May I recommend Kings Canyon trail, up to the saddle where it meets the Sweetwater trail? It's desert hiking at its best, with the reward of one of the best views of the northwest part of Tucson from that saddle. http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=558 will give you an overview... and don't f...

I'll throw in my .02-worth for my Merrell "Chameleon Ventilator" boots. They have a strong arch and an excellent shape to the heel cup. Plus, the ankle support is superb. They're lightweight (for boots), and they apparently don't have any metal in 'em... I got waved through airport securit...

I use one telescoping hiking staff, and I know it reduces the stress on my knees, particularly when I'm going downhill. I'll shorten the pole a couple of inches when going uphill, and it feels like I've got a handrail next to the trail -- I push very hard on it when climbing! When cruising along on ...

I hike alone, on purpose, almost all the time. The self-reliance aspect of the sport is one of the reasons I'm out there. I used to excuse my solitary hiking habit by saying all the things that have been mentioned in this thread: I hike steep, unpopular trails to unusual spots; I love elevation gain...

There's stuff, and then there's disgusting stuff. I picked up several pocketsfull of trash on the Romero Canyon trail (near Tucson), but decided to leave behind the TP that is seemingly behind every out-of-the-way bush near the pools. I know why people don't like to pack out their TP, but it sure is...

Well, I've got a pet bird, Paco. He's a conure (a small parrot), dark green with red "trim". He has all his flight feathers, which means that I can't take him outside at all. So he's not much of a hiking companion.

Birds make great pets... for adults, anyway.

I like the idea of "giving something back", so count me in to help. I think I'd rather work on a trail or trailhead, and not on a highway shoulder, if there's a vote being taken. Are we talking about a trail-repair day (like fixing wash-outs) or are we gonna focus on trash? I don't have a ...

Ah yes, the body can adjust. Legs, hips, back, belly can all get used to the load. After a few weekends of carrying a pack, I get to the point where day-hiking with just a fannypack feels like I'm floating along the trail. To condition myself for heavier loads, I like to carry water. I bought one of...