Southwest Hikes

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Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Hiker standing on a forest overlook at sunrise, wearing the FarPointe Alpha Cruiser hoodie in red with hood up.

Gear Review: Alpha Cruiser by FarPointe Outdoor Gear

The Alpha Cruiser by FarPointe Outdoor Gear is an ultralight midlayer built with Polartec Alpha Direct insulation. Breathable, packable, and handmade by a trusted cottage brand, it’s ideal for backpacking, thru-hiking, and layering in variable mountain conditions.

Close-up of a hiker wearing a colorful CTUG Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear fanny pack on the trail. Handmade ultralight packs and accessories

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Fall Sale: Save 20% on Select Ultralight Essentials

From September 16–23, Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear is offering 20% off select ultralight gear. Known for their handmade, trail-ready packs and accessories, this is the perfect chance to lighten your load and save.

Hiker in layered cold-weather hiking gear standing in a snow-dusted alpine meadow with rugged peaks in the background, autumn mountain adventure.

Best Cold Weather Clothes for Autumn Adventures in 2025

Autumn can be chilly, but the right gear makes all the difference. Our 2025 guide covers the best cold weather clothing for camping and hiking, including merino wool base layers, insulated jackets, and everything between!

REI Member Days 2025 promotional banner showing September 12–22 sale dates with offers including 2X Mastercard rewards, 20% off Re/Supply used gear

REI Co-op Member Days 2025: Exclusive Savings & Double Rewards

REI Co-op Member Days are back! From September 12–22, 2025, members get exclusive savings, double Mastercard rewards, and discounts on top outdoor brands. It’s the best time to join the co-op, score epic deals, and gear up for your next adventure.

Hiker wearing gray KUIU Attack Pants while carrying camera gear and a backpack in a wildflower-filled forest.

Gear Review: Attack Pants by KUIU

The KUIU Attack Pants are durable, breathable, and built with four-way stretch for backcountry performance. Reinforced knees, quick-drying fabric, and a water-repellent finish make them versatile mountain pants for hunting, hiking, and rugged backcountry adventures.

Backpacker with trekking poles standing beside a weathered wilderness trail sign in the San Juan Mountains.

How to Pack Your Backpack: The Complete 2025 Guide for New Backpackers

Packing your backpack right can make or break your trip. Learn how to organize your gear, balance the load, and stay comfortable on the trail with this step-by-step beginner’s guide.

Hiker eating a Skratch Labs Energy Bar on the trail with mountain ridges in the background.

Review: Energy Bars by Skratch Labs

Looking for a trail snack that fuels without the sugar crash? Skratch Labs Energy Bars are made with real ingredients, gentle on digestion, and perfectly balanced for hiking, backpacking, and endurance adventures.