Guides
Trek guides
Practical, up-to-date help for planning and training for big treks.
Planning
Travel Insurance for Trekking: Altitude Limits, Rescue and What to Check
Which travel insurance actually covers your trek? Altitude limits for World Nomads, SafetyWing, Heymondo and True Traveller, why rescue is not evacuation, and when a Global Rescue or Alpine club membership makes sense.
Gear
How to Kit Out for a Trek on the Cheapest Budget
A complete must-have trek kit for about $525, item by item, with the cheapest options that still work on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the West Highland Way or a US national park.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc 2027: What the New Booking Rules Mean for You
From 2027 the French side of the TMB plans to require a reservation for every night and to end wild camping. Here's what's proposed and how to plan around it.
Planning
Wild Camping Rules in Europe and the US, Country by Country
Where you can pitch a tent for the night and where you can't, from Scotland's right to roam to the bans in Croatia and Portugal, plus how permits work in US national parks.
Gear
Budget Trekking Gear: Where to Save and Where to Spend
You don't need $2,000 of gear for your first trek. Here's where cheap gear from Decathlon works fine, and the few items worth paying more for.
Central Asia
Trekking in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: Where to Start
Kyrgyzstan was named 2026's best country for solo adventure travel. Here's how to start with the Ala-Kul trek, Song-Kul and the lakes above Almaty.
USA
US Hiking Permit Lotteries Explained
Half Dome, Mount Whitney, the Enchantments, Angels Landing and the Wonderland Trail all use lotteries. Here's how they work and how to improve your chances.
Training
How to Train for a Multi-Day Trek (Even If You Live Somewhere Flat)
A simple, four-phase approach to getting ready for the Tour du Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro or any big trek, using stairs, a loaded pack and back-to-back days.
Hut to hut
Mountain Hut Etiquette: Your First Night in an Alpine Refuge
Boots off at the door, a sleeping-bag liner, half board and lights out by ten. Everything first-timers need to know about staying in Alpine huts.