hiking & trekking
10 best day hikes on South Island, New Zealand | Atlas & Boots
From the alpine majesty of the Hooker Valley to the turquoise vistas of the Abel Tasman, these are the best day hikes on New Zealand’s South Island New Zealand’s South Island is a masterpiece of contrasts, where snow-draped Alps rise sharply above sapphire lakes, and pristine beaches curve gently into sheltered bays. Ancient forests, glacier-fed rivers and The post 10 best day hikes on South Island, New Zealand appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 hardest long-distance treks in Europe | Atlas & Boots
From the remote tundra of the Nordkalottruta to the gruelling heat of the Trans-Pyrenean Trail, these are the hardest long-distance treks in Europe The post 10 hardest long-distance treks in Europe appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? | Atlas & Boots
There's no question. The GR20 in Corsica is a challenge. It requires early starts, long days and hiking along exposed, steep and technical terrain, but the rewards are myriad: sweeping views over jagged peaks and deep valleys, serene swims in natural pools, the thrill of navigating rugged alpine passes, and the deep satisfaction of completing a legendary trek. The post Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Trekking Mt Meru: the alternative to Kilimanjaro | Atlas & Boots
While Kilimanjaro steals the spotlight, its lesser-known neighbour quietly offers one of East Africa’s most rewarding trekking experiences. Mt Meru, towering above the savannah of Arusha National Park, is often overlooked – but that’s precisely its charm. The post Trekking Mt Meru: the alternative to Kilimanjaro appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 best long-distance treks for beginners | Atlas & Boots
Trekking has been an enormous part of my life for decades. It has taken me through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet, and I have met people from all over the world and made lasting friendships on the trail. The post 10 best long-distance treks for beginners appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Bill Bryson’s best books – ranked | Atlas & Boots
There's a part in Notes from a Small Island where Bill Bryson describes a painful train journey to Milton Keynes. He is sat facing a "bleating woman" and her 10-year-old son, who keeps picking his nose, kicking Bryson's shins and staring at him with his "piggy eyes". Bryson tries to ignore the child but is irritated by his smug stare and "busy finger". When the train finally pulls into Milton Keynes, Bryson takes great pleasure in getting his rucksack from the overhead rack and dragging it across the boy's head The post Bill Bryson’s best books – ranked appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
20 most beautiful mountains in the UK | Atlas & Boots
Alpine, Britain is not. In the UK, there are no sky-scraping summits; there are just 141 peaks over 1,000m (3,281ft), let alone the atmosphere-kissing eight-thousanders found in the great ranges of Asia. In fact, with an average mean elevation of just 162m (531ft), the UK is one of the world's lowest countries. The post 20 most beautiful mountains in the UK appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
The best power banks for camping and hiking | Atlas & Boots
Let’s face it: even if you’re a hardcore survivalist, a compass and map simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether it’s tracking your route with a hiking app, triangulating your position using a GPS device or reading by headtorch while waiting out a downpour, adventurers these days rarely leave home without at least one electronic device. The post The best power banks for camping and hiking appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? (Updated for 2025) | Atlas & Boots
Our resident mountain aficionado and would-be seven summiteer crunches the numbers on how much it will cost to climb the seven summits How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? About $180,000 USD give or take $10k. Climbers could significantly reduce costs by foregoing luxuries, cutting corners and taking (even more) risks and get that figure to below $100,000. But we do not recommend this and certainly won’t be taking such unnecessary risks. The post How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? (Updated for 2025) appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Three ways to lace hiking boots to relieve discomfort | Atlas & Boots
Sometimes, hiking boots just need a bit longer to wear in and soften up. Other times, it can be a sign that you've not got the right footwear in the first place. Regardless, using these lacing techniques will provide a bit of relief in the short term. The post Three ways to lace hiking boots to relieve discomfort appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Everything you knew about hiking in lightning is probably wrong
There are certain safety rules that we all learn in childhood. Never talk to strangers. Get low in a fire. Stand under a tree in lightning. In adulthood, few of us think to question these. In most cases, that’s perfectly fine, but when it comes to hiking in lightning, we’re long overdue a rethink. The post Hiking in lightning: myth versus method appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
The best coffee makers for camping | Atlas & Boots
Back in the day, I used to go trekking with a sandwich bag of instant coffee in my backpack. Those were dark days. Fortunately, times have changed and I now kickstart a day on the trail with a proper cup of coffee without having to endure (too much) excess weight in my backpack. The post The best coffee makers for camping appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
