My name is Oscar, and I’ve been hiking trails across the United States for over 8 years.
It didn’t start glamorously. My very first hike was a 5-mile loop in the Smoky Mountains — I showed up in old sneakers, a cotton t-shirt, and a backpack stuffed with things I never used. By mile three, I had blisters on both feet and a sunburn I didn’t expect. I made it back to the trailhead, sat down on a log, and thought: “I need to figure this out properly.”
That moment changed everything.
Since then, I’ve hiked hundreds of miles across some of the most beautiful terrain in the country — the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the Appalachian Trail segments in North Carolina and Virginia, desert trails in Utah’s canyon country, and forested paths through the Pacific Northwest.
Along the way, I’ve personally tested dozens of hiking boots, backpacks, trekking poles, rain layers, and navigation tools. Not for brand deals — just because I needed to know what actually holds up when you’re six miles from the trailhead.
A few things I’ve learned the hard way:
- The right footwear makes or breaks any hike
- Overpacking is just as dangerous as underpacking
- Preparation before the trail matters more than anything you do on it
Why I started Oscar Hikes
After years of answering the same questions from friends — “What boots should I buy?” “How far is too far for a first hike?” “What do I actually need in my pack?” — I realized there was a gap online. Most hiking content is either too technical for beginners or too vague to be useful.
Oscar Hikes is my answer to that. Every article is written from real trail experience. When I recommend a piece of gear, I’ve used it. When I warn you about a mistake, I’ve made it myself.
My goal is simple: help you get out on the trail with confidence, comfort, and the right gear — without wasting money or getting hurt.
Where I hike most
I’m based in the western United States and spend most of my time on trails in Colorado, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest. But I make it back east every year — the Appalachians never get old.
Let’s connect
Have a question about gear, trail planning, or where to start? I’d love to hear from you.
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See you on the trail. 🌄 — Oscar