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A day hike requires little beyond a good pair of shoes and a bottle of water (reusable, of course), which is part of what makes it such a great activity. But the wrong shoes can ruin a hike, so it’s worth spending a little extra to get a pair that’s comfortable and built to withstand whatever the day has in store. If you can get a great pair of shoes without spending extra, that’s even better. Merrell’s popular Moab shoes are a hiking trail staple for a reason, and right now, you can score the Merrell Moab 2 GTX in a range of sizes for as little as $80 on Amazon, over half off the $165 list price.
There are a few versions of the Moab shoe out there, and this is the mid-ankle style with Gore-Tex waterproofing that’s super popular with Amazon shoppers, earning more than 5,000 five-star ratings. As is often the case with Amazon, pricing and size availability vary considerably, but the Walnut colorway has many sizes in stock at a steeply discounted price.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot, From $80 (was $165) at Amazon
Picking the right hiking shoes starts with knowing what kind of hiking you’ll be doing, and as popular as trail runners have become, hiking boots are still a great option if you’re handling challenging terrain or want more support. The Merrell Moab 2 GTX will keep you dry on muddy hikes, thanks to the inclusion of Gore-Tex waterproofing. These shoes utilize Vibram soles as well, which are known for their excellent traction and durability. Typically, features like Gore-Tex and Vibram come at a steep price, making this the kind of deal hikers shouldn’t sleep on.
Merrell’s Moab shoes have been a staple of the brand’s lineup for over 15 years, and unlike brands that unveil a new edition each year, the Moab is only on its third iteration. The Moab 3 was introduced in 2022, which is likely why we’re seeing discounts on the older Moab 2 model. Being trusted for as long as it has been, the Moab 2 will continue to be a great option.
Shoppers were impressed with the shoes’ out-of-the-box comfort, with one writing “The boots broke in easily and were immediately comfortable. Despite the waterproof construction, it allowed moisture to escape and my feet were never sweaty.” Another shopper cited the shoes’ comfort on hikes, writing “I used them for a 4-mile hike on very hilly, rocky, twisty, and deeply wooded trails, and they felt great. They were very comfortable all through the hike.”
Shoppers were also impressed with the waterproofing Moab 2 GTX, with one writing, “The Gore-Tex versions are what you want if you need a waterproof boot. These breathe pretty well and keep your feet dry.” Another noted that they “went hiking today after a good rainstorm the day before, going through deep mud, and stepping in flooded water and I can feel the cold from the water, but my socks are still dry…”
If inadequate footwear is the main factor holding you back from bigger hiking days, now is a great time to save on rugged footwear like the Merrell Moab 2, especially when it’s more than 50% off.
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Despite the popularity of trail runners, sandals, and hiking sneakers, there’s still plenty of value in a pair of classic hiking boots. The added durability, traction, and ankle support of hiking boots make them the preferred option for longer hikes and navigating tricky terrain. Keen is one of the leading hiking boot brands, and some of their best shoes are discounted on Amazon right now.
Keen’s Targhee III hiking boots are available on Amazon for as little as $85, an $80 savings on the $165 shoes. Savings vary by color and size, with discounts that range from 30% to 49% off. Made from a leather and mesh upper with a grippy rubber sole, the boots feature a mid-ankle cut and a breathable waterproof membrane that allows for airflow while blocking moisture.
KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot, from $85 (was $165) at Amazon
The third iteration of the Targhee boot is designed to be a slightly leaner version of the Targhee II, while retaining the earlier model’s waterproof leather upper and grippy rubber sole. Keen’s Targhee boots are designed for day hikes, as opposed to backpacking or highly technical trails, so they’re a good option for the everyday hiker who prefers a boot to a sneaker.
“I purchased these for a trip to the Acadian salt marshes in Nova Scotia,” one five-star reviewer said. “They were (are) perfect! They feel really good. I bought a wide size and they are just perfect. My toes feel so good. Plus, they lace up tight and snugly where it counts. No shucking and sliding… no blisters or rubbing. Perfect!”
Keen’s outdoor bona fides belie the fact that the brand’s history is fairly recent. The brand was founded in 2003 — making it significantly younger than peers like Salomon, Merrell, and Danner — but Keen’s impressively comfortable and affordable footwear has given the brand a firm foothold (pun intended) in the hiking shoe market.
The brand’s commitment to eco-friendly production has also endeared it to outdoorsy types. The Targhee boots are made with Leather Working Group-certified leather, meaning the leather is produced with mindful water and energy usage. The water-repellent material is PFAS-free.
These have over 4,200 five-star ratings on Amazon, and a common theme in the reviews is comfort. Several wearers noted that there was “no break-in period” or that the break-in period was “very easy.” The wide toe box was a selling point for many reviewers, who appreciated the wiggle room and lack of pinching.
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable boots for wet winter hikes, Keen’s ankle-cut waterproof Targhee III boots are a great option, but you’ll want to act fast to take advantage of this deal of up to 49% off while it lasts.
Thru-hiking an epic cross-country trail can be the trip of a lifetime. Of course, one of the first bucket list trails that springs to mind is the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail. Extending from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. is one of the most coveted and well-traveled thru-hikes in the Unites States. That said, not everyone has five months to disappear into the wilderness to hike this goliath. Thankfully, there are plenty of Appalachian Trail section hikes you can tackle—even if you only have a week, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker.
Exactly how long any of these segments will take to hike depends on your fitness level, priorities, and desire (or not) to hustle. If your main objective is to hit every swimming hole along the way, and explore side trails and optional viewpoints and summit vistas, plan on covering five to 10 miles per day. If you’re in top shape, traveling light, and plan on plodding non-stop all day, every day, to get ‘er done, you could double that mileage. Keep in mind that challenging weather, blisters, and other factors can impact those best laid plans.
Visit appalachiantrail.org for packing tips and section hiking pointers. Use the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s free online interactive map where you can overlay parking areas with photos, shelter sites, mileage, and more to kickstart your trip planning. The ATC is a great resource for all things relating to the Appalachian Trail, so consider joining to support the organization, too.
The Appalachian Trail section hikes we cover here are all point-to-point. Check ATC’s Transportation Option page for links to shuttle lists, other parking websites, and a list of transit options for each A.T. state. Shuttle services are available for most sections, but cell service is never guaranteed along the trail. If you plan to shuttle, make arrangements before heading out. Many trailheads aren’t patrolled, so never leave valuables in your vehicle if you’re parking it for a week or two.
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The original idea to put a water bladder with a hose attached to it into a backpack was pure genius. Suddenly, adventurous folks could easily hydrate without breaking a stride, whether hiking, bombing around on a mountain bike, or kayaking in the ocean. Now, MXXY, a small startup, has taken that hydro-iffic idea one sip further. Their new dual chamber hydration system combines two separate bladders with an ingenious mixing value so you can blend two different liquids together—like, for example, water and a liquid performance supplement, all in one neatly divided package.
MXXY was formed by a few high school friends in Marin County, CA. Outdoor adventurists, they saw a need for some innovation when it came to hydration systems—specifically getting a dose of a performance supplement offering a boost of caffeine, amino acids, and electrolytes without having to haul a separate bottle around. Their dual bladder system brainchild uses a smaller “booster” portion (750ml) that can be attached to a larger side (1.5 L) intended for water with a total capacity of 2.25 liters. The remaining space in the small pack gives you an additional seven liters for stuffing a light jacket and some trail tools or snacks.
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The bladder system uses a nifty latching handle with magnets that keeps both reservoirs (made by HydraPak) together in the pouch, while easily coming apart for separate refilling and washing. Both are machine washable and can be turned inside out to ensure every inner edge and corner is throughly cleaned without harboring any pockets of mold or gunk. The valves are just as easy to wash, requiring a single rinse. The rest of the system will be familiar to anyone who regularly uses a hydration reservoir—until you get to the mixing part.
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A cable attaches to the junction near the bladders where the liquids mix, exiting on the other side of the backpack straps opposite the tube that contains the bite valve. The ingenious part of the MXXY is an easy-to-operate, color-coded dial allowing you to quickly adjust your dual liquid ratios—blue for water, orange for supplement. Five dilution settings range from 25 to 100 percent water and 75 to 0 percent booster supplement accordingly.
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Easy to use and (important) clean, MXXY’s dual chamber Hydration Pack offers a unique, fairly robust hydration system for your thirst-producing adventures. The outer shell of the backpack is a sturdy polyester/nylon blend that appears to holds up well—available in Ash Black and Space Gray. The inner lining is a thinner 100 percent polyester that seems, along with the inner zipper, not quite as durable over the long term. That said, no problems cropped up in our use, and MXXY’s one-year free repair program provides some extra security.
All in all, for a novel, first-of-its-kind hydration solution that provides more than just water when you’re out there pushing your limits, the MXXY Hydration Pack is a handy step up from those traditional single chamber systems. Take this out on the trail and you can welcome an energizing, flavorful change from the usual straight H20 wherever you roam.
You’ve peaked. That grueling hike to the top of the mountain is behind you, whether you’re hoofing it in hiking boots or skinning on skis. After all the high-fiving is done and before the descent begins, it’s time to sit back, catch your breath, take in the view—and toast the triumph. Let us introduce you to the wonder that is summit beers. You’re not just stashing the mismatched brews knocking around in your fridge into your pack, no sir.
“A great summit beer is [hopefully] cold and [definitely] sessionable, since you still have to get down safely,” advises Chelsea Coe, New Castle, CO-based certified beer server, “so low ABV is the way to go,”
“Heavy, malty beers or massive, hop-blasted IPAs have their place, but it’s not on the trail,” says Toth. “Good hiking beers are the ones that leave you feeling refreshed—session beers, pilsners, kettle sours. Remember you’re celebrating at the summit, but it’s not that kind of celebration. You still need to keep your head on straight.”
Here are our 17 favorite brews to savor at the summit before a safe, stumble-free descent.
17 Best Summit Beers to Drink After Crushing Steep Vert
Courtesy of AleSmith Brewing Co.
1. AleSmith Brewing Co. Kickbackrelax
This 4.2 percent ABV IPA is a natural go-to on the trails. “We were really excited to roll out Kickbackrelax because it’s the perfect option for someone looking for a lighter, more crushable IPA,” says head brewer Ryan Crisp, of the recent release from the San Diego brewery. “Since it’s only 120 calories and super easy to drink, it’s ideal for active people who still want a solid IPA and the ability to make it back down the mountain after a tough climb.” Expect notes of juicy grapefruit, mango, and coconut—and a refreshingly smooth finish.
Portland, Maine’s craft brewing giant offers this Belgian-style table beer with a 4.8 percent ABV and delightful hop-forward grapefruit and stone fruit tasting notes. If you sip conscientiously, you may detect the coriander, too. Bonus: It’s an equally solid pick for post-hike afternoon barbecues.
This Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brewery churns out a selection of top-notch beers. For a hiking accompaniment, we’re partial to this 4.0 percent ABV pilsner that’s light and crisp with strong floral notes. It’s an optimal choice at normal altitudes too.
There’s no better time to drink this beer from famed Grand Rapids, MI, brewing company Founders than while sweaty and celebratory about a tall achievement—like scaling a big hill. “All Day IPA is crafted for outdoor adventures like hiking and is the ideal brew for any activity,” says Founders head, Jeremy Kosmicki. “It’s incredibly refreshing, with tropical and citrus hops aroma, moderate bitterness and a perfect balance of flavors.” And at 4.7 percent ABV, it shouldn’t hamper your pace.
The trio of hard ginger beers from this Burlington, Vermont, craft brewery reflects the company’s solid efforts to revive the long lost art of alcoholic ginger beer production (liquidated during the Prohibition era). Volcano Juice (4.1 percent ABV) is the least “hard” of the three—brewed with organic lemons and slightly sweet with a forward ginger-citrus tang.
Looking for a solid non-alcoholic choice with good hops? This tasty, vegan, dairy-free find offers real pale ale tastiness without all the aftershocks. “Where a classic IPA would be too much, Indiewave packs plenty of hoppy-but-not-too hoppy flavor into a beer that can still keep your mind clear for the hike down,” says Toth. For a medium-bodied follow-up back at the trailhead, try their non-alcoholic Belgian-Style White Ale, made with blood orange peel and coriander.
The beer giant’s signature alcohol-free brew offers a reliably malty body with some hints of fresh fruit—with zero hangover. Heineken 0.0 represents over 20 percent market share in non-alcoholic beverages. In other words, lots of folks agree it’s the best of the bunch.
This sessionable IPA is dry-hopped with eight different varietals, offering plenty of interesting tropical and citrus notes. At a moderate 5 percent ABV it’s daypack friendly, non-filling, and accessible enough for “normal beer” enthusiasts to comfortably savor at the summit too.
For some extra evergreen with your climb, the piney-est IPA from this San Luis Obispo, CA, brewery is made with actual fresh spruce tree tips—plus Citra hops and a tinge of orange peel. The contents alone make it a must for this list, but at 7 percent ABV we strongly suggest saving this one for your return to ground level—or for vicarious couch-hiking sessions on your next outdoor documentary binge.
10. Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co. Wild Trail Pale Ale
This medium-bodied pale ale from West Virginia-fan favorite Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company pairs beautifully with carbs, sweat, and total exhaustion. Superb hops from the Pacific Northwest gives this brewski a swirl of mango, tangerine, and piney flavor. The 5.7 percent ABV is a befitting nod to your sylvan ascent. Save the second round for your post-trek picnic back at the base.
Salida, CO’s Elevation Beer has something for all outdoor adventures. “I almost always have an 8 Second Kolsch in my hydration pack,” says Coe. “It’s light and crushable without sacrificing flavor, crisp like a lager, subtly fruity like an ale, and super-bright and refreshing once you reach the summit.”
12. Athletic Brewing Co.—Upside Dawn Golden Ale (Non-Alcoholic)
Outdoorsmen are sure to dig this nuanced non-alcoholic brew made with organic Vienna malt, hops, and other fine ingredients. It’s only 50 calories and the perfect way to take a breather at the end of that grueling 14-miler without worrying about your energy crashing or worse—a mid-descent hangover.
Bright, tart, and fruity, the apricot purée really shines in this sessionable sour ale—the successful result of many kettle sour experiments in the Dry Dock Brewing lab. “This goes down easy once you reach the top of the trail,” says Toth. Equally important, he adds, “it leaves you ready for another once you get back down to the bottom.”
Advanced Cicerone and National Homebrew Competition gold medalist, Mandy Naglich, is a fan of this golden ale that clocks in at 100 calories and a hiking-manageable 3.7 percent ABV. “The beer has a touch of natural mango flavor which is a nice twist on the typical taste of a low-calorie beer,” says Naglich, who notes that it’s also crafted to reduce gluten for hikers conscious of their intake.
“For a brewery from the plains, Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Co. makes a great summit beer,” notes Coe. “Easy Sport Rally Ale is another perfect celebratory brew when you want to sit on a tree stump and take in the views.” Featuring just a touch of salt, this blonde ale doesn’t quite cross into gose territory, “but has just enough to balance the citrus notes beautifully,” she adds. At 4 percent ABV, Easy Sport is as super drinkable as the name kind of implies.
“Pregnancy didn’t stop my fishing or day-trek excursions, and I was looking for something ritualistic to enjoy outside,” recalls Coe, who was pleased to discover Gruvi’s non-alcoholic IPA, brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Galaxy hops. “It’s balanced, hoppy and gives you all the bitterness and flavor you’re looking for out of an IPA — without the ABV,” adds Coe. If you like this one, try their non-alcoholic pale ale on your next summit bid.
Chad Brodsky, a Boston resident who is the founder of Brewvana.com and City Brew Tours, thinks that just about all German Gose beers hit the spot when hiking. “Brewed with sea salt and coriander, it’s like the Gatorade of beer—with actual electrolytes due to the salt added during the brewing process,” says Brodsky. “It’s slightly tart and super-refreshing with a relatively low ABV.” Brodsky’s go-to? The Lost Nation Gose out of Waterbury, Vermont, which comes in 16-ounce cans.
“Pristine backcountry” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Los Angeles. But the nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a surprisingly easy escape from potholes and population density. Hiding in plain view above (insert your least favorite L.A. freeway), the 153,000 acres of sage-covered slopes and oaky canyons are laced with over 500 miles of hiking trails stretching from central L.A.’s Griffith Park to outer Malibu. Home to more than 1,000 plant and 500 animal species, it’s been called the world’s largest urban national park.
Winding through it all is the Backbone Trail, one of the longest continuous trails in Southern California. At 67 miles, it threads through one of the largest Mediterranean-type ecosystems on Earth. It doesn’t take long to completely forget you’re near a mega-city better known for crushing dreams than recharging souls, yet the route is largely unknown, even to locals.
Thru-hiking urban SoCal’s answer to the Appalachian Trail in one shot isn’t really an option at present given the shortage of campgrounds. The best way to bag the Backbone is by spreading it out over several day hikes. Two favorite legs are found at opposite ends of the trail. For A-list cityscape views with prime Pacific Palisades people-watching, the Backbone’s eastern trailhead at Will Rogers State Historic Park starts 20 miles from downtown. For vertiginous, front-row Pacific Coast hiking you can often have all to yourself (seriously), the place to start is the trail’s western terminus at Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County.
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A new study in the Journal of Experimental Biology says that there’s a good reason that hikers encounter grizzly bears on trails: It seems that the path of least resistance for grizzlies is the same one that humans like to walk on.
Grizzly bears on a treadmill
For the study, researchers at Washington State University’s Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center trained nine captive bears to walk and run on a custom, air-tight horse treadmill. In addition to being a level walking surface, the steel and polycarbonate treadmill could also be pitched up or down. The reason it was air-tight was so scientists could measure the amount of oxygen used by bears as they walked. This info, in turn, allowed researchers to estimate calorie consumption.
Of course, a whole lot of persuasion was needed (just like with most humans) to get the bears on the treadmill. It took two months of training—plus a steady stream of treats such as apples, dog biscuits, and hot dogs once the bears were on the treadmill. “The most stressful part of rewarding them was ensuring that the apple slice didn’t fall, resulting in the bear turning around on the treadmill to go after it,” said Anthony Carnahan, a lead author on the study.
For the Center’s bear, the most energy-efficient walking speed was about 2.6 miles per hour. This data was then compared with tracking data from 30 GPS collar-wearing grizzlies in and around Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone bears typically walk at a leisurely 1.2 mph. Of course, the park bears were not on a steady diet of hot dogs and apples; they were actively looking for their next meal.
And grizzlies spend most of their time feeding, especially during autumn when they are gaining weight before hibernation. The Yellowstone grizzly diet is not a picky one—the National Park Service estimates that these bears consume, at least, 266 species of plant, fish, invertebrate, mammal, and fungi.
Sharing the same hiking trails
While building up energy for winter, it makes sense that wild bears are trying to expend as little as possible. And this is where the WSU study factors into your next fall hike: The treadmill bears needed increased energy to go up and down steep slopes. It makes sense that their wild counterparts pick flat paths or ones with shallow slopes, preferably no more than a 10 percent grade up or down.
In 2019, there were 28 reported grizzly encounters on Yellowstone backcountry trails (and no visitors were injured). Yellowstone National Park also has rules for hiking in bear country. These include calls to: Be alert, hike in groups of three or more, make noise, and carry bear spray/know how to use bear spray. In addition, hikers are asked not to hike at dawn, dusk, or during the night, and not to expect bears to see you first.
And, remember, if you cross paths with a grizzly bear in the wild, it’s their path, too.
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