The first time I went on a proper day hike, I wore basketball sneakers, brought one small water bottle, and had zero idea where the trail actually went. I turned around after two miles with soaked socks, a mild headache, and a bruised ego. That hike was a good teacher, though. It showed me exactly … Read more
My first hike was a disaster. I wore canvas sneakers, brought one small water bottle, and had zero idea where the trail ended. About a mile in, my feet were soaked from a stream crossing I didn’t know was coming, and I turned around convinced hiking “wasn’t for me.” Twelve years later, I’ve hiked through … Read more
I remember my first long hike. My legs felt like wet concrete by mile six. My calves burned. My ankles puffed up like balloons. A friend handed me a pair of compression socks the next morning and said, “Try these next time.” I thought he was joking. He was not. Short answer: Compression socks for … Read more