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Christina Utz

Christina Utz is a professional writer, mountain addict, and hiking enthusiast. She successfully finished a rock climbing class and a wilderness survival course, and by the age of 24, she hiked more than 1800 miles and finished over 260 different trails! Her expertise in hiking and outdoors helped numerous people to fulfill their adventurous spirit! E-mail: [email protected]

How to Stay Safe During a Thunderstorm in the Mountains

How to Stay Safe During a Thunderstorm in the Mountains

Hiking in thunderstorms adds a risky twist to an already thrilling mountain adventure, especially if stuck with lightning overhead. Florian, a famed Romanian mountain guide, shares golden advice on staying safe during lightning storms. So, let’s gear up with knowledge…

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review (Still a Good Shoe in 2026?)

hoka one one speedgoat 5 review

The Hoka Speedgoat 5, released on March 25, 2022, has remained a top choice for trail runners in 2026. When I set out on an 8-day trek through the Dolomite Mountains along the Alta Via Uno trail, having reliable footwear…

Are Crocs Good for Hiking? (Pros, Cons, Recommendations)

a pair of crocs shoes

Crocs are water shoes that started out for boating. But guess what? Their comfy and cool designs got so popular, that folks now wear Crocs everywhere—for fun and even just every day. While they’re not as bulky as hiking boots,…

Are Palladium Boots Good for Hiking? (Expert Analysis)

are palladium boots good for hiking

Stepping into the world of hiking calls for picking the right gear, especially shoes. For years, my buddies and I tried out different types of shoes, including the popular Palladium boots. Specifically known for their rubber soles and covered toe…

Ecco Yucatan Sandals Review (Still Good in 2026?)

ecco yucatan review

I’ve been a fan of ECCO shoes for years, particularly the Yucatan model. But with newer, lighter hiking sandals hitting the shelves this year, I wanted to see if this classic still holds its own. Re-visiting my experiences on trails…

Keen Clearwater CNX Review (2026 Tested & Analyzed)

Keen Clearwater CNX review

As a long-time fan of Keen, I’ve seen many trends come and go. But with the rising popularity of lightweight hiking gear this year, I decided to revisit the Clearwater CNX. I took them back to the trails (including the…

Can You Wear Trail Running Shoes on Road (Pros, Cons, Tips)

closeup of a woman wearing trail running shoes on road

Trail running shoes often grace the feet of hikers trekking rocky, uneven terrains. But what about running on city streets? Can they switch from rugged paths to smooth tarmac? As a team of avid hikers, we’ve put treamany a pair…