sure to be a bag (or bags) ideal for your personal thermostat, shape, and overnight destination.
How to Sleep Warmly
Some people just sleep warmer than others. They are the ones who climb into their bag with barely a stitch on, neglect to zip themselves completely closed or cinch down that hood, and then fall thoroughly asleep until dawn.
Guide to Backpacks
Ah, to go a-wandering with a knapsack on your back. Whether you’re setting off on a trail run or a weeklong backpacking trip, you’ll need a way to carry your gear.
How to Fit Boots
Reviews and product information can help in your search for quality outdoor footwear, whether you're in the market for lightweight trail shoes or sturdy backpacking boots.
How to Care for Your Boots
Now that you've shelled out money for your new boots, you want to make sure they'll support you for countless miles on and off the trail.
Guide to Outdoor Footwear
With more than 2,000 outdoor footwear reviews by hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and trail runners who've tested their boots and shoes in the field, Trailspace's Gear Guide to Outdoor Footwear has you, and your feet, covered.
How to Choose Snowshoes
Snowshoes, one of the oldest forms of transportation around, are also one of the easiest to use. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
