This is the time of year when everyone resolves to somehow change their lives for the better in the coming year.
This past year, my goals were pretty easy to define – at least for the first couple of months.
You see, I’d been battling a really vicious head and chest cold – since late November.
I hiked on New Zealand’s North Island – where all the volcanoes are!
Then, that turned into an infection (of lung and sinus type) for a few weeks and that went away but the original cold came back!
This illness plus inclement weather and Holiday shenanigans kept me from doing my usual basic maintenance workouts or scheduling as many hikes as usual.
So, my goal was to be healthy and strong enough to do all the things in New Zealand without any struggle.
I had about 8 weeks to make that happen. The good news is I did the training, went to new Zealand and had an awesome time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
I squeaked back into the US literally hours before they shut down international travel to New Zealand.
Fast forward to now, and we’ve had some version of COVID-19 lockdown in place, limiting our activities, since I got back home in March.
That Man and I had planned a trip to Hawaii – Kauai, to be exact – for April that had to be rescheduled for this coming winter’s Holiday season.
That’s where my training program “8 Weeks to Awesome” – or Auckland, to be specific – comes back into play.
I’ve got to get back on the plan to be ready for the Hawaii trip – assuming we’re allowed to go this time. (As of this writing, prohibitive quarantines and testing requirements are still in place for out of State visitors…)
If you’re looking for a way to get back into shape before the Holidays – even if you don’t have a big trip coming – maybe you’d like to do it with me!
Posts below include hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.
The list also includes hiking trails and training, hiking destinations such as National and State Parks as well as International destinations and more local trails.
Shenandoah National Park first opened to the public in December of 1936. It’s located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains, less than a half days’ drive from home for me.
Though I’ve lived in the area for more than 20 years, I’ve never had the chance to spend much time in Shenandoah – until this past summer.
Bridge over the trout stream at Rapidan Camp
With 200,000 acres of protected land, Shenandoah National Park has some of the best hiking in Virginia – and the entire mid-Atlantic region of the US – so you can imagine how excited I was to visit!
I had a great time exploring on my own, but the park hosts a variety of trails and attractions for everyone from expert hikers to families with small children.
Where is Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park is only 115 miles from Washington, D.C., 95 miles from Richmond VA, and 250 miles from Raleigh NC.
That’s close enough for a great long weekend or longer family vacation, without getting on an airplane!
I allowed a week for my trip – 2 days for travel, and 5 whole days to explore 🙂
Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.
The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.
The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.
Don’t Miss the Grand Re-Opening Celebration!
Several new collections are opening this October, along will all of the re-imagined NCMA galleries.
This October, the NCMA galleries will re-open after an amazing update with a weekend full of family-friendly (and free!) activities.
I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.
From the time my daughter was in kindergarten through her college years – and even now as a young adult in the community – the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.
The trips are remarkable not just because of the destinations or the activities, but because of the underlying vision of the company for sustainable, ecologically friendly travel.
Helicopter rescue on a G Adventures hike in the Mont Blanc area.
G Adventures Beginnings
It all began in 1990 when a very inspired young man named Bruce Poon Tip returned from a backpacking tour of Asia, determined to share his vision of how to experience travel adventures in an authentic and sustainable manner.
G Adventures has custom-made travel adventures for everyone! (Click logo to go to the G Adventure website.
By offering adventure-craving travelers an affordable small-group alternative to crowded resorts and cruises, Bruce (G Adventures CEO) changed the way people looked at their holiday time.
What started off as a one-man show in 1990 has since grown to become the world’s largest adventure travel company with more than 2,200 employees in 28 offices worldwide.Continue reading Adventures For You!
Pilot Mountain State Park views from the top are especially spectacular when the Fall colors come out! It’s a great place to take a family trip any time of year, with miles of trails, camping, climbing, canoeing, and lots of Ranger programs.
I’ve been visiting this park for many years, first with my daughter when she was young, and later with hiking friends or on my own.
View from the Ledges trail
Like the rocky escarpments in nearby Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains.
In fact, the Sauratown Trail, a 22-mile (30 miles with spurs) trail for both hikers and equestrians, crosses the range and interconnects the two state parks.
This is a hike I’ve been dreaming of tackling for a while now – you’ll hear all about it when I do!
Perfect for Day Trips
Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem
Several NC State Parks are just far enough away to be special trips but still close enough to make good day or weekend trips from the Raleigh area.
Pilot Mountain SP is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Raleigh, so you can easily get there, hike all day and still make it home before bedtime – especially on longer summer days. Of course, if you live in Winston-Salem it’s an even shorter trip 🙂
Every time I visit, there’s something new to see, and the view from the summit never loses it’s charm.
If you want to spend more time to thoroughly explore the park and visit local attractions like Horne Creek Farm or Divine Llama Vineyards, you’ll need to find a place to stay.
There are camping sites and canoe-in camp sites available in the park. You can reserve a campsite on the ReserveAmerica site.
The Flume Gorge natural area in New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park is spectacular and pictures just don’t do it justice.
Avalanche Falls in the Flume Gorge
Eight hundred feet long and about 20 feet from side to side at its widest, with granite walls 90 feet high, the Flume feels like you’ve entered a different world or stepped back in time.
It’s something you really have to see for yourself to appreciate.
I returned last week from my second visit (in the past year!) to the area – the first was early last November, and a freak storm had covered the place deep in snow, so I wasn’t able to hike very far.
But my most recent visit, in early May, was perfect weather for visiting the gorge, and well worth the return trip!
I went on my own, but walking the self-guided 2-mile Flume Trail through the Flume Gorge is a great way to spend some time outdoors with the whole family.
Bear Cave near the Flume Trail boardwalk
Though there are many more difficult hikes in the Franconia Notch area for seasoned hikers, the Flume Trail is an easy manicured walk for hikers of all ages and abilities.
But don’t think you’ll be bored because it’s an easier hike.
In addition to the prehistoric beauty of the gorge, you’ll be splashed by waterfalls and cooled by mist, see huge Ice Age boulders, walk through historic covered bridges, and take in some beautiful mountain views. Continue reading Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park
The Lake Pine Trail is a paved loop that circles the lake in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, close to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too – and is good for all skill levels.
Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road
The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so there’s a good chance to see wildlife.
I’ve seen deer, otters, loons, cranes, turtles – and fish 🙂
Dogs are also allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash.
I first heard about Palo Duro Canyon State Park a couple of years ago. It was February, and I wanted a good place to hike for a few days that was out of the cold, but not out of the USA.
Park headquarters at the entry
A couple of hiker friends recommended Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”.
After doing a some follow-up research, I decided that the park sounded perfect for my short solo hiking trip.
You’ll need some good tread on your boots for this one…
Getting the right outdoor gear and clothing can make the difference between a happy hike and a miserable or even dangerous one.
There’s a lot of advice out there on what gear you’ll need and which products are the best.
On this page, you’ll find my picks for outdoor gear, clothing, and other stuff you might need for your hiking adventures.
If you’re looking for some travel pointers or ideas for your next adventure, check out my Travel Resourcespage.
For full service active tours at great prices, see myAdventures For You! page.
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, and other affiliations, I earn from qualifying purchases. See full Disclosure page here.
Don’t forget your hat! Click to purchase
Usually people say they won’t endorse anything they’ve not used personally.
That’s a good practice, and I’ve tried to do that as much as possible with my picks for you.
P
That said, I tend to buy decent quality stuff and hang onto my gear until it falls apart, so I haven’t been able to try out all of these brands yet.
But I’ve read the descriptions and/or looked over them in a retail store, and I feel confident recommending these products to you.
HIKING GEAR LIST
My selections below are a result of weeding through many products to give you a sample selection of reliable gear choices for any budget.
For a more in-depth discussion of what to consider for each type of clothing, take a look at my Day Hike Gear Guide.
You can also see some info about less expensive – but still good to have – bits of gear on this post.
NOTE: The photos and grids below show my top picks for you from a variety of brands through Amazon. (Click any photo for more info or to purchase. You can also use the Search bar to find more options.)
PANTS AND LEGGINGS
Decades ago when I was shopping for hiking gear, there wasn’t much available for girls and women that would stand up to actual hiking and sweating on the trail.
Everything seemed to be made of flimsy pastel fabric, and some even had ruffles. Eeeww.
Fortunately, my daughter and I were small enough to be able to get what we needed in the Boys’ department.
Today there are so many options – both in women’s and men’s – for pants, shorts, leggings and even hiking skirts that trying to choose the right ones will make your head spin.
What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Pants
The main thing you’re looking for is comfort and mobility. (Looking good won’t seem so important if your thighs are chafed raw, so when in doubt go for the larger size!)
Hiking leggings – click to purchase
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.
I’m personally not a fan of this practice because non-athletic leggings aren’t breathable, and I don’t think anyone needs to see that much detail of my butt.
That said, wicking running tights or athletic leggings can work for hiking, especially in cooler weather.
I also always opt for hiking pants rather than shorts because even in very hot weather, long pants help protect my legs from getting scraped up or bitten by insects – and offer sun protection, too.
MID LAYER (INSULATING)
Men’s fleece – click to purchase
There are three basic categories of insulating layers: a thin fleece to hike in on colder days, a thin synthetic jacket, and a down puffy jacket for really cold weather.
(I also sometimes top this off with a rain shell too for an extra layer of wind protection.)
Even on a warm day, you should pack an insulating layer.
Women’s full zip fleece – click to purchase
On colder days, you’ll need more layers to put on and take off as the day (and you) warm up or cool down.
You’ll need to gauge the outside temperature and how hard you’ll be exercising to know how many layers you want to start with.
When you sweat and then stop for a break, you’ll get cold very fast.
That’s when it’s good to have a jacket or a fleece handy.
I like a fleece layer with a full zipper, so I can just inzip it if I don’t want to take it all the way off.
BASE LAYER
Your base layer is what you wear right next to your skin. In any season, it should keep your skin as dry as possible (e.g. use a wicking fabric), provide insulation and ventilation.
The purpose of wicking fabric is to pull moisture away from your skin.
Merino wool is a great choice and comes in different weights for any season. It also keeps on insulating you even when it’s wet.
Mens Merino mid-layer – click to purchase
As an alternative, synthetic fabrics dry fast so you won’t wear a cold layer on your skin, risking hypothermia.
Which reminds me – stay away from cotton: it’ll get wet and heavy, and is slow to dry.
I’ve also used wicking thermals to double as a base layer and camping jammies.
JACKETS
I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).
This is one of those items that every hiker needs, but does unfortunately wear out over time and has to be replaced.
If you hike in some really wet places with torrential rains, it’s also a good idea to keep rain pants in your pack.
Pick some with zippers running the whole length so you can put them on quickly, without taking your boots off.
My picks include a sampling of warmer jackets for cold weather and lighter ones for layering.
Some of the jackets below are waterproof and will also serve as rain jackets.
Each one offers something a little bit different and will fit different budgets and hikes in all types weather.
PACKS
High on the list of “must-haves” for your hike is a decent daypack or backpack.
Not only do your packs take care of your gear, they also can make or break your comfort level while out on the trail.
There are countless variety of good packs out there to choose from to get you started.
BOOTS OR SHOES
Hiking boots may be the most important item in your hiker’s kit.
If you don’t choose your boots correctly, you may be in for a lot of pain – and also the expense of getting a new pair!
Women’s mid-range boot – click to purchase
There are lot of choices now for outdoor footgear.
Trail runners, hiking shoes and hiking boots are all equally good and it really comes down to where you’re hiking, personal preferences, and the weather.
I prefer hiking in boots but I choose as light as possible for the season.
For boots, I prefer mid-rise because I have strong ankles. Waterproof boots are good for wet days and winter hikes.
Mens waterproof hiking boot – click to purchase
For shorter day hikes I might pick trail runners or hiking shoes.
If in doubt, it’s better to wear boots – especially when the terrain is rocky, the weather is wet, or you’re carrying a heavy pack.
When you get your boots, make sure you try them on wearing thick socks that you would wear for hiking.
Then walk around a bit, and make sure you have a little bit of room in front: if your toes hit the front, downhill trails will hurt you.
Remember, feet swell when you’re hiking, so make sure the boots aren’t too snug.
For more detail on how to choose the right boots, and more boot recommendations, see this article How to Choose the Best Boots.
And if you’re still looking for gear and gifts, take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
You’ll find gifts with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed mugs and water-bottles, and other fun things to give as a gift.
Snarky T-Shirts, IRW Logo Stuff & More!
A T-shirt form the IRW Merch Snarky Tees collection. Click to see more!
If you don’t want Holiday-themed stuff, we’ve also got T Shirts and sweatshirts sporting the *incredibly attractive* I’d Rather Walk logo, or an amusing, inspiring or snarky message – sometimes about hiking!
Messages are witty, fun, silly – but never political or crude.
You’ll probably want more than one!
Take a look at all of the collections in the IRW Merch shop to see what’s out there.
You never know what you’ll find and we’re adding more products every day 🙂
Fortunately, my daughter and I were small enough to be able to get what we needed in the Boys’ department.
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.
There are three basic categories of insulating layers: a thin fleece to hike in on colder days, a thin synthetic jacket, and a down puffy jacket for really cold weather.
On colder days, you’ll need more layers to put on and take off as the day (and you) warm up or cool down.
Your base layer is what you wear right next to your skin. In any season, it should keep your skin as dry as possible (e.g. use a wicking fabric), provide insulation and ventilation.
As an alternative, synthetic fabrics dry fast so you won’t wear a cold layer on your skin, risking hypothermia.
I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).
High on the list of “must-haves” for your hike is a decent daypack or backpack.
There are lot of choices now for outdoor footgear.
For shorter day hikes I might pick trail runners or hiking shoes.
