Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
I have a PERMIT for 523.0 miles from Idyllwild to Kennedy Meadows South in California.
Starting May 26, 2026.
It remains to be seen just how many of those 523 miles I can finish. 😀
I’ll be happy with 14 -21 days.
Wish me luck.
I’ll be testing some new gear. Hiking lighter than ever before — as there will be some major water carrying in the desert.
An experiment.
I’m still not happy with the quality, speed, and cost of creating A.I. video online.
These two short clips were free using miricanvas.com — but not what I was trying to create.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Looks fantastic.
I watched Flora Gonning’s video of her Kanchenjunga adventure guided by Himalayan Masters. That’s the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
They had a lot of snow, changing their itinerary.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I’m interested. But it’s a big commitment.
Here’s what Himalayan Masters offered in 2026 starting at USD $1900.
Darwin on the Trail is one of the most influential hiking vloggers
BUT he’s slowly adding bike touring trips to his annual calendar.
AND Darwin argues that Bikepacking is even better — overall — than thru hiking.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Gear guru Halfway Anywhere agrees:
Of course cycling requires more gear. Higher cost.
I bought my first touring bike about 10 years ago. As I age, I expect to do more and more cycling as it’s easier on the body.
In 2026 I plan to do plenty of both.
Section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Section cycling the Tour Divide.
If you want to look cool — but kinda a douche — buy Arc’teryx.
Great stuff. But by far the most overpriced in the industry.
Though launched in Vancouver, Canada, I’ve only ever been able to afford one piece of Arc’teryx gear. A cap. 😀
It’s currently owned by Amer Sports, Inc., Finland. Which is owned by the Chinese company Anta Sports since 2019.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I loved my Sliding Sands day hike in 2009.
BETTER would be to continue to the Halemau’u Trail.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
My hiking guide on our successful February 2026 climb of Kili was Eric Hanson.
IF you are considering signing up for Kili yourself, be sure to watch this video first.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
By BestHike editor Rick McCharles
Short montage from my unexpected visit to Malta in the Mediterranean, March 2026.
Great destination for a day hiker. I walked a lot both on the pretty coastline and in the ancient cities. Malta is particularly spectacular at night.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) is New Zealand’s long distance tramping route, stretching circa 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi) along the length of the country’s two main islands from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada launched online April 21, 2026 something they call The 2Kilo Project .
Gear looks great, but not inexpensive. You can pay by the piece if you don’t want the entire system.
In the era of Trump, many are trying to avoid purchasing from American companies. This is an alternative.
I’m looking forward to real world reviews.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
related – Bikepacking.com – THE MEC 2KILO PROJECT IS A COMPLETE ULTRALIGHT SYSTEM
besthike.com 