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Jennifer Strom

Jennifer Strom has been a writer for over 20 years and an outdoor and hiking enthusiast for most of her life. After spending much of her career in the corporate world, she decided to freelance to spend more time with her family and explore new places. You will find her always looking forward to her next weekend adventure and writing guides that help others make the most of their own hikes and time outdoors. E-mail: [email protected]

Dream Pairs Review (Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals)

DREAM PAIRS Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals review

Not too long ago, Simon and I got to test the DREAM PAIRS Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals on the stunning John Muir Trail in California. The 10-day trek allowed me to thoroughly assess the sandals’ performance in an authentic setting.…

Trail Running Shoes Rock Plates: Explained

rock plate trail running shoes

Loving the great outdoors and trekking through all sorts of landscapes over the years has taught me a lot about what makes a trail shoe work well. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of rock plates, their…

Chaco Z/2 Classic Review (Still a Good Sandal in 2026?)

Chaco Z2 Classic review

With the rise of ultra-lightweight footwear, the robust Chaco Z/2 Classic faces tough competition this year. I’ve always loved their toughness, but does the weight still justify the performance? To find out, I picked up a fresh pair and tested…

Is It Okay to Use Trail Running Shoes on a Treadmill?

closeup of a person using trail running shoes on treadmill in a gym

Many experienced trail runners wonder, “Can trail running shoes be used on a treadmill?” While trail shoes are built for rugged paths, their cushioning can actually make them great for treadmills, offering better foot support and reducing injury risk. Although…

Saucony Peregrine 13 Review (+13 ST Version Comparison)

Saucony Peregrine 13 review

Comfy and adaptable, the Saucony Peregrine 13 became my top pick for tackling the trails at Horton Plains National Park. I also tried out the ST version there in the same week. Our Verdict – 4.6/5 Saucony Peregrine 13 For…

Chaco Z/Cloud Review (2026 – Still a Good Hiking Sandal?)

z/cloud sandals review

Is the Chaco Z/Cloud still the ultimate hybrid in 2026? Hiking trends this year are dominated by ultra-soft recovery footwear. But what if you need that softness during the hike, not just after? The Chaco Z/Cloud claims to bridge the…

9 Best Water Shoes for Hiking in 2026 (For Men and Women)

best water shoes for hiking in 2025

Whether you’re crossing alpine streams or hiking through slot canyons, wet feet are inevitable. But soggy, heavy boots don’t have to be. For the 2026 season, I’ve updated my list of top water-ready footwear. From ultra-lightweight mesh runners to rugged…

Hiking Boots vs Backpacking Boots (What’s the Difference)

a comparison between hiking boots and backpacking boots

When finding the best boots for your next adventure, you might see two choices: hiking boots and backpacking boots. If you are new to hiking or trail shoes, you may wonder what sets the two types of boots apart and…

9 Best Hiking Boots for Beginners (2026 Reviewed & Ranked)

Best Hiking Boots for Beginners

How do you choose your first pair of hiking boots in 2026? Walking into an outdoor store this year can be overwhelming. With shelves packed with high-tech hybrids and classic leather boots, knowing where to start is tough. You truly…