Top Posters

Hi all, I just found TrailGroove online and it’s exactly the type of magazine/website I’ve been looking for. I live in Santa Fe, NM and do a ton of hiking and exploring, and after a two decade hiatus I’m getting back into backpacking. I’ve enjoyed reading through the last few issues of the magazine and look forward to more. Thanks!

Hello everyone. I’m Carl, currently operating out of the Anniston/Oxford, Alabama area. Before moving here, worked as an engineer in Florida and was relatively outdoorsy being a kayak fisherman and occasionally camped on the spoil islands, also dabbled in rock climbing (boulder and top rope) for a year or two. However, as soon as I went into the Cheaha I instantly fell in love with the hiking! I'm using the Talladega National Forest and the Pinhoti as my local testing grounds to hopefully launch my backpacking career! I am looking to share information and experience in this community and hopefully get some expedition friends to take on some ambitious adventures in the future. Although if anyone is in the Cheaha, Talladega, or even within the 2.5 - 5 hr range into Georgia, Tennesee, and South Carolina, wants to do some weekend adventures let me know! I just know I do prefer hikes with a little bit more bite and gruel to them haha. Recent hikes I've done since start of this year: Cave Trail - Pinhoti Loop (13.5 mi, 2400 ft) Walls of Jericho (8.2 mi, 1,457 ft) A lot of Lake Cheaha loop rucking These are mostly training trips for an Olympic Peninsula (Hoh, Mt. Ellinor, Rialto) May adventure and Glacier National Park 6-day backpacking trip in July. I'm also eyeing Linville Gorge for a Sept/Oct adventure as well. Thanks for having me, looking forward to meeting you all!

Great photos Carl, and welcome to Trailgroove.

So many great choices for sleeping pads today. I remember in the 80s it was basically the blue foam pad until the original Thermarest inflatible came out. That was an amazing upgrade at the time. I’ve had an REI Helix (4.9 R-value, 3” thickness) for the last couple of years that’s worked well. Can usually find it on sale throughout the year for less than $100.

Yes! There are several entry points into the Pecos Wilderness near Santa Fe, the closest being from the ski area just outside of town, so I do a lot of hiking there. It’s a great area for day hikes as well as multi-day backpacking trips and peak bagging. I’ve also hiked sections of the CDT between central and northern New Mexico. Lots of good choices for sure.

Shoes may be the most important piece of gear for hiking or backpacking. They are with us every step of the way, and we are relying on them to be steady and supportive. If we are thinking about shoes while hiking, it is usually because there is a problem. Maybe they don’t fit properly – too tight or too loose? Are they not grippy enough for rock slabs? Are my feet sore from feeling every rock on the trail? Instead, we want to count on them to provide the right level of support and comfort while getting us where we want to go. Finding the right shoes for hiking can be a real challenge, but it’s worth it to have shoes that we can rely on for every hike. Best Long Distance Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Shoes Many backpackers find that trail running shoes are a good and lightweight choice for hitting the trails day after day. For years, one of the most popular in this category has been the Altra Lone Peak ($145). With its natural foot shape, which gives plenty of room for your toes, as well as a 25mm stack height and zero drop, it is quite a comfortable shoe. It has a rock plate to protect your feet from rough trails, as well as an outsole with lots of grip. The current 9+ version has a Vibram outsole for even more grip. La Sportiva offers several suitable hiking shoes, including the Bushido III trail running shoe ($160), with a lower stack height for good control and ground feel. Be sure to try these on and make sure the foot shape works for you. Another option from La Sportiva is the Akyra II ($159), a rugged yet breathable shoe with extra grip in muddy and wet conditions. The Topo Athletic Traverse ($155) is a low drop option (5mm), that has a roomy toebox and 30mm stack height at the heel. There is a rock plate on the forefoot for protection against rugged terrain. One thing to note is that the midfoot can be a bit snug for those like myself with high arches, which makes the eyestay (area around the eyelets & laces) uncomfortable as it is stiffer than some other shoes. As always, you should try them on to see how they might work for you before heading out on a trip. Another long distance hiking option is the Saucony Peregrine ($150), with a comfortable fit and a rock plate in the forefoot and standard plus wide sizes. The toebox isn’t quite as wide as an Altra shoe, but it is wider than many others on the market. I found it to have a surprisingly cushioned feel with only 28mm stack in the heel and 24mm in the toe. Summary: Best Long Distance Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Shoes Altra Lone Peak 9+ La Sportiva Bushido III La Sportiva Akyra II Topo Athletic Traverse Saucony Peregrine 16 Best Waterproof Backpacking and Hiking Shoes Depending on the time of year, current weather conditions, and specific trails that are to be traversed, sometimes a waterproof hiking shoe is in order. Breathability is a trade-off for the water-proofing, so these shoes are not the best choice for a hot, summer hike on a mostly dry trail. These can be slower to dry after creek crossings and may keep your feet hot. However, in cold and wet conditions, they can preserve heat by keeping snow and rain out, as well as keeping body heat in. They can also be helpful in sandy conditions to keep the sand out. Water resistance becomes more important in a shoe during the shoulder seasons and when encountering moisture (whether in the form of rain or snow) combined with colder temperatures. Hoka has a good waterproof option with the Anacapa Low GTX ($180), and some hikers with narrower feet have said these fit them perfectly, while those with wider feet like myself might find them too snug. There is plenty of cushion, while still being a fairly lightweight shoe and has Vibram outsoles and GORE-TEX bootie construction. The La Sportiva Spire GTX ($219) is another popular choice with a GORE-TEX liner and a breathable upper. These shoes give the support and stability of a hiking boot, along with Vibram outsoles to provide excellent traction. They have an 11mm drop and are a bit heavy compared to other trail shoes (15.5oz per shoe), so these may not work for more ultralight hikers. However, they are very well rated for both breathability and waterproofness. When hiking on wet or snowy terrain, traction becomes all that much more important. While durability is always appreciated, sticky outsoles are a priority in these conditions (Lone Peak 9+ shown). Altra has a top choice in this category as well with the Lone Peak 9+ GTX Trail-Running shoes ($180). This shoe has a breathable, waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lightweight upper and Vibram Megragrip outsoles. It has the usual perks of an Altra shoe (wider toe box, zero drop, lightweight, etc.), but it is made to keep your feet dry in wet and muddy conditions. Summary: Best Waterproof Backpacking and Hiking Shoes Hoka Anacapa Low GTX La Sportiva Spire GTX Lone Peak 9+ GTX Best Maximum Cushion Hiking and Backpacking Shoes If you’re looking for more of a cushioned ride, shoes with a high stack height will be in order. While opinions are a bit mixed among the staff here at TrailGroove on the benefit of these types of shoes – there will always be the minimal vs. cushioned camps and discussion – if you’ll be hiking on more graded and maintained trails (on difficult terrain, lower stack heights will offer more stability) this category can be worth a look. Altra provides options in the maximum cushioning category including the Altra Olympus 6 ($185). This shoe’s shape is similar to the Lone Peak, with extra room in the toes, and of course it is zero drop. Unlike the Lone Peak, this shoe has no rock plate and instead provides several more mm of cushion along with a grippy Vibram outsole. These shoes became a favorite of mine while I was healing from an injury and required extra impact absorption, and I continue to wear them from time to time. In this category, Hoka is well-known for offering a wide array of comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning that absorbs impact. Their top all-round choice is the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) that has a 40mm stack height as well as Vibram outsoles for extra grip. The upper is made of breathable, lightweight materials. Topo Athletic offers the Ultraventure ($155), with plenty of cushioning and an Ortholite performance insole. It has a 5mm drop, a roomy toebox, and Vibram outsoles. It manages to stay lightweight (listed at 10.4oz each for Mens size 9), while using a proprietary midsole that claims to be springier than EVA with more rebound. Summary: Best Maximum Cushion Hiking and Backpacking Shoes Altra Olympus 6 Hoka Speedgoat 6 Topo Athletic Ultraventure Best Budget Hiking Footwear Options While your hiking shoes might not be the best place to save a few dollars, if you’re looking to hit the trail and must do so on a limited budget, take a look at these options for budget-friendly trail shoes. The ASICS Gel-Excite trail running shoes ($85) have plenty of cushion as well as a rear-foot gel technology that improves impact absorption for longer hikes. They may not be as rugged as other hiking shoes, making them not the best choice for technical terrain, but for daily hikes on easier trails, these shoes could be an affordable choice. One way to find the right treads for the trail is to watch for closeout deals on popular shoes and previous models, although finding the right size can be a challenge with this strategy. Another option is the DynaSoft Nitrel line by New Balance, which retails for $80. It is recommended for average foot widths and average arch heights, and has a fairly low heel drop of 6mm. It has an EVA foam insert for extra hiking comfort and is lightweight and versatile. Like the ASICS, the Nitrel shoe does not have the structure for technical trails (e.g. no rock plate), but it could do well for easy trails. A long-time provider of affordable outdoor gear, Columbia offers several hiking footwear choices including the Crestwood Hiking Shoe. The Crestwood is lightweight and versatile, with the shoe retailing for only $70, and offering a waterproof version and a mid-boot option ($90 and $100, respectively). Sometimes the trade-off for choosing a lower budget shoe is that you may have less durability. Make sure to also check the REI Co-op Outlet for clearance sales on some of the higher priced shoes, although sizes and styles will be limited. Summary: Best Budget Hiking Footwear Options ASICS Gel-Excite 2 New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoes REI Co-op Outlet Shoes Women’s Backpacking and Hiking Shoes All the shoes listed here are available in both men’s and women’s versions. The features and technology used are generally the same for women’s shoes as they are for the men’s; however, sizing and styles/color options will differ. In general, the men’s version is created to be slightly wider than the women’s for a similar size. For example, Topo Athletic states that the standard men’s width is an E in the toe box and D in the midfoot/heel area, while the standard women’s width is a D in the toe box and a B in the midfoot/heel area. For women that need a wider width, a men’s shoe in the similar equivalent size may do the trick. Also, men that need a narrower fit particularly in the instep or heel, may wish to try a women’s size to see if it fits more perfectly. Conclusion Perhaps nothing is more personal in regards to hiking and backpacking gear than your shoes; everyone’s feet and preferences vary. That said, once you determine the category that works best for you (do you want to take the minimal approach, max cushion, or somewhere in between?) appropriate, well-built, and trail-ready choices do quickly become narrowed. The best hiking shoes will be the ones that you’re frankly not thinking about as the miles go by. In the end, try out as many shoes as you can – and comfort with acceptable durability is king when it comes to the best hiking and backpacking shoes that will work and be best for your upcoming hikes. For more on what to look for in general and categorized by hiking season, see our article on how to choose backpacking and hiking footwear. For a full selection of hiking and backpacking shoes check out this page at REI Co-op.

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone Happy Holidays. Have a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year

Thanks Mac, and same to you! Hopefully there will be some great hikes in 2026 all around.

I'm so excited that I won! Thank you so much! Cannot wait to receive the boots and wear them on my trail!

The Lost Coast Trail (LCT) in northern California may very well be the best beach hike in the United States. The name derives from the fact that it is the only part of the California coast that is not paralleled by a highway. I’m sure the romantic ring of that name only adds to its considerable popularity. It sounds like something from a teenage adventure novel. “The Hardy Boys and the Pirates of the Lost Coast” There is a northern section and a southern section. The southern stretch is much less popular because the trail often leaves the beach and climbs up into the mountains of the King Range. Most people hike the northern section north to south. This is the direction of the prevailing winds, which can be fierce. I have hiked the trail three times with my son, Dan, and his dog, Moe. The first two trips were out and back hikes to about the middle, first from the north and then from south. In 2019, we shuttled a vehicle and hiked the whole trail from north to south. The north stretch of the LCT is only about 25 miles, but most people take three to four days to complete it. The pace is slow because well over half of the time you are either plodding through sand or picking your way across rocks. If it weren’t for the dramatic scenery, you would hate it. The beach hiking contrasts sharply with the strolls through the prairie flowers and grasses that cover the flat bench lands where the trail climbs above the shoreline. A Lost Coast Hike Begins On our most recent Lost Coast hike, Dan and I met in the town of Shelter Cove, which sits on a bluff just above the southern end of the northern section. We left his truck there and drove my Chevy sedan to the northern trailhead at the mouth of the Mattole River. For hours, we bounced along bad roads, poorly paved and unpaved. Most of the area is dominated by agriculture in one way or another – a complete description of the herbal subculture of northern California would be book-length. The shuttling operation consumed a full day, but we didn’t care because there is a good car camping site right beside the northern trailhead. We took off the next morning and began day 1 with a spring in our step, which was soon unsprung by the sand dunes we traversed during the first two miles of trail. Eventually, the trail dumped us onto the beach. This was even slower, but we were entertained by the many seals and sea lions sprawled on the beach and draped over offshore rocks. Moe wasn’t sure about their barking. We rounded Punta Gorda, which is the first place hikers can be delayed by high tide. Tides are one more parameter that must be added to logistical calculations as you plan your LCT trip. Farther south are two four-mile stretches that are only passable at low tide. Plan ahead! After the trail left the beach, we climbed onto a firm dirt path, and soon the Punta Gorda lighthouse was in sight. This lighthouse was built in 1910 at great expense and with much difficulty to protect ships sailing along this hazardous coast. Building materials were brought ashore on a sort of zip line from ships anchored offshore and then dragged by a horse to the construction site. Lighthouse keepers lived a frontier life here completely isolated and off the grid. This guiding light eventually became obsolete and was doused 1951. Soon after the lighthouse, we passed close to a large colony of elephant seals. The bulls are much larger than the cows and look something like a 2.5 ton slug. They completely ignored us. The variety of wildlife makes the trail seem like a walk-through zoo. In addition to those species mentioned, we also saw otters, a fox, eagles, cormorants, elk, jackrabbits, and deer. I’ll save the best one for later. Soon we were back on the beach and approaching a four-mile section with tide problems. Dan had done the homework, and we were perfectly positioned to pass through at low tide. More rocks and sand, and then we crossed Randall Creek and climbed up onto a solid trail on a grassy bluff. On the bluff was an abandoned cabin; and outside the cabin was a bathtub, from which the bather would have had a spectacular view. The LCT also passes several cabins that are not abandoned. They are all off the grid, but can be reached by off-road vehicles or on horseback. They do not look out of place because years of weathering have helped them blend in with surrounding wilderness. The nicest looking cabin had a dirt airstrip with a windsock, but I never saw a plane there. Speaking of horseback, we did see a surfer who had rode in on a horse. A surfing cowboy, you could say. We walked happily across the broad bench land of Spanish Flat to Spanish Creek. This flat was splashed everywhere with flowers. The yellow-orange poppies complimented Moe’s black coat nicely. There are a number of beach campsites with windbreaks, but we didn’t use them. If the wind did come up we would still be miserable – if you’ve ever camped on a beach and especially a windy one, you know the sand gets everywhere. Instead, we followed a faint trail into the canyon that Spanish Creek flows out of. There we found a nice, sheltered site by the creek with two good tent sites. That evening we went to the beach and strolled up and down, which was very pleasant without the backpacks. The second day of hiking was much like the first. After a couple miles of good trail, we returned to the beach and then up into the hills and through a bit of forest. Emerging from the trees, we had a great view out over Big Flat. A mile or so of walking through more flowers brought us to Big Flat Creek. After a dicey stream crossing we entered an open forest carpeted with tall bright green grass and wild iris. Good, sheltered campsites were everywhere. I should mention that not all the gorgeous flora was on the grassy flats. In many places the black, jagged cliffs were covered with strange and beautiful succulents I had never seen before. Some species are so prized by gardeners that succulent poaching has become a problem. The Hike Out on the Lost Coast Trail Heading south on the third day, the name of the bench land changed to Miller Flat. We soon came to the last watch-out-for-high-tide section. Sand, rocks, and slow progress again. One more time the tide table smiled on our endeavor; and, after 4.5 miles, we emerged at the other end high and dry. If hikers do get trapped by the tide on this section, there are places of refuge at Shipman Creek and at Buck Creek. Dan and I did get stuck at Buck Creek on an earlier trip. We explored every corner of our small notch in the cliff, and finally became bored as we waited for the tide to go out. At last we resorted to watching “Casablanca” on my tablet. “We’ll always have Shelter Cove,” Rick consoled Ilsa. Finally the beach widened, and there were no threats to life between us and Shelter Cove. And then, “Thar she blows!” Huge gray whales were spouting and breaching just off shore. They were so close we could see the barnacles on their skin. We stood and watched until they moved on to the north. The last miles were over smooth, black sand covering a wide beach. Black Sand Beach is unlike any of the Lost Coast to the north and makes a relaxing end to a challenging trek. At the end of this beach, it was just a short climb up to Shelter Cove, pizza, and our real lives. Need to Know Information Dogs and fires are allowed. Bear canisters are required. You can camp anywhere, but are encouraged to use existing sites. King Range Wilderness Permits are available here. Getting There Shelter Cove trailhead: Take the Redway exit off of US 101 near Garberville. Drive from Redway to Briceland on Briceland Thorn Road. Go through Briceland to Thorn Junction, and take Shelter Cove Road to Shelter Cove. Mattole trailhead: Take the Ferndale exit off of US 101. Take Mattole Road out of Ferndale, turn onto Lighthouse Road at Petrolia, and follow it to the end. Shelter Cove to Mattole: Take King Peak Road to Wilder Ridge Road and turn onto to Mattole Road at Honeydew. At Petrolia turn onto Lighthouse Road and follow it to the end. Best Time to Go May – Oct, but May and June are best. Maps Wilderness Press publishes a Lost Coast Recreation map. Shuttles can be reserved at Bill’s Lost Coast Shuttle and Lost Coast Adventure Tours. For getting there and overall planning, a state recreation atlas is always useful.

The 1969 trek can be typical of HI off trail hiking today. I can imagine what you endured. I soloed to the top of Mt. Wai'ale'ale through the Alakai Swamp and solo climbed out of Kalalau Valley from the near end of the Kalalau Tr to the Alakai Swamp/Koke'e SP areas. I look back thinking what managed risky endeavors they were. Try hiking from Hilo to the summit of Mauna Loa via the ML Tr and bush wacking(mostly) to the summit of Mauna Kea and back down to the Saddle Rd in one water starved brushy trek.

Photography is almost always a priority for me - I plan my hiking destinations based on their photography potential. Therefore, 90% of the time it's a DSLR with a Cotton Carrier harness on my chest. Good system with quick access to the camera. I have added a couple of pockets for lenses and filters to the straps. Works for me!