Last winter, now 17-year-old Isobel Chi found herself on Washington鈥檚 Sasse Mountain with a group of fellow high schoolers and a handful of adult leaders. The early February hike was a regular outing for the Seattle-based Mountaineers 国产吃瓜黑料 Club (or MAC, pronounced as one word), a youth program designed to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for 14- to 18-year-old Seattleites. Every teen on the hike had practiced using traction devices and ice axes, and they鈥檇 put their skills to the test on a snowy ridgeline traverse between Sasse and Howson Peak. Off-trail, traveling 鈥渟traight uphill,鈥� Chi felt herself approaching her limit. Then, nearing the top, the group . To Chi, it looked unstable, and alarm bells went off in her head. Most of the group seemed unconcerned, but sharing Chi鈥檚 apprehension, one of the student leaders spoke up.

鈥淪he said, 鈥業 don鈥檛 think this is the best idea, I don鈥檛 feel safe doing this. And then we turned around and I thought that was really impressive,鈥� says Chi.

Chi learned a few important lessons that day about trusting her intuition, speaking up in a group setting, and that it鈥檚 OK to turn around short of an objective. Even for adult adventurers, that type of knowledge is often hard-won over the course of many seasons鈥攁nd sometimes close calls鈥攊n the mountains. But Chi and her peers in MAC are getting a head start.

Today, Chi, who has been involved with MAC since she was in eighth grade, is herself one of six student leaders elected by their peers. The program consists of monthly meetings and a jam-packed calendar of weekly trips and workshops, including hiking and backpacking, rock climbing and rope skills, wilderness first aid, navigation, skiing, and technical mountaineering including snow and glacier travel skills.

MAC鈥檚 youth leaders are supported by adult volunteers and a small staff; but it鈥檚 the kids who run pre-trip meetings, organize groups of students, help teach skills, cook meals, and facilitate in-the-field experiences. While some of the student participants have grown up going outside with their families, for many of them, MAC is a first foray into the outdoors.

Caroline Sherley, 18, serves alongside Chi on MAC鈥檚 leadership team to help organize trips and monthly meetings, teach skills, and wrangle gear and food for outings.

鈥淭he program is about learning climbing and outdoor stuff, of course, but it鈥檚 also kind of taking you through a complete progression of 鈥業鈥檓 learning this skill, I鈥檓 relearning it and refining it, and then I鈥檓 teaching it,鈥欌�� said Sherley. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice for learning skills about being outdoors, it鈥檚 nice for getting off your phone, it鈥檚 nice for being outside with great people, and it鈥檚 also nice for building your confidence.鈥�

MAC鈥檚 program calendar reads like any adult : Mt. Shuksan, Mt. Baker, Eldorado, Forbidden Peak, a 10-day excursion to Squamish, British Columbia, and more. While youth programs across the country get kids into nature, MAC is unique: The curriculum provides teens with big-mountain skills like crevasse rescue and snow camping, and, more importantly, hands them the reins as often as possible.

鈥淥ne of the biggest things that I think that leadership really does is they really set , both on trips and also just through intention at leadership meetings,鈥� says Emile Blouin, a volunteer for MAC who has spent a decade working with kids and teens as a teacher and tutor. 鈥淭here鈥檚 been really a push to create more space for the youth leadership to really be the ones that are driving everything.鈥�

While summiting some of the nation鈥檚 most challenging and scenic peaks is enough to incite jealousy in any adult hiker, it鈥檚 the soft skills that resonate the most with MAC students.

鈥淭his year especially I鈥檝e been learning how to put myself in uncomfortable situations鈥攏ot just physically, but like if you need to tell somebody that they鈥檙e doing something wrong, now that I鈥檓 in more of a leadership position,鈥� said Chi. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 like doing that, but it鈥檚 important and it is beneficial to everybody involved, so I鈥檝e been working on that.鈥�

For her part, Sherley鈥檚 learned to embrace what鈥檚 familiar to any longtime backpacker: type two fun. On a recent climbing trip in central Washington, Sherley found herself camped out in a raging rainstorm that forced her to move her tent in the middle of the night.

鈥淭he next morning we were making pancakes and kind of miserable and just very wet and cold, and we were still laughing and having a really good time,鈥� she said.听 鈥淸I鈥檝e learned to find] ways to be happy in less than desirable conditions,鈥� she said.

Backpackers know that the resilience and empowerment found on the trail can serve a person well in all aspects of life. Blouin agrees that the skills learned in MAC will set kids up for success in future chapters. He said that he鈥檚 been especially impressed watching student leaders interact with adult volunteers and parents and handle interpersonal conflicts with maturity and poise.

鈥淎s somebody who works with youth a lot, you don鈥檛 see that happening. You don鈥檛 see youth in leader positions being able to go to an adult and say 鈥� 鈥榯his needs to be managed in this way,鈥欌�� he said. 鈥淭here is a level of empowerment that allows these youth to actually hold space and feel 鈥� that they have the knowledge that they need to be able to speak up in those ways.鈥�

As she wraps up her senior year of high school, it鈥檚 Sherley鈥檚 last year in MAC. Over the past three years, she鈥檚 learned how to manage a rope, how to plan camp meals for a group, and the basics of multi-pitch climbing. But Sherley has learned something more personal, too: spending time outside will always be a big part of the rest of her life. 鈥淚 know that this is where I鈥檓 really happy,鈥� she said.

To learn more about the Mountaineers 国产吃瓜黑料 Club, contact Hank Stein, Teen Clubs Coordinator for the Mountaineers.

The post This After-School Program Is Turning High Schoolers into Mountaineers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When I bought my first pair of Merino wool underwear鈥攁 鈥攆rom a Vermont gear shop in 2017, it was a game changer. I dubbed them my 鈥渁dventure undies,鈥� since they were the first pair I鈥檇 reach for when packing for every type of outing. On long hikes, multiweek canoe camping trips, and snowy mountain excursions, they beat out my other undergarments in every category: comfort, breathability, and a feeling of relative cleanliness I crave when crawling into my sleeping bag at night. Since then, I鈥檝e grown my fleet of wool pairs, and they are my favorites across the board.

Turns out, I鈥檓 not the only member of the. I found that most of my male hiking buddies don鈥檛 put too much thought into this small gear choice, and don鈥檛 mind wearing the same pair for days on end. But for women, the right choice of undergarment can make or break a backpacking trip. Moisture trapping, chafing, and excessive odor are veritable hike ruiners that can sometimes escalate to UTIs or yeast infections. Plus, packing a clean pair for every day of your hike isn鈥檛 always an option on long treks. Merino underwear can solve many of these problems.

Dr. Lillia Loriz, a professor of nursing at Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida and accomplished long-distance hiker, agrees.

鈥淯nlike synthetic materials that trap sweat and odor, Merino wool naturally wicks moisture away and has antimicrobial properties that keep bacteria in check,鈥� she says.

And Loriz is no stranger to long stretches on trail: She鈥檚 hiked a 750-section of the Appalachian Trail, 1,300 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, 600 miles on , the entire Colorado Trail, and others.

Loriz says that Merino wicks moisture better than cotton, and while some synthetics have antimicrobial capabilities, this is where Merino wool shines. While your synthetic undies might pick up stink after a day or two on the trail, Merino wool pairs tend to feel and smell fresh for longer.

In addition to choosing the right pair of underwear for hiking, there are steps hikers can take to feel clean and comfortable on trail and in camp. Loriz recommends always packing a second pair of underwear on a long backpacking trip.

鈥淪witch between pairs to allow for drying. Wash when water source allows,鈥� she says. 鈥淪ome [hikers] also wear them right-side-in then inside out. However, switching between pairs to assure clean and dry use is best.鈥�

If sweaty underwear does , Loriz recommends using a skin barrier like Body Glide, , or Udder Butter.

The post What鈥檚 the Best Underwear for Backpacking? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), the non-profit organization responsible for preserving and promoting the听West Coast鈥檚 iconic 2,650-mile trail, announced on Wednesday that it will drastically reduce its planned program of work in 2025. According to a statement on the organization鈥檚 website, the decision is a result of delayed grant funding, which is part of the administration鈥檚 efforts to reduce federal spending.

The PCTA partners with the US Forest Service (USFS) to collaboratively manage the PCT and relies on federal funding, volunteer hours, and fundraising to support trail maintenance and repair projects, the hiring of trail crew leaders, and more. PCTA CEO Megan Wargo wrote in the statement that this week鈥檚 announcements have caused great uncertainty about the organization鈥檚 capacity to support hikers.

Wargo announced that the organization will cancel 56 weeks of planned trail projects in 2025 due to the funding loss. They鈥檒l likely be unable to hire six trail crew leaders, who are responsible for providing trail-building expertise and coordinating volunteer efforts. According to the PCTA, the reduction is equal to 鈥渕ore than one full year鈥檚 worth of trail crew maintenance. 鈥�

鈥淐utting back needed trail maintenance will directly affect the PCT experience this year and in the future, and surely will increase the amount and cost of work we will need to address later,鈥� Wargo wrote in the statement. 鈥淗ikers, equestrians and local trail communities will feel this as they traverse the magnificent lands through which the trail passes.鈥�

, the PCTA historically relies on a $667,000 federal grant each year to fund trail projects, along with funds from the and disaster relief funds. The Chronicle wrote that these sources make up about 48 percent of the PCTA鈥檚 yearly budget and that that money 鈥渂ecame imperiled last month when President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to halt spending. About a week later, the Trump administration withdrew the freeze but said it is withholding federal program funding pending internal reviews.鈥�

The PCTA specified several trail projects that will be eliminated or delayed These include 鈥渄ry masonry work around Donner Summit near Truckee; stone step repairs in Inyo National Forest near Mount Whitney; creek crossing repairs in Sierra National Forest outside Mammoth Lakes, and rehabilitation around Snow Creek Village near the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County.鈥�

鈥淭hose unmaintained spots are going to be hell for hikers,鈥� PCTA Advocacy Director Mark Larabee told the Chronicle.

In the statement on the PCTA鈥檚 website, Wargo called on volunteers to help fill in the gaps left by the funding freeze. She wrote that the organization will continue to lean on volunteer labor and donations to address trail maintenance projects and advocate for the future of the PCT. Wargo also encouraged hikers to contact their senators and representatives to speak up for the PCT and public lands everywhere.

The post Pacific Crest Trail Association Drastically Reduces Trail Work Due to Federal Funding Cuts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

For years, the smartphone has been hailed as the ultimate multipurpose backpacking tool: It鈥檚 a camera, map, GPS, diary, music player, plant identifier, book, and all in one.

Smartphones have become particularly ubiquitous on long trails. Thru-hiking-specific guide apps like FarOut allow hikers to access useful information like elevation profiles, weather, camping options, trail angel contact info, and access to critical updates like trail closures, reroutes, and wildfires鈥攁ll from the backcountry. For all that functionality packed into one device, a smartphone is an ultralighter鈥檚 dream. But as technology plays an increasingly dominant role in our daily lives, some backpackers while on the trail. On a weekend trip, ditching your device is easy. But how about a long trail?

Of course, you can safely and successfully thru-hike without a smartphone鈥攂ackpackers have been doing it for decades. Shane 鈥淧atchwork鈥� Linden, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker from Rochester, New York, is among a small contingent of backpackers going about it the old fashioned way. Linden, 28, does carry a smartphone for emergencies and to keep in touch with loved ones when he鈥檚 in town, but he uses it as little as possible on the trail.

鈥淚 came out here because I had a job that was on the computer and I was just staring at a screen all day,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 noticed that even when I wasn鈥檛 working, I would be on my phone or I鈥檇 be listening to a podcast or music. And I figured that this [thru-hike] could be almost like a retreat.鈥�

Linden is currently a little over halfway through the AT, and says it鈥檚 gotten harder to keep his phone in his pack as he鈥檚 progressed. He says the vast majority of thru-hikers he meets use FarOut to inform their treks, and his peers are often incredulous when he tells them he doesn鈥檛 have the app. Initially, he decided not to use FarOut because he didn鈥檛 want to pay for a subscription, which ranges from $8 to $15 per month. But he鈥檚 gotten by just fine without it, instead relying on 鈥�,鈥� a print guidebook that outlines the trail鈥檚 many landmarks as they correspond to an elevation profile. The guide also features town maps, water source and camping info, and more. Linden has a PDF version of the guide on his phone as backup, but he mostly references a paper copy.

鈥淚 just feel like this might be the only time in my life where [I won鈥檛 always be using a phone] and I want to try to savor that, even if it is challenging a lot of the time,鈥� he said.

Linden says he sometimes feels like he鈥檚 missing out on the wealth of knowledge that exists online from other thru-hikers who post beta about good views, campsites, water sources, or other happenings along the trail. Apps like FarOut provide real-time information that Linden can鈥檛 get from his paper guide. But, he says, not relying on the internet allows him to be more spontaneous and make connections with those around him. When Linden stumbles upon an unexpected view or a spring he didn鈥檛 know about, he feels a rush of serendipity. This allows him to stay in the moment rather than planning every aspect of his hike ahead of time.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good starting point, too, for conversations where I can be like, 鈥極h, can you let me know if there鈥檚 a good water source up here?鈥� Then we just get started talking and that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 out here for.鈥�

Thru-hikers who ditch the smartphone may find themselves packing a few more gear items to make up for its functionality鈥擫inden hikes with a disposable camera in addition to his paper guide, for example. And whereas plugged-in hikers can often get away with subpar navigation skills, those who go analog need to take extra care to brush up on their

Linden says he misses out on the occasional meme or inside joke that circulates among hikers on FarOut, but he wouldn鈥檛 have it any other way. Recently, he was sharing a shelter with some other hikers who noticed there was great cell service in the area. While his companions settled in to watch videos on their phones, Linden resisted the temptation to catch up with friends back home and kept his device packed away. Instead, he took in the view from his home for the night.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 get that much in my life鈥攖he chance to just watch the sky change colors as the sun goes down.鈥�

Tips for Hiking Unplugged

Backpackers have been doing it for decades, but can be easier said than done if you鈥檝e become reliant on it. Here are some tricks to ease the transition.

• Learn to navigate. Even if you plan to use or another mapping app while hiking, you should be proficient in Familiarize yourself with your route ahead of time so you can anticipate trail junctions and other decision points.
• Plan ahead. Apps can take the hassle out of logistics in the moment, but doing your research before hitting the trail will make for a smoother experience. Scope out and mark and camping options on your map, as well as any potential evacuation routes or alternative routes. If you can鈥檛 plan your entire hike before hitting the trail, consider investing in a paper guide for your route, which you can reference as you go.
• Dial your kit. If you rely on your smartphone for multiple uses, you may need to make some gear swaps when you go low-tech. Think about everything you use your phone for and pack accordingly. (You may want to carry a notebook, watch, book, deck of cards, camera, and/or an emergency communication device, for example.)
• Make friends鈥攂ut don鈥檛 count on them. Self-reliance is key on any long hike, so don鈥檛 rely wholeheartedly on obtaining beta from plugged-in hikers you meet along the way. That said, striking up a conversation with other backpackers is an effective way of gathering information and forming connections鈥攚hich is often what thru-hiking is all about.

The post Is the Smartphone-Free Thru-Hike Dead? Some Hikers Are Bringing It Back appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

An intrepid spirit is all a good adventure dog truly needs鈥攂ut having the right gear can help pups and their guardians enjoy the journey. Canine hikers can鈥檛 always advocate for themselves, so we prioritized products that put safety, comfort, and function at the forefront. For all the joy they give us, our favorite companions deserve the best.

At a Glance

• How to Shop for Your Dog
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers (and Pups)

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

NiteIze NiteHowl Max Rechargeable Safety Necklace – Disc-o Select

Sizes: One size (fits 12- to 27-inch neck diameter)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great visibility at night
鈯� Rechargeable
鈯� Once you cut to size, there鈥檚 no adjustability

The best pet products give loving owners peace of mind, and this luminescent collar accomplishes that. Whether your dog likes to explore the campsite after dark or stroll the neighborhood before bed, the NiteHowl Max allows you and others to see your pet from a distance.

Whereas smaller collar lights might get lost in your dog鈥檚 fur or be invisible from certain angles, the NiteHowl Max鈥檚 wide band is designed to stay on top of especially fluffy fur, completely encircling your dog鈥檚 neck in colorful light. Set the light to one of three glowing colors, or turn on Disc-o mode if you want to get the campground party started. The 10-hour runtime was sufficient for weekend trips, and the light is rechargeable via micro USB.

The cut-to-fit band is durable, weather-resistant, and can accommodate dog necks from 12 to 27 inches in diameter. But if your pup is still growing, take note: Once it鈥檚 cut, the collar鈥檚 size can no longer be adjusted.

Orvis RecoveryZone Couch Dog Bed

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Supportive, recovery-optimized foam
鈯� Pricey

After a long day exploring the mountains, your dog deserves a comfortable place to rest his head. Our pick for active and old pups: The RecoveryZone Couch Bed, boasting four inches of medium density solid foam topped by a 1-inch-thick Serene Foam layer to cradle weary joints and muscles so dogs can rehabilitate faster.

Bolsters on three sides give your pup a place to rest his head (it also comes in lounger style without bolsters), and a recycled polyester cover is easily removed for machine washing. Though it takes a while before it needs to be washed. 鈥淚 have a wet and often muddy dog, and dirt just fell off this bed,鈥� reported one tester.

When our furry tester tore his meniscus playing ball, the RecoveryZone provided the perfect landing pad while he healed from his third surgery.

Skida Dog Bandana

Sizes: S, M, L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easily slides onto your dog鈥檚 collar
鈯� So cute
鈯� Can interfere with ID tags on your dog鈥檚 collar

Skida鈥檚 new line of dog bandanas brings the colorful prints the brand is known for to your pup, with a handful of dog-specific design features. With a channel sewn into the top of the bandana, the fabric slides right onto your dog鈥檚 collar, eliminating the need to tie it around their neck. A reflective, high visibility patch also adds a layer of safety when playing at night.

The quick-dry polyester fabric with a water-repellent finish stood up well to all varieties of puppy romping. 鈥淚t shed sand and water as my dog ran, rolled, and dug in a sandbar on Oregon鈥檚 Columbia River,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淓ven when she splashed after sticks the water-repellent coating held up, and the bandana was dry by the time we made it back to the car.鈥�

After weeks of continuous wear, it still hasn鈥檛 required a wash. Best of all, it comes in many of the same prints as Skida鈥檚 human hats, neck gaiters, bandanas, and headbands, so you and your best friend can match on your adventures.

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness

Sizes: S, M, L (fits dogs 15 to 130 lbs)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Minimalist yet tough
鈯� Quick to fasten
鈯� Hair can collect on the nylon webbing
鈯� Harness doesn鈥檛 always sit centered

Atlas Pet Company鈥檚 simple, durable harness had a grip on every single tester. (Their dogs, who would rather have been cruising leashless, thought it was just OK.)

With its tough magnetic buckle and range of reflective colors, the Lifetime Harness pulled the most praise for its tug-discouraging design that loops around the torso and over the chest. 鈥淚t was super easy to use, and looks great, too,鈥� said one tester, noting that the lightweight, minimalist design saved her thick-coated dog from overheating (and cut down on uncomfortable rubbing points) on long hikes.

Testers liked that the sturdy nylon webbing was supple right out of the box and, combined with the ability to adjust all four straps on the harness, moved right along with their dog.

Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Running Vest

Sizes: XS, S, M, L/XL (fits dogs with chest girth from 22 to 42鈥�)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Adds just enough control in a lightweight design
鈯� Testers with squirrely pups wished for a front leash connection for extra control

Ruffwear鈥檚 canine vest, with room for two included 500 milliliter water flasks (360 milliliters in the XS size) and a collapsible bowl (not included), saved human testers from carrying extra weight and made their dogs look like furry ultra-marathon competitors.

Those with less experienced pups praised the vest鈥檚 secure, highly-adjustable fit, which provided much-needed control when Fido spotted a bunny on one jaunt. (We do wish it also had a top handle for lifting our dogs in emergencies.) Breathable fabric kept dogs cool on hot days, and a loop to attach a light offered security for post-sunset runs. Neon colors are a bonus safety feature for those who like to take their jogs to the sidewalk, though testers who did more trail running would鈥檝e liked more color options.

The complete Trail Runner system鈥攕old separately鈥攊ncludes a stretchy leash and pared-down belt for humans, with space for a water flask, keys, and phone. 鈥淪uper comfy and functional,鈥� one regular trail runner said. 鈥淎 really excellent design.鈥�

White Duck Outdoors Dog Bed

Sizes: L (36鈥� x 27鈥� x 4鈥�), XL (40鈥� x 28鈥� x 4鈥�)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Roomy and sturdy
鈯� Two available sizes are too big for really small dogs

There was something about this humble bed that acted as a doggie tranquilizer. 鈥淢y dog has never been a big bed user, but as soon as this arrived, she curled up and took a nap,鈥� said one Washington-based tester.

Maybe it was the cushiness that also offered a little give鈥攃ourtesy of a polyester fiberfill that repurposes plastic bottles鈥攆or dogs who like to burrow. Dogs seemed to like the supportive cotton-polyester blend fabric, while humans appreciated the removable cover with its water-repellent coating for its grime- and claw-resistance. 鈥淥ne of the better beds for outdoor use,鈥� another tester reported.

Wilderdog Backpack

Sizes: S, M, L (fits dogs with chest girth from 17-34鈥�)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Roomy
鈯� Accommodates dogs of many sizes (even a Great Pyrenees)
鈯� Dogs may need time to get used to it before hitting the trail

Testers were jealous when their pals donned Wilderdog鈥檚 jewel-toned backpack, made of water-resistant cotton-poly fabric in four shades. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so pretty. The design and aesthetics are top-notch,鈥� a New Mexico-based tester said.

It鈥檚 got all the bells and whistles of a top-tier pack: velcro tabs to keep straps from dangling, a handle on top for emergency lifting, aesthetically pleasing patterned accents, and a poop bag dispenser.

But it鈥檚 what鈥檚 on the inside that impressed us the most: seemingly bottomless space. Testers managed to stuff all their pooches鈥� backcountry needs within: kibble, treats, collapsible bowls, several water bottles, and layers for chilly nights. Despite its size, testers reported no slippage or awkwardness thanks to four easy-to-dial-in adjustment points.

Wilderdog Sleeping Bag

Sizes: One size, 36鈥� x 28鈥� when zipped shut

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lighter, warmer, and less pricey than competitors
鈯� Stands up to even the stinkiest of dogs
鈯� Just one size (won鈥檛 fit large dogs)

We would do anything for our dogs, but we simply refuse to share a sleeping bag with them after they鈥檝e spent a long day hiking, crossing creeks, and rolling in suspicious substances. But testers were pretty sure their pals didn鈥檛 mind snoozing solo when they rolled out Wilderdog鈥檚 bag.

This cocoon is stuffed with synthetic fill to a pleasingly chunky thickness, and with a cozy, quick-drying cotton lining, our California-based tester confirmed her dog was 鈥渟nug as a bug鈥� within. Its hefty water-resistant polyester outer makes it a no-brainer to lay out as a campsite resting pad too. (Our Great Pyrenees tester was too big to get inside, but happily lied on top.)

At 1 pound 13 ounces, it鈥檚 certainly not for ultralight hikers, but it鈥檚 lighter than other brands鈥� more expensive offerings and rolls down to the size of a large loaf of bread in its included stuff sack. For the peace of mind that our dogs weren鈥檛 shivering all night in alpine environments, we found it more than worth any extra pack space.

OllyDog Flyer Disc

Sizes: One size, 8.25鈥� diameter

Pros and Cons
鈯� Packable without sacrificing a satisfying glide
鈯� Your dog might want about 50 of them

Dogs love a classic frisbee for a reason: it catches some sick air so they can live out their Air Bud fantasies. But the discs鈥� rigid materials aren鈥檛 very packable and can be hard on dogs鈥� teeth over time. Softer discs are usually weaker fliers, but not so for the OllyDog Flyer Disc, our testers reported.

The lightweight and packable circle comes in 11 colors and is easier on the gums after repeated chomps and games of tug-of-war. Constructed of repurposed plastic bottles, it floats on water for dogs who like to do a good lake leap.

And it may be soft, but it鈥檚 durable: 鈥淚t鈥檚 holding up impressively considering the abuse it gets,鈥� says one tester. Two New Mexico-based testers said it 鈥渇lew very well鈥� and let our dogs 鈥渓eap high in the air.鈥� Just like Air Bud would have wanted.

How to Shop for Your Dog

Before you go on a dog gear spree, grab a tape measure and jot down these key numbers for your pal: weight, length from neck to the base of the tail, neck circumference so you can still insert two fingers鈥� width under the tape, and circumference of the widest part of the chest. Sizing varies widely among canine brands so you鈥檒l always want to vet your choices alongside actual measurements.

A lot of the rest is highly individualized. Ask yourself about your dog鈥檚 unique needs and pain points. Has your dog yet to master the art of walking normally on a leash? Look for harnesses with the option to leash on the front of the chest, which offers more control. Do they love getting in the water or the mud? Water-resistant and quick-drying materials are your friend. A lot of dog gear is made of polyester or a blend, so you鈥檒l want to read the description to make sure a water-repellent coating or waterproof outer is included.

For leashes and collars, fastening points are key: Do you find the leash clip or collar buckle easy to use and secure? We鈥檝e found that leash clips sometimes play better with certain leashes and harnesses (and the rare few come unclipped!), so give new combos a test run in an enclosed space.

For new harnesses or backpacks, pay attention to potential irritation spots; we鈥檝e found that a harness with too much material near the armpits is a no-no for a lot of dogs.

Along with the right sizing, designs with multiple attachment points should also help avoid slipping and rubbing. A good dog pack should have those points at the neck, chest, and belly.

If there鈥檚 one thing all our testers took from the process, though, it鈥檚 that good poop bag holders and dispensers are worth their weight in gold. If you find a poop bag holder design that you love (or, say, a backpack that comes with one built in), grab it and never look back.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 15
• Number of canine testers: 4
• Breeds represented: 4
• Ages of dogs: 11 months to 8 years
• Miles hiked: 400+
• Nights spent camping: 24

Our test focused on products that would help adventurous dog owners and their best friends enjoy nature together, from essentials like leashes and harnesses to accessories like trail booties and car seat covers. In order to choose our favorite pet products, our canine testers and their owners took to the parks, trails, lakes, and campgrounds and played hard.

Dogs are great durability testers鈥攖hey roll, dig, chew, zoom, splash, jump, and nap more in a day than their human counterparts can fathom. Any product that broke, appeared to make our pets uncomfortable, was ill-fitting, or failed to prioritize safety was eliminated from the test. Items that offered peace of mind, held up to hard use, and maximized fun got the final tail-wag of approval.

Meet the Testers

is a senior editor at Backpacker where she specializes in skills and survival stories. An avid hiker, skier, and mountain biker, Zoe has recreated across the U.S. and beyond, often with Juno, her three-year-old border collie mix, by her side.

is a writer and contributing editor at听翱耻迟蝉颈诲别听magazine. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her partner and an Australian cattle dog-Chihuahua-pug mix named Henry who looks like the dog a child would draw if you asked them to draw a dog. Henry has an esteemed history of testing for听国产吃瓜黑料 Gear Guides and most loves doing zoomies at the park or splashing in backcountry streams.

Meet the Pups

Lilo is a one-year-old golden retriever. She loves chasing balls and swimming near her home in Portland, Oregon. She frequently gets the zoomies at every campsite she visits. Her favorite treat is cheese sticks.

Juno is a three-year-old border collie mix who is happiest chasing a mountain bike or sniffing wildflowers along the trails near Bellingham, Washington. She loves her human friends more than anything, especially if they鈥檙e throwing a frisbee.

Moose is a two-year-old chocolate lab who lives to chase leaves and sticks while hiking near Washington, D.C. But nothing gets his tail wagging like a delicious bone treat!

Murphy is an eight-year-old lab who loves hiking, canoeing, and paddle boarding around Maine and New Hampshire. He has had three knee surgeries which allow him to keep doing the fun outdoor activities that he loves.

The post The Best Outdoor Gear for Your Four-Legged Trail Buddies appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Some pieces of gear are just controversial. Trekking poles, camp shoes, and even have their haters and die-hards. As it turns out, so do pee cloths. While legions of women have hailed the pee cloth鈥攁 reusable square of fabric used to dab drippy nethers鈥攁s a great equalizer in the backcountry, others have rolled their eyes at the excess. For years, the debate has raged on: is the pee cloth an absolute necessity, or just an unnecessary accessory? Here鈥檚 our editors鈥� take.

Pee Cloths Rule

My is a treasured staple in my backpacking kit. Sure, sticks and leaves can keep me dry-ish in a pinch鈥攂ut why would I settle for subpar and scratchy and flirt with when I can invest just half an ounce of weight and zero pack space into being dry and clean?

Air drying is OK in a pinch, and snow works where I can find it (brrr!), but my pee cloth keeps me feeling as fresh as I do at home, and it has a cool design that adds some razzle dazzle when hanging on the outside of my pack. If I鈥檓 going to spend a week being grimy, I鈥檒l take the small comforts where I can get them. That includes extending the use of my underwear before I鈥檓 dying for a fresh pair. I can wear a sweat-stained t-shirt for days, but dry underwear makes all the difference for my enjoyment on trail.

Smell isn鈥檛 an issue, either: My Kula dries in a flash in the sun and washes easily in the laundry when I get home. It鈥檚 odor-resistant and antimicrobial, so I can feel good about my hygiene. Nothing against smooth rocks and vegetation, but I鈥檇 rather keep the dirt on the outside of my hiking pants).

Sure, I could spend a laborious extra minute in a deep squat, trying to shake off the drops, but I鈥檇 rather do my business, pat dry, and be back on the trail in a heartbeat. I鈥檇 prefer to save my quads for that next climb, anyway.

鈥擹oe Gates, Senior Editor

Pee Cloths Suck听

Christ on a bike. You wipe with the wrong leaf one time.听We all make mistakes in our youth, OK, Zoe?

Still, I confess that after the aforementioned incident, I did try the pee rag method for a while. It seemed like such a good idea for all the reasons you lay out. But in reality, it鈥檚 just more trouble than it鈥檚 worth.

One of the best things about hiking is that you have the freedom to drop trou at a moment鈥檚 notice, whenever the mood or scenery strikes you. But if you have a pee rag to worry about, you can鈥檛 just kick into a wide stance and let loose. Instead, you have to remove your pack (delicately, to avoid tossing your pee cloth in the dirt), unfasten the rag, and then discreetly carry it into the woods with you. Once you鈥檝e done your business, you must then carry it, dripping, back to the trail, refasten it, and hoist a backpack covered in moist pee. If your bag is heavy, you must sling it onto your shoulder carefully to avoid whipping your partner in the face with your urine-soaked pennant. Not ideal.

While some backpackers don鈥檛 mind the junk show look, I prefer to . I want my pack neat and tidy, without any danglers to snag on overhung branches or get caught in thorns during sections of bushwhacking. Then there鈥檚 the matter of (literally) airing your dirty laundry on the trail. I wouldn鈥檛 want a pair of panties dangling off the back of my pack. So why would I want the world to watch my pee flag fluttering in the wind?

Even during the days when I carried a pee cloth with me, I still found myself shaking dry the majority of the time just to avoid the hassle. It鈥檚 so easy to do a little wiggle and then use a smooth stick or stone to flick off extra drops. That way, you leave your urine where it ought to be: in the ground, not all over your pack.

In my mind, the pee cloth craze is just another way to get you to spend $20 on a piece of gear you don鈥檛 really need. I鈥檒l keep my money鈥攁nd continue peeing the way nature intended.

鈥擟orey Buhay, Interim Managing Editor

The post Marketing Ploy or Essential? Our Editors Debate the Pee Cloth. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Treadiquette is a monthly column helping hikers calibrate their moral compasses. Have a burning question about ethics or etiquette on the trail? Send your predicaments to treadiquette@backpacker.com

Dear Backpacker,

I recently visited a very popular trail while on vacation out of state. I鈥檇 been looking forward to the hike for months, and when I arrived, the trailhead was packed. I circled the lot a few times, but all of the official spots were taken. However, there was room in a line of cars parked in a 鈥渘o parking鈥� zone beside the road. I joined the dozen or so other cars鈥攚hat鈥檚 one more, after all? My hiking partner, however, got mad at me, and was grumpy for the rest of the hike. Who鈥檚 in the right here?

鈥擳railhead Renegade

Dear Renegade,

Your dilemma is one most hikers are familiar with鈥攖he devil on one shoulder goading you toward the open trail, while a rule-abiding angel tells you to hit the road. It鈥檚 immensely difficult to delay your hike, especially one you鈥檝e been eagerly anticipating, and even more so when you see scores of other hikers bending the rules in their favor. But exercising a bit of willpower could save you from a gut-wrenching end to your hike: No one wants to return to the trailhead, weary-legged and hungry, to find a hefty ticket, or worse, that their car has been booted or towed.听

Parking restrictions serve many purposes. On many occasions, illegally parked cars have prevented emergency vehicles from accessing trailheads. The same is true for snow removal vehicles in winter, trail maintenance personnel, and rangers who need to access the trail for myriad reasons. Importantly: Parking illegally also tends to piss off local residents, giving hikers a bad reputation (and in some cases, threatening access).听

Leave No Trace also starts before you even get out of the car: Roadside parking can have ill effects on plant life and surrounding habitat. Just like we encourage hikers to keep their boots on the path to , it鈥檚 best to avoid running over plants or delicate soil.听

Limited parking can help manage crowds on hiking trails, which reduces impact on the environment and boosts your enjoyment as a visitor. Parking only where permitted is a , both on the trail and off.听

We know the disappointment of showing up to a crowded trailhead, so take the following steps to avoid driving home in frustration. When visiting a busy area, always identify a nearby alternative hike鈥攜ou might even discover some unexpected solitude if you have to take plan B. Where available, take advantage of shuttles and carpooling so you can skip the parking lot drama altogether.听

Our best advice: Get an early start. You might be tempted to snooze the alarm, but the only way to guarantee a parking spot is beating the crowds. Those lonely miles in the crisp morning air will make it oh so worth it.听

Zoe Gates is a senior editor at Backpacker. She runs the Treadiquette column and does her best to avoid trail widening.

The post Parking Like a Jerk Is a Trailhead Epidemic. Why Shouldn鈥檛 I Do It Too? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I was on a Backpacker winter gear testing trip when I knew I was ready. It was five days of skiing and camping in Oregon鈥檚 . Cotton candy sunsets and perfect corn turns punctuated the long skins, sticky snow, and frigid nights. There was plenty to be blissful about: great food, cheerful company, and a snow-blanketed mountain range seemingly to ourselves. And yet my favorite part of the trip? Our guides鈥� two golden retrievers, who accompanied us on every tour.听

Luna and Sadie rode shotgun into our basecamp on their owners鈥� snowmobiles. They trotted alongside us on every ascent, and when it was time to descend, they barrelled down each pitch with such displays of joy that I fell instantly in love.听

I grew up with dogs, and have always known I鈥檇 have my own some day. But having just turned 25, my future felt too uncertain to make such a long-term commitment. Luna and Sadie, though, flipped a switch in me. They were the perfect : playful, obedient, and complete rippers on the snow. Plus, nothing is better than a warm puppy snuggle on a winter night in camp. As soon as we got back to town I turned on my phone and began scrolling rescue sites. I didn鈥檛 want just any dog; I wanted one who would love to play outside as much as I do.听

Six months later, Juno came home. She was an 8-week-old . Throughout my search for the right pet, I鈥檇 been adamantly opposed to the idea of a herding dog; too much energy, I thought. But as soon as I saw her photos, in which she looked simultaneously like an innocent stuffed animal and a little maniac, I knew she was mine.听

Few of my friends had dogs. They鈥檙e too much work. It would hold me back, they鈥檇 say. Like many 20-somethings living in Boulder, Colorado, we spent every winter weekend on skis and every summer one on the trails. After-work hours were for bike rides or climbing sessions. We could decide on Friday afternoon to make a spontaneous trip to Moab or Crested Butte and be in the car by 5. Would getting a dog change all that?听

Juno鈥檚 homecoming brought a wave of joy into my life. She was adorable, fun, and remarkably well-behaved. We bonded right away. But on my second Saturday with her, I got my first dose of FOMO. My boyfriend and roommates were all out riding bikes and doing non-puppy-friendly activities. It was a gorgeous fall day, and I was home鈥攕omething I was unaccustomed to.听

So I called up a friend and we planned a last-minute hike to nearby Lake Isabelle. Juno, then too young to walk more than a few minutes on her own, we rigged with a daypack and towels. As soon as we arrived at the alpine lake and I let her out to explore, my FOMO melted away. Late afternoon sunlight sparkled off the water. The little ball of fluff awkwardly clambering over the talus had stolen my heart. I wasn鈥檛 on my bike or on a spontaneous overnight, but I was experiencing a new brand of beauty.听

Juno has been in my life for a little over a year now, and I鈥檝e fully embraced the 鈥渕y dog is my personality鈥� mentality. Even as ski season ramped up, I didn鈥檛 experience an ounce of regret about adopting a puppy. Every morning, she鈥檇 greet me by baring her puppy teeth into a little smile. She quickly became beloved by all my friends, who spoiled her with new toys and Starbucks pup cups. And while I may have had to cut a few backcountry tours short to race home to her (and her signature full-body wiggling greetings), life with a dog has given me a whole new perspective on time spent outside.听

, the first thing I do every morning and the last thing I do before bed is step outside for a walk, whether I like it or not. I鈥檝e stood under the stars more nights this year than I ever have, even if from the sidewalk outside my house. I gained an appreciation for the nature outside my doorstep and for the early-morning sunlight I鈥檇 normally sleep through. Juno and I have stopped to observe countless squirrels, and we never miss a chance to walk through the community garden and sniff the flowers. Thanks to Juno, I also got to know my neighbors. She encourages me to get up from my desk at least once every day just to appreciate the fresh air.听

The weekend warrior mindset values quality over quantity鈥攇o epic every weekend, then white knuckle it through the workweek until Saturday rolls around again. But with Juno, I鈥檝e learned to t every single day.听

We recently moved to a new town in a state I鈥檇 never even visited before. Thanks to Juno鈥檚 exercise needs, I鈥檝e discovered miles of enchanting local trails that I would have otherwise overlooked for the mountains a few hours away. With her, any random Tuesday lunch break can become an adventure. When I鈥檓 tempted to lie on the couch and watch TV, she encourages me to grab the leash instead. We鈥檙e both better for it.

Having a dog doesn鈥檛 mean I have to sacrifice my time outdoors. In fact, it鈥檚 been the opposite: I鈥檓 lucky that she loves to be on the trails as much as I do, and watching her explore nature adds a new dimension to adventures that I never thought possible. At only a year old, Juno鈥檚 driven across the country with me five times. She鈥檚 gone rafting, , backpacking, and swimming. Big trips might require a little more planning, but it鈥檚 worth it to have my best friend by my side. And as soon as she learns not to bite bike tires, we鈥檒l swap out afternoon walks for trail rides. By adopting a dog, I didn鈥檛 lose out on outdoor experiences. I gained the best kind of adventure partner鈥攐ne who鈥檚 always positive, can outrun me any day, and is darn cute. And I wouldn鈥檛 trade that for the world.

The post Getting a Dog Taught Me to Love the Outdoors All Over Again appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I see them every single day: Neatly-knotted plastic bags of all colors, sometimes 鈥渄iscreetly鈥� tucked by a trailside boulder, atop a marker post, or, in the most egregious cases, right in the middle of the trail. On my local trails and in the backcountry, abandoned dog poop bags can seem more common than unscooped poop. This needs to end.听

, perhaps you鈥檝e been tempted to ditch their doodoo, telling yourself you鈥檒l circle back for it later. Sure, I鈥檝e been tantalized鈥攍ike when my dog has a particularly stinky elimination at the least convenient part of a hike (on our neighborhood jaunts, she likes to time it for after we鈥檝e passed the dumpster but before we鈥檝e actually gotten to the trail, maximizing the time I鈥檒l have to carry it). But even when it means toting a putrid package for miles on end, I pack out the dog poop. Because not only is it likely I鈥檒l forget to pick up my trash on the hike out, but also because other hikers shouldn鈥檛 be subject to staring at my garbage, even if it鈥檚 only there for an hour.听

In my opinion, leaving a bagged turd on the side of the trail is even worse than not picking it up in the first place. Plastic bags are more visually intrusive than naked droppings, which tend to blend in with the ground. (Mind you, I鈥檓 not condoning this sort of neglect either. And forget the 鈥渙ther animals poop outside!鈥� nonsense鈥攄eer and coyotes are native, your pup isn鈥檛.) As a community, hikers have largely gotten over . You wouldn鈥檛 drop your crushed beer can or candy wrapper on the ground. Why are doggy bags any different?

鈥淚鈥檒l just pick it up later,鈥� you may say. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 the harm in that?鈥� Temporarily littering is still littering, and your actions signal to others that it鈥檚 OK to do so. The cumulative effect of multiple poop bags degrade the hiking experience for your fellow trail users. And let鈥檚 say you do forget to circle back for that bundle. It鈥檒l take much longer to decompose than unbagged excrement (). Perhaps you justify the act by telling yourself that at least someone won鈥檛 step in bagged waste, but a spoiled view is just as unpleasant as a dirtied boot sole.听

Backpackers pride themselves on going days without a shower, sleeping in the dirt, drinking river water, and doing our . So why do we have such a problem carrying some dog poop? In a sealed plastic bag? If properly picked up, carrying your dog鈥檚 poop for a few miles poses no health risk鈥攁nd if you stow it properly, should cause little to no noticeable odor. From licking salsa off a shelter floor to comparing blisters, I鈥檝e seen hikers unflinchingly do much grosser things.听

I get it: it can be plain inconvenient to carry out a bag of poop, especially on hikes where you need to keep your hands free. I鈥檝e had to get creative, lashing poop bags to my bike handlebars or carabinering them to the outside of my pack. Hikers are inventive. If you can jerry-rig a broken tent pole or treat a sprained ankle, surely you can find a way to transport a bag of poo with you until it can be disposed of.听

If you follow the first principle of Leave No Trace (), you won鈥檛 need to enlist that creativity. Poop is inevitable, and every dog owner should have a plan to dispose of it before bringing their pooch along for a hike. No excuses.听

If carrying those extra few ounces by hand or shoving it in next to your first aid kit is too much for you, I鈥檒l offer some solutions: Designate a fanny pack or a pocket of your pack as the poop compartment. Bagged poop shouldn鈥檛 leak, but if you still get the ickies, line that pocket with a trash bag or a dedicated, lightweight dry bag. If you really want to go hard on odor blocking, carry an empty coffee bag or some 听

Even better? Get your pooch a backpack. If you don鈥檛 want to carry out your dog鈥檚 excrement, make them do it! Your pup won鈥檛 mind the smells, and can also carry their own water and treats.

If you still feel tempted to ditch that plastic bag trailside? It鈥檚 time to find a dogsitter, and hit the trail by yourself instead.

The post Leaving Dog Poop on the Trail Is Bad. Leaving Dog Poop Bags on the Trail Is Worse. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Treadiquette is a monthly Backpacker column helping hikers calibrate their moral compasses. Have a burning question about ethics or etiquette on the trail? Send your predicaments to treadiquette@backpacker.com.

Dear Backpacker,

I love to hike with my dog, who is very well-behaved. I keep him leashed on busy trails, but on a recent hike, I let him off-leash despite signs indicating that leashes were required. We didn鈥檛 see any other hikers or animals for the whole day, and not holding the leash made it easier for me to navigate uneven terrain. Was I wrong to do this?

鈥擠og Dad

Dear Dog Dad,

I鈥檓 an obsessive pet owner myself, and because of that鈥攏ot in spite of it鈥擨 can answer emphatically: Yes, you were wrong. It鈥檚 great that you leash your pup on busy trails to respect other hikers. As you probably know, some people, dogs, and kids don鈥檛 like being greeted by an unfamiliar pooch when out enjoying nature. But leash requirements exist for a whole host of reasons, and they鈥檙e still important even when there aren鈥檛 other hikers around. Let鈥檚 start with the one that might speak most to a pet parent like you: keeping your dog safe.

Earlier this summer, an unleashed dog in North Carolina another leashed dog. The attack proved to be fatal for the leashed pet. Your off-leash dog could put you at risk, too, by luring a defensive or aggressive mountain lion, bear, or other predator right to you. Last summer, by an aggressive moose in Colorado. Authorities ended up shooting and killing the moose.听

An animal lover like yourself might also empathize with the ways leash rules protect wildlife.听听

鈥淒ogs evolved from predators, and deep down, they still have that instinct,鈥� said Mark Biel, natural resources program manager at . Biel is a dog person himself; his trained border collie, to shepherd deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep away from highly trafficked areas. Your pet dog, on the other hand, isn鈥檛 trained to behave around wildlife, and could negatively impact wild animals. A leash is an easy solution.

鈥淚f you keep them on the leash, the dogs won鈥檛 harass the wildlife, which in turn prevents the wildlife from having to expend precious fat reserves to either run away or defend itself,鈥� said Biel.听

Also, don鈥檛 even get us started on .听

鈥淒og feces is a great way to transmit diseases from domestic animals to wild animals that might not be vaccinated against some of these diseases. And that can lead to potentially wiping out a population in a certain area of the park,鈥� said Biel. If your dog is leashed, you鈥檙e way more likely to .听

You mentioned your dog is 鈥渨ell-behaved.鈥� Biel points out that while that鈥檚 probably true, we can鈥檛 count on predicting our dog鈥檚 behavior in unpredictable backcountry scenarios. Even Gracie, who underwent 12 weeks of specialized training, stays leashed when she is on duty moving animals in Glacier National Park.听

鈥淒ogs are individuals that have a mind of their own,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou might have a general idea of what they鈥檙e going to do, but it鈥檚 like trying to predict what a teenager鈥檚 going to do.鈥�

If you can鈥檛 safely navigate the terrain while keeping your pet safely leashed, it鈥檚 time to reconsider the types of trails you鈥檙e hiking with your dog. Training your pup in loose leash walking will ease the burden on both of you. The is a great resource for . Biel also recommends the National Park Service鈥檚 program, for more information on recreating with your pup on public lands. There are plenty of areas where your dog听is听allowed to roam free. But when you鈥檙e on a trail that requires otherwise, it鈥檚 best for you and your furry friend to follow the rules.听

The post Should I Let My Dog Off-Leash While Hiking? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.