travel and rhum

We're trying to nail down our vacation plans and our choices are to go to southern Utah (Zion, Arches, etc…) in mid-May or the end of September.

Which is better for hiking in your opinion?

Any recommendations for a basic smartphone with long battery life that I want to use just when himing/camping to link to my garmin inreach and occasionally use for alltrails GPS.?

Hey! I've been researching and planning a trip in August to the Dolomites for hut to hut trekking. I wanted to get some advice on my current plans and thoughts!

We are currently looking at doing 4-5 days of trekking, since this will be our first overnight hiking trip. We are deciding between a section of the alta via 1 or the rosengarten trek. Has anyone completed both and have suggestions on which they prefer? We aren't looking for any via ferratas or any sections are too exposed (small path with steep drops on both sides).

If we choose the Alta Via 1, what are your favourite stages? I was initially looking at the north part, but have heard that this is the busiest section and that the central stages are better. I am looking at taking the cable car up to Lagazuoi and staying there for a night, then starting to hike from there until around Passo Duran. I also was wondering if anyone has done this in reverse – started with a steep ascent to Passo Duran and hiked through to Lagazuoi and taken the chairlift down to skip the huge descent?

Let me know all your thoughts on these two treks and your favourite stages and rifugios of Alta Via 1! Thanks so much!!

Hello!
Hoping to get some advice on water proof hiking shoes. I know this isn't the first time something like this has been posted but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. Thanks in advance!

I am looking for a water proof hiking shoe that I could also wear as a casual shoe.

I have a wide foot and currently I am hiking in my trail runner. Topo Terraventure 3. I love the fit of Topo but I live in the PNW and my foot gets wet regularly. I see they have a water proof version in the Terraventure 4 but not exactly the style I'm looking for.

I looked at Altra as well. I've had problems with their quality. The Torrin 5 was garbage. Started coming apart after only a few light runs. Took them back and got a replacement. Same issue. Also, their fit isn't what it used to be. Also not the style I'm looking for.

Looked at the Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide but reviews have talked about the quality.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Wide GTX

Desired style would be something like the Salewa Mtn Trainer Lite GTX in brown walnut. Anyone have any experience with this shoe? How's the fit?

Salewa Mtn Trainer Lite GTX – Brown Walnut

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

​

Hi everyone, we are embarking on a 6 month trip across the world which will involve some long thru-hikes (including Patagonia O Circuit). I am looking at something versatile and have my eye on the Osprey Farpoint Trek 75. Given its hybrid nature, it seems like a great choice, so was wondering if anyone has any experience/feedback with doing long hikes on it. Thanks!