There’s no doubt that hiking is a serious workout. But one thing that’s so great about it? You don’t always remember quite how strenuous it can be. The gorgeous views and fresh air have a way of making you forget the most grueling climbs. But even if your mind forgets, your body doesn’t. That’s why stretching and yoga can be beneficial for hikers of all ages and abilities. Not only are stretching and yoga good for you on their own, but they have plenty of benefits that can help hikers recover from the trail and improve their endurance. If you want to incorporate more stretching and yoga into y ..read more

Within days of taking down holiday lights, putting decorations away, and dreaming up New Year's resolutions, hints of the next major holiday start to appear. Before you know it, grocery store aisles are full of chocolate, roses, and candy hearts. If you’re one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you may start to wonder what gift to get your adventure-loving sweetheart or friend — and whether or not it’ll break your post-holiday budget. We’re not here to bash chocolate and flowers (they’re never a bad idea) or to tell you to spend big on the “perfect” romantic gift. But we are here to give you some o ..read more

Winter is no doubt a fun time to get outside. Skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are some of the best ways to spend a cold, snowy day. But even as an outdoor enthusiast, you may appreciate the way winter makes you enjoy the indoors , too. For those who want to spend every free hour of daylight outdoors, winter is a good reminder to rest. And what better way to rest in the winter than cozied up by the fire with a good, outdoorsy book? From poetic nature writing to spooky campfire stories, epic journeys to hilarious misadventures, we’ve got you covered with the best outdoor books to read thi ..read more

If you’re an avid hiker, you might spend all winter dreaming about blue skies and snow-free trails. But before you decide to hibernate ‘til spring, consider giving cross-country skiing a try. Like hiking or snowshoeing, cross-country skiing is a fun way to explore the outdoors while getting plenty of exercise. Not only that, but it’s easy to pick up, and you can do it almost anywhere. If you’re new to the sport, you’re in the right place. This blog is no substitute for a lesson or instruction from a pro, but it’ll provide some background info to help you get started. Read on to learn about cr ..read more

If you’ve ever hiked with wet feet, you know how unpleasant it can be. Depending on the season, rain, snow, mud, dew, and even your sweat can soak your socks and shoes. When this happens, you’re left with wet, potentially cold, and uncomfortable feet. And the longer your feet spend in wet socks and shoes, the more serious the discomfort can get. As an avid hiker, caring for your feet is critical. We’re not suggesting you avoid hiking in the rain — in fact, we encourage it (Cloudline is based in Seattle, after all!). But you should be aware of the dangers of hiking with wet feet and know how to ..read more

The month of November tends to slip under the radar. Between the brilliant colors of October and the holiday happenings in December, late fall doesn’t get much attention. But when it comes to the best months for hitting the trail, November’s a hidden secret. Trails become quieter, the scenery takes a dramatic turn, and the bugs disappear. If you haven’t considered lacing up your hiking boots this time of year, you might be missing out. Continue reading to learn why we think you’ll love it, plus tips for making the most out of your late-fall hikes. 5 Benefits of November Hiking Between the qu ..read more

There’s nothing more inspiring than a good story — and here at Cloudline, we’re partial to those involving the great outdoors. There’s something about learning from others’ adventures, experiences, and tips from the backcountry that make listening to outdoorsy podcasts one of our favorite pastimes. If you’ve yet to dive into the world of outdoorsy podcasts, we encourage you to give it a go. Whether you’re planning your next big expedition, reliving a glorious weekend hike, or simply stuck indoors on a stormy day, these podcasts will give you the perfect dose of the outdoors until you’re back o ..read more

Many hikers — especially those living at northern latitudes — look forward to those sunny summer days on the trail all winter long. And those first few summer hikes? Gloriously warm and pleasant. But by mid-summer summer, as temperatures start to peak, a fun day in the sun can quickly turn into a hot, miserable, and even dangerous situation. Recent years have brought extreme heat to many favorite hiking destinations — Death Valley, Big Bend, and Grand Canyon National Parks, to name a few. So it’s more important than ever to know how to hike safely in the heat — and when to turn around. Continu ..read more

The sun’s shining, it’s warm outside, and you’re ready to head out for a long summer hike. You pull open your dresser drawers and see some of your favorite merino wool layers you rely on in the winter. So, what do you do? Do you grab a wool t-shirt and socks for your warm-weather hike? Or do you pack the whole lot away until the winter, opting for a synthetic fabric instead? There’s a misconception that wool is a winter-only fabric. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, merino wool makes some of the best summer clothing — and we’re not just talking about merino wool socks. Read ..read more

When you think about hiking, you probably envision a trail in the mountains, the desert, or the woods. But what about the beach? Sure, the beach is for swimming. Lounging. Relaxing in the sun. But it can also be a fantastic place for a hike. Summer is the perfect time for a coastal hike. Fair weather throughout most of the country makes for ideal trail conditions, plus — depending where you are — you might even be able to cool off with a dip. Even if the water’s too chilly or rough, hiking along the coast is usually cooler than hiking inland. And the views — they never get old.  We’ve rou ..read more