Author: Rick Mc

Career gymnastics coach who loves the outdoors, and the internet.
Posted on

top 5 hikes in the world

Stingy Nomads‘ favourite treks.

1. Ausangate, Peru
2. Roraima, Venezuela
3. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile
4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
5. Ilha Grande, Brazil

Click through for trip reports.

Two of those are on our top 10 list: Ausangate and Everest.

Stingy Nomads are Alya (Russia) and Campbell (South Africa). They’ve been traveling the world in search of the best hikes.

Everest Base Camp Trek 2014
Everest Base Camp Trek 2014
Posted on

“Hidden Gem” hikes USA

Have you heard of any of these?

1) Gore Range, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado
2) Gap Run, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
3) Jones Hole, Dinosaur National Monument, Utah
4) Indian Point, Garden of the Gods Wilderness, Illinois
5) Redwood Canyon, Kings Canyon National Park, California
6) Sal Hollow, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
7) Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park, Washington
8) Charon’s Garden, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
9) Yankee Paradise, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
10) Mt. Cabot, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

Find a new adventure in the book “Backpacker Hidden Gems: 100 Greatest Undiscovered Hikes Across America.”

Author Maren Horjus,

Posted on

15 Great Hikes in Europe

As chosen by Alice Ford:

  • Alta Via 1, Dolomites
  • West Highland Way, Scotland
  • Mare a Mare Nord, Corsica
  • Kungsleden, Sweden
  • Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
  • Triglav Traverse, Slovenia
  • Ridge Path (Creasta Principală), Romania
  • Eagle Walk, Austria
  • Ruta Del Cares, Spain
  • Soomaa National Park, Estonia
  • Via Dinarica, Bosnia
  • Trolltunga, Norway
  • Rota Vincentina, Portugal
  • Samaria Gorge and White Mountains, Crete
  • Haute Route, Alps

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on

Alexander Campbell Plans 40,000km Walk Around the World

After 3 years, he’s about half way completed his projected route.

After crossing the Middle East and the Caucasus, including Azerbaijan and Georgia, the Australian entered Europe, where he is currently in North Macedonia. From here, he plans to continue across the continent, aiming to finish Europe by the end of 2026.

Explorers Web

Click PLAY or watch day 1000 on YouTube.

Follow Alexander Campbell on Instagram.

Posted on

Lonely Planet – Where To Go When: Hiking

NEW Lonely Planet Hiking Guidebook published May 2026.

A month-by-month guide featuring 96 top-tier hiking trails worldwide, ranging from short walks to epic multi-day treks. … Spain’s Camino Francés, John Muir Trail, South Africa’s coastal Strandloper Trail and many more.

Each month highlights 8 hikes … route maps, breathtaking nature photography, and expert insights on what makes each hike unmissable

Covers essential details: start/finish points, distance, duration, challenge level, when to go, permit info, safety, getting there,accommodation, food and more.

Written by Sarah Baxter, author of A History of the World in 500 Walks, The Inspired Traveller’s Guide to Spiritual Places, and Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When; and Paul Bloomfield, a contributing author to numerous books about travel, hiking, cycling and treks in the UK and across the world

Amazon

Lonely Planet

Posted on

My GEAR for 500 Miles on the PCT

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.

I’m hoping to survive for at least 14 days of that. 😀

GEAR should be as light as possible.

Of course there will be resupply food and plenty of water to carry, as well.

For this particular adventure, my priorities are …

  • Staying Hydrated
  • Foot Care
  • Avoiding Heat Emergencies

I’m trying a hiking umbrella for the first time. Plan to switch between shoes & socks several times each day. I once had to quit another section of the PCT due to blisters.

photo edited with A.I.

Sleeping

Walking

Clothing

  • Janji Transit Tech Pant
  • Red Sun Hoodie
  • Swift Ultra Light Cap
  • Swift Ulta Light Cap (long brim) 
  • Icebreaker Wool Blend t-shirt black
  • North Ridge t-shirt blue
  • red Nike quick dry t-shirt
  • Hiking Shoe 1 – Altra 
  • Hiking Shoe 2 – New Balance
  • Socks wool – medium x 2 Danish Endurance
  • Sock liners wool – medium x 3 Danish Endurance
  • Running shorts x 3
  • Black summer Buff
  • Black winter Buff
  • Clip-on Sunglasses
  • Frogg Toggs Rain Jacket
  • Helly Hansen Red Hooded Puffy

Eating & Drinking

  • PocketRocket Deluxe Stove 
  • Fuel
  • Long lighters x 2 
  • Titan Kettle 
  • Pot scrubber 
  • GSI mug / bowl 
  • Metal Spoon
  • Microfibre cloth for clean-ups
  • Water Bottles (up to 8 litres)
  • Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter 
  • Water Purification Tablets – Package of 30 

Electronics

  • Red Stuff Sack or zip lock?
  • iPhone 16 Pro & cable
  • FarOut PCT app (navigation)
  • EarPods & cable
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max & cable (camera)
  • ULANZI MT-33 Phone Tripod
  • USB-C storage for phone
  • Neo 2 Drone
  • Powerbank(s)

Ditty Bag

  • Green Stuff sack
  • Fingernail clippers
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Tweezers (ticks)
  • Prescriptions
  • Aspirin
  • Antacid
  • Vitamin Gummies
  • Creatine Gummies
  • Sunscreen
  • Hands Sanitizer
  • Wilderness Wipes
  • Toilet Paper
  • Bandaids
  • Denture tablets
  • Duct tape
  • Athletic tape

Other

  • Hip Pack
  • 2 Credit cards & bank card
  • Cash
  • 16L Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack 
  • Six Moon Designs – Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella
  • Gossamer Gear – Handsfree Umbrella Clamp
  • AirTags
  • Waterproof Passport Case & Passport
  • Paper Maps
  • Garbage Bag (green for dirties)
  • Garbage Bag (clear for clean)
  • 55 Gallon Garden Trash Bag (pack liner)

Food

  • Bear Vault (I’ll use as a camp chair, as well.)
  • Flash Frozen Meals x 10 to start
  • Cashews
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Spice flavouring
  • Protein Bars x 8
  • Smoked Cheddar
  • Raisins
  • Dried Mango