Matador Network's Blog, page 194

The 18 Essential Things to Pack for a Hawai’i Vacation, According to Experts

If you think you can head to Hawaiʻi with nothing but a pair of flip flops, a bathing suit, and a couple of shorts and t-shirts, think again. Even if you plan to spend your entire Hawaiʻi vacation by the pool or on the beach, you’ll need to pack some essentials for you to stay healthy and comfortable. And if you have organized an active and outdoorsy trip, you’ll need to know what you should bring and what you can rent on site to make your life easier. We talked to three Hawaiʻi travel experts to get the best recommendations available on what to pack for Hawaiʻi: Brock Stratton, CEO of Kona Boys — Ocean Outfitters and Tour Company on the Big Island; Jessica Ferracane, Public Relations Specialist for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; and Tapani Vuori, General Manager of Maui Ocean Center. This packing list will ensure that you have the best time possible without having to fit half of your life in your check-in luggage.

All you need to stay healthy while in HawaiʻiClothing you’ll want to pack for your trip to HawaiʻiFootwear you can’t go without in HawaiʻiMust-have accessories and miscellaneous items you need for a Hawaiʻi vacationEquipment you need to pack if you’re going to spend some time in the water and on the beach in HawaiʻiWhat you need to pack if you’re going to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

 

We hope you love the items we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.

 

All you need to stay healthy while in Hawaiʻi

Besides the usual kit you should have with you no matter where you travel (prescribed medications, over-the-counter pain relief medication for headaches, contraception, Band-Aids for blisters, COVID tests, face masks, etc.), there are specific items you need to have on hand at all times when in Hawaiʻi:

High-SPF sunscreen: Not any sunscreen will do when you’re traveling to Hawaiʻi. Mineral, reef-safe sunscreen is the only kind of sunscreen allowed in the state. “Look at the back of your sunscreen bottle and make sure it says the active ingredient is mineral. If you see anything other than minerals, please do not buy it or bring it to Hawai‘i,” Tapani Vuori says. “All of us need to do our part in protecting our marine ecosystems.” While there are dozens of mineral, reef-safe sunscreen brands on the market, Brock Stratton recommends that you purchase Little Hands Hawaiʻi, a favorite local brand of natural mineral sunscreen. That way, you protect your skin and you support a small local business. Lip balm with SPF: Your lips can get burnt and get sun damage, just like the rest of your body. Mosquito repellent: Hawaiʻi’s warm and humid weather attracts mosquitoes, especially during the summer (May to October). Whether you partake in outdoor activities like hiking in the rainforest, spend time camping, or just enjoy sleeping with the windows open, you’ll want to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The Hawai’i Tourism Authority recommends that travelers make good use of “EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20-30 percent DEET.” The Center for Disease also suggests the oil of lemon eucalyptus if you prefer a DEET-free repellent for mosquitoes and bugs. Brock Stratton recommends “a natural bug spray to avoid introducing unnecessary chemicals into the fragile Hawaiʻi ecosystem.”

Clothing you’ll want to pack for your trip to Hawaiʻi

Photo: Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock

Beyond the obvious warm-weather clothes that you’ll bring with you on your trip to Hawaiʻi, also consider packing:

Several bathing suits: Packing several bathing suits allows you to always have a dry or clean one on hand when needed. Also, you’ll want a comfortable and chafing-free bathing suit like a one-piece or board shorts if you plan to surf or boogie board, while a bikini or swim trunks will be more appropriate when you’re dipping in and out of the water or working on your tan. Rash guards: Brock Stratton recommends that travelers who plan to participate in water-based activities bring rash guards with them. Rash guards are form-fitted swim shirts (sometimes known as surf shirts or surf tees) that protect surfers from the chafing that happens by spending a lot of time on boards. Rash guards can also provide excellent sun protection when they are UPF rated, whether you’re canoeing, kayaking, SUPing, or surfing.UPF clothing: If you plan to spend time being active outdoors, make sure to bring lightweight UPF clothing. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the textile equivalent of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and is a great way to protect your skin without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen all over your body every two hours. Brock Stratton says that UPF clothing is “highly recommended as it provides a physical barrier from the sun and is superior to sunscreen”. He recommends brands like Patagonia and Anetik, both of which are available at his shop Kona Boys on the Big Island. Free Fly is another brand that sells a large variety of good-quality SPF clothing.Light-colored clothing: If you plan to visit Hawaiʻi in the summer and spend a lot of time hiking, not only do you need to bring mosquito repellent, but the Hawai’i Tourism Authority also recommends that you wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes to keep you safe from mosquito bites. Permethrin-treated clothing is another option to keep mosquitoes at bay. Rain gear: You might be going to Hawaiʻi to enjoy the sun and warm weather, but don’t forget to pack a light waterproof rain jacket (like this great and packable model from Jack Wolfskin) for when it rains. Rainfall is not such a rare occurrence, especially on the island of Kauai. Note that heavy rainfalls happen more often between October and April. If you’re planning on hiking a lot, make sure you have quick-dry or waterproof pants, too.Warm clothing: You don’t need to pack you puffy jacket and your woolen hat, but make sure to have a warm and versatile sweater with you for when you need it, i.e. at night when it cools down, to keep warm after a sweaty hike, or if you’re going to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Ibex’s Shak Hoodie makes for a great lightweight, thermoregulating, and moisture-wicking layer which is perfect for that purpose. Note that the coolest month in Hawaii are February and March.

Footwear you can’t go without in Hawaiʻi

Photo: Anou Kiti/Shutterstock

Besides sandals for the pool and the beach, and comfortable sneakers for every day exploring, you’ll also need:

Hiking boots or solid hiking sandals for when you want to go for a strenuous walk or a hike. Brock Stratton explains that “a lot of visitors underestimate the terrain and are unprepared. One of the best hikes on the Big Island is the trail to Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay and all too often people have to be rescued or carried out [because they don’t have the right footwear]” Don’t be one of those travelers and pack appropriately.Reef booties: Brock Stratton recommends them if you want to walk along the shoreline. However, he warns that “they do not provide complete protection…the coral is often razor sharp and sea urchins will puncture through even the best booties.” When you are entering water with reefs below, it’s best to swim or snorkel.

Must-have accessories and miscellaneous items you need for a Hawaiʻi vacation

Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock

Sunglasses: Just like you need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin, you need sunglasses to protect your eyes. Polarized sunglasses are recommended since they reduce light glare and allow you to see underwater objects clearer than regular sunglasses.Sunglasses retainer to keep your eyewear safe for if you’re going SUPing or kayakingSun hat: Make it big and UPF rated if possible. Brock Stratton explains that sun hats not only “protect your face but also your scalp as the island rays can penetrate through most hair”.A reusable water bottle and an insulated mug: Cutting down the amount of waste we generate, whether plastic or paper, is essential, wherever we go. Also, always having a filled-up water bottle with you will help you stay hydrated in the heat of Hawaiʻi.Binoculars: Indispensable if you want to spot birds, whales, and even to observe volcanoes, explains Brock Stratton.

Equipment you need to pack if you’re going to spend time in the water and on the beach in Hawaiʻi

While you can bring your own equipment for surfing, snorkeling, SUPing, Brock Stratton explains that you can easily rent all of it in local shops. That way, your packing is simplified and you support small local businesses. The same goes for chairs and umbrellas.

If you’re an avid SUPer and want to bring your own board, just make sure not to bring an inflatable one. Brock Stratton says they are not fit for Hawaiʻi’s winds and can easily get damaged on rocks and reefs.

What you need to pack if you’re going to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Photo: NPS Photo/J.Wei

Jessica Ferracane is adamant that a safe and enjoyable time at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park should include:

A rain jacketSturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. She explains that many of the park’s “trails wind through or are formed on hardened lava flows. Lava contains silica (glass) and can slice bare skin.”Long pants, both to stay warm and to “protect your legs from lava.” A hat and sunglasses, which you should take everywhere with you while in Hawai’i

Jessica Ferracane explains that “many visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park do not realize that the park entrance, the Kīlauea Visitor Center, and most of the sites they see are at the 4,000-ft elevation, at the summit of Kīlauea. Although it can be quite pleasant, this area is often rainy and foggy and is a good 15 to 20 degrees cooler than sea level.” That means you should also pack a warm hoodie.

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How To Photograph The Northern Lights, According to a Pro

Your smile creeps ear-to-ear as you click that “checkout” button, confirming your trip to photograph the Northern Lights. Believe it, or not, that was the easy part. Now, you have to tackle the hardest task – selecting what camera gear is going to compete for space while you pack. There are a few options, each with its unique limitations. A phone is simple and might get you a “good enough” shot, but will the result be able to hang on your wall? If you’re not sure, weigh your desire to carry one, maybe two camera bodies, lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, a computer, and a tripod on your back as you wander through airport security. That sounds heavy and inconvenient, but for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it could be worth it.

The next step is to confirm whether you’re up to speed with your equipment. If you want to bring your camera and capture images of the northern lights yourself, are you comfortable and familiar with how to use your camera? Can you change your camera settings while wearing big, bulky gloves in the freezing cold? Below, you will discover the nuances of photographing the Northern Lights, hopefully aiding your final decision on what camera gear will land in your luggage.

We hope you love learning how to photograph the Northern Lights! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Understanding KP Index and weather conditions

Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Photo: Dalton Johnson

One common myth is that a higher KP Index, or KPI, means the northern lights will be more vibrant, but that isn’t the case. The KPI is a scale describing how far you can see the Northern Lights from the Northern Light Ring. The lower the number, the closer you need to be to the Aurora Ring to see and photograph the aurora. The higher the number, the closer to the equator and further away from the Aurora Ring you can be to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

Your limiting factor for capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights is weather, specifically cloud coverage. The northern lights occur between 60 and 620 miles above the surface of the planet, according to the National Geographic Society, so clouds can easily block the northern lights from sight. So, keep your eyes on the cloud forecast as well as the KPI.

Which northern lights camera is for you: phone vs pro camera

Since the release of the long exposure feature on smartphones, there has been an ongoing debate about which camera is better to use, a phone or a professional camera. The answer depends on your end goal and your familiarity with using cameras. As a professional photographer shooting on mirrorless cameras with a quiver of lenses, I still use my phone to snap images of the Northern Lights, allowing me to quickly share what I am seeing with friends and family. But, those images rarely go further than that.

Why choose a phone?

Photographing the Northern Lights on your phone is a great option for those who want to snap a few images to share with friends and family, but are not interested in investing the money to attain the photographic equipment. Today, our phones’ long-exposure settings are so good, that you can handhold the phone to capture stunning images of the aurora with ease. These images will look great on social media and you’ll surely make a few friends envious. You can even make some small prints to hang around your home or office.

A few limitations of phones while photographing the Northern Lights:

Lots of noise on dark nights with little aurora activity=Hard to keep steady when shaking in the cold (you could counter this with a small tripod)Printing phone images larger than 8×12 will look pixilated and noisyWhy choose a pro camera?

Committing to a professional-grade camera, or an advanced hobbyist set-up, you are setting yourself up for success if you know how to use your equipment. With quality gear, the limitations are that of your knowledge base for capturing images, thus practice runs are incredibly important. To practice, go outside and photograph the Milky Way eight to 10 times. This will help you become familiar with your camera settings, how to focus, and, most importantly, pressing the buttons in the dark.

The reason you should commit to using a professional camera is that it boosts your return on investment. Maybe you want to sell prints, license your images to media outlets, or add to a portfolio. Regardless of your reasoning, shlepping a full-frame camera into the cold is no easy task, but one that can yield results that make you say, “Wow!”

A few limitations of professional cameras while photographing the northern lights:

Bulky and inconvenient to useA tripod is requiredExpensive to acquire gearLarge learning curve for those who are new to DSLR or mirrorless systems (there are a lot of buttons to press)Focusing is difficult, requiring a larger trial-and-error period

Ideal camera settings to avoid noise:

Shutter speed: 1.5 seconds to 10 seconds (make sure to keep the 500 rule in mind)F-stop: 1.8 – 4.0ISO: 800-3200White Balance: 3700 – 3900 kelvin

Note: Some high-end mirrorless cameras now have dual base ISO. If that is the case, use the higher base and adjust your shutter speed and aperture to capture your desired northern lights photograph.

The best cameras to photograph the Northern Lights

Best pro camera with dual ISO: Sony a7s3

The Sony A7sIII is leading the industry in low-light performance. On my most recent trip to photograph the northern lights in Churchill, MB the Sony A7SIII was the only camera body I brought. While the camera only produces 24-megapixel images, the dual base ISO allows you to capture images with limited noise at a high ISO, think 12,800.

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Best beginner mirrorless camera: Canon EOS r8

If you are looking for an affordable camera to dip your toe into the world of mirrorless cameras the Canon EOS r8 is a great starting place. This camera is user-friendly while providing a great balance between quality and price.

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Best for fine art: Fujifilm gfx100 II

If you are a pro photographer looking to step up your camera equipment game, the Fujifilm GFX100 II should be your camera of choice. This medium-format digital camera packs a punch while maintaining the agility of a Full Frame camera.

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Best for all around (video and photo): Sony A1

For hybrid shooters looking for the best of both worlds, photo and video, the Sony A1 is the obvious answer. The stats on this camera will blow your mind, but what’s most attractive is the dual base ISO with the 50-megapixel image output.

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A few tips to keep your camera from freezing

Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Photo: Dalton Johnson

Electronics, especially cameras and phones, do not perform well in cold temperatures. Batteries will die unexpectedly, LCD screens will freeze and lag, and your touch screen will stop functioning, so keeping your gear warm is essential to success.

Phone Tips:

Keep your phone in your jacket pocket, close to your body, unless you are using itPurchase a few sticky foot warmers and attach them to the back of your phone

Pro Camera Tips:

Keep your batteries in your jacket pocket, close to your body. Keep the battery out of your camera, unless you are actively shooting, and store it in your chest pocketKeep extra batteries in an insulated thermosLet your camera body and lens acclimate to the cold. Transitioning from warm to cold will cause fogging. If your sensor or camera fogs, it could freeze and ruin your entire night of photographing the Northern Lights.Composition tips for photographing the Northern Lights

Composing an image for the northern lights can be difficult because the aurora dances across the sky in an unpredictable pattern, but there are two keys to capturing interesting frames, regardless of the camera you use.

Capturing a layered composition

Foreground, subject, northern lights; keep it simple. When you have access to destinations that allow you to capture the aurora with a layered composition, do it. The sense of place, or the subject material, can add grandeur to your image. While these images are easy to overcomplicate, keeping an aurora photograph simple is always better. But, here are some guidelines:

Bring your camera a foot or two off the ground to create your foregroundPut your subject in the mid-ground, ideally silhouetted in the sky, so the eye can easily see the subjectLet the northern lights fill as much of the frame as possible in your photographCapturing a vast composition

Often, the landscapes in which you’ll capture the northern lights are barren, so capture this and provide the viewer with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe of the landscape. To do this, set up your camera roughly at waist level and allow the land to fill no more than 1/6 the frame and the remaining 5/6 with a massive sky and dancing northern lights.

The Northern Lights are at night, in the cold. Here’s what to wear

When you set out on an aurora photo escapade it’s going to be cold. The locations the aurora are best seen are often in the arctic and sub-arctic regions where temperatures often dip into the negatives. When photographing the northern lights, you’ll be standing behind your camera, looking up at the sky, potentially in -50F temperatures. Layering will be important, here’s my system:

Base-layer Top: Arc’teryx Rho hybrid crew neckBase-layer Bottom: Ibex merino wool bottomsMid-layer Top: Patagonia R1 hooded or Thermowave merino full zipMid-layer Bottom: 686 unwork everywhere pantOuter-layer Top: Patagonia Das ParkaOuter-layer Bottom: Mountain Hardware puffy pantsGloves: Black Diamond guide gloveBeanie: Autumn beanieSocks: Swiftwick Pursuit 7Boots: Merrell winter agility goretexHand Warmers: Ignik hand warmers

Regardless of which camera setup you decide to bring on your trip to the northern lights, I hope you get clear skies and a stellar show of aurora dancing across the sky. Remember to sit back and enjoy the aurora for yourself, with your own eyes, and not only through your frozen LCD screen. If you have any questions about photographing the aurora, please send me an email via www.dalton-johnson.com/contact or send me a message on IG @adventure-travel-network I am happy to be a resource.

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I’m an Avid Backpacker. Here’s Why These Hiking Boots Are Coming on My Next Trip

As an avid backpacker and hiker living in Colorado, I have explored many trails and traversed multiple mountains. I have spent countless days in hiking boots. But as I’ve gotten older, my backpacking trips have shrunk from five-to-six-day treks down to two-to-three-day treks. Despite cutting my trips in half, I still need a shoe with great comfort and plenty of ankle support. As well as something lightweight that won’t weigh me down while backpacking, but that is also sturdy and supportive enough to catch me when I take a wrong step. I recently tried the Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots, and I will be taking them with me on the trail this summer.

The Renegade is Lowa’s flagship mid-weight boot, and I can see why. With plenty of support, stability, and comfort, these boots are just what I need for covering long distances with my pack. When I took them out of the box, I instantly felt how substantial the boot was, and yet it was lightweight enough that it didn’t feel like they would weigh me down.

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We hope you love the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Why the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots are coming with me on my next backpacking tripPhoto: Jessica HughesPhoto: Jessica Hughes

Hiking in Colorado isn’t always smooth sailing – they don’t call these peaks the Rocky Mountains for nothing. Trails are often rocky and rough with steep grades as you ascend and descend. So, for me, I must have a hiking boot that provides me with comfort but also moves with my feet and the ever-changing terrain.

Traction

I tested the Lowa Renegade boot while on a moderate five-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. While not a long hike, I did attempt it in the middle of winter with snow and ice on the ground. And while these are not the winter Renegade boots with insulated lining, they did just fine. The icy, snowy trails did not impede my hike, all thanks to the solid grip of the super grippy Vibram® EVO outsole. Plus, the deep, intense lugs across the bottom of the boot reassured my trust in its ability to stop me from slipping and falling. I did eventually put my spikes on, which paired nicely with the boots.

Good fit

When I put the boots on, I immediately felt supported, almost like the boot was specifically designed for my foot. I could feel the hug around my ankles, the support underneath the arch of my foot, and the secure but comfortable fit across my toes. It was an instant winner as I slid my foot inside. This all makes sense, knowing Lowa uses woman-specific lasts on each of their women’s boots, ensuring a perfect fit.

Flexibility

The brand gives the Renegade boot a “moderately stiff” rating describing its varying degrees of flexibility. And I concur. While not uber stiff, like you might want for a super rugged backpacking boot, there was enough flexibility for comfort and yet they still felt sturdy. I would agree with the rating as I felt the boot flex enough with my movements, but still stiff enough to support my moves.

Photo: Jessica HughesPhoto: Jessica HughesSupport and stability

I’ve always said that ankle support is one of the most important features of any hiking boot. The Monowrap® PU frame structure helps with stability, plus the full-length stabilizer for underfoot support helps to stabilize your footing. The boot’s high cuff helped when I took a wrong step, preventing my ankle from rolling. Plus, the additional top eyelet offered extra stability, making my foot and ankle feel locked into place.

Comfort

What surprised me the most after my first time wearing the Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots is that I wasn’t ready to take them off. I was nervous about breaking them in on a decently moderate hike in the snow. Typically, new hiking boots tend to rub the inside of my ankle bone. But I never once felt awkward rubbing or any redness during or after the hike. They still felt comfortable enough to wear to my next stop, which was lunch and a beer. As a bonus, they are stylish enough that I didn’t feel the need to switch shoes for my post-hike activities.

Rain or shine, these boots have you covered

Photo: Jessica Hughes

I’m a firm believer in waterproof hiking boots, especially for longer treks. Snow, rain, slosh, and muddy puddles don’t deter me when I know I have a Gore-tex membrane, just like the Lowa Renegade Mid boot does. They kept my feet dry as I traipsed through the snow, over sloshy mud puddles, and even when I took a wrong step into a knee-high crevice of snow.

When I wouldn’t use them

I wouldn’t use these boots for shorter hikes along well-maintained trails. These boots might be a bit of overkill for a casual hike on flat ground. Plus, they seemed to hold in heat a little bit, so I would not use them on a very hot summer day.

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I’m a Published Guidebook Author. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Trust Hiking Trail Reviews.

I’ve been a travel writer for many years, writing articles and stories for people traveling for everything from quick overnight trips to epic bucket-list adventures. Obviously, that means I didn’t have too much work during 2020, when state and national borders closed and everyone stayed home during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. So I leaned into my other passion: the mountains. I pitched and was commissioned to author a hiking guide to Lake Tahoe (published in 2021). It was my first solo publication but third bylined publication, following contributions to the Encyclopedia of Journalism and Lonely Planet’s Sustainable Escapes guide.

The author hiking across the US/Canada border through Montana (and looking fashionable in the process). Photo: Suzie Dundas

I’ve been an avid hiker since college and have hiked everything from The Narrows in Zion National Park to the Continental Divide Trail from the US into Canada to the “Teeth of Navarino,” the southernmost backpacking route in the world. By now, in my mid 30s, I consider myself an expert hiker, meaning that I’m experienced and knowledgeable about many types of trails, trail conditions, and planned and unplanned situations that can arrive in the great outdoors. So please, please believe me when I say this: online trail reviews are mostly BS. Relying on trail reviews to prepare for a hike is good way to set yourself up for failure.

Here’s why that is, and what you should look for instead.

Trail ratings are entirely subjective

The hike to the base of the Torres del Paine in Patagonia is harder than most hikes in the park, because it’s longer and steeper. But how hard? That depends on you. Photo: Suzie Dundas

For some people, a two-mile walk across desert terrain is as tough as it gets. Others are able to bang all sections of the 2,650-mile long Pacific Crest Trail in three months. And both types of people leave leave online reviews.

Words like “easy, “hard,” and “steep,” or phrases like “not well-marked,” “hard to follow” or “obvious break in the trail” are also very subjective. And they’re so overused that they really have no meaning. What’s hard to one person is easy to another.

Some people like to try to quantify their experience before giving their feedback, as if they need you to trust that they know what they’re talking about. The problem is most of these people use subjective words to qualify themselves. Terms like “fit” or “active” mean absolutely nothing, and what does being a “frequent hiker” mean, anyway? Even giving exact numbers doesn’t matter. I don’t care if someone does two hikes a month or hikes 300 miles year, unless I know all the details of those hikes and that person’s hiking levels.

Add on the fact that fitness and energy levels can change day-to-day — I hiked California’s Mount Whitney with exactly no training, but I sometimes get out of breath walking up the hill in my backyard — and it’s easy to see why subjective words in reviews are totally worthless.

Further, let’s say you know for a fact that someone is a young, fit person, who hikes regularly at least 20 miles a week. Well, that’s great — but what kind of terrain are they used to? Do they have knee problems, and struggle with downhill sections? Are they used to hiking at sea level, but are reviewing a trail that starts at 6,200 feet high? Heck, were they wearing the right type of shoes? Did they use hiking poles? Will you use hiking poles?

A lot of people just like to brag

You’ll find two kinds of reviews online, generally: short reviews with basic feedback, perhaps about trail conditions such as snow patches or stream crossings, and reviews from people who think they’re the Michaelangelo of AllTrails reviews.

The later tends to brag about their own abilities, oversell the difficulty or the easiness of the trail to make themselves look good, and will often dole out advice as if it’s unimpeachable fact; “you must wear hiking boots,” “there’s no way it could ever take you more than an hour to hike,” “older hikers won’t be able to manage.” As with subjective phrases and superlatives, so too are most of these reviews purporting to be helpful and thorough actually useless.

The info you should pull from online trail reviews

Check trail conditions ahead of time can help ensure your planned hike doesn’t turn into an unexpected snowshoe. Photo: Suzie Dundas

There are three main pieces of information you can rely on from online trail reviews: trail condition reports, photos, and measurable data.

“Trail conditions” refer to conditions along the trail at any given point in time, which sounds obvious, but can be trickier than it sounds. Trail conditions includes factors like how much water or snowmelt is on a trail (particularly helpful in high-elevation areas where trails are covered in snow until late spring), whether any sections of the trail are destroyed or in need of repair, how deep water crossings are, and how dry or dusty a trail is (particularly helpful in drought-prone areas, like California’s Sierra Madres). To be helpful, trail condition reviews should always list the date the person hiked the trail, which can help you know what you might encounter if you hike it around the same time and date.

Photos are easier to understand. Spend time clicking through reviewer photos if you’re considering hiking a new trail for the first time. This will allow you to see what type of terrain you’ll encounter and choose the appropriate footwear, help you understand if you’ll be pushing through tight branches or strolling through open valleys, and give you an idea as to what trickier parts of the trail, like Half Dome’s famous cables, look like in really life.

One you hike a lot, you’ll learn where your comfort levels lie, whether sandy or rocky terrain is harder for you, and what level of exposure (i.e. cliffs and drops) you’re comfortable with. But if you don’t yet know that, no problem: Google it. You can google “best hiking shoes for rocky trails,” “tips for backcountry water crossings,” or heck, even “full video of hiking ‘Name of Trail’ on YouTube.” Getting to visually study a trail is a much more helpful way to know what to expect, as opposed to relying on subjective, written accounts.

Finally, you should use online trail descriptions on sites like Gaia or AllTrails for facts about a trail, like the total distance, total elevation gain, and grade (often called steepness) of certain sections of a trail. This data will give you some perspective to judge it against other hikes you’ve done. If you’ve only ever hiked a three-mile trail that gained 500 feet of elevation, a 10-mile trail with 2,000 feet of elevation gain will definitely be harder than you’re used to. That data should give you a frame of reference for how hard it’ll be compared to the trails you normally hike.

How to evaluate that information

One question I get asked all the time is what matters more between distance and elevation gain. Is a five-mile trail that gains 1,500 feet easier than a 10-mile trail that only gains 500 feet?

The answer is: it depends. It depends on you, on the trail, on the day, on your gear, on the weather, on your mentality, and so many more factors that it’s not really an answerable question. And the only way to figure out for yourself what factors make a hike feel easier or harder brings us to my absolute favorite rule of hiking:

You can’t “win” hiking

Photo: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

Hiking is not a competitive sport. In fact, it’s one of the least-competitive; even with sports like mountain biking or rock climbing, you can race against your previous times. But hiking has no such thing. Going faster isn’t necessarily better, and just because a trail carries on for 10 miles doesn’t mean you need to hike the whole thing.

If you don’t hurt yourself, and you enjoy the experience, you are hiking correctly. That’s it. You finished a hike if you hiked the distance you wanted to hike. You completed a hard hike if you sweated and feel happily tired at the end of the day. The flip side of the subjectivity of hiking is that it’s all personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to hike (again, as long as you are being safe and responsible). If hiking three miles is a challenge to you, that’s every bit as valid and adventurous as someone who has to hike 10 miles to feel the same way

That means, of course, that the easiest way to figure out if a hike is too hard or easy for you is just to start hiking. If the trail gets too difficult or you get too tired, just turn around.

Obviously, follow some basic principles of trail selection. Choose a trail rated as green/beginner if you’re just starting out, and don’t head off on a 15-mile day hike if you’ve never stepped off a treadmill. Gauging your own abilities and knowing when to say “hey, this is getting too tough, and I need to turn around before I’m too exhausted” is one of the best skills a hiker can have. There is nothing to prove to anyone hiking.

Heck, sometimes I’ve cut hikes short for reasons as simple as “I’m just not feeling it” or “I want to spend an hour taking pictures of wildflowers in this valley.” Hike your own hike is a popular saying in the trail world, and it means that you should enjoy your experience without worrying about how far or fast other trail users are going.

But you might want to write your own trail reviews

Taking notes during or after a hike can help you develop a gauge for evaluating trails in the future. Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

I’m also a scuba diver, and scuba divers are supposed to log every dive they make, with data about their depth, currents, how much air they had left at the end of the dive, and how they felt about the conditions or dive sites. I’ve often wondered why this isn’t standard practice in other sports, so I often advise people to keep a trail log. After (or better yet, during) each hike, takes notes. Was a certain section really difficult? Write down how far along the trail you were, and go back to AllTrails to see what the grade was at that section. And voila: you’ll have a personal gauge for judging trail steepness.

You can do the same with anything you encounter along the trail. For example, you may realize sandy terrain tires out your calf muscles much faster (as it does for me), or that you’re overheating on a trail without much shade during any temperatures higher than 65 degrees F. That kind of personal data will be much more helpful for evaluating future trails than arbitrary feedback from strangers online.

You can use any notebook for a trail log, or buy kind of fun trail logs online on websites like Amazon or REI. They’re usually no more than $10 or $15.

Trail apps and websites do have their purpose

Hiking and trail apps can be useful for tracking and downloading routes, among other helpful features. Photo: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

You might think from this article that I eschew the use of any hiking or trail apps, but that’s definitely not the case. I pay for AllTrails and Gaia and Trailforks (for mountain biking) and think they’re all well-worth the spend — just not for the reviews.

Aside from the trail condition reports, photos, and factual data provided by these apps, I also really like their tracking features. I like being able to record my route and follow it again the next time I hike or bike a trail, especially for trails with minimal signage or lots of turns and trail crossings. They also allow me to track my speed and elevation gain. That’s useful data for gauging my personal fitness and hiking or biking proficiency, which helps me judge if and when I’m ready to try more advanced trails.

Remember: Hiking isn’t a contest. It’s a pastime. And the best way to gauge your abilities is just to start hiking. If it gets too challenging (or stops being fun, or it start raining, or hey, your friends texted you to ask if you want to meet up at a local farmers market last-minute), no problem: just turn around (assuming you’re on an out-and-back trail). There are so many changing variables with every hike that there’s no point is psyching yourself out over trail reviews. As long as you take it slow, keep tabs on how you’re feeling, know some basic safety and outdoor info, and practice good trail etiquette, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an “expert” hiker.

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The Coolest Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in St. Louis, Missouri

Missouri is one of the latest states to legalize cannabis for recreational as well as medical use. Dispensaries are cropping up in St. Louis where budtenders are poised to guide you through what’s on offer. Marijuana consumption is only permitted on private grounds and travelers are reminded to study the state laws before hitting the stores. Most importantly, these include not smoking or consuming edibles while in public. These are the best cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in St. Louis where hosts give the green light.

Check out Matador’s full rundown of St. Louis Airbnbs

Looking for Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs? Check out Matador’s selection of the best 420-friendly accommodations: These Colorado Airbnbs Are Cannabis-Friendly and Perfect for Travelers These Are the Best Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in Los Angeles Exhale and Relax at These Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in Chicago The Top Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in New York Get Green at These Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in San Diego The Top Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in San Francisco Live the High Life at These Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in California Many Major Hotels in Denver Are Secretly 420-Friendly. Here’s How To Find and Book One

We hope you love these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in St. Louis! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Cannabis-friendly Airbnb in downtown St. LouisPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis huge loft in Soulard may be configured to suit groups of different sizes. It’s a funky space designed for low-key gatherings and creativity. The walls are plastered in UV graffiti which pops when the lights are dimmed in the evening. Amenities range from a practical kitchen to a fun Space Invaders video game and custom motorcycle bar. Only prescribed medical weed is permitted inside and all consumption is limited to the hours of 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Vape smoking is allowed at all times.

Sixteen guests, two bedrooms
Price: $638 per night

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Flower Power urban retreatPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis bright and beautiful apartment in the Tower Grove Heights neighborhood is one of the most cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in St. Louis. It’s decorated with a green theme and stocked with books about Mary Jane. The balcony is private and the backyard is shared with the “ganjiapreneurial” homeowner. Drop her a message about upgrading to a Bud and Breakfast experience, customizable to suit novice and regular consumers. The home is close to vegan restaurants, taprooms, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $88 per night

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Ranch-style Airbnb in North CityPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosSeconds from the largest airport in Missouri and only a 20-minute drive to Forest Park, this awesome vacation home sits on a one-acre plot of private land. There’s a home gym in the basement with plenty of space for yoga or board games. The three bedrooms and three bathrooms have all undergone a recent renovation and remain spotlessly clean. To keep it that way, smoking of tobacco and marijuana is restricted to the outdoor areas.

Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $149 per night

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Boho basement and backyard with a hot tubPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis unique Airbnb is located in the pretty suburb of Shrewsbury, west of St. Louis. The basement feels like an artist’s hideaway with one room doubling up as a second bedroom or a reading den. There’s an aquarium in the master suite and a projector screen for movie nights. The unit opens out onto a covered patio and vast backyard where you’re welcome to soak in the hot tub and play chase with the hosts’ dogs. Smoking and vaping are allowed only in the outdoor areas and the hosts appreciate a heads-up.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $99 per night

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420-friendly rental on the St. Louis south sidePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosConvenient for downtown, the riverside, and the beautiful city parks, this two-bedroom vacation unit is located in Dutchtown. The second bedroom has a futon and may be used as a second lounge for couples. All smoking activity is restricted to the furnished patio where you can also enjoy a morning brew from the Keurig coffee maker. There’s free parking on the street and the possibility to pay for garage parking locally.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $80 per night

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Old school Airbnb Room in a cozy 420 paradisePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosYou can book one or both spare bedrooms at this suburban home in the North City of St. Louis. The kitchen and bathroom are shared with the host who resides in the lower level of the home and is happy to interact as much or as little as her guests prefer. The backyard is fully fenced and there are no problems with taking a bud outside to enjoy. Pets are also welcome although it’s wise to touch base in advance as the homeowner has pet bunnies on the premises.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $75 per night

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South City apartment on the riversidePhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosThis one-bedroom rental pad is a great base for a solo traveler or couple although the couch will accommodate a further guest. The kitchen isn’t but it’s fantastically equipped The neighborhood has a solid supply of taprooms and grills while downtown is a smooth drive up Interstate 55. Smoking is permitted at this marijuana-friendly Airbnb only on the patio and with consideration of the neighbors.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $69 per night

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Two-story Airbnb near St. Louis AirportPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

 

See more photosSituated in the quiet suburb of Florissant close to Lambert International, this contemporary vacation unit is available as a three or four-bedroom let. It has a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities plus a private tiki room. This is furnished with seating, a bar, and a hot tub for your exclusive use. Any smoking is restricted to this cute little hangout and the backyard and extra courtesy is expected when the neighbors are out in their own garden.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $97 per night

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The 20 Best Natural Phenomena to Road Trip to in the United States

Seeing an impressive natural phenomenon is, of course, a memorable experience. Sometimes you happen upon one by accident, like driving through Iceland and seeing small geysers shooting steam out of the earth, and sometimes you plan your entire trip around them – like visiting Alaska with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. After all, what’s better than renting a car, driving cross-country – or even just cross-state – and ending your journey by gazing up at a meteor shower, standing in sheer awe of an ice volcano? As it turns out, travelers are pretty keen on planning their trips around seeing some of the country’s most stunning natural phenomena.

Data compiled by SIXT, a rental car company, revealed that Google searches for “natural phenomena” increased by 600 percent this past year. Indeed, searches for “rare sky phenomena” alone have increased by 133 percent, showing just how interested people are in the natural wonders of our world. But before actually setting out on a trip like this, one key question remains: where to start? To help travelers narrow down their options, SIXT put together a ranking of the best natural phenomena in the United States, based on rarity, affordability, Instagram-ability (Instagram search volume from KeywordTool.io) , and popularity (search volume across Google, TikTok, and YouTube from KeywordTool.io).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon topped the list. One of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world (not just the US), it’s a natural focal point for a vacation. Coming in second was Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. Who says natural wonders can’t also be dangerous? While potentially a little nerve wracking, the active volcano is great for seeing the otherworldly lava tubes and caverns. The famous geysers of Yellowstone National Park also made the list, and so did the beautiful (yet often elusive) Aurora Borealis, as well as some less widely-discussed phenomena like alpenglow and hatching sea turtles.

Narrowing it down to 20 of the coolest natural phenomena may still give you decision paralysis, but hey, you’ve got to start somewhere. According to SIXT, these are the most must-see natural phenomena in the US, and where to find them.

Grand Canyon: Fredonia, Arizona (year-round)Volcanoes: Kilauea, Hawaii (November – March)Geysers: Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (year-round)Aurora Borealis: Fairbanks, Alaska (August 21 – April 21)Meteor Shower: Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport, Pennsylvania (fall or winter)Bioluminescence: Mission Bay & Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego, California (June – September)Firefall: Yosemite National Park, California (mid-February)Bird Migration: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, San Antonio, New Mexico (spring)Alpenglow: Chugach Mountains, Alaska (summer)Sea Turtles Hatching: Padre Island, National Seashore, North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Texas (June – July)Nacreous: Fairbanks, Alaska (winter) Monarch Butterfly Migration: Monarch Butterfly Grove, Pismo Beach, California (mid-October – mid-February)Moonbows: Niagara Falls, New York (the night of the full moon or within two or three days before or after)Glowworm Caves: Pickett State Park, Tennessee (May and June)Light Pillars: Hudson, Wisconsin (Any time on a frigid winter)Sailing Stones: Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, California (year-round)Ice Waterfalls: Multnomah Falls, Oregon (late winter)Ice Volcano: Letchwork State Park, Castile, New York (December – February)More like thisBeaches and Islands7 Best Places to See Dazzling Bioluminescence

Have Points? This Airline Actually Makes Upgrading to Business Class Worth It

As a travel editor, I’m on the road regularly for work, and am generally the guy posted up in an aisle seat near the back of the plane, frequently stretching my legs into the aisle, earning Star Alliance reward miles but never spending them — Ryan Bingham style.

On a recent work trip to Türkiye, I deviated from that norm and as a result, learned a new travel hack that I will live by whenever possible going forward: When long-hauling overseas, upgrading to business class is worth it. I’d never before flown business class, as I’ve always been skeptical of such splurges – my points are better saved for someday on the distant horizon, when my daughter is grown and I can dive into the eternal abyss of travel, maybe point my snowboard down a hill on all seven continents.

Here’s the thing. I’m frugal, as my points-hoarding shows (and as my wife can confirm). But the point of frugality as I see it is to use what’s saved to enhance things that offer the biggest return. High-end food, plenty of space, and most notably, lay-flat seats that enable a decent night’s sleep on a 12-hour flight make for a big return. Especially when compared to spending that same amount of time cramped and trying to sleep in a seat that barely budges. When upgrading to business class using points, that return is coming as the result of credit accumulated as opposed to shelling out more cash, which further boosts its impact.

In February I flew from San Francisco to Istanbul, and a week later from Istanbul to Los Angeles, via Turkish Airlines business class. The experience convinced me that on future flights of 10 hours or more, I likely won’t outright buy a business class seat, but I will use points to upgrade economy seats to business class seats if possible. Below I’ll break down why, based both on numbers and on the experience.

Crunching the numbersScreenshot from united.comScreenshot from united.com

Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance partner, meaning it’s possible to redeem United points (or those earned on other Star Alliance airlines) towards the purchase of flights on Turkish. The way to do this to optimize both your dollar spend and your points is to buy an economy ticket with cash, and then upgrade to business class with points using the Last Minute Upgrade option. For business travel in which you aren’t paying for the ticket, it’s still possible to use United or any Star Alliance partner points to upgrade your ticket to business class closer to the departure date, as long as your ticket is booked in the right economy classes. The screenshots above show fares on a recent search, the first spending points and the second if I were to buy the ticket traditionally.

Let’s use the route I flew from SFO to IST as an example. A one-way economy ticket about two months out currently starts at about $1,300 in the upgradeable economy classes on Turkish – classes Y, B, M, A, H, and S. Upgrading to business class generally runs between 45,000 and 50,000 points each way on a long-haul, with no more than a handful of upgrades available per flight. Of course, you’re running the risk that no J-class (the class gained by upgrading with points) business class seat will be available. A business class ticket on the same flight is $3,611 through Turkish Airlines directly and over $8,000 through United directly at the point of sale, or about 155,000 miles outright. If the points spent are earned through travel and responsible credit card use, that spend is worth it. It’s also significantly cheaper in terms of dollar value, with United points worth about 1.5 cents per on top of the economy fare ticket you pay for with cash.

Ranking the value gain vs. the points lostSimple and delicious. Photo: Tim WengerSwordfish. Photo: Tim WengerAt first glance, I didn't even realize this was made entirely of fruit. Photo: Tim WengerAvocado soup. Photo: Tim WengerLettuce is so rarely the star of a dish. Photo: Tim Wenger

Turkish Airlines is well-known for its flying chefs who bring Michelin-Guide-caliber dining to the high skies. I indulged full-send on avocado soup, veggie pasta, and selections of Turkish mezze on one flight, and had a salad from the cart prior to a Swordfish dish and Turkish pastries on the other flight. On the front side of the trip, I took advantage of the free champagne upon boarding and had a glass of Turkish wine with dinner. On the backside of the trip, after a week of reporting (and snowboarding), a glass of green detox juice served just after boarding calmed my nerves before the 13-hour flight back to the US. Turkish Airlines also serves a classy breakfast – think salmon and freshly warmed bread, omelets, and Turkish-style plates of egg, cheeses, and accouterment – prior to landing. Snacks are available throughout the flight to business class passengers. The equivalent value of all this is at least on par with a nice dinner and breakfast out at a restaurant.

Thanks to the lay-flat seat, I slept more soundly than I’ve ever slept on a plane, accumulating about seven hours of sleep each way. Given that each of these flights saved the need for a night in a hotel room, there’s a few hundred dollars of value there. The airline provides blankets, slippers, warm and moist face towels, and a diddy bag of toiletries to use if you desire.

The Wi-Fi worked relatively well on each flight, allowing me to knock out a few hours of work. Overall, the experience was much closer to experiences I’ve had with overnight train travel in Europe and Asia than to other long-haul flights I’ve taken in economy, primarily because I felt comfortable and well-attended to, rather than packed in like a sardine.

Assessing the lounge access gained through business classWhich language do you prefer the news in? Photo: Tim WengerThey call it football here, too. Photo: Tim WengerRecharging three ways at the United Polaris Lounge. Photo: Tim WengerThe anticipation was tantalizing. Photo: Tim Wenger

Among the most notable perks of business class is the dedicated lounge. Turkish Airlines operates a massive facility inside Istanbul International Airport complete with a hot and cold buffet that puts even the heartiest of airport restaurants to shame. I piled a plate with mezze, salad, and pasta, and had a bowl of dumplings called Manti and a few small slices of pide, a pizza-like bread with cheese and toppings, on the side. Champagne and other drinks, of course, are complementary. The lounge features a golf simulator, a paltry museum honoring regional soccer stars, and plenty of space to spread out and work (or nap).

On the front end, departing from San Francisco, my business class ticket provided access to the United Polaris lounge. This lounge featured a hot buffet of Asian-influenced pasta dishes and specialties, seemingly driven by the fact that SFO serves as a major gateway for flights headed across the Pacific. The bar poured high-end spirits and craft beer. Showers and private meeting rooms are available for those who need them. I did have to pass through security twice to make the lounge visit happen, as the Polaris lounge is located in a separate terminal from where the Turkish flight to Istanbul departed. That said, the wait time at both security stops was negligible thanks to Global Entry, and relaxing in the serenity of a nice lounge rather than sitting at a hectic gate was worth the hassle.

The caveats to my conversion

“First time in business class” selfie. Photo: Tim Wenger

To be thorough in my opinion here, there are plenty of situations in which I don’t believe upgrading to business class is worth it. Any short-haul domestic flight in the US is better spent in an economy aisle seat because there simply isn’t enough time to take advantage of the two biggest perks of business class, the extra personal space and the ability to get decent rest. Even when upgrading to business class on long-haul overseas flights, I won’t add the same upgrade on connections. For example, I fly out of the regional airport in Grand Junction, Colorado, and must connect to international flights elsewhere. Given that the longest flight out of GJT is under three hours and the planes are small enough that they don’t have separate cabins for business or first-class travelers, there’s no use upgrading. Finally, what makes Turkish Airlines business class worth it are the factors unique to the airline – the flying chefs, the business lounge in the Istanbul airport, and the service. None are matched by any US domestic airline.

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Inside This Secluded Vermont Glampsite, the Gilded Age Awaits

The glamping experience continues to capture the imagination of travelers who want to experience the serenity of nature while enjoying many (if not all) of the comforts of home. One of the newest entries into the glamping market is the intimate Highwood Retreat, an impressively designed luxury camp tucked into the corner of a vast open field in Southern Vermont at the foot of the famed Green Mountains.

Opened in 2022, the Highwood Retreat is an off-the-grid and mostly self-sustaining property that consists of a single canvas safari tent. But this is no ordinary tent. It measures 400 square feet of interior space that’s dominated by two plush chairs and an enormous queen-sized bed topped with Brooklinen sateen sheets. Much like a hotel, guests will find amenities including linens, towels, robes, slippers, and extra blankets, as well as plenty of tea and fresh coffee. You can even enjoy a relaxing shower in the property’s seasonal outdoor cedar-wood stall. But for guests staying at the Highwood Retreat, the greatest luxury of all is its location.

From its high vantage point and unobstructed view of the quiet, isolated glen, guests can experience the lush greenery of a Vermont spring or summer, the dazzling colors of fall, or the breathtaking scene of a snowy New England winter just by stepping outside onto the porch.

Arriving at the Highwood Retreat

Photo: Mario Almonte

The Highwood Retreat experience begins the moment you’re greeted by your hosts, husband-and-wife team Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold. Several years ago, they gave up the glamor of Hollywood — he was a cameraman, she was an actress — to pursue their dream of opening a luxury camp that leaves guests feeling “rejuvenated, inspired, and connected to the essence of the wilderness and each other.”

After a quick and pleasant run-through of any special needs you might have, the amenities you can expect at the camp, and how to stay in touch with your hosts, Parsons swings your bags into the back of his golf cart and cruises along a narrow, winding dirt road through the woods. Climbing a small hill, the cart descends into a wide, open clearing — looming high up and far across the field, the camp presents like a mirage in the emptiness of the tranquil afternoon. You hold your breath as the cart slowly approaches and deposits you at the foot of the camp.

The Highwood Retreat tent is raised up high on a sturdy foundation of stilts to keep it safe from the elements. A set of wooden stairs takes you to the first level, revealing a large deck complete with lounge chairs and an umbrella, a table, a cooler for your drinks, and a heater for the chilly nights. The stairs continue up to the front porch of the tent where you’ll notice a pallet piled high with firewood, ready to feed the indoor wood-burning stove that doubles as a fireplace. If your arrival is after dark, two old-style electric lamps help illuminate the entrance to the tent.

Entering your room with a view

Photo: Mario Almonte

Even if you’ve been glamping before, nothing will prepare you for your first impression of the Highwood Retreat as you raise the heavy canvas tent flaps. You’re immediately struck by the sight of a queen-sized bed and two stuffed, velvety chairs. It feels as if you’ve just stepped through a portal into a luxury hotel or perhaps a classic novel. The hosts spared no expense toward making guests feel special, with furniture that reflects the glamor of the Gilded Age.

If it’s a particularly cold day, the cast-iron stove will already be ablaze and radiating its gentle warmth. In its glow, you’ll see a bookshelf lined with classic literature and another with tea and coffee that you can brew yourself using an electric kettle and a carafe.

Continuing left past the bed is the bathroom area, which is sectioned off by a curtain. There, you’ll find a table with a vanity mirror and chair for your beauty regimen, as well as a sink with a large water dispenser for washing your hands and face. There’s an odorless, off-the-grid composting toilet, as well as plenty of face towels rolled up for your use.

Photo: Mario Almonte

On the other side of the room is a small closet area where you’ll discover body towels, bathrobes and slippers, extra blankets, and a small rack for hanging your clothes. There are no TVs or WiFi, but you shouldn’t have any problems using your cell phone throughout your stay.

The camp is generally self-sufficient, thanks to a small bank of solar panels outside, with a back-up generator that’s ready to kick in during extended cloudy days. That means you’ll have no trouble keeping all the lights on and recharging your cell phone; however, you’re requested not to use anything too powerful, such as a hair dryer.

After a quick tour and final instructions from your host, it’s time to unpack for your stay. There’s an instruction manual that explains how to use the toilet, operate the stove, and turn on the highly efficient propane heaters, which can quickly warm up the room when temperatures drop. If the night is especially cold, the bed also comes with an electric mattress.

Dining at the Highwood Retreat

Photo: Mario Almonte

Unlike most hotels, the Highwood Retreat has no traditional meal service, so you should be prepared to bring your own food or dine out. However, the camp does offer room service from a limited menu of shareables. These include a cheese and charcuterie board brimming with plump grapes, a variety of cheeses, rolled ham, sausages, nuts, and bread, as well as other finger foods that are delivered to your front porch. You can also choose from an eclectic range of specialty wine, beer, and cocktails. In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast of lox and bagels or a bagel with cream cheese, croissants, and a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. You make your own coffee or tea with hot water from the electric kettle.

It’s worth the experience to request the cheeseboard and the hosts’ signature cocktails, a mezcalitti, which is a mixture of mezcal, Amaro, and a dash of fresh orange juice. The ensemble arrives quickly at your doorstep – or tent flap, as it were – via the hosts’ private golf cart. The cheeseboard is protected by a clear plastic cover, and the alcohol rests snugly in a wicker basket inside a tin flask. All you have to do is pour the cocktail into the shaker provided, which comes with an enormous chuck of ice, and enjoy your drink – shaken, of course, not stirred.

Photo: Mario Almonte

If you plan on purchasing groceries, there’s a supermarket in town, but keep in mind that the camp has no refrigeration. For formal dining, you can head to the numerous restaurants just minutes away by car. Nearby dining options include The Copper Fox in the center of Springfield, which features live music and special events throughout the year; Wunderbar in the town of Bellows Falls, housed in a rustic country lodge atmosphere that’s favored by the locals; and casual dining at the Phelps Barn Pub in the town of Grafton. If you’re craving French cuisine, try Burdick’s, located about 20 minutes away across the border in Walpole, New Hampshire.

Note that some of these establishments may operate seasonally, so be sure to check what’s open before your visit, and make reservations in advance.

Spending the night at the Highwood Retreat

Photo: Mario Almonte

One can imagine, on warm summer nights, sitting on the porch under the stars, talking about life and feeling all the stress from the world you left behind melting away. Or maybe you’ll be sitting around the campfire, a refreshment in hand, quietly enjoying the moment. You have the Highwood Retreat all to yourself with no sounds to disturb you but those of nature.

After retiring to the tent for the night, sink into one of the comfortable plush chairs in front of the bed, nibbling on shareable treats with a tall glass of craft beer in hand, and watch the dancing flames inside the stove. Connect your phone to the tent’s Bose Bluetooth speaker and listen to your favorite music. It’s easy to forget that you’re inside of a large tent in the middle of a field somewhere in Vermont, surrounded by total darkness underneath an immense sky that’s unspoiled by glaring city lights. When you finally turn in for the night, you’ll drift to sleep inside of enfolding layers of thick quilts, embraced by a bank of soft, plush pillows.

Photo: Mario Almonte

In the morning, you’ll awake feeling refreshed. The fire from the stove may have died out — if it’s chilly, embrace your pioneering spirit to light the stove once more. Gather a handful of wood shavings, crumble up one of the provided sheets of craft papers, and set it all ablaze inside the stove with a long match. Add an armful of logs, blow gently on the developing flames until they catch, and proudly watch a fire you started almost from scratch blazing away.

Later, when you step out onto the front porch to greet the day, you’re sure to be impressed yet again by the view — the wide expanse of open field and dazzling sky. At the Highwood Retreat, surrounded by nothing but trees, you’ll truly feel close to nature and one with the world.

Getting to the Highwood Retreat

Photo: Mario Almonte

The Highwood Retreat is located in the small town of Springfield, Vermont, just off the main road. It’s open year-round and easy to reach by car — it’s a roughly four-hour drive from New York or 2.5-hour drive from Boston. You can also take an Amtrak train, which stops at Bellows Falls, from where you can arrange for your own car service or have your hosts pick you up.

Prices for Highwood Retreat start at $195 per night for up to two guests. Pets are welcome for a flat fee of $25 for a maximum of two dogs. Shuttle service between Amtrak’s Bellows Falls station and the camp is a flat rate of $30. In addition to traditional stays, Highwood Retreat is available for special occasions and celebrations, such as birthdays, honeymoons, and anniversaries. Coming from a Hollywood movie background, the hosts are experts at helping guests arrange for “spectacular flourishes and extras” to make their special events exciting.

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The 10 Top Rated Restaurants in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has long been a popular spot for weekenders thanks to luxe hotels, wellness opportunities, incredibly trendy Airbnbs (including relaxing Airbnbs with pools and Airbnbs perfect for a bachelorette party), and desert adventure. And while the restaurant scene has historically focused around upscale hotel restaurants and long-standing diners, there’s a case to be made that there’s never been a more exciting time for restaurants in the area.

“We have been operating restaurants in Palm Springs since 2016, and I have seen an uptick in quality options for dining out,” says Liz Ostoich, the owner of Clandestino, FARM, and Tac/Quila. Ostoich notes that more varied options is one side of how restaurants in Palm Springs have gained ground, as well as spots that provide an experience with thoughtful interior design, top-quality chefs and bartenders, and a celebration of local produce. There’s also an uptick in plant-based restaurants.

Palms Springs is constantly evolving and “stepping up” its plant-based options, Tanya Petrovna, owner of the popular tempeh burger joint Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, tells Matador. This is mirrored in positive reviews on Yelp and Google Maps.

Matador combed through Yelp and Google to find the highest rated restaurants in Palm Springs. Those ratings, both out of five, were then added together for an aggregate rating of the top-rated places to eat. To ensure the establishments have their feet under the table, any place with less than 250 reviews was excluded. Customer reviews, of course, aren’t always the best metric — they can be gamed with things like giveaways, for one, and the rating that one person leaves may be influenced by ordering something they wouldn’t have liked anyway. That said, a combination of reviews across the two popular platforms is an excellent place to start when planning on where to eat.

If you’re planning a desert getaway, here are the best restaurants in Palm Springs according to customer ratings.

Traveling to Southern California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides: Get The Most Out of Palm Springs At These Guest Favorite Airbnbs 8 Gorgeous Palm Springs Airbnbs With Private Pools The 9 Best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a Bachelorette Party to Remember These Are the Best Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in Los Angeles 9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast 10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

Photo: Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

Rating: 9.7 (4.8 Google Maps, 4.9 Yelp)

At first glance, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen’s plant-based restaurant might be considered a breakfast or lunch hang, but the kitchen stays open until 8 PM and serves hearty salads such as the OhMyGatoTaco and the Tasty Thai Tofu with roasted peanut dressing and Tempeh Powerburgers — perfect for a grab-and-go casual healthy dinner.

Petrovna learned how to make seitan and fresh cultured tempeh while in college in the ’80s. Today, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen’s tempeh is cultured in-house for the potato bun burgers (and other dishes) and has gathered quite a cult following in Palm Springs. The loaded Gordo Chili Cheese burger is a fan favorite. It’s stacked with Heirloom Rancho Gordo bean chili, vegan cheese, barbecue sauce, red onion, and jalapeño pickle. The burger is “so bomb we have to serve it in a bowl,” Petrovna says.

The restaurant and deli have rave reviews on both Yelp and Google Maps. As well as creative and delicious dishes, attentive and friendly service has led to the business earning an almost perfect score. From take-out sandwiches to sit-down bowls of chili, customers have positive things to say about the quality of produce and flavor combinations. It seems Palm Springs is all aboard the plant-based train.

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen: 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Peruvian Fuego

Photo: Peruvian Fuego

Rating: 9.4 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Peruvian Fuego brings the flavors of Peru to Palm Springs. The small restaurant has top-notch service and is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The owner, Hyron, tells Matador that the lomo saltado, ceviche, and rotisserie chicken are all favorites. Marinaded in spices and Peruvian peppers, the rotisserie chicken (roasted over hickory chips) sells out daily. It’s a perfect sharing dish and can be paired with sides such as yuca fries and chocolo con queso (Peruvian corn with fresh cheese). Ceviches come with the house leche de tigre, Peruvian corn, and ad cancha (toasted Andean dried corn maize).

If you’re visiting Palm Springs with a group, Peruvian Fuego is an excellent option. Hyron’s authenticity and helpful service shine through the many Yelp reviews. Patron Roz E says Peruvian Fuego is “one of the best places we’ve been to during our trip in the Palm Springs area.”

Peruvian Fuego: 1751 N Sunrise Way Suite F1, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Clandestino

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Rating: 9.4 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)

Clandestino sits next to the San Jacinto Mountains off the main strip. Run by the owners of FARM and Tac/Quila, Clandestino is described as being “Tac/Quila’s moody sister.”

Expect Latin American small plates and hand-crafted cocktails. Try the “signature fried squash blossoms, filled with delicious melting Oaxaca cheese,” says Elizabeth Perezchica, general manager of Clandestino, or the vegan cauliflower poblano mole. Perezchica’s standout favorite, however, is the salmon with napa cabbage, pico de gallo, and dill cream sauce, pocketed in a house-made corn tortilla.

The high level of service is similar to what you can expect at the sister restaurants. “At Clandestino, we believe in delivering an unforgettable dining experience,” says Perezchica, “where every detail is meticulously curated to delight our guests.” And indeed, this sentiment is mirrored throughout the five-star reviews on Yelp. “The service was well done”, says patron Mylexus P. “All servers were professional, knew the menu well, and were able to suggest some popular items,” they continue. Book a table on the patio and enquire about the “secret menu” at the bar.

Clandestino: 175 N Palm Canyon Dr suite 160, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Miro’s Restaurant

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Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

Miro’s is a Yugoslavian family-run restaurant serving hearty homestyle European dishes such as schnitzel, beef stroganoff, and osso buco. Since opening in 1994, it’s grown into a trusted establishment, promising reliable and warm service, excellent produce, and substantial portions. The beautifully lit leafy courtyard tables add to the charm.

Miro’s prides itself on the selection of rare bottles of wine from countries such as Austria, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The knowledgeable sommelier can talk you through the wine list and assist with food pairings.

A staple in the Palm Springs restaurant scene, the long list of helpful and five-star reviews on Yelp are from both loyal patrons and visitors. “If you’re looking for a classy food establishment without all the fuss, this place is a no-brainer,” says repeat customer and reviewer Mark B. “This is a place that always draws me in. It could be the incredibly friendly service or just the deep dive into ethnic comfort food that was so much a part of my childhood. Either way, I’m a fan,” proclaims Mark.

Miro’s Restaurant: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr ste h-101, Palm Springs

FARM

Photo: Farm/Jose PachecoPhoto: Farm/Jose PachecoPhoto: Farm/Jose Pacheco

Rating: 9.1 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

Known for its traditional Provençal cuisine, FARM’s patio setting is surrounded by greenery and floral arrangements, creating a garden oasis in the desert. While FARM offers a seasonal menu, some of their most popular dinner dishes include the savory crepes (French ham, Gruyére, and a sunny egg is a hit); duck confit with slow-cooked lentils, braised beets, and a blackberry sauce; and wagyu top sirloin steak with broccoli macaroni and cheese and sautéed asparagus.

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. However, breakfast and lunch are walk-in only. You can’t go wrong with what time of day you visit, but dinner offers a more elevated fine dining experience. Overall feedback on the quality of dishes and the charming atmosphere is positive from both locals and visitors. Five-star reviewer Amy S says, “I’m literally so in love with this spot and would have happily eaten there every day (maybe even for every meal) while in Palm Springs recently for a long weekend with friends.”

FARM: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Bar Cecil

Photo: Bar CecilPhoto: Bar CecilPhoto: Bar Cecil

Rating: 9 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)

Bar Cecil has had a couple of number ones since opening in 2021: The $50 martini and the Beaton Burger.

To dine here, you’ll need to be prepared to wait in line (walk-ins are welcome at the bar at 5 PM sharp). Unless, that is, you’re horribly organized and book a table 30 days in advance. Let’s not sugarcoat the situation: Reservations are hard to get. Your best bet is to keep an eye on OpenTable and set cancelation notifications, then pray to the god of splurge-worthy martinis for success.

That said, a walk-in bar seat is more than sufficient. It gives you a front-row view of the seamless bartenders as they pour Jean-Charles Boisset vodka and Alessio Dry vermouth into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a house pickled onion, and serve with a deviled egg, caviar, and sunchoke chips. Couple that with a splash of Sancerre, half a dozen oysters, steak tartar, and escargot, and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet setup. For those with an appetite, the Beaton Burger, with the signature aioli and fresh-cut fries, has been called one of the best burgers in California (with an option to make it an Impossible Burger for an extra $4).

Yelp reviewers recommend Bar Cecil for a date night or weekend treat. High rankings are paired with return customers. “I can honestly say Bar Cecil continuously stands out as the best dining experience I’ve had in Palm Springs,” says Yelp reviewer Austin J. “Having been enchanted by its charm on three occasions, I can confidently say that every visit has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he continues.

Bar Cecil: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Tac/Quila

Photo: Tac/Quila/Jose PachecoPhoto: Tac/Quila/Jose PachecoPhoto: Tac/Quila/Jose Pacheco

Rating: 9 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)

“Here at Tac/Quila, we have a balance between Palm Springs locals enjoying their favorite dishes and tourists from all over flocking to taste our fresh food and snap shots of our colorful cocktails,” Amanda Jasso, Tac/Quila’s general manager, says. “Expect to see margarita flights, our tepache colada, and house favorite, the tres agave, on the table.” The must-order margarita flight changes with the season.

Tac/Quila is one of the best spots for Mexican food in the city. It relies heavily on fresh produce, and 75 percent of that is organic. Each dish is prepared on the day of service. Fan favorites include fajitas dishes and the carne asada tacos with corn tortillas lovingly made from scratch. For those who want to deviate from the traditional, there are a few elevated dishes to get excited about. The ahi taco — sushi grade ahi, mango salsa, cabbage, cilantro, and avocado — is mentioned in multiple reviews. As are the jackfruit enchiladas. “Chef David Arreguin introduced three flavors of Aguachile and vegan jackfruit enchiladas this season. They are a huge hit,” Jasso says. Enjoy these with the Tepache Colado — tequila, coconut, lime, and chinola liquor with toasted coconut flakes around the rim. “It’s like a vacation for your lips,” Jasso says.

As an establishment with more than 2,000 reviews on both Yelp and Google, it stands up very well with its overall rating. This could be in part thanks to the tres leche desert, which customer Alex L calls “the real deal.”

Tac/Quila: 415 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Eight4Nine

Photo: Eight4Nine

Rating: 8.8 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.3 Yelp)

The contemporary restaurant Eight4Nine is located in the fashionable Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. With pops of color, the decor is ’90s Miami, and the menu is high-end and interesting. There are some standouts: the roasted cauliflower steak served with romesco sauce, pine nuts, golden raisins, and lemon herb ricotta; the miso-marinated Chilean sea bass; and grass-fed beef skirt steak with refried pintos, yellow corn esquites, and pico de gallo.

Eight4Nine offers a variety of catering services. They accommodate groups of 10 to 300 people, making it a excellent option for special events. The restaurant opened its doors in 2015, and since then, it’s had a lot of good feedback — especially for the VIP service. It’s popular for business dinners, pre-arranged group bookings, and with couples.

Eight4Nine: 849 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Copley’s on Palm Canyon

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Rating: 8.6 (4.4 Google Maps, 4.2 Yelp)

Housed in a beautifully restored 1940s estate (once a guesthouse of Cary Grant), Copley’s has some of the best views in Palm Springs. It offers a casual, yet refined dining experience, perfect for a Palm Springs date night. Serving contemporary American dishes such as prime New York steak with caramelized onion and fennel, sautéed asparagus, and truffle parmesan fries; and swordfish with squash spaghetti and a smoked cherry tomato vinaigrette. Mains range from $29 to $56. Desserts are classic — try the chocolate souffle or vanilla and peach creme brulee — and finish the night with one of the vintage ports or a grappa di moscato.

Copley’s on Palm Canyon: 621 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Rooster And The Pig

Photo: Rooster And The PigPhoto: Rooster And The PigPhoto: Rooster And The Pig

Rating: 8.6 (4.5 Google Maps, 4.1 Yelp)

The low-key Rooster and the Pig is located off the main drag and hidden at the back of a strip mall. It’s run by chef Tai Spendley, who has brought Vietnamese recipes with a modern Southern California spin to Palm Springs. Spendley learned to cook from his mother and has crafted a fun menu with highlights such as panko-crusted chicken-stuffed rice balls, pork belly fried rice, Jasmine tea leaf salad, and the Chinese sausage roll.

The cashless restaurant is walk-in only, and you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with a few celebs — it’s a favorite spot of Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, after all.

Rooster And The Pig: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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These Merrell Hiking Boots Are Perfect for Casual Hikers

It’s hard to emphasize how important good footwear is when it comes to working out. Just imagine wearing a pair of Converse the next time you want to hit the treadmill or some high heels to play football. Well-crafted shoes can make all the difference on how enjoyable – or how painful – your workout can be. This is especially true for hiking, where uneven terrain, substantial physical effort, and the elements can all add to the pressures of finding the perfect shoe.

From avoiding blisters to having a cushioned interior to avoid muscle fatigue, I’ve found the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX, on sale at REI for $180 in both men’s and women’s varieties, to be the ultimate choice for leveling up my shoe game when I’m exploring the great outdoors here in Pennsylvania. With a trusted brand history and a shoe that toes the line perfectly between sneaker and boot, I was sold (or should I say “soled”) the first time I slipped them on.

We hope you love the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX hiking boots! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Buy Now – Men’s

Buy Now – Women’s

A brief history of Merrell

Photo: v74/Shutterstock

In 1981, Clark Matis and John Schweizer, both executives at the Rossignol ski company, set out to revolutionize the hiking boot industry. Their vision? To create footwear that seamlessly combined rugged performance with unmatched comfort, setting the stage for what became one of the top-selling outdoor gear companies on the market today.

Fast forward to 1997, when Merrell found a steadfast partner in Wolverine World Wide, a veritable titan in the shoe industry. Since this partnership, Merrell has only grown in its global reach and reputation, taking the best of Wolverine’s initiatives and applying them directly to the Merrell brand.

Today, Merrell is one of the top-selling brands for outdoor kicks, thanks in part to the steadfast approach to its underlying principles, which hasn’t changed in more than 40 years. While there may be more tactical shoes, or more heavy-duty boots, on the market, Merrell’s approach to blending performance and style into one shoe remains unmatched for the casual hiker (of which I certainly consider myself).

Why the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX hiking bootsPhoto: REIPhoto: REIPhoto: REI

It’s hard to overstate the variety of ways in which Merrell has improved on its Moab shoes over the past near-decade to make them one of the best on the market for comfort, performance, and style. Each decision to enhance the relatively limited real estate of the GTX is both considered and important to the overall functionality of the shoe itself. Some of these improvements include:

GORE-TEX waterproof Mmbranes: I felt able to embrace the elements with confidence as GORE-TEX waterproof membranes ensure exceptional breathability and waterproof performance, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in any weather condition.Durable construction: Engineered with nylon ripstop and TPU uppers, along with padded collars and protective abrasion-resistant toe and heel caps, these boots are built to withstand the toughest terrain, offering unmatched durability and protection.Debris defense: Say goodbye to bothersome debris on the trail, thanks to bellows tongues that effectively keep out unwanted dirt and rocks, allowing me to focus solely on the adventure at hand.Convenience redefined: Dual heel and tongue loops not only facilitate easy entry but also offer carabiner compatibility, ensuring my feet are always ready for the next outdoor excursion.Sustainable design: Merrell’s commitment to sustainability shines through with 100 percent recycled laces, webbing, and breathable mesh linings, as well as removable 5 percent recycled polyurethane footbeds and 100 percent recycled mesh footbed covers, reducing environmental impact without compromising on performance.Trail-ready confidence: Secure-fit heel counters and full-length rock plates instill unwavering confidence on the trail, ensuring stability and protection in any terrain or weather condition.Optimized stability: Lightweight FlexPlate technology offers torsional rigidity coupled with forefoot stability, enhancing agility and control on varied terrain, while FloatPro Foam midsoles provide lasting lightweight comfort.Exceptional traction: Conquer any outdoor adventure with Vibram TC5+ outsoles, exclusively formulated for Merrell, delivering exceptional traction and grip on diverse surfaces. The 4 mm Vibram traction lugs are strategically designed to increase traction and shed debris with each step. I’ve remained sure-footed on each of the several hikes I’ve taken these boots on.Return policy

REI’s return policy is in play here, which works to your benefit especially If you’re an REI Co-Op member. If so, you’re able to get up to an entire year to return your shoes if they’re not right for you (this is limited to a still-generous 90 days if you’re not a member).

Returns can be made by mail or in-store. Make sure to have your proof of purchase if returning in-store. If doing so online, you can use their form and a printable label will be supplied (note that you’ll be charged a $5.99 fee to cover the return shipping cost).

Final thoughts

Photo: REI

Being a relative novice when it comes to hiking, I’m happy to have gone with the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX boots as my first upgrade for hiking gear versus, say, my regular ole’ Nike tennis shoes. I could immediately tell the difference in wearing a pair of shoes that are specifically designed for long-term wear with comfort and safety in mind. Having pretty weak angles, the extra support on the shoe was appreciated as the terrain in Pennslyvania can go from steep to very steep to rocky relatively quickly; but I never felt like I was going to slip and fall in the GTX’s versus other shoes I’ve worn in the past.

Overall, I don’t think I’ll be using REI’s one-year return policy and these Merrells are here to stay for me. If anything, I’ll probably be grabbing a second pair soon – I’m quite fond of the green “Coyote” colorway, having first gone with the more toned-down Asphalt grey to start with.

Buy Now – Men’s

Buy Now – Women’s

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