Hillsound Equipment [USA]

Fall is coming closer, and it is soon time to layer up and deal with muddy trails. With the right gear, mud will not be something that interferes with your day-hiking or backpacking experience. Getting a sturdy pair of hiking boots and hiking poles, which are great for keeping momentum and balance as well as probing for mud depth, are key; an essential that's often overlooked are gaiters.

We’ve gone over the 10 Essentials. Now we want to share some of our favourite backpacking extras. These are things that you don’t need to survive in the outdoors, but they will make your time outside much more enjoyable.

Believe it or not, there are times when you will actually be able to relax when backpacking. You may get rained out and have to stay put for an extra day, or you may get to camp early and have the chance to enjoy a rest in your hammock. These are some of our favourite books to read in, and about, nature.

Use this guide to take the guesswork out of gear care.

We at Hillsound love hiking. It's one of the most accessible and inclusive sports in the world. Recent years have seen an insurgence of people getting into the activity, and as such, it's important to share knowledge to encourage preparedness on the trails.