Tag: hiking boots

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Gear Info and Tips

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Below are all of our posts with info and tips to help you choose the best gear for hiking and all of your other athletics.  Some of the posts include links to gear you can purchase.

If you’re specifically looking for some new hiking gear, or something to give as a gift, take a look at our Gear Shop.

If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection –  take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

Some of my posts contain 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 marketing affiliations,  I earn from qualifying purchases.  I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.

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Find the best gear for your hiking and other outdoor adventures, or to give as a gift to your favorite hiker! We also have posts to help you make the best gear choices for your specific needs in our Library!

The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

As the weather changes with the seasons, you should also update your hiking boots for better performance and comfort.

But how do you know what features the best hiking boots or hiking shoes for the weather and your hike should have?

Of course you should like how they look, and they should feel good when you try them on – but beyond that, what are the most important things to look for?

Meadow Trail at NCMA Park
Meadow Trail at NCMA Park

Some boot features to consider:

        • Are they waterproof? 
        • Do they have cushioned shock-absorbing heels?
        • Do they have grippy soles?

If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.

What you put on your feet is without a doubt your most important piece of hiking gear, so you’ve got to get it right!

Hiking boots or trail running shoes (not regular road running shoes) are your best hiking footwear options.

Aside from fit, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of trail you’ll be on, and how long you’ll be on it 🙂

Continue reading The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

My feet hurt most of the time.

Hiking at the Romero Pools in Arizona

Accumulated damage from years of dance, martial arts, high heels, various athletics and now a couple of decades and  lots of miles of hiking means my feet hurt more often than they don’t.

Add metabolic aging of my feet now that I’m in my 50’s, and it’s a recipe for some VERY painful feet.

But I’ve found ways to alleviate my foot pain and prevent more injury so I can keep doing the active things I love!

How to Care For Your Feet

Footbridge at Pullen Park

As a hiker, you can’t overestimate the value of wearing the best hiking boots you can to have an enjoyable hike and avoid possible injury.

But  there are other things you can do to keep your feet happy beyond simply wearing good boots!

I love to be active outdoors and plan to keep on going for the long haul.  That means investing effort in taking care of my feet and legs as much as I can.

These are some of my  favorite tips to avoid or eliminate foot pain and keep your feet  happy, healthy and ready for any adventure!

NOTE:  Instead of  illustrating this post with images of injured feet, I decided to share pictures of some beautiful things I’ve seen  – while walking around  🙂

Continue reading Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

10 Best Gifts For Hikers Under $50 – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Most recently updated December 6th, 2023

Are you looking for gifts for hikers or other outdoors types, but don’t have the cash to spring for pricey gear and gadgets?

And maybe you waited a little too long to brainstorm something creative and epic?

Don’t worry – sometimes the gifts they’ll really appreciate are the simpler, less expensive things.  Practical gifts are easy to find when you’re short on time, too.

I’ve made a short list of  ten practical hiking gifts or  inexpensive cool gadgets for hiking that would be welcome gifts for the outdoorsy people on your list. 

Give one, or select a few to make a hiking gift basket! Continue reading 10 Best Gifts For Hikers Under $50 – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hiking in Patagonia – The W Trek in Torres del Paine

Most recently updated June 9th, 2022

It’s been more than a year since I returned from hiking in Patagonia, spending a week on the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park.   

I wrote a very short “I’m baack!” kind of post right after the trip, but now I’m finally getting around to sharing more details. 

Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Frankly,  this is partly just an excuse to post more amazing Patagonia photos! 

Be warned, this is an extremely long post, but it’s jam-packed full of useful information:

    • Different options for getting to Patagonia,
    • Torres del Paine hiking info,
    • What you’ll need to bring for the W Trek, and
    • A day by day description of my trip. 

This is all really good info for you if you’re thinking about a similar trip.  Anyway….about the place:

Patagonia, Chile is at the southernmost tip of South America, very close to Antarctica.  Torres del Paine National Park is located on the eastern edge of the continent.

It’s a place of spectacular beauty, with dark jagged snow-topped mountains, turquoise glacier-fed lakes and rivers, and abundant wildlife. Continue reading Hiking in Patagonia – The W Trek in Torres del Paine

Top 5 Gifts for Hikers – Basic Day Hike Gear

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022

Hikers on the Triple Crown in Virginia.

There are plenty of gifts any hiker or outdoor enthusiast on your list would be happy to get – whether they’re just beginners or experts.   

Gifts for hikers come in all price ranges, too, so you can be sure to find something in your budget.

Basic day hike gear is a gift that any hiker would be thrilled to get, and I’ve included links to some of my top picks. 

FYI, every image in this post – not just the specific recommended items –  is also a link to merchandise.

You’ll also see “Related Products” sections that allow you to browse more if you want to go beyond the items I’ve called out.

So, if you see something you like, click it! 

If you want any of these things for yourself,  you could also send this article to your family.  Just sayin’ 🙂

Continue reading Top 5 Gifts for Hikers – Basic Day Hike Gear