{Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Doug and Lauren James } Day 3: Fox Poop Everywhere On the third day of our trip, we hiked from Little Harbor to Black Jack campground. This hike is about 8 miles, and we were a bit sore by this point, so each hill we did encounter was a new…
Trans Catalina Trail Santa Catalina Island, California
{Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Doug and Lauren James } Introduction Santa Catalina Island is a rocky little island off the coast of Southern California. It’s about 75 square miles in total. You can get there via ferry from several ports in the San Diego or Los Angeles area. Most of the island is part…
My First Time Using Trekking Poles: LEKI Trekking Pole Comparison
My First Time Using Trekking Poles: LEKI Trekking Pole Comparison {Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Jack Conners} Recently, I had the chance to try some trekking poles for the first time. While I always scoffed at the idea of using trekking poles previously, I may be fully converted. All poles reviewed were a nice lineup…
My First Time Using Trekking Poles: What to Expect
My First Time Using Trekking Poles: What to Expect {Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Jack Conners} Hey fellow hikers! If you’re considering using trekking poles for the first time, let me share my experience and some tips to help you make the most of your adventure. Why I Decided to Try Trekking Poles Honestly, I…
Five-day Float on the Green River: Gates of Lodore to Split Mountain
Five-day Float on the Green River: Gates of Lodore to Split Mountain {Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Emma Harries} Gates of Lodore greet the weary boater with promises of adventure, fast rapids, and fun behind every river curve. ©Emma Harries As spring turned to summer, I had the opportunity to spend five of the longest…
Gear Guide: Tread Labs Redway Review
{Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Billy Pinkerton} It’s been 22 years since I last owned a pair of sandals. I recently got the opportunity to review a pair of Redway sandals from Tread Labs, interestingly, I now have a pair of sandals that I want to wear. As time goes on, I have found that…
Packing for an Alaskan Cruise Adventure
Packing for an Alaskan Cruise Adventure {Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Emma Harries} At the beginning of May, my partner Chad and I went on our very first cruise! We visited three southeastern coastal Alaskan towns, sailed through a fjord, made one international stop in Victoria, British Columbia, and spent most of our time off…
Starting From Zero | A Beginning Hikers Guide
Starting From Zero A Beginning Hikers Guide {Written by Summit Hut Gearhead Dave Weeks} I decided to start this blog post as a way to document my journey of getting back into hiking shape. Recently I had to have spinal surgery, and at the time, I was unable to hike further than about 3/4 of…
11 Best Hiking Boots of 2025 – Reviews & Expert Picks
Your Feet, Your Adventure – Your Feet Deserve the Best Hiking Boots Hey there, fellow hikers! Let’s be honest, nothing ruins a great time hiking faster than sore, painful, and blistered feet. Whether you have trekked mountains already or are just starting your first trail, the hiking boot is the most important and vital ally…
Best Travel Duffels: Top Picks for 6 Travel Styles
I remember looking for backpacks and suitcases when traveling a couple of years ago. However, if I rewind to the more recent vacations, my preferences have switched to best travel duffels. The reason being their stylish look, versatility, lightweight design, and spacious interiors. I would also consider changing lifestyles and growing inclination for adventure and…
Queen Creek Canyon: Your Pocket Friendly Climbing Guide
Introduction Queen Creek Canyon, located an hour east of Phoenix, AZ is a picturesque outdoor recreation area. Along with several volcanic towers, it is an ideal spot for climbing and bouldering. If you are an avid rock climber, the Queen Creek area has countless routes and boulders to scale. Overview of Queen Creek Canyon If…
Hiking Guide – How To Handle Injuries While Hiking
Introduction Hiking is a fun activity, of course, but just like any other adventure sport, you ought to keep yourself safe to enjoy yourself to the fullest. You must follow all the safety protocols while navigating through the strenuous terrains. Always carry the right outdoor safety gear, including the trail maps, sunscreen, and hydration packs…
The Top Rock Climbing Destinations in Arizona
For avid climbers, Arizona is akin to heaven. Famous for its desert landscaping and striking routes, this place is quite a haven for rock climbers worldwide. The varied topography caters to the diverse interests of a climber by ease level and type—from rock to boulder, trad to sport; Arizona surely has a spot for you….
Colorado Trail Guidebook: Your Ultimate Hiking Companion
Fancy a beautiful, serene trail with plenty of flora and fauna, passing through dense forests… With stunning views of the mountains, wildflowers, and pretty skies above, the Colorado Trail is every adventurer’s dream come true. The Colorado Trail is a haven for hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists or mountain bikers. It is a non-motorized area,…
Climber’s Guide to American Fork Canyon, Rock Canyon
Introduction American Fork Canyon is a canyon named after the American Fork River. Located in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah of the United States, this American Fork Canyon is famous for the Timpanogos Cave National Monument that resides on its south side. In the Hell’s Cave area in the American Fork Canyon, there is a climb…