A steep day hike can let you push what鈥檚 possible in a single outing, no overnight gear required. Adding extra exertion affords you much greater bang鈥攊n terms of views earned and calories burned鈥攆or every buck spent in trail time. And fortunately, the diverse landscapes across the country provide no shortage of vertical playgrounds for leveling up your hiking experiences. Before picking one to remember, lace up in the right shoe for the task. Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology, utilized in the , combines capable traction with advanced cushioning to enhance stability and energy return on the steepest trails. Its Techlite+ midsole provides that stable base thanks to extra-light, responsive foam, plus a unique Navic Fit lace-webbing system to keep your heel securely placed.

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The holy grail of trail shoes? Instantly comfortable, lightweight, grippy, waterproof, and stable. That recipe is now a reality with the Konos TRS OutDry. And you can add reasonably priced ($120) to the list as well. Thanks to innovations in cushioning and traction that join an incredibly comfortable, secure-fitting upper that鈥檚 both waterproof and breathable, Columbia鈥檚 new Konos handles everything from gentle meandering paths to rugged and rocky summits. This is the shoe that will inspire more time on trails for everyone from beginning hikers to trail veterans.

Comfort First

Unlike boots with stiff soles and heavy-duty uppers that can be uncomfortable until well broken in, the Konos TRS OutDry feels great upon first step-in. A soft, seamless interior, plus a padded tongue and heel collar, envelop the foot, while the laces engage the Navic Fit system鈥攊ntegrated webbing that locks down the navicular bone for stability and support. And instead of a firm ride and inflexible sole, this shoe features shock-absorbing, joint-saving midsole cushioning that flexes naturally at the forefoot thanks to strategically placed outsole grooves. This is a wear-all-day kind of shoe with hike-all-day performance.

Lightweight Performance

All that cushy midsole foam is extremely lightweight while both softening impact and providing responsiveness in every step鈥攖here鈥檚 no mush here. Unique dome-shaped cutouts visible on the outsole (located directly under the heel and forefoot) further absorb force and return energy, combining with the cushioning to put a little extra spring in your hiking step. TRS stands for 鈥渢rail speed,鈥� as a nod to the lightweight resilience of that underfoot platform and its surprising energy return.

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole’s lug shape, depth, and traction pattern underfoot were designed specifically for hiking. And the way it grabs hold of everything from loose, dry dirt to slick, wet rock inspires confidence.

All this tech comes in a seriously lightweight package: a mere 11 ounces per shoe.

Breathable Waterproofing

The mesh upper of the Konos TRS OutDry features TPU overlays with smartly placed cutouts for weight savings; there鈥檚 added armor where you need it and none where you don鈥檛. And the entire upper is protected by OutDry waterproofing鈥攁 bonded construction that blocks water from getting in while allowing internal moisture and excess heat to escape. That means the shoe remains plenty breathable while keeping your feet dry in summer rainstorms and shallow creek crossings or while splashing in puddles mid-hike just for the heck of it.

With its sleek all-black styling, the Konos TRS OutDry is ready to be your go-anywhere, do-anything shoe year round. As Ben Rainey, senior product manager at Columbia, puts it, the Konos TRS OutDry takes the best features of running and hiking footwear and fuses them into a shoe built for performance. 鈥淚t highlights the best technologies Columbia has to offer,鈥� Rainey adds, 鈥渕aking sure you stay cool, dry, and protected for all your outside activities.鈥�

Based in Portland, Oregon, is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.

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If you鈥檙e a hiker and you live in the United States, count your blessings. The country lays out a grand buffet of adventurous invitations: slot canyons, icy slopes, granite cliffs, and lush tropical valleys, all with endless views that reward the hard work it took to see them. Despite the added exposure and rigorous approaches, your footing doesn鈥檛 have to falter, thanks to innovations like the Adapt Trax outsole on Columbia鈥檚 terrain-taming , featuring a unique compound that delivers exceptional traction whether the trail is dry or soaking wet.

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From the otherworldly Badlands to the towering Tetons, from ancient Ozark ranges to the time-worn Appalachians, the United States boasts an embarrassment of topographical riches. The best way to savor this diversity? Long day hikes that let you soak it all in. Despite the high mileage, your feet don鈥檛 have to suffer, thanks to footwear innovations like Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology found in the , which combines adaptive cushioning, enhanced stability, and increased traction for superior performance on variable terrain. On long hikes, your feet need extra cushioning, and the TechLite+ midsole on the Konos TRS provides it with light, responsive foam for stability and energy return over that added distance.

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As the cold settles in, we’re thinking about those places we know will have sun, blue skies, warm turquoise waters, and amazing adventures all winter long. Start dreaming and maybe scheming. We’ve made it easy for you by choosing the top 10 places to go, along with the best things to do there. See you on the beach.

Hike Coast-to-Coast in Costa Rica

Since Costa Rica became the spokesmodel for ecotourism in the 1990s, its natural treasures鈥攖he cloud forests of Monte Verde, the gently active Arenal volcano鈥攈ave attracted millions of visitors every year. But you can still escape the crowds. a 174-mile trail stretching between the Caribbean and the Pacific, was completed in 2018 and showcases largely untrodden parts of the country, like the coffee-growing region of Tarraz煤 and the Indigenous territory of Nairi Awari.

Funded by the nonprofit Mar a Mar Association, the 16-stage route spans four provinces and half a dozen or more microclimates; borders protected areas; and passes through remote villages, Native lands, and more than 20 towns that receive little benefit from conventional tourism. Trekkers can eat with locals in their homes and sleep in family-run lodges, campsites, or boutique hotels set on farms with hot springs.

Expect to hike between four and twenty-four miles per stage, cross rivers, and do plenty of up and down鈥攎ore than 70 percent of the route is hilly, with a peak elevation of upward of 19,000 feet. If you push the pace, you can complete the whole thing in 11 days. But if time permits, allot 16 days so you can tack on experiences like whitewater rafting the Pacuare River or visiting the Pacuare Nature Reserve鈥檚 turtle hatchery.

You could technically go it alone, but given the trail鈥檚 isolation, a guide is advisable. Five local outfitters, including Urri Trek and Ticos a Pata, operate group and individual trips, and their naturalist guides will school you in the unique flora and fauna, like purple tibouchina flowers, massive guanacaste trees, glasswing butterflies, and broad-billed hummingbirds. 鈥擩en Murphy

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Every winter, people across the globe flock north to see the aurora borealis. The rippling lights have captivated humans for centuries, inspiring legends, books, music and art. But why exactly? According to recent research, it could have to do with how our brains react to awe

When we witness something that blows our minds, the experience affects us on a chemical level. Studies have found the resulting biochemical cascade and improve immune function in the body. But it may also trigger a near-psychedelic experience.听

According to awe researcher Dacher Keltner, mind-bending experiences can between people and the world around us. Awe can also open up new neural pathways鈥攃reating a small window to potentially rewire your thought patterns or reframe your priorities. Scientists who have studied this experience believe that getting your mind blown by the northern lights, an eclipse, or other natural phenomena could provide a burst of clarity. That can be useful in making big life decisions or even just in grounding yourself in gratitude for what you already have.

So, next time you feel a pull to see the northern lights or any other awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, follow it. It could just change your life. Plus, the northern lights are closer than you think. Here are five places to see them this winter without leaving the lower 48.听

1. Priest Lake, Idaho

Located in Idaho鈥檚 Panhandle National Forest, Priest Lake is one of the state鈥檚 go-to destinations for photographers and skywatchers hoping to see the northern lights. Hill鈥檚 Resort, on the lake鈥檚 eastern shore, is a particularly popular viewpoint. Consider staying the night and to make a weekend of it.听

2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota听

With more than each year, Minnesota鈥檚 Voyageurs National Park is one of the best spots in the country to stake out a viewing. And because it鈥檚 a certified , you won鈥檛 have to worry about any light pollution dimming the show.听

3. Glacier National Park, Montana听

Crystalline alpine lakes, dense old-growth forest, and serrated ridgelines make Glacier National Park a bucket-list destination in any season. Now, picture neon-green light rippling over all that scenery, and you鈥檝e really got something to write home about. For the best photo ops, try to find a north-facing view along the shore of Lake McDonald.听

4. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Bretton Woods, a ski resort on the slopes of New Hampshire鈥檚 Mount Washington, gets aurora activity several days per year. Visitors can book snowshoe, fat-tire bike, and ski outings , making it easy to turn a night of aurora-watching into a full weekend getaway.

5. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Year-round camping, wide-open skies, and total solitude make this North Dakota park one of the most underrated in the United States. Visit when the aurora borealis comes to town, and you鈥檒l really feel like you鈥檝e gotten away with something. Target , one of the highest points in the park, for unobstructed views.听

has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia鈥痟as become a leading global brand by channeling the company鈥檚 passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products.

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Whether you prefer swinging a hockey stick or sketching pirouettes, there鈥檚 no better venue than a secluded, tree-ringed pond. You鈥檒l need to proceed safely鈥攊deally skating with an experienced local, and 鈥攂ut the profound quiet and snow-dusted scenery are well worth the effort. Here are some of the best places to start.

Arthur Park, Vermont

Vermont is rife with skatable backcountry ponds, but Arthur Park might be home to one of the most unique. In winter, you can skate across the park鈥檚 eponymous pond and right into the , a series of caverns floored with smooth ice.听

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado听

When the Colorado Rockies experience a cold autumn and a late first snow, Emerald Lake freezes into a glassy, transparent rink perfect for alpine ice hockey. Keep an eye on conditions starting mid-October.

Jacob鈥檚 Pond, Massachusetts听

Just a half-hour south of Boston, this well-maintained pond provides valuable bird and fish habitat in the summer and skateable ice in winter. The park鈥檚 dozens of miles of trail are also open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Flathead Lake, Montana

Locals have been skating the north shore of Flathead Lake for more than 100 years. The Somer鈥檚 Bay area is frequently home to thick, clear, skateable ice. Just be sure to check before you go out.

Seagull Lake, Minnesota

Early freezes often lock Minnesota鈥檚 Seagull Lake into a thick layer of polished black ice. Located within the Boundary Waters wilderness area, Seagull is rimmed with coniferous forest, giving it a truly wild feel鈥攁nd a stunning backdrop come sunset.

听has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia鈥痟as become a leading global brand by channeling the company鈥檚 passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products.

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A good sledding hill will have you laughing 鈥檛il your cheeks hurt. The following slopes have just the right steepness, snow cover, and vibe to guarantee fun. Warm up with some of the country’s best sledding-specific areas that cater well to the traditional take on the family-friendly activity. Then, level up the gravity-fed goods with a nearby adventure sledding option.

As the name suggests, adventure sledding involves hiking up long, snow-covered trails with a sled strapped to your pack. At the top, you detach your steed, transition to a seated position, holler something heroic like 鈥淔or Sparta!鈥� or 鈥淕eronimo!鈥� and then rocket downhill back to your starting point. Think of it like regular sledding, but for grownups. You get all the best bits of winter: gorgeous scenery, backcountry solitude, and the opportunity to slide down snowy slopes at ridiculous speeds. But, unlike with skiing or snowshoeing, you never have to deal with expensive gear, long lift lines, or not being able to find friends to do stuff with you. Plus, the hiking part is great exercise鈥攁s is extracting your friends from snowdrifts post-wipeout.

And don’t forget the best part of adventure sledding: It鈥檚 a perfect antidote to the seriousness that plagues all too many winter sports. As an adventure sledder, you鈥檒l never have to worry about taking yourself too seriously. Especially if you come in costume.

Aside from a sense of humor, you鈥檒l want to consider packing some traction devices to help on the hike. And stick to safe backcountry travel principles, from warming strategies (less layers on high-output ascents; more insulation for the freewheeling descent) to avalanche precautions and helmet use as you increase the exposure and speed. You can always start small by scratching your sledding itch at one of these premier local sledding hill options.

Table Mountain, Oregon

Oregon is famous for its snow-play parks, and is a local favorite. The hill is maintained with sleds and snow tubes in mind. A warming hut at the bottom makes it easy to dry damp mittens between runs.听

Level Up: Want to try your hand at adventure sledding? Pack snowshoes and head directly south from the winter play area. You鈥檒l cross a drainage, then climb about 200 feet up the hill on the other side. Point your sled north or east to descend through gentle glades.听听

Donner Summit, California

This slope, just northwest of Lake Tahoe, is one of the best public sledding hills in the area. Unlike many of the nearby resorts, it鈥檚 free to all day with just the cost of a parking pass. The plentiful snow is ideal for building ramps and kickers, and the gentle grade is family-friendly.

Level Up: For a more adventurous option, sled nearby Andesite Peak. Start at the snowmobile parking area off Castle Peak Road. At the trail鈥檚 first fork, turn left (west) to follow the relatively mellow snowmobiling trail, or go straight to take the skier鈥檚 trail north (avalanche savvy required). After about a mile, you鈥檒l see open, sleddable slopes on the shoulders of Andesite Peak.听听听听听

Snow King Ski Area, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming, is an epicenter for all winter sports鈥攕ledding included. For a full day of slope sliding, head to Snow King. , a magic carpet ride, and onsite rentals make this ski resort one of the best sledding destinations in the West.

Level Up: Grab your sled plus a pair of snowshoes and head to Telemark Bowl or Shivers Ridge up on Teton Pass. You鈥檒l reach the top of each run after a short hike. Enjoy the ride, then hike back up toward the road for seconds.听听

Firecracker Hill, Colorado

Reliable snow, a consistent grade, and an unbeatable setting make Telluride鈥檚 Firecracker Hill (pictured above) famous among sledders statewide. Bring your own sled, or from the nearby Nordic Center.听

Level Up: For a more backcountry experience, head to Trout Lake, just south of town. The lake’s north and east sides play host to a number of mellow, open slopes. You鈥檒l also find wild but accessible hills just west of the Black Bear Pass Trailhead off the Million Dollar Highway.

Beech Mountain, North Carolina听

Not only is it free to , but the town maintains (and makes) snow as needed, ensuring reliable coverage throughout the winter. Bring your own plastic sled or rent one from the Beech Meadows Ski Shop.听听听

Level Up: Head to the Tanawha Trail parking area off Holloway Mountain Road. Go either direction on the trail to access open, rolling meadows. (Eastbound leads to a slightly longer hill after about a mile of forested trail.)听听听

has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia鈥痟as become a leading global brand by channeling the company鈥檚 passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products.

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The听Eastern United States is a true feast for hikers. The full array of options extend from the mountains of the Northeast to the rolling hills of the Mid-Atlantic and the lush forests of the Southeast. The diversity of possible routes is impressive. And though many of these trails are located near some of the most populated cities in the United States, they still offer a distinctly wild experience. Try out a new route today.

New York City

No Time: What more needs to be said about the Central Park Loop, one of the world鈥檚 best city routes? Just do it if you haven鈥檛 already. The 6.1-mile loop (pictured above) takes you through the heart of Central Park’s lush greenery, and around landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the Great Lawn, all underneath skyline views. Of course you鈥檒l find a crowd of hundreds of other walkers and runners to pass (or be passed by.) You鈥檒l be so enamored of the setting that you won鈥檛 care if it鈥檚 the latter.听

Mild Miles: Staten Island鈥檚 Greenbelt Blue Trail delivers the kind of thrills you thought you couldn鈥檛 have within the five boroughs. The 5.4-mile loop boasts steep ascents and rocky terrain while passing through woodlands, over streams, and around ponds. The elevation gain of over 1,000 feet is not nothing: Challenging workouts can be had if you choose to push the pace. Since the trail is easily accessible via public transit, it鈥檚 a great way to escape Gotham without truly leaving town

Steep Scrambles: Just an hour north of NYC, the Breakneck Ridge Trail presents a thrilling challenge you didn鈥檛 think existed so close to the Big Apple. Though the loop is just 4.4 miles, you鈥檒l find steep inclines, , and one of the most challenging climbs in the area. Before that, you鈥檒l pass by old ruins, beautiful forests, and plenty of hikers. Check out the trail on a weekday to have a few views for yourself. No car? Look for service via Metro-North.听

Washington, D.C.

Mild Miles: The Boulder Bridge Loop in Rock Creek Park presents a manageable and fun challenge for hikers鈥攁nd it鈥檚 close to the city. The loop is approximately 4 miles and features a mix of paved and unpaved trails, including a stream crossing and a few steep hill climbs (watch out for roots). Along the way you鈥檒l capture glimpses of Rock Creek, its surrounding forests, Boulder Bridge, and the National Cathedral (if you鈥檙e paying close attention). Need a longer challenge? Rock Creek Park鈥檚 Outer Loop features 10 miles of trail.听

Steep & Spicy: The Great Falls Park Loop Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that follows the Potomac River yet gets rugged and technical, with steep ascents and descents, narrow paths, and rocky sections. You鈥檒l encounter boulder fields and stream crossings, and plenty of history, like remnants of the Patowmack Canal and the historic Great Falls Tavern. This one鈥檚 not a breeze; expect to be challenged, especially if you add on the popular, aptly named Billy Goat Trail that skirts the Maryland side of the river.

Quick & Close: Looking for an epic hike in nature without leaving the D.C. area? The C&O Canal Towpath鈥檚 6.3-mile stretch from Georgetown to Bethesda is a killer trail option: easy to navigate and ready for attacking at any speed. You鈥檒l be treated to scenic views of the Potomac River and the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. If you go the full distance, you鈥檒l hit the turnaround point in Bethesda, where you can take a break in a quaint downtown before heading back to Georgetown for a 12.6-mile round trip. Take the D6 bus to get there.听

Atlanta

Light & Fast: It鈥檚 not a walk in the park (well, it kind of is) but the Stone Mountain Loop Trail presents a manageable challenge for trail runners with its just-right mix of terrain over 5.3 miles. There鈥檚 plenty to see, from views of the Atlanta skyline to the much-debated Stone Mountain carving to numerous waterfalls. Conquer this granite rock and you鈥檒l feel some awe and accomplishment, for sure.听听听听听

Summit Views: The Kennesaw Mountain Trail near Atlanta is a rewarding trail if you鈥檝e got the stuff. At 11.6 miles out and back, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. The trail is a mix of dirt, rocks, and roots with steep inclines and declines. You鈥檒l encounter several historic Civil War sites along the trail before arriving at the summit, where you can take in a panoramic view of Atlanta’s skyline.听

No Time: The Atlanta BeltLine Trail delivers an engaging urban route via 22 miles of converted railway corridor. Sections through some neighborhoods are paved; some aren鈥檛. Short on time? Check out the Eastside Trail, which runs for 2.25 miles from Midtown to Reynoldstown and passes through historic neighborhoods while providing stunning views of the skyline.听

Boston

Going the Distance: A Northeast classic and one of the oldest multistate hiking trails in the U.S., the Wapack Trail runs 21.5 miles over six small mountains (all under 2,300 feet) between Mount Watatic in Ashburnham, Mass., and North Pack Monadnock in Greenfield, N.H.听Ambitious hikers will find rocky terrain, steep climbs, and sweeping views of the New England countryside. Be prepared for a rugged and rewarding point-to-point challenge.

Light & Fast: With nearly eight miles of moderately challenging terrain, the Middlesex Fells Reservation Skyline Trail will make you forget that you鈥檙e so close to the city. The well-marked path passes through lush forests and over boulders, and features views of the Boston skyline and surrounding suburbs. Be prepared for muddy conditions if it鈥檚 rained recently.听

No Time: Lace up and hit the Charles River Path for a scenic, close-to-the-city hike with serious Boston vibes, plenty of access points, and 17 miles of trail that make it easy to choose your perfect distance. Along the paved path, you鈥檒l encounter bridges, parks, sweeping Charles River views, plus plenty of bikers and runners. Several MBTA bus routes and train lines line up with the route if you need to get there without a car.

Philadelphia

Short & Sweet: Need a quick shot of nature? The Pennypack Trail has the stuff. This 5.5-mile trail winds along the Pennypack Creek and through a lushly forested landscape, with subtle elevation changes and a few more technical sections. The trail is a mix of singletrack and wider paths, with a few stream crossings.听

Steep & Spicy: The Wissahickon Valley Park Loop Trail wends for nearly ten heavily wooded miles, part of it through a gorge that鈥檚 been inspiring artists and writers for centuries. If it was good enough for Edgar Allen Poe and Mark Twain, well鈥� Lace up and sort your creative challenges out mentally while you鈥檙e padding over this rocky and hilly technical trail.听

Quick & Close: Need a scenic escape without getting in the car? The Schuylkill River Trail will do the trick. The mostly flat trail follows 10.5 miles of the Schuylkill River, making it easy to choose your own distance and pace. Along the way you鈥檒l spot historic landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. Better yet, you鈥檒l find water fountains and restrooms.听

听has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia鈥痟as become a leading global brand by channeling the company鈥檚 passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products. To learn more, please visit 鈥痗olumbia.com.

Vertical Relief

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