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.
Responsible Down Standard: The Ethical Hiker’s Guide
Buying Responsible Down Standard gear? Warning: Check the "Oxygen Number" first. Avoid greenwashing & live-plucking risks. [2026 Audit]
Trekking Pole Maintenance: Cleaning & Field Repair Guide
Stop your trekking pole maintenance if you use WD-40. It ruins friction. Learn the "Coin Tap" test & V-Stake splint repair [Safety].
Best Hiking Watch 2026: Real-World Battery & GPS Tests
Finding the best hiking watch? We tested 8 models in Alaska. "30-day" batteries died in 20 hours. See the only 2 survivors. [2026 GPS Lab Test]
Keep Water From Freezing: A Layered Hiking Strategy
Testing how to keep water from freezing hiking? Metal bottles failed our -20°F test. See why HDPE plastic & the "Inverted Method" work best. [Field Data]
Edible Plants for Hiking: Safe ID & Trail Recipes
Picking edible plants for hiking? Stop. If you miss the "hairy legs" on Wild Carrot, you might eat Poison Hemlock. See the 3 Deadly Doubles. (Safety)
How to Wash Gore-Tex Jacket: Restore DWR & Gear Life
How to wash Gore-Tex jacket: True membrane failure is rare. Your gear just "wetted out." See the 105°F wash + 20-min heat fix. [Save Your $400 Shell]
Responsible Social Media Hiking: The 2026 Field Manual
Is your geotag killing the trail? Responsible social media hiking means hiding EXIF data & using the "Thumb Rule." Avoid the erosion. (Safety Guide)
Diversity in the Outdoors: Resources & Action Guide
Diversity in the outdoors is failing. 74% of communities are nature-deprived. We analyze the specific redlining maps involved [2026 Data].
Hiking Ancient Trails: The Definitive Technical Guide
Hiking ancient trails? Stiff boots fail on Roman roads. We analyze real "stone bruising" risks & the max-cushion specs required [Tested]
Post Holing Explained: Risks, Gear & Self-Rescue
Is post holing destroying your knees? Learn the "Efficiency Tax" (120% burn) & how to escape the "Trap Door" snow effect. (Self-Rescue Steps)
