Best Hikes Near Raleigh Nc (2024 Updated)

Examine by Continent the tracks and trails of the world to immerse yourself in Adventure Trekking! Over 30 authors have contributed to this beautifully written and presented book having experienced the hikes first-hand! And they have truly selected some of the most epic treks for sure! An added bonus is the inclusion of extra treks of a similar nature in scenery, theme, or on the same continent to cater for Adventurers with shorter routes in mind, those wanting to ride a bicycle, or those who are just craving more of the same wonders of the planet.

An excellent read for anyone who just wants to extend their geographical knowledge. With its wonderful photographs and accurate grading system for trek difficulty this is simply a beautiful read that will inspire a wide audience to get outdoors and live a dream!.

Stunningly beautiful book! Pictures to entice anyone to travel the world and journey on amazing paths. wish this were for me but bought as a present for my daughter’s boyfriend. I know he’ll love it as much as I do.

Would highly recommend even if you are an armchair traveller.

I normally wear a size 11 in every other shoe I’ve ever bought. I needed a 12 in this shoe for a comfortable fit. Aside from having to return the first pair and needing a full size larger than I usually need though there are no other complaints on the shoes.

They seem well made and tough yet comfortable. This winter they have been my all day shoes for the office or any time I’m not at home. I needed a good shoe that was substantial enough to keep my feet from freezing, has enough traction to not slip and fall, and be comfortable enough to wear all day.

These completely do what I needed them to do. Just buy a size larger than usual if you’re buying online.

I bought this to use while playing disc golf. They are highly recommended in the disc golf community. I would use the shoes for 2-3 rounds of disc golf a week and I was very impressed with the shoes for the first 4 months.

Then the shoes started leaking. They leaked bad enough that if the grass was wet from dew that my feet would get wet during a round. That is not a normal problem with a Gore-Tex product! I contacted Adidas customer service because the shoes have a 6 month warranty and they denied my claim! They said the problem was from normal wear and tear.

I am very disappointed in Adidas customer service.

This is my 4th pair of Keen boots. I have liked the way the other models fit and feel on my feet, but have been disappointed with seam failures around the toes on the Durand and Durand II (and the sole separation on my Targhees).

Even having the seams re-stitched didn’t really work, and it interfered with the waterproofing. So the different design of the Pyrenees looked promising. The bulk of the boot appears to be of a single piece of leather, with a seam on the inside.

I have had the boots for a couple of weeks, and wear them constantly, both in the woods and in civilized settings. While I got the same size that I have in the Durand and Durand II, the fit is a bit different.

The Pyrenees’ toe box is roomier, so thicker socks work well. The leather does seem to be waterproof on the outside. I have gotten them wet in creeks and in the snow, and they barely feel wet on the outside, and stay completely dry on the inside.

The leather could be thicker – I wonder what the lifespan will be. They are a bit lighter than my Durand II’s. Lacing them up is a bit finicky – certain of the hooks don’t always catch the laces right.

And the laces don’t stay tied as well as I would like, so double tying is the answer for any use in the woods. Hence 4 stars – so far so good, but there is some room for improvement, and I wish the leather were a bit thicker so that they have a long useful life.

I am always really nervous to buy shoes/boots online, because often they are either too narrow in the toebox, or too big or small in the heel. Having owned many pairs of Keens in the past, though, I took a chance.

I did not size up, just bought my usual size, and I’m glad I did. They fit perfectly, with plenty of room at the toes, and a good snug fit at the heel. I’ve been wearing them out nearly every day and hiking the mountain behind my house, and have not had any hotspots or blisters or any of the usual breaking-in problems.

Comfy straight out of the box, though understandably a bit stiff for about the first week. I’m planning on section hiking the PCT this summer and I couldn’t have chosen a better hiking boot. I’m getting older and in my trail runners my ankles were getting stiff every time I went out for even a little walk.

Not any longer with these, I feel great when I get home, and am hardly even sore even on the most ambitious of days. More than satisfied with my purchase, and now I’m trying to get my son to get a pair, too.

I was swayed by previous positive reviews into giving the Pyrenees boot a try. They arrived promptly, thanks, Altitude Sports! Terrific colour brightens up my usual all black winter outerwear. I’m consistently a size 7 to 7.

5 in most brands and these fit well in 7. 5 except for a little heel slippage. My narrow ankles are likely why and thicker socks or heel cups help avoid this. Good comfort and support; I’ve paid more for other brands for similar stability.

They were surprisingly light. This may be a plus for casual walkers. I may be in a minority but I like some weight to my winter boots—the extra heft makes me less fearful of slipping. As a seven miles/seven days a week walker, I have to feel safe in my boots.

I’m more likely to reach for my heavier hikers in inclement weather, but for drier winter days, these are a great purchase.

I’ve been using this for primarily mountain biking and also cycling. I wanted a bag with a hydration pack first and foremost, then something with some room for trail needs. I can easily carry a hand pump, a few tools, and a first aid kit in the pack with room to spare after putting in the hydration pack.

I don’t regret buying the 12L, but I definitely could’ve gone smaller. I’ve had no issues with comfort while riding. I forget that the pack is there after a moment. The magnetic buckle and hose attachment had me nervous, but these function better these days than they have in the past.

No issues with the hose flying loose on bumps and drops. The only issue I have with the hose is that the end sticks out just a tad towards my left arm. The magnet is attached right next to the nozzle, but even that little bit of length occasionally catches my left arm and pops the hose loose.

This happens more often off of the bike, but it’s occurred once or twice while riding too. Overall, I highly recommend. One thing you might really consider is if you want hip packs on your pack. I chose not to because I was worried about comfort, but yesterday during a long, hilly road ride I found myself wishing I had easy access hip packs to store the treats I picked up from the rest stops!.

Three things I love. First: the body of the pack is separated from the mesh back panel. This allows for plenty of room for airflow. Second: the internal storage compartment has a place for everything you need on longer trips for flat repairs, food, and small item storage (separate sunglass or phone pocket is a nice touch).

Third: the mesh shovel pocket on the outside is great for storing wet items or a rain/wind jacket/vest. Two things I’m not so fond of, but do not deter from giving this a five star review. First: the shoulder and waist straps are excessively long.

I have a waist of ~31″ and I can move the waist buckle all the way to one side and still fasten it. Cut them to the desired length and problem is fixed. Finally: no side mesh pockets. The Synchro 12 has them, which I’ve found nice for quicker reach items like food, but the 5 lacks this feature.

Overall, this is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone that needs a pack for long outings, like those >2 hours in length. This would be a great pack for a 100-200 mile gravel race, for example.

Over the past few years I have used this pack to carry all of the essentials during MTB bike park rides, on day long cycle trail rides and on multi-day bike packing adventures. In all I’ve covered more than 10,000 miles with this beauty on my back.

It’s thoughtful organizing layout makes it difficult to leave anything important behind and it’s always quick to find that essential item of the moment. It is just big enough to complement the bags attached to my bike but not so large that it ever becomes a burden.

It is nice to be able to head straight to the cafe or grocery store knowing I have all I need on my back. This pack is so comfortable. I am pleased to see it now has an integrated rain cover for when visibility or keeping the contents dry is important.

The only improvement I would appreciate is having side gussets for storing extra water bottles when riding through a parched landscape on those long bike packing trips.

I do like these boots, but, in my opinion they just really lack insoles. They have them, but they seem very thin and so therefore would not make good boots for wearing for long periods of time. My feet started to hurt after around an hour.

I understand that you could always buy thicker insoles, but you really shouldn’t have too. Otherwise, I like the color and how the boots look. Comfort is the most important issue when it comes to foot wear.

Bought this hiking shoe because it advertised as waterproof & the price is great but when shipped home the shoe lace loops are made of plastic and one of them already broke off from the base so I have to return to store.

Thinking of long term usage (because of exposure to water, heat, weather) these loops may not last long and will break off from the shoes. One other reviewer commented his were broke off. So, good price, potential water proofed (base on their claim) but appears lower quality material used as part of the shoe lace.

Note other shoes manufacturers use metal like for their shoe lace to loop through.

I’m a mail carrier, I wear out hikers on average every four months. I like merrell and keens, but the price tag of $100+ every 4 months gets steep. So I did some searching and found these at a decent $70 price and gave them a shot.

They are still pretty tight for being a “wide”. The shoe is starting to fray and the flex point near the toes after one month. And the part I dislike the most is the tread after only two weeks looks like a balding tire.

When I step on rocks, I can feel the sharp points in the balls of my feet. Fair for the price , but I need better for my job.

I bought these Bear Paw hiking boots this past Spring. They were extremely comfortable and I would wear them everyday. Yet, the sole of the boot began to lose some of the rubber, Bits are coming off of both boots.

The question is. Are New York City streets more rugged than hiking trails that Bear Paw is not as durable as advertised.

After having back surgery almost two years and trying all the walkers and devices available that claimed to help with back pain, I was told about a friend who had gotten this “miracle stick” through Tractor Supply Co, in Central, Ohio and swore that it was the best thing he had ever used to help ease his pain while walking.

I was put in touch with this friend and he convinced me that I should at least try one. I ordered one, took less than a week to have it delivered (they have to be ordered on line ) and it has changed my life.

I can now walk upright with my back and shoulders straight, not bent over holding onto a walker. I highly recommend this walking stick, what have you got to lose?.

Not what I expected. Nice staff overall but could have been finished a lot better. They cautioned about natural cracks but didn’t say that they were very sharp on the edges. Also where they inset their medallion the edges of the hole are sharp.

Overall it needs better quality control. I will make it usable but will probably invest an hour of my time to make it safe.

Every where I go people complement on my walking stick and ask me where I bought it from. I tell them it is a Brazo walking stick, but I bought it from Tractor Supply here in Texas. Sometimes my knee gives out on me and using the walking stick better than having a cane.

I also use it a the round about when cars won’t stop when the have a red light it is great…The reason I gave four stars, is because the walking stick does not have the holding indentation that is in the picture….

Me.

Note: This is a review of the 2nd edition (2017) of this book. What I’m reading The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, 2nd edition, Andrew Skurka, National Geographic, 2017 I’m not really reading this book; after all, it’s a reference guide.

But Andrew Skurka, who happens to be one of Outside magazine’s Adventurers of the Year, includes some engaging stories about his hiking experience, which are worth perusing. The real benefit of this book is that the author actually makes recommendations.

It’s not simply a list of gear with a few specs that you are expected to interpret even if you know little about the intricacies of merino wool vs polyester. I appreciate Skurka’s advice and will definitely read through the guide before purchasing my next pair of hiking boots, or a tent or backpack or hiking poles.

Skurka focusses his recommendations on “backpackers,” as opposed to hikers. But don’t be put off, much of what you’ll find in this book is essential info for day hikers who spend a couple of hours on the Bruce Trail.

For instance, he includes an excellent description of how to pick the right footwear. I appreciate this as what goes on your feet is likely the most important decision hikers make, and it’s certainly the question I get asked most often.

Ditto about merino wool vs polyester clothing, hiking poles and fitting a backpack. He also provides some quirky tips such as the benefits of hiking with an umbrella and how to make the best cookstove ever out of an empty cat-food tin that costs $1.

50. I highly recommend this book if you are in the market for hiking gear and what hiker isn’t? Nicola Ross, author Loops & Lattes Hiking Guides.

This attractively packaged and well photographed hiker’s guide is a much needed modernization of the venerable The Complete Walker guides written by Colin Fletcher decades ago. Although well written and showing a genuine joy for being on the trail, their advice had become hopelessly dated, and the equipment mentioned obsolete.

Andrew Skurka’s guide bridges the gap into modern hiking seamlessly while still honoring the spirit of the predecessor volumes. Andrew has put in the blood, sweat and tears necessary to make his opinions valuable, having hiked thousands of miles on just about every long trail imaginable in North America.

This guide taps into the ultralight wave currently sweeping through the backpacking community, and does a commendable job in providing not only specific gear recommendations, but the logic and rationale behind the choices.

I can’t recommend this guide highly enough! – Bazil.

Interested in hiking or camping on the trail, this book will get you off on the right foot. Make smart gear choices that match your abilities with the routes you want to explore. Avoid spending money on equipment that you will be cursing three hours down the trail.

Experienced hikers or backpacker, this book might get you switching up your gear and your routines. How do you deal with wet feet and footwear on the trail? The right preparation and practice can help avoid those painful fails.

I returned these. They feel annoying in your hand with the design of the strap tensioning device. They make a weird hollow vibration sound when the impact the ground and make excessive noise in the field.

Cheap ends that are rubber stomper style and you cannot use these with a tarp for a lean to shelter etc. overall they will work for someone who is not worried about making noise in the woods. So all you “hey bear” types this is right up your alley.

The guy who broke his in half must be rather large. I’m 180 lbs and they held my weight no problem.

I purchased these poles prior to a NM elk hunt where I was doing a significant amount of climbing. I’m 6 foot, 180 lbs. First day, first morning, 100 yds from the top of the mountain from which we were to be glassing, one of the poles broke through the plastic collar of the lower clamp, leaving it totally useless.

If I could rate it zero stars I would have. Avoid this product.

I test drove these trekking poles on some local hills and found them to be quite stable as well as being light weight. I plan to use them for a 5-day trekking journey at Big Bend National Park next week.

The lever lockdowns for the telescopic extensions work perfectly. The adjustable wrist strap will allow bare-handed and gloved usage. Two different sized snow baskets and rubber feet for pavement come with the poles.

The mesh liner and soft nylon makes for a comfy minimalist bottom half, and coverage is just right with 3 inch inseam, no rub. I am in love with these shorts, bought two colors in black and blue. Recently wore them on a day that included rowing on the lake, hiking 4 miles and taking a dip in the river.

They dried enough to not cling anymore fairly quickly, however the waistband did take several hours to dry completely. Purchased size: small H and W: 5’8″ 145, athletic build.

I was misled by the category description “hiking and active” and I didn’t realize they have a liner. I prefer liner-free hiking shorts with a shorter inseam. These are basically long elastic running trunks with a modesty shell.

They are nicely made but I don’t like the way they feel when I hike in them: too constricting and too many layers.

Order Process and delivery was flawless. The shorts are awesome. That said there is this elastic waist drawstring that can be a nuisance if you get too large of a pair of the shorts. I just tuck it in but it has a mind of it’s own and pops out at weird times.

I have six pair now and love them.