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Embarking on a hiking adventure is an exhilarating experience, but ensuring you stay on the right path is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey.

GPS units have become indispensable tools for hikers, providing accurate navigation, real-time tracking, and essential information about the terrain. Your GPS can alert your loved ones if you need help, and it can assist in search & rescue should you ever get into an emergency situation.

When taking a commitment like the 52 Hike Challenge, we recommend you consider some form of GPS tracking for your adventures, and if you’re hiking alone, we believe it’s a mandatory piece of gear to carry. After all, Navigation (including a map, compass and GPS unit) is one of the Ten Essentials for hiking and outdoor recreation.

In this blog we will...

• Talk about your options when choosing a GPS for hiking
• Explore each GPS unit's unique features and benefits
• Discuss how to choose the right GPS for your hiking adventures

The 52 Hike Challenge runs all year long, which means you will likely be hiking in cold, snowy conditions during your hiking challenge. 

If winter hiking sounds a little daunting to you, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get asked is how to stay committed to 52 hikes during the winter season.

Well, good news: we’re here to tell you winter hiking is actually a lot of fun! As long as you’re well-prepared, you will love getting outdoors in the wintertime.

In this winter hiking guide, you will learn:

• How to stay safe, warm and dry during winter hikes
• What to wear while hiking in cold and snowy conditions
• Gear essentials and recommendations for winter hiking
• Wintertime snacks and nutrition while on-trail
• Educational resources for winter hiking

And so much more

Are you ever too old to get outside?

Absolutely not! Aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, aging is an invitation to embrace the years ahead with intention. It is an opportunity to set goals for your next chapter of life and seek to find what fills your cup and fuels your adventurous spirit.

In our humble opinion, hiking is the perfect way to do just that!

After all, spending time in nature has all kinds of healing benefits for people of all ages.

• Physical activity helps keep joints healthy and mobile.
• Being outside helps you unplug and be in the present moment.
• Spending time outdoors can help improve cognitive function.
• Taking a walk in nature can lessen stress and anxiety.

And so much more.

Even though we know getting outside is great for all ages, we don’t often see the 50+ community represented in outdoor content – especially women.

That’s why Over 50 Outside was created.

This blog is published in partnership with Hydrapak Did you know it’s recommended for the average person to consume two liters of water per day wi...

Are you ready to hit the trails this summer?

Whether you’re signing up for the 52 Hike Challenge Summer Series or continuing to crush your 2023 hiking challenge, you will be getting out there a lot this summer – at least once a week!

That’s why it’s so important that your feet are comfortable while you’re exploring. That way, you can focus on enjoying all your hikes instead of stressing about hot spots and blisters.

Temperatures are warming up, and it’s the perfect time to trade in your hiking boots for a lighter, more breathable option.

Luckily, we took it upon ourselves to research the very best summer hiking shoe for you and your 52 Hike Challenge summer hiking adventures:

The Oboz Footwear Katabatic Collection.

Did you know there are multiple ways to lace your hiking boots depending on your adventure?

It’s true: the way your boots are laced is just as important as how they fit. For many of us, we simply lace them up like regular shoes, knot them twice for added security, and hit the trails.

But what if we told you there are strategic ways to lace your boots so you can trek comfortably for long distances and prevent blisters and other hiking-related injuries?

In this blog, you will learn the anatomy of laces for hiking boots + discover various lacing techniques that will help you…

• Prevent heel slip
• Increase ankle support
• Reduce pressure on the top of your foot
• Keep hot spots and blisters at bay
• So much more

Whether you’re hiking a rocky mountain or traversing multiple water crossings, get ready to lace up and hit the trails for your 52 Hike Challenge.

Read on to learn all the ways to keep your feet happy during your hiking challenge!

March is Women’s History Month!

To celebrate, we are highlighting some of the most influential women in the wilderness. 

Keep reading to learn about Female Founders, Thought Leaders, Community Builders, and Pioneers in the Outdoors.

Did you know a first aid kit is one of the 10 Essentials you should always carry on any outdoors adventure?

Today you’ll find out everything you need to know about one very important hiking essential: your outdoors first aid kit.

Get ready to find out:

• What to carry in your hiking first aid kit
• How to treat minor cuts, scrapes and blisters while on-trail
• A trail-tested and approved product to carry with you on your hiking adventures

Over 50 Outside is powered by Oboz Footwear, Osprey, Outdoor Research and 52 Hike Challenge in collaboration with In Solidarity Our inaugural year...

At 52 Hike Challenge, we love Oboz Footwear because they have great quality hiking shoes and as a company, they really care about their customers' feet - and the planet! Hear why our founders fell in love with their new Sawtooth X hiking shoe.

This blog is published in partnership with Tecnu What’s in your hiking daypack? If you’ve been hiking with the 52 Hike Challenge community for a ...

Hear from T Anthony Bland, a 52 Hike Challenge finisher, on how taking 52 hikes helped him connect with his daughter and heal from the tragic loss of his wife. Together, the two hiked to heal and joined a welcoming community that helped them accomplish their goal.