Denver, CO — February 25, 2026 — Yukon Charlie’s announced a new collaboration with skier and access advocate Connor Ryan to introduce the brand’s latest Yukon Charlie’s Snow Goggles, designed to deliver pro-level clarity and all-day comfort at an accessible price. The relationship aligns directly with Ryan’s collaboration with IKON Pass and Native Youth Outdoors around the Mountain Access Program, and Yukon Charlie’s commitment to lowering barriers to snow sports participation. As part of the relationship, Yukon Charlie’s will donate products to support the Mountain Access Program community events throughout the season.

With fresh enthusiasm for snow sports following this winter’s global competitions, more people than ever are looking for high-quality gear that won’t break the bank. The new Yukon Charlie’s Snow Goggles answer that call, pairing crisp optics and fog-fighting performance with plush fit and durable construction—all at a price point designed to welcome newcomers and support returning riders.

“This collaboration is about more than gear—it’s about keeping the mountains open to everyone,” said Carmen Evola, CEO of Helio Outdoors, the platform company that includes Yukon Charlie’s and four other high‑powered outdoor recreation brands. “Connor’s Mountain Access Program mission pairs perfectly with our belief that quality and comfort shouldn’t be luxury features. Together, we’re making it easier for people to show up, feel confident, and stay out longer without overspending.”

“Joining forces with Yukon Charlie’s feels authentic to who I am and what I want for the sport,” said Connor Ryan. “Mountain Access” is about removing barriers and inviting more people in, and these goggles deliver the comfort and performance riders deserve at a price that doesn’t gatekeep the experience. I’m excited to help more folks see the mountains in a new way—literally and figuratively.”

Built for the Way Real People Ride:

• Comfort that lasts: A soft, helmet‑friendly fit and moisture‑wicking face foam designed for all‑day sessions.
• Clear vision in changing weather: High‑contrast optics and anti‑fog performance.
• Durable by design: Rugged materials engineered for everyday use.
• Accessible price point: Premium feel without premium markup.

Community Impact: Product Donations to Mountain Access Program

Yukon Charlie’s will donate snow goggles to Mountain Access Program activations, helping first‑time and developing riders gear up safely and comfortably at clinics, meetups, and community days this winter.

About Connor Ryan
Connor Ryan is a professional skier, filmmaker, and Indigenous advocate known for using his platform to expand equity and inclusion in the outdoors. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota, Ryan was raised on the homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples in Colorado, where he developed a deep connection to the mountains and to traditional ecological knowledge. He has been recognized for bringing Indigenous perspectives into snow sports, including being named one of Ski Magazine’s 10 most influential skiers of 2025. Through his Mountain Access Program, in partnership with IKON and Native Youth Outdoors, and his visibility as an athlete, Ryan works to remove barriers for underrepresented communities, inspire more inclusive participation, and deepen the outdoor community’s relationship with the land.

About Yukon Charlie’s
Yukon Charlie’s makes reliable, comfortable, and access-forward winter gear that helps people start sooner, stay out longer, and come back smiling.

About Helio Outdoors
Helio Outdoors is a platform of high‑performance outdoor recreation brands committed to making it easier for people to get outside and stay outside. With a focus on quality, comfort, and accessibility, Helio Outdoors develops gear that supports everyday adventurers and growing communities of new participants. Its portfolio includes Yukon Charlie’s and four additional category‑leading brands—Aqua, Airhead, Inyo Pools, and Pureline—all united by a mission to remove barriers and help more people enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Bolio
Senior Marketing Manager
Helio Outdoors
sbolio@heliooutdoors.com

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Sometimes the grind can feel like too much. With all the hustle and bustle that comes with living in modern society, it’s no surprise that people are turning to the outdoors for comfort, recreation, and to rekindle the sense of wonder that society often strips from them. According to a report by the Outdoor Foundation, 44.9 percent of Americans went hiking in 2017, up from 42.1 percent in 2016. With this surge in hiking participation, you may be wondering who maintains hiking trails and how they are operated. The answer is that there are thousands of park service employees and volunteers that maintain these trails and keep them open for hikers across the country.

Some of this work is undertaken by dedicated park employees. One major project undertaken by park employees was the restoration of a boardwalk on the Alka’i Swamp Trail on the island of Kauai. Alka’i swamp is considered by many to be one of the wettest places on earth– which makes it a beautiful place to hike, but a difficult place to maintain a hiking trail. In 2018, park service workers undertook a major project to repair the miles-long boardwalk, which was beginning to sink into the mud. The new boardwalk was constructed from recycled materials, making it more resilient to the swampy conditions at Alka’i. Major restoration projects like this are common, but they can’t always be completed by park service employees alone.

In fact, a large proportion of hiking trail maintenance is done by volunteers. It is an unfortunate truth that as use of hiking trails is increasing, government funding for trail maintenance is decreasing. As a result, many of our nation’s trails rely on public support to survive. There are hundreds of organizations both large and small responsible for maintaining the nation’s trails every year. Projects undertaken by these organizations are what keep those trails safe and fun places for folks to get away from the grind of everyday life and live a little on the wild side.

Take the John Muir Wilderness Area. Named for the great American naturalist, the John Muir Wilderness Area was established in 1964 by the Wilderness Act. Its scenic lakes and cool mountain vistas have made it a popular hiking destination for many, but unfortunately, due to its location, it is frequently under threat from overgrowth, downed trees, and brushfires. Thankfully, in 2018, volunteers with an organization called the Back Country Horsemen were able to team up with a local Sierra National Forest crew to restore and maintain the integrity of the trail– felling trees, clearing potentially dangerous brush, and expanding the trail in a herculean effort that may have saved it when a major fire burned through in 2018.

Another major organization helping to maintain trails is the Pacific Crest Trail Association, whose volunteers have been responsible for maintaining over 1,700 miles of trail on the west coast. Various chapters of the Pacific Crest Trail Organization completed major projects at Mormon Rocks Trail in the Mojave Desert, near Mill Creek Summit in Southern California, and near Shoe Lake in the Northern Cascades. These projects were involved in clearing and cleaning trails, installing trail signs, and repairing washouts and other damage.

Perhaps one of the largest organizations responsible for keeping trails up to snuff, however, is the American Hiking Society. The American Hiking Society has been holding events every year on June 1st– National Trails Day– to promote awareness for America’s hiking trails. In 2018, the event drew upwards of 100,000 people, who worked together to clear over 3,000 miles of extant trails and build over 700 miles of new trails across the country. It is monumental achievements like this that keep America’s wild spaces accessible to the general public.

America’s trails are one of its most valuable natural resources. They provide millions of people with space for recreation and enjoyment every year. Maintaining those trails requires the efforts of thousands of park service employees and volunteers. Both individuals and organizations are key to park and hiking trail maintenance and will continue to be so for generations to come.

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If you enjoy hiking on somewhat remote, “single-file” trails, you may have met other hikers coming from the opposite direction and wondered whether any hiking rules and trail etiquette dictate which of you should step aside and yield. While there isn’t a formal manual for proper hiking behavior, there are a few hiking rules and guidelines that will make your hiking experience more enjoyable for you and other hikers.

General Hiking and Trail Etiquette When Passing Others

When meeting someone on a narrow trail where passage may be difficult, it’s never a bad idea to call out and greet the oncoming hikers in advance. Indicate whether you intend to pass first or start a conversation to make that determination. A friendly call out to those you meet is always a good idea regardless of trail conditions, as it assures them of your goodwill and may create an opportunity to exchange important trail information.

High Cliff or Mountain Trails

Who has the right of way when hiking uphill or downhill? When hikers meet on a narrow cliff or mountain trail, safety becomes the biggest concern. Such trails are often steeply inclined, and in such situations, the “uphill or downhill rule” should determine who passes first.

When walking uphill on a narrow, cliff-bordered trail, you will usually be working harder than when you’re going downhill on the same trail. You’ll probably be somewhat tired, and you’ll be focused mostly on the ground just in front of you, picking the best spots for your next steps. In addition, your awareness of activity farther along the trail will be less than someone coming down the hill, who’ll be looking downward into a broader field of vision.

For these reasons, it’s most appropriate for downhill hikers on narrow, cliffs or mountain trails to yield to those coming up the hill. Downhill hikers on a trail bordered by steep cliffs or drop-offs should assess the situation early and move to a trailside area that allows the uphill hiker to be farthest away from the drop-off. The downhiller may need to move back up the hill a short distance to find such an area.

Muddy Trails and Water Crossings

When meeting other hikers on narrow, muddy trails, a good idea is to decide who passes first based on the location of the muck. You’ll generally find yourself walking on the right side of a trail when passing another hiker. If you approach an area where the path is muddier on your right side, you will need to move to the left, and the oncoming hiker should yield. Likewise, you should yield if the trail is less muddy on your right side. If both sides of the trail are equally muddy, then the best approach is to call out to the oncoming hikers and decide who will pass first.

The same hiking rule and trail etiquette applies when hikers pass at water crossings. If your right side of the trail contains more water, the oncoming hiker should yield and allow you to pass. Conversely, you should yield if the water is greater on your left side. If the entire trail is covered with water, a call out and discussion is a good idea.

Rocky Areas

Rocky areas on a trail are often best handled in a manner similar to muddy and water-covered areas. You should yield and allow oncoming hikers to proceed if your side of the trail is more passable. If the entire trail is equally rocky, then a brief discussion should decide who passes first.

Always Offer Information You May Know

If you’re on a narrow trail that’s familiar to you, and you meet other hikers, you may know which side of a rocky path is more stable or which part of a muddy trail is less boggy. Always be courteous and offer such information to oncoming hikers before you meet. You may be able to make their hike less arduous and save them from discovering bad things the hard way.

Always Be the Courteous Hiker

If there’s ever a doubt about hiking rules, trail etiquette, and who has the right-of-way when hiking uphill or downhill, err on the side of giving way to others. You can rarely go wrong by letting others pass first, and you never know when you may meet again out on the trail. You’ll also end your day feeling better about your hiking experience if you know you’ve done all you can to make the path easier for others.

So, go and enjoy the great outdoors, and remember that trail courtesy is contagious!

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If you’re just learning to use trekking poles on your hiking excursions, the various trekking pole length options on a retractable pole can be a bit confusing. When wondering “how long SHOULD hiking and trekking poles/sticks be”, don’t worry. The answer is fairly simple.

Most adjustable trekking poles offer a wide enough range of lengths to cover most people for length, and for each individual, there’s a standard “flat terrain” length that you’ll use most of the time. Occasionally, when you’re walking uphill or downhill, it can be helpful to adjust your trekking pole length for different purposes.

Flat Terrain

How long should a walking stick be on flat terrain? When hiking on flat terrain, the proper height for your walking sticks/poles should be a length that allows you to bend your arm at approximately 90 degrees when holding the pole straight up and down (at 90 degrees to the ground when the tip is touching the ground).

90 degree angle in the arm, when your pole is at a 90 degree angle with the ground. Maybe we should call this the rule of 90?

This is generally the right hiking pole height for most flat to moderate terrain. But when you start to hike on steeper inclines and declines, there are some great reasons to consider adjusting the length.

Once you find that hiking pole length, take a look at your pole, and make a mental note of the number (length in cm) you’ve adjusted it to. You’ll need to remember this number a lot, especially if you adjust for uphill and downhill conditions, as we’re about to describe.

This “rule of 90” length is generally what you’ll need for most flat to moderate terrain. But when you start to hike on steeper inclines and declines, there are some great reasons to consider adjusting the length.

How Long Should Hiking and Trekking Poles Be When Going Uphill?

When hiking uphill, shortening your trekking pole length will help you to get better traction and even out the effort between your arms and legs, by allowing you to “pull” yourself uphill with the poles.. When hiking with a backpack or child carrier, this can help a considerable amount with the strain put on your back as well.

How Long Should Hiking and Trekking Poles Be When Going Downhill?

When hiking downhill, lengthening your poles will allow you to extend them properly to the ground because the ground will be just a bit farther away. This will allow you to place your weight on the poles as you make your way down the hill, effectively reducing the impact on your knees (and to your back, when carrying a heavier load).

How tall and what height should your walking sticks/poles be when hiking up or down hills? This is a little harder to put a rule of thumb on (sorry, no rule of 90!) Just be patient your first few times out, be prepared to stop for readjustments, and when you find a trekking pole height for each scenario, take mental note of the hiking pole length marked so you can make adjustments more quickly on future hikes.

Now, next time a friend asks, “How long should hiking poles be?” YOU’ll be the one in the know!

Bonus Tip: How to Properly Use Hiking Pole Straps

No…hiking pole straps aren’t made to allow you to swing your pole in circles over your head, Game of Thrones style, as you run at your sibling or significant other. (That’s funny, but dangerous. Someone could put an eye out so just don’t.)

Straps are actually there to help transfer load and weight as you use the poles. When your hand is properly placed in the strap, you also don’t necessarily need to have a tight grip on the pole. It should bounce back into your hand after each strike.

To properly put your hand in your hiking pole strap for best use, we thought it would be easiest  to give you a quick video demonstration:

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Hiking is a stimulating and beneficial activity for folks of any age group.  It improves stamina, cardiovascular health, muscle tone and strength, circulation, and brings a sense of well-being to the soul. We plan to take a look at a few of these spectacular hikes to waterfalls throughout the United States to fully experience their splendor.

Yukon Charlie’s hikes to waterfall list covers trails with varying levels of difficulty to appeal to all hikers along with a rough estimated hiking time. We also included recommended items and special gear needed for your hike.

We included hikes to waterfalls that offer something for nearly everyone with differing mobility requirements. Regardless of your expertise, the listing will provide you with the appropriate information should you want to include an elderly family member, a small child, or a friend with limited mobility. The sheer joy of finding a waterfall at the end of a trek is even better when shared with others.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your hiking poles! These trails can often be wet, rocky, and slippery, and hiking poles can give you extra traction and stability.

Twin Falls, Idaho

Trail Name: Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail

Named after the Native American tribe, Shoshone Falls is probably the best-known waterfall out of several located near Twin Falls, Idaho. This southern Idaho locale is often referenced as the “Niagara Falls of the West.”

Although the falls can be viewed from several trails, one trail is easily accessible for any hiker. The one-mile out and back trail to the Shoshone Falls Observation Deck is wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for an all-purpose trail for the entire family to enjoy, this trail makes hiking to the falls a breeze.

If viewing the falls while paddle boarding or sitting on a dock with your toes in the water is your idea of the perfect hike, follow the signs to Shoshone Falls, where you have your choice of sloping surfaces to breath-catching leaps down steep cliffs dotted with caves. All end at the base of the falls to allow views of the falls at various angles.

Shoshone Falls Trail Difficulty:       

• Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail 1 Easy
• Shoshone Falls Trail  2-3 Easy to Moderate

Time Needed: 20 minutes to 90 minutes

What to Bring: Water bottle, a camera, and a light jacket. For the longer trail, take a snack, whistle (for emergencies), flashlight, sunscreen and bug spray.  The steeper trails require hiking boots with good traction.

Pets:  Dogs allowed; must be leashed.  No dogs allowed dogs in the grassy area of Dierkes Lake.

Yosemite National Park, California, Select Waterfalls

1. Trail Name: Bridal Veil Falls

Easily accessible from the valley floor, Bridal Veil Falls in Idaho is a half-mile paved trail good for small children, seniors, and baby strollers. Due to the steep grade in some spots, it may not be suitable for most wheelchair users. Enjoy birdwatching, wildflowers, wildlife, and forested surroundings. Once you reach the falls, you will noticeably see how the falls, with the swirling mist, resemble a bridal veil.

Trail Difficulty: 1 – easy

Time Needed: 10 minutes to 45 minutes

Pets:  Dogs allowed; must be leashed.

2. Trail Name: Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail

The six-and-a-half-mile hike along the Mist Trail leads to the west’s stunning waterfalls and views to much of Yosemite. Enjoy a challenging trek along the Merced River.  On this trail, you will encounter footbridges, steep climbs and slippery steps to view these tumbling falls from the snow melt high above in the Sierras cascading through the forest.

Sites include the Emerald Pool, rare birds, wildlife, forested areas, mountain peaks, wildflowers and waterfalls too amazing to describe. Be sure to stay alert along this rocky trail. The Mist Trail leaves you damp and sometimes dripping wet by the time you reach the falls. Bugs thrive throughout the summer so bring bug spray!

Trail Difficulty: 4 – difficult

Time Needed: Typically 3 to 6 hours

What to Bring:  Water bottle, camera, and a water-resistant jacket. Wear appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Take snacks, whistle (for emergencies), flashlight, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit. A change of clothes won’t hurt in case you get chilled. This trail is heavily traveled and well-marked so no map is needed.

Pets:  Not allowed

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, Benton Falls

 

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A post shared by Brian Solomon (@east_tn_hillbilly) on Jul 7, 2018 at 3:19pm PDT

1. Trail Name: Benton Falls Trail

Located near Reliance, Tennessee, the Benton Falls Trail offers a unique experience since you hike down to view this beautiful waterfalls. The elevation change is mere 291 feet over the three-mile hike. Good for all skill levels, this trail is great for exploring kids.

The trail starts at campgrounds in the Chilowee Recreation Area above the falls. This area is great for camping, hiking, mountain biking and trail running; and McKamy Lake is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and most water sports. Gazebo overlooks serve as beautiful viewpoints to the falls. Enjoy birdwatching, see wildflowers and occasional wildlife along the forested trail leading down to the falls.

Trail Difficulty: 1-2 easy to slightly strenuous

Time Needed: 45 minutes to 90 minutes

What to Bring:  Water bottle, camera, and a light jacket. Pack a snack, whistle, flashlight, sunscreen and bug spray for a more enjoyable trek. Although usually heavily traveled, a map and compass are recommended.

Pets:  Dogs allowed; must be leashed.

2. Trail Name: Clear Creek to Rim Rock to Slick Rock Laurel Loop

For more experienced hikers, this brisk hiking trail loops the falls without ever losing sight of the falls. The six-and-a-half-mile loop leads you through forests and meadows and accesses to the campgrounds. Portions of this trail lead directly down to Benton Falls for a closer look at this unique waterfall. Begin and end your journey at McKamy Lake and enjoy the year around water activities.

Trail Difficulty: 3 moderate

Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

What To Bring: Water bottle, camera, and a light jacket. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight, and a whistle. Although the trail is well-traveled and marked, a map and GPS won’t hurt.

Pets:  Dogs allowed; must be leashed.

Douthat State Park, Virginia

Trail Name: Blue Suck Falls Trail

Located in west-central Virginia, these falls are spectacular even when frozen over. Over five-and-a-half miles of rocky hiking trails lead to the stunning Blue Suck Falls. Enjoy your hike through forested woodlands with regional wildflowers on display. If you an experienced trail runner, we highly recommend this trail.

Trail Difficulty: 4-5 rated difficult or higher

Time Needed: 2 to 6 hours

What to Bring: Bring plenty of water, camera and light to medium weight jacket. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and layered clothes. Bring snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight, and a whistle. This trail is moderately-traveled during certain portions of the year. Bring a map and a GPS. Leave your itinerary with a trusted person.

Pets:  Dogs allowed; must be leashed.

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Which of These Hikes to Waterfalls Are You Planning to Visit? Is there one you think should have made the list? Tell us in the comments below!

So many of America’s greatest hiking trails lead to spectacular waterfalls but we couldn’t include them all. Nearly every state in the union has waterfalls with hiking opportunities for unforgettable memories. Most folks have cherished childhood memories of waterfall hikes and family camping.

Take the opportunity to explore your local area. You don’t have to drive long distances to find great waterfall hiking opportunities. Start making memories for you and your family now.

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If you want to have a healthy brain for a long time and enjoy mental well-being, it’s important to pay attention to exactly how what you are doing affects your brain. A modern problem that we all deal with is the presence of stressful environments in our daily lives.

Combined with sound pollution and crowded cities, this can exhaust our brain. Restful states are needed for your brain’s proper growth, development, and maintenance. This can be difficult to achieve in the city, at work, or even in our homes.

Your brain regularly needs a reset. A break from over-stimulus can work wonders for allowing your brain to regain proper balance and function. This can also lead to setting the foundation for lasting cognitive health and prompts the question ‘Is hiking good for you’?

Why is hiking good for your mental health? Hiking provides these amazing benefits that can help you improve your brain health at any age. The combination of escape from stressful environments, fresh air, exercise, and the soothing stimuli of nature can actually make physiological changes in your brain that you can benefit from. Learn more about the mental benefits of hiking and trekking and what hiking does to your brain below.

Your Brain’s Response To Exercise In Nature

Our brain is complex and thoroughly interconnected. Each region of the brain governs certain functions that connect the nerves throughout your body.

They work to absorb information from a stimulus, relay that information to other parts of your body, and make executive decisions. . But sometimes, these connections may be weakened. This can result in difficulties in regulating mood and cognitive functions.

Lymbic System

Hiking can act as therapy by helping us get back that function, develop interconnectivity in neuropathways, and continue to grow and develop our brain. Exercise in nature is known to increase blood flow throughout the brain, stimulating areas related to memory, executive functions, special awareness, and whole-body movements.

The results are not the same as an exercise in busy or crowded city areas. It is a unique effect of the tranquility of nature. The brain is able to return to a naturally relaxed state and is not overwhelmed or distracted by excessive sensory stimuli.

Brain Regions That Most Benefit From Hiking

One of the most noteworthy changes that occur in the brain due to hiking is in the Limbic System. The limbic system pertains to several regions of the brain with closely interconnected functions.

Together they perform complex functions such as learning, forming new memories, and regulating behavior. The limbic regions are linked to mood regulation, emotions, and thought patterns. It works closely with the nervous system to process emotional information and is associated with chronically depressed states.

Hippocampus

Improved Memory and Long-term Cognitive Health

The hippocampus is an important part of the limbic system. It’s located in temporal lobes and governs memory and spatial awareness. Decreased volume of the hippocampus is associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s and general cognitive decline.

It’s well known that physical activity prevents this cognitive decline. With the low-intensity yet endurance building of hiking, a positive affect on the size of the hippocampus can be seen. Additionally, being in nature helps to engage memory-building functions by creating pleasant sensory rich memories.

Soothe Fear Response and Chronic Anxiety

Another mental benefit of hiking is that it is also known to help you deal with anxieties. The amygdala is responsible for producing those rushes of feelings such as fear, anxiety, and euphoria.

Amygdala

It’s what is creating the feelings of dread as you approach something you find frightening. It works with your emotional memories as a reference from past experiences that were traumatic or frightening to reproduce those feelings for your safety.

It is also what is responsible for recognizing the emotions of other people’s faces. When there are problems with the amygdala, it may become difficult to process emotion or require longer amounts to process highly emotional experiences.

The exercise hiking provides can strengthen the circuitry that helps integrate these memories with the rest of your brain and speed up emotional processing. It has a soothing effect of being in nature that creates natural endorphins to further help the calming of the amygdala.

Basil Ganglia

Improve Ability to Change Habits

Near the middle of the brain is a region known as the basal ganglia. This area of the brain controls your voluntary movement, the learning of new habits, your eye movement, as well as other cognitive and emotional functions. This area is related to another hiking health benefit.

The type of activity that benefits the basal ganglia integrates the use of your entire body while also being exposed to new activities and movements. Hiking is perfect for achieving these effects due to the variety of terrain you’ll encounter in nature. The changing scenes and each micro adjustment made for uneven terrain will engage your whole body.

The mental benefits of hiking and trekking are numerous for your brain. While regular exercise by itself can be an important habit for your cognitive health, hiking provides a more dynamic and integrative approach to strengthening and balancing your brain. With time, lasting changes can be made.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Why Hiking is Good for Your Mind AND Body
• The Benefits of Hiking With Friends

The post How Hiking Changes Your Brain, According to Science appeared first on Yukon Charlie's.

Are you wondering “Can you use ski poles for hiking?” You may be surprised to learn that your snowshoe poles don’t need to go into storage for the summer…Learn how to replace and convert your ski/snowshoe pole tips to trekking pole tips below!

Most snowshoe poles (including ours) are designed with interchangeable baskets so they can be used in a variety of weather conditions and terrains. If you’re getting ready to hit the trail for some hiking this summer, for instance, a quick removal of the snowshoe pole tips or baskets means you have hiking poles that can help you balance better, and take a load off your knees as you hike!

In addition to various basket options, there are also a variety of optional rubber trekking pole tips that can be slid on over the metal tips to assist in grip and stability on different types of hard, rocky, or paved surfaces.

If you’re still confused on whether you can use ski poles for hiking, as these options are enough to make your head spin, here’s a simplified rundown on which hiking and trekking pole tips and baskets to use along with your trekking poles, and how they can help you get outside year-round:

Basic Tips (No basket)

Your simplest option, by simply removing the snow basket from your poles, you’ll have what you need for most dry trail conditions. The carbide tip will help you dig into the trail each time you strike it, improving both your traction and balance.

Not sure how to get those snow baskets off and convert your ski pole to a trekking pole? Here’s an easy how-to video:

Mud Baskets

If you think you’ll be hiking anywhere there might be deeper mud, these baskets will come in handy. The small disks will help the pole from sinking too deep when conditions do get muddy. They can also help keep the mud from splashing up onto your clothing.

Most poles will come with these baskets included, and they’re small enough (not that much extra weight) that you may find it makes sense to slide these on for the entire summer, so you always have them with you.

Rounded Rubber Tips

Rounded rubber tips can be handy when the trail is especially rocky or hard packed. They help give you a little extra grip where the metal tips would normally bounce or slide out from under you.

Nordic Walking Tips

If you’re an urban walker, you may want to check out the Nordic Walking concept that these tips are designed specifically for. A popular sport in Europe, this can be a great way to burn additional calories when you head out for a walk. Up to 20% more, in fact, than without poles because you engage your upper body while walking.

Nordic Walking tips are designed to engage specifically on paved surfaces and have a longer body to help facilitate a longer push off each time you swing your arm backward.  A common point of confusion is which direction these oblong tips should be pointing, but wonder no more. As you walk forward, the longer side of these tips should be facing behind you.

Snow Baskets

Once winter comes back around, you’ll want to be sure you re-install these snowshoe pole tips to your trekking poles. They’ll help keep your poles from sinking in too deep in snowy conditions. Reach out to Yukon Charlie’s if you need more information on how to convert ski/snowshoe pole tips to trekking poles or if you have any questions regarding how to put snow baskets back on your trekking pole!

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Springtime hiking is here! You’ve been waiting all winter to enjoy fresh air, the scenic outdoors, and a good long hike. It’s good to be aware that hiking in spring months can have consequences on the trails you love, so a bit of planning beforehand ensures responsible hiking in mud season.

Hiking in soft areas dense with mud can not only be difficult but can cause unnecessary damage and erosion to the trails. Following guidelines, along with having the proper footwear & gear, will make your hike that much more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at how to hike responsibly during mud season.

Avoid High Elevation Trails

Hiking during the spring months can be beautiful with the growth of new plants and vegetation, but hiking on high elevation trails above 3,000 feet can cause extensive damage to the soil. Trails at higher elevation take much longer to dry out after the winter snow. You may even encounter unexpected ice, making for potentially unsafe conditions without proper traction.

When the soil is not fully dry, until around mid-June, hikers run the risk of tramping it which causes the soil to compact and erode. A trail may appear dry at the lower elevation but becomes muddy when walking further uphill. The best thing to do is turn around and head down the path to avoid damaging the trail and any plants or vegetation around.

Stay on the Trail

If you are hiking in mud season you will encounter a wet or muddy trail. While it is advised to turn around and hike back the way you came, do not leave the existing path. Not only will you be walking over beautiful vegetation, but if every hiker continued to step off the trail to avoid the mud, new paths become formed that were not meant to be mud trails. This also widens the designated path making it harder for park staff to maintain.

If you are mud season hiking remember to stay on the drier, low-elevation trails or be prepared to get dirty. If there are rocks or boulders on the trail, try to stick to those harder surfaces to avoid disturbing the softer areas. Some trail crews will even help protect the trail by laying out a series of boards, so if you see those, be sure to stick to the wooden surfaces laid out for you as much as possible.

Time Your Hike Right

While springtime hiking might bring warmer temperatures during the day, the evenings can still be quite cool. This means in the evening or early morning hours the ground is more likely to be harder from the colder temperatures.

When hiking in mud season consider taking a brisk walk earlier in the morning, before temperatures rise and turn the trails into a wet and muddy mess. If you have to take your hike in the mid-day hours, look for south-facing trails. These tend to be the driest and run less risk of damaging the trail and surrounding vegetation.

Bring the Proper Gear

For those mud season hiking having the proper foot gear is imperative. Waterproof hiking boots for mud or shoes work best to keep the feet dry and warm.

Gaiters can also be worn over the shoes and protect the feet from moisture and mud while hiking in spring. You’ll be much happier staying on designated trails full of thick mud and water if you know your feet are thoroughly protected from the elements.

Remember, even if you were unprepared for the muddy terrain, stay on the path. Your shoes and feet will dry quickly, but the erosion caused by trampling the ground may take years to recover. The less a hiker needs to step off of a trail, the better for the environment.

Other gear you should plan to pack is a set of traction aids, just in case you run into those last traces of winter ice, and trekking poles for better stability on a variety of slippery (wet, mossy, icy, muddy) surfaces.

For a comprehensive list of gear to pack for a day hike any time of the year, be sure to check out our downloadable checklist too.

The Perks of Hiking in Mud Season

Now that you have some guidelines and the proper gear, you should know there are many advantages to hiking in the spring weather.

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[li]Bugs are at a minimum – The cooler temperatures in the morning and evening are still keeping the pesky bugs away. So enjoy your hike without the nuisance of gnats and mosquitoes getting in the way.[/li]
[li]Comfortable weather – As the summer approaches, layering up for a long hike can leave you a stinky, sweaty mess. The spring weather is just cool enough so you can explore comfortably without overheating.[/li]
[li]Foliage is not yet overgrown – It is still early enough in the season that the poison ivy and poison oak have not taken over the forest, leaving many arms and legs itchy and irritated. For a few short months, you can explore your surroundings rash free.[/li]
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Now, it’s your turn:

• Where are you excited to get out for a hike this spring?
• Is there anything, in particular, you do to be sure your favorite trails are in great shape all season long?
• What gear do you bring to keep yourself safe?

Leave a comment below…we’d love to hear from you!

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The post How to Hike Responsibly During Mud Season appeared first on Yukon Charlie's.

The end of the snowshoeing season is once again upon us. It feels like only yesterday we were brushing the dust of our shoes and heading out to the trails, but sadly…it’s time to clean and store your snowshoes properly to ensure they are as good as new for next season. Check out our tips below to learn how to hang and store snowshoes!

1. Clean Your Snowshoes

The last day of the winter season is the best time to clean your snowshoes. You might want to put off the task until next season, but doing so could damage your shoes.

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[li]First, wipe down all surfaces with a clean, dry rag. This will remove all large chunks of dirt and sand. Be careful not to scratch your shoes as some larger pebbles can get stuck in joints and holes.[/li]
[li]Next, fill a bucket with mild detergent and warm water. Submerge your rag in the water, and wipe down the decking.[/li]
[li]Last, Take a dry towel, and sponge up the excess water, then hang your snowshoes to dry the rest of the way.[/li]
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2. Inspect & Tune Up

Before coming up with snowshoe storage ideas, check your snowshoes for any signs that they might need a little TLC. Standard wear and tear on the trail means that sometimes things get scratched, torn, or broken throughout the season. If you take good care of your snowshoes throughout the year, you shouldn’t need to make too many repairs at the end of the season.

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[li]Look for loose screws and bolts.[/li]
[li]If your shoes have any leather trim, make sure to check the hide for holes or abrasions.[/li]
[li]Make sure the binding and pivot systems and the bindings work properly.[/li]
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If you find wear & tear, consider taking your snowshoes in for a professional inspection and tune up with a local dealer.

3. Find a Good Storage Location

Store your shoes in a safe location in your home. The number one factor to look for when it comes to snowshoe storage is climate. Look for a cool, dry place. This can be a basement, attic, or closet—just as long as the room doesn’t get too hot or too moist.

Shoes should be kept away from children and pets. Snowshoes come with sharp metal pieces that can easily puncture skin. They are also sometimes made with delicate materials that can easily snap or break. Most people are interested in how to hang snowshoes on a wall—as this is easily done—to keep them safe from any disturbances. It’s also a nice reminder of fun times in store for next season.

Finally, snowshoes need to be far away from exhaust or chemicals. This seems like a no-brainer, yet some people forget about this when storing shoes in the garage or garden shed. Make sure your snowshoe storage area is also far from your furnace as your furnace generates heat (and could possibly leak oil onto your shoes).

With these tips in mind…

If you’ve taken care to clean, inspect, repair, and properly store and hang your snowshoes for the end of the season, getting out on the trail as soon as the snow flies next season will be a piece of cake!

The post How to Hang and Store Snowshoes in the Off-Season appeared first on Yukon Charlie's.

Few things can be more exhilarating than heading out for a snowshoe or hike into the stillness of a beautifully blanketed winter wonderland. Before venturing out, it is important that you properly feed your body the right nutrition before you go and during your outing. Winter aerobic activities burn up massive numbers of calories, so keeping yourself refueled is essential. Select foods bountiful in carbohydrates with a little bit of protein. Carbohydrates are the powerhouse energy source to keep you moving efficiently as well as improving your mental alertness.  Protein also provides an energy source but its key role is to aid in supporting your muscle exertion.

For proper fueling, avoid eating a heavy, calorie-laden meal during your excursion. It will make you sluggish, tired, and not too thrilled about finishing your route. So how do you get the right balance of winter hiking nutrition to keep you energized? Read on.

1. Before Heading Out

Make sure you give yourself a power-packed head start with a hot breakfast loaded with healthy carbs and a little protein. Here are a few options:

• Oatmeal or overnight oats topped with apples, raisins, and nuts
• Scrambled eggs or omelet with fresh vegetables
• French toast made with whole-wheat bread topped with fruit

2. Snack Frequently

Pack plenty of snacks. You’ll need them to refuel when your energy starts to lag.

When traveling by foot in the winter, whether you’re on boots or snowshoes, you don’t want to slow down. Moving is what keeps you warm. Make sure you have enough easy-to-reach snacks to keep yourself powered up. The following are all good winter hiking nutrition snack ideas:

• Protein bars and energy bars
• Trail mix
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Cheese
• Oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies
• Check out some of our DIY recipes for trail snacks too!

3. Don’t Forget Water

Colder temperatures lessen your desire to drink water. However, it is critical to remember to replenish fluids while your body is exerting energy.  Any intense activity can quickly cause dehydration, and wintertime sports are intense. Your body will need to hydrate often so plan on drinking water at least once every hour that you’re hiking or snowshoeing.

• Carry water in a lightweight bottle. If it’s especially cold out, make sure the bottle is insulated so your water doesn’t freeze.
• Keep the bottle where you can easily reach it while you’re moving.
• Bring water-purification tablets in case you need to use creek water or snowmelt to fill your bottle.

4. Lunch Options

On an all-day hike or snowshoe trip, you need to stop and take a lunch break to give your body the energy it needs to successfully complete your adventure.  As stated before, avoid eating a big and heavy meal as tempting as it may be.  Prepare foods that are easy to eat as not want to waste time preparing food allowing yourself to get cold.  Lastly, start moving as soon as you finish eating.

What can you pack for lunch? Something filling but easy to digest is your best bet. Also, make sure it’s easy to handle and doesn’t require cutlery.

• Peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread.
• Hot soups like minestrone, chicken noodle, or vegetable lentil soup (if you have a thermos)
• Bean and rice burritos
• Sandwich wraps
• Check out our quick & easy recipes for hiking snacks too!

5. FORGET these Foods

Some foods don’t do well when they’re squashed into a pocket or backpack or hauled across miles of frozen tundra. Leave these items at home:

• Fruits, because they bruise easily.
• Vegetables, especially tomatoes.
• Alcohol, because it’s just a bad idea.

6. Hot Drinks

If you haven’t used your Thermos or insulated jug for soup, use it to carry a hot beverage that will give you a physical and mental lift when you start to lag. Caffeinated drinks are preferable. A hot drink will also make your cold lunch more satisfying.

If you don’t normally add milk to your hot drinks, consider adding some milk or nondairy milk for the additional nutrients and calories. Some great choices include:

• Hot cocoa
• Coffee or a flavored coffee drink
• Green tea or chai tea
• Hot milk with a shot of coffee in it

7. Bring Extras

While you’re packing, throw a few extra snacks into your backpack beyond what you’ll need for the road. In the worst-case scenario, having some extra food will get you through an unexpected delay or a change in the weather. It could even save your life.

8. Get Out and Enjoy

Packing easy-to-carry, healthful food for your winter trek isn’t complicated. These foods are lightweight and easy to eat while you’re on the move. They’ll keep you fueled without weighing you down.

Stay warm, fuel up with winter hiking nutrition, and then get out there and enjoy all that winter has to offer..

The post 8 Tips to Staying Fueled on Your Winter Adventures appeared first on Yukon Charlie's.