Alfredo Ramses
Founder and Lead Editor of The Hiking Tribe. I've spent over a decade researching hiking gear, trail conditions, and backcountry techniques—working with our network of field testers to find what actually performs on the trail. I don't just write about hiking; I obsess over the details so you can focus on the summit, not the gear. Every trail guide and product recommendation here has been vetted, tested, and debated before it earns a spot.
Bear Spray Holsters Reaction Time: The 2-Second Standard
Don't get caught with your spray in your pack. A charging grizzly covers 44 ft/sec—chest holster + 2-second draw = survival. [Field-Tested Guide]
Trekking Poles for River Crossing: Field-Tested Methods
Don't wade into that river without the Rule of 10 formula. Learn the tripod method + pole tips that keep three points of contact in swift current.
Chemical Treatment Times in Cold Water: The Real Numbers
Stop guessing at cold water treatment times. Get the exact multipliers—30 min for bacteria, 6+ hours for Crypto at 5°C. Field-tested protocol inside.
Bear Canisters vs Bags: Weight, Rules, & the Real Tradeoffs
Don't assume your Ursack works everywhere—Yosemite bans it. Bear canisters vs bags: the regulations, weight tradeoffs, and failure modes you need to know.
10 Trusted Sites to Buy Used Hiking Gear (+ What to...
After getting burned on a fake $400 Arc'teryx, I learned how to buy used hiking gear safely. 10 vetted platforms + fake-spotting guide inside.
Cryptobiotic Soil: A Desert Hiker’s Field ID Guide
Don't step on that dark, knobby soil—it takes 250 years to recover. Learn to ID cryptobiotic soil before you bust the crust. [Field Guide]
Want Hiking Mentorship? Here’s How Club Programs Actually Work
After observing 50+ mentor-mentee pairings across The Mountaineers and Sierra Club, here's how hiking mentorship programs actually work. Field-tested.
Shoulder Season Hiking: Why Smart Hikers Skip Peak Season
Empty trails, 84% cheaper lodging & better hiking conditions—shoulder season hiking avoids crowds the smart way. Regional timing inside.
Stop Goggle Fogging on Winter Hikes: 7 Field-Tested Fixes
After 15 years of alpine travel, I've tested every goggle fogging fix. Here are the 7 that work—from free behavioral hacks to fan goggles + heated lenses.
Solo Hiking Safety: The Trip Plan Protocol SAR Teams Want
Don't just text 'going hiking'—that vague plan delays SAR by 4+ hours. The trip protocol that rescue teams actually want. [Guide]
