Read the trail before you walk it.
Outdoor Mystery is where I write up what I learn on the trail. Gear I have put miles on, hikes I have done myself, and the small lessons that keep you moving and get you home.
Six paths into hiking
Everything on Outdoor Mystery lives under one of these six hubs. Pick a direction and start reading.
Where to hike
National parks, hidden local routes, and famous climbs across the US, with what to expect before you go.
Browse trails →Boots & shoes
Boots, shoes, and trail runners. How they fit, how they hold up, and which pair suits your feet.
Find your fit →Packs & essentials
Backpacks, poles, water, and the ten essentials. The kit that earns its place on your back.
See the gear →What to wear
Layering, pants, jackets, and socks. Stay dry, warm, and comfortable in any season.
Dress smart →How to hike
Plan a route, pack a bag, and build the fitness to go farther. Simple steps for beginners and beyond.
Learn the basics →Stay safe out there
Blisters, ticks, wildlife, and altitude. Handle the common risks before they slow you down.
Read up →Start with these
The guides readers return to most, plus a few new ones worth your time.
Hi, I’m Ryan Priest.
I have been hiking and camping since 2018, out of Bakersfield, California. What started as weekend trips turned into a habit I plan my year around. Along the way I made every rookie mistake, wrong boots, a pack that was too heavy, no plan for the weather, and I learned from all of them.
Outdoor Mystery is my personal blog, not a company. I write the guides myself. When I recommend gear, it is either kit I have used out on the trail or something I have researched carefully. If I have not tried it, I tell you.
Gear I actually trust
A quick look at the kit that has earned a permanent spot. Every pick comes with the reason it made the cut.
Shoes that handle real hiking
Grippy, fast drying, and light enough to forget you are wearing them on all day loops.
Why it’s here: comfort past mile ten.A pack that disappears on your back
Enough room for the ten essentials, water, and lunch, with a hip belt that carries the load right.
Why it’s here: no shoulder ache.The water filter I trust
Fast flow, easy to clean, and small enough to stash anywhere. Clean water without the guesswork.
Why it’s here: safe refills anywhere.Poles worth the pack space
They save your knees on the way down and steady you on loose ground. Fold small, weigh little.
Why it’s here: easier descents.Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what I recommend.
Latest articles
New to hiking? Start right here.
A simple guide to your first hikes. What to wear, what to pack, and how to pick a trail that fits you.
Read the beginner guide →