Remember that as a backpacker, you are carrying a heavy load, which means your shoes need to be stable enough to support you. If you are used to day hikes, you need to assess if your boots have enough to take you the extra distance.

If you are planning to take a backpacking vacation, you do not want to buy a new pair of boots right before you go! Make sure you have time to break in your shoes, otherwise your trip will be a painful one.

Different people have different hiking boot preferences, but I will write about what I look for in a pair of hiking boots and why. If you disagree, feel free to tell me why, and what you prefer in the comments below!

1) Leather boots or synthetic? As a vegetarian I make an effort to shy away from leather boots. My backpacking partner is convinced real backpackers only wear leather, but with their long break-in time, their lack of breathability, and the fact they are made of animal skin, I opt for synthetic materials. Synthetic materials breathe better, are more flexible, and don’t take as long to break in. While they might not offer quite the support or have the longevity of a good pair of leather boots, they get the job done. Also, they are a little easier on the wallet!

2) High boot or low? Because I sometimes go on backpacking treks of five days or more, I keep a pair of high boots for the occasion. The last thing I want to worry about is lack of ankle support while out in the middle of nowhere. With the weight of my pack and a not so well kept trail, I want to know I can get solid footing. While a high boot doesn’t guarantee that, it certainly helps if I misstep. Also, since I hike in a lot of muddy, wet terrain a high boot keeps me drier. For my day trips, I find low shoes much more comfortable.

3) Waterproof or not? A lot of people complain that Goretex and other waterproofing materials can lead to lack of breathability in a material. If you do most of your hiking in dry areas in the summer, you might be able to get away with no Goretex, but I do most of my hiking in rainy, muddy areas. I would be damp and uncomfortable without Goretex.

Indiana Dunes State Park. The first stop takes us across the Illinois state line into northwestern Indiana. Located less than an hour’s drive from Chicago, the Indiana Dunes State Park is home to arguably the largest sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan, if not all of the Great Lakes. The park can also be reached on the South Shore Line of the commuter rail system. The park begins on the prairies atop the massive dune ridges, covered in cottonwood, junipers, and even patches of marram grass. Woodlands cover the tops of many dunes, filled with giant oaks, small thickets of bushes, white pines, and black oaks. The park provides many miles of trails up and around the many dunes, with the highlight being either the view of Chicago’s expansive skyline, only 30 miles directly across Lake Michigan, or the beautiful, cooling shoreline at the end of Trail 8.

Veteran Acres Park and Sterne’s Woods. Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, these two parks provide a glimpse into the prairie that once covered all of northeastern Illinois. The parks contain miles of woodlands, untouched prairies, and wetlands showered with colorful, native wildflowers. The parks eventually join with the regional Prairie Trail, which runs from the city of Algonquin, to about 26 miles north to the Wisconsin border. The trail traverses stands of fragrant pines, which once dotted the region, hickories, a 40-acre wetland filled with unique orchids, and even a nature center. This trail is well worth a day trip, or a long weekend, and it is located an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, as well as right off of the Crystal Lake station of the Northwest Metra Commuter Rail line.

Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Kettle Moraine is renowned for being one of the best untouched landscapes in Wisconsin. Over 600 miles of trail exist within the two sections of the park. The Ice Age Trail, which I have reviewed in a previous article, also intersects with the park. The park features glacial terrain, steep ridges, tall bluffs, thick forests, and hilltop views of the surrounding moraines. The area is known for its isolation from development, and has also been the subject of many documentaries focusing on strange occurrences in the parks. Located about 90 miles north/northwest of Chicago, within an hour and thirty minutes you can hike in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest.

1. Nuts – Lightweight, calorie dense, and all natural, nuts are one of my favorite hiking snacks. Pick up a large bag or two of assorted nuts before your trip, and then section them off, about a handful per baggie. You can keep a bag of nuts in your pocket to munch on, or a couple in a side pouch in your pack so they are easy to access.

2. Granola – It’s easy to make your own granola – throw some old-fashioned oatmeal on a baking tray, add a dash of sugar, and clump it together with water (or a touch of maple syrup). Bake at a low temperature until golden brown. Add dried fruit, dried berries, raisins, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts – anything to add a bit of flavor and texture. But if you don’t have the time, pick up a bag of granola at the store.

3. Cliff bars – if you haven’t noticed, I am a big fan of non-processed foods, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time or energy to prepare something – a Cliff bar is pretty tasty, and it provides a good caloric kick when out on the trail. I munch on these now and then, so I will have to recommend them.

4. Dried fruit – I know a lot of people recommend dried meat, but I’m vegetarian, so I prefer dried fruit! Dried fruit is sweet and tasty, and it provides a lot of calories quickly. Some of my favorites are dried mangoes, dried apples, and dried pineapple.

5. Your favorite cereal – It’s portable, easy, and tasty – cereal is a great snack to have with you on a hike, as long as you don’t mind eating it dry. My favorites are Multigrain Cheerios and Special K.

I know I am pretty useless if my blood sugar drops too much on a hike. And sometimes, especially early in the day, I start to feel a little woozy and cranky. Having a pocketful of calorie rich natural foods makes me feel more confident on the trail.

Below are a few of the great hiking trails that the nation’s smallest state has to offer, and you may be pleasantly surprised. Within its small size and diverse terrain, within an hour’s drive, you can be strolling on sandy beaches, pacing down the historic streets of colonial America, and even walking up large hills around placid lakes. Rhode Island is a hiking destination all year round.

Arcadia Management Area. This is the largest “management area” or state park in Rhode Island. Dense forests of white pine and many diverse trees blanket the 14,000 acres of the park. The Tippecansett Trail in particular is cut into three, three-mile long sections, and it is the perfect trail to get a whirlwind tour of the park – but it is also the longest and most rugged trail of the park. This trail cuts through a variety of terrains, including rocky cliffs, swimming ponds, and large hills. The Ben Utter Trail on the other hand, offers calmer terrain, providing a peaceful hike through giant, centuries-old pines to Stepstone Falls and the foundations of old mills on the banks of the Wood River.

The North-South Trail. If you are looking to see all of the scenic beauty of the Ocean State, this trail is your best option. At 75 miles long, this trail literally runs the entire length of the state – from the Massachusetts border to the North, and to the Atlantic Ocean on the South. Naturally, the trail ranges from flat roads to jagged and rocky paths. Historic colonial villages, quaint family farms, isolated churches, and even centuries-old cemeteries dot the length of the trail. In summer the trail offers swimming and fishing, and wildlife watching and hunting all year round.

Providence Arts and Culture Trail. This trail is perfect for those interested in the history of America. Founded by Roger Williams in 1636, this trail through Providence is like a glimpse into the days of colonial New England. Providence has done an impeccable job at protecting colonial architecture, and in recent years has heavily invested in beautifying the urban banks of the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence Rivers that run through the heart of downtown Providence. Although often overlooked due to neighboring Boston, The Providence Arts and Culture Trail provides an amazing view into colonial America, without the rush of the bigger city.

Although Rhode Island may not be thought of as a hiking destination, you should check it out.  This beautiful state is the perfect place for a stay-cation for northeasterners, but is also a destination in its own right. For more information on hiking locations in Rhode Island, check out Visit Rhode Island.com.

Camping:

There are some nice campsites in both Abisko and Kebnekaise, giving you a place to start and get cleaned up when you are done. There are also small camping huts along the trail, which are well-maintained and can provide good cover if weather turns for the worse. Don’t forget to try out the sauna at the campsites; it’s a great place to exchange hiking tales and tips.

Packing:

Weather in Sweden can be all over the place, so you will need to bring gear. Temperatures can drop drastically after dark, and while hiking the King’s trail, I’ve experienced hail storms, lightening storms, and other extreme weather. Be prepared. BRING GOOD RAIN GEAR – The Swedes have a saying, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. A hiking trip on the King’s Trail is a good reason to invest in quality rain gear.

When to go:

If you aren’t a strong cross-country skier, the best time of year to visit is between the months of May and September. The trail can get quite crowded in July and August. This means that sometimes the camping huts en route are full, and the trail can become eroded (meaning more rocky). But if you go much earlier or later, the trail gets muddy, and it is difficult to complete certain parts of it.

If you are a strong skier, you can try to brave part of the trail on cross-country skis. There are great ski trails in the region as well.

Maps and special equipment:

With GPS and the Internet, maps aren’t hard to come by, but they do sell specific trail maps at both Abisko and at the tourist center at the base of Kebnekaise.

Swedish camping food:

Swedish hikers swear that blueberry soup is a fast way to boost energy and to recover from a hike. You can pick it up at a local grocery store; it is called Blåbärssoppa. Just add hot water and shake. It is sweet and good. You might want to try the dried reindeer meat as a quick pick-me up. Stock up on oatmeal, coffee, and other supplies at the local grocery store. You can find most staple items for cheap.

Getting there:

You can fly to Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Copenhagen, and then take a train to Kebnekaise or Abisko. There are flights up north, but taking the overnight train is a fun experience and a great place to meet other hikers.

Perhaps the best place to take a hike this winter is sunny and beautiful Los Angeles, California. With highs in the mid to low 70s, and virtually no humidity, this location provides a plethora of beautiful hikes that can quench the hiking urge of any outdoorsmen. Below are five suggested hikes to take this winter in rugged L.A.

Heart-of-Hollywood Hike. Also known as the Runyon Canyon Loop, this three-mile hike is simply gorgeous. It is the most stereotypical L.A. hike, as it is not the most rugged. The mountain views from the Hollywood Hills are absolutely stunning, especially on a crisp and clear winter day – when you can see across the expanse of the L.A. Basin. If you are looking to people watch, this is also the perfect spot, as celebrities can be seen on the trail regularly.

Topanga State Park. The suggested route by Discover Los Angeles takes hikers from the Los Liones Trail to the famous Parker Mesa Overlook. As it is well over 1,300 feet up, this hike is a little tougher. The reward, however, are the views of the glimmering Pacific coast, or the mountains and skyscrapers of the megalopolis. At 7 miles roundtrip, this would make the perfect daylong hike.

Santa Monica Mountains Waterfalls. The Escondido Canyon and Falls hike is one that you would not expect in the L.A. area. The trail weaves up and around canyon walls, and criss-crosses the beautiful Escondido Canyon several times. The reward is the 50-foot tall Escondido Falls, as they flow over moss covered boulders and plummet from the upper level, which is even 100 feet higher. Another highlight, if it is warm enough, is the wading pool beneath the falls. If you come to L.A. in search of a natural and ruggedly beautiful hike, this trail is your best bet.

Will Rogers State Park. Once a part of the Will Rogers estate, this trails leads you around the ranch, and even around the main ranch house. If you want to feel like you are a special guest of a celebrity, or simply want to feel the ranch vibes, this trail provides an abundance of those qualities. From the park, you can also see the Pacific, the L.A. Basin, and even the Santa Monica Mountains.

Griffith Park Observatory Trails. Seen in movies and reality television shows, the Griffith Park Trail is arguably the most famous in the area. The views include the massive buildings of downtown Los Angeles, the Basin, and the spectacular Hollywood sign. This trail will provide you with peace and quiet, so much so that you may even run into a celebrity or two.

So, don’t let the cold weather stop you from hiking. Travel to sunny L.A.!

• A snack basket – Trail mixes and granola bars aren’t exactly the cheapest item on anyone’s grocery list. A single energy bar often costs $1 to $2. Buy your friend a selection of his or her favorite on-the-go hiking snacks, and put them together in a basket.
• Drysticks – Have a friend that seems to soak his hiking boots on a daily basis? Drystricks are guaranteed to dry any drenched pair of boots overnight. Sure, careful placement near a heater would also get the job done, but who says hikers can’t spoil themselves every once in a while?
• Compass – A good compass can go a long way, quite literally. There are many types of compasses available. The only strong suggestion I can make about buying a compass is to favor one that works over one that just looks really cool. It seems like a simple concept, but let me just say that a Paris souvenir key chain compass just might not cut it in the mountains.
• Hiking gadgets – If your hiking buddy prefers technology over old school navigational methods, why not buy him a personal GPS? For that friend who keeps asking if you think it’s going to rain, appease them with a “weather clip,” which instantly brings the daily forecast to their fingertips.
• Socks – The holidays wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t give our relatives some socks. Unlike the typical recipient, hikers might actually appreciate some high-quality socks, which will save them from unwanted blisters. Looking for an extra fancy pair? Try Orvis Invincible Extra Socks, designed specifically for hikers.
• Survival kit or book – Hopefully your hiking friend already has a kit with a few hiking safety essentials, but in case he or she doesn’t, it’s about time! There’s always more to learn about hiking, so a book is never a bad idea. Try something like, The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life, or look for hiking-related titles that are motivational or inspirational.

The first step in taking a hike for cheap is to do your research. Find out how much gear should cost, as well as what exactly you will need. In addition, think about how much you should actually bring with you. One great book is Lightweight Backpacking 101, as well as many websites that can help you find gear within your specific price range.

Next, it is helpful to use items you already have, and supplies you have used for previous camping trips. For example, instead of buying special hiking clothes and shoes, use a jersey you already have with athletic tennis shoes. You will have already saved yourself hundreds right there. Another example would be using easy and cheap things from your kitchen, for hiking purposes. Many hikers suggest using Ziploc brand bags for bowls, as they are sturdy and cheap.

Following the same thought pattern, delay purchasing official hiking gear for a good while. Novice hikers should make sure that they are absolutely committed to hiking before spending hundreds of dollars on gear. In the meantime, borrow gear from hiker friends, or rent it from an outdoor outfitter.

When you do decide to start buying gear, make sure that it is the appropriate equipment for your purposes. Also, an important thing to keep in mind when buying gear is the quality of it. When it comes to sleeping bags, stoves, and backpacks, spending a little more is probably a good thing, as you will usually get better quality.

Another thrifty tip is to only buy what you absolutely need to complete your hikes. Do not waste your money on a bunch of discounted trail accessories, as that is taking away money that could have been spent on the big-ticket items. It usually follows the rule of quality vs. quantity. Many hikers who prefer to go super cheap often make their own gear. For example, you can make a down or polar guard, instead of buying a sleeping bag. They also suggest using an alcohol stove in any situation other than snow camping.

If you prefer to buy gear, be sure to hunt for the best deals. The Sierra Trading Post, Bargain Outfitters, and even places such as Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shop, have a great selection, at sometimes-discounted prices. And if you make it a habit to visit your local Good Will store, you may find items as well.

Next time you decide to gather hiking supplies, keep these tips in mind, as they will get you the best gear at the lowest prices.

The highest point in Kansas is the summit of Mount Sunflower at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, which doesn’t sound too shabby at all, until you learn that its prominence is less than 20 feet. Kansas gradually increases in elevation from the east to the west; Mount Sunflower is less than a half a mile from Kansas’ western border, Colorado. It would be virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain, were it not for a few man-made markers: a sunflower sculpture made out of railroad spikes, and a plaque that reads, “Nothing happened here in 1897.”

You might not find an extremely challenging hike in Kansas, but you will certainly find some that are breath-taking for other reasons. Wilson Lake, about an hour-long drive from Salina, is known as the clearest lake in Kansas. Its 100-mile-plus shoreline includes the 305-acre Rocktown Natural Area, which is home to some stunning red sandstone and gray limestone rock formations. A three-mile loop along some high ridges allows hikers to get close-up views of the spires and a great view of the lake from above.

33 miles southwest of Salina is another great state park, Kanopolis. Kanopolis offers 25 miles of trails, some of which might even cause you to forget that you’re in Kansas. For example, on the 5.5-mile Horsethief Trail, hikers make their way through canyons (namely, Red Rock Canyon), passing by mini caves, large, balanced boulders, and the occasional prairie dog along the way. The Alum Creek trails traverse vast prairies, and it can take more than a day to complete.

The Konza Prairie is a natural area that spans over 13 square miles, just south of Manhattan, KS. The area is being managed by the Kansas State University for ongoing research on the prairie ecosystem, and because of this, much of it is closed to the public, but it still offers a few worthwhile trails. Hikers should anticipate crossing Kings Creek and climbing over ancient limestone ledges that offer spectacular views of the surrounding Flint Hills and the Kansas River Valley.

While I can’t say that summiting Mount Sunflower counts for much of anything, that’s not to say that Kansas doesn’t offer any good hiking trails; it offers plenty of beautiful trails. Of course, if the weakly sloping Kansas landscape doesn’t fulfill your hiking desires, a road trip to the West will bring you to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado soon enough.

Turkey Mountain is a 300-foot tall bluff that prominently stands over the muddy Arkansas River. The trailhead is only about seven miles south of bustling downtown Tulsa, and about 16 miles southwest of Tulsa International Airport, so it can be easily accessed by car or bus. For a hiker who wants a calming, isolated experience, Turkey Mountain is just the place. The steep hillside, uncommonly thick vegetation, and low maintenance of the trail, gives it a very rugged feel. It is not uncommon for hikers to occasionally dodge fallen tree limbs, jump over small boulders, and create their own paths around ponds and gullies.

As I am heading to Oklahoma in three weeks, I did thorough research of some great places to do some hiking, and then have a campfire with s’mores, to get that warm and fuzzy feeling of being outdoors. Turkey Mountain really stuck out above the rest of trails I researched. It consistently ranks in the top spot of “Best Places to Hike in Oklahoma,” and is often highlighted by the Tulsa Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

One of the greatest assets of the Turkey Mountain Trail is the reward that awaits you once you reach the summit. At the top of the trail, the trees split and reveal the beautiful skyline of Tulsa. This is a great place for a picnic, a quick break in your hiking, or even to paint or take pictures. The buildings of downtown Tulsa dominate, but beyond that you can see where the expansive trees of northwest Oklahoma meet the windy, rolling plains to the south toward Oklahoma City.

Turkey Mountain Trail has enough trails to keep you busy for days, but if you want to push your limits, it also connects to the Tulsa River Trail System. Starting on the former railroad tracks in downtown Tulsa, the trail wraps down the Arkansas River all the way to Turkey Mountain on the other side. The entire trail system stretches 50 miles, with 10 miles directly along the river.

If you find yourself looking to do something outside of the box this fall, or your are even planning a hike next year, Turkey Mountain Trail is the perfect spot for a hike with friends, or a hike in solitude, where you may not run into another soul all day. Do not underestimate Oklahoma, especially when it comes to state parks. Re-listen to the song “Oklahoma!,” and you will easily be convinced to plan your next trip there.