Hoka Kaha 2 Hiking Boots: Tested and Reviewed
sturdy and comfortable lightweight boots for support and style
August 30th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
OUR VERDICT
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is the cadillac of hiking boots that will have you feel like you’re walking on a cushion of clouds. Made from sturdy, high quality materials, a wide toe box, and a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole, these boots are built to take on adventure and are built to last.
The Kaha 2 hiking boots are winners in our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide and winners in our Best Hiking Shoes guide.
I’ve taken the Hoka Kaha boots on waterfall hikes with water crossings, to the top of the highest mountain in the contiguous US via a 6 day/5 night backpacking trip to Mt. Whitney.
I’ve worn the Kaha 2 GTX to lead group hikes within the Santa Monica Mountains, Angeles National Forest, and the San Gabriel Mountains through various weather conditions including rain, mud, dirt, scree, and rocks. From day hikes to backpacking trips to thru-hikes, the HOKA Kaha delivers superior comfort, durability, and support for all types of hikers and environments.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
SPECS
Available sizes: 7-15 (men's), 5-11 (women's)
Width: Medium
Upper Material: Nubuck leather
Waterproofing technology: GORE-TEX
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight (pair): 2 lbs. 1.6 oz (men's), 1 lb. 11.6 oz (women's)
Heights available: mid and low
COMPARISON TABLE OF SIMILAR MODELS
Men's
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING | HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Kaha 2 Mid GTX | $240 | 2 lbs. 5.6 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Shoe | $220 | 2 lbs. 1.6 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX | $195 | 2 lbs. 4 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Waterproof nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Challenger 7 GTX Hiking Shoe | $160 | 1 lb, 3.4 oz | Durabrasion rubber | Engineered mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Low |
| Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid | $180 | 1 lb. 8.8 oz. | Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug | Engineered jacquard recycled content mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Mid, Low |
WOMEN’S
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP | WOMEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING | HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Kaha 2 Mid GTX | $240 | 1 lb. 15.2 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Shoe | $220 | 1 lb. 11.6 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX | $195 | 1 lb. 13.4 oz. | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Waterproof nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Mid, Low |
| Hoka Challenger 7 GTX Hiking Shoe | $160 | 16 oz | Durabrasion rubber | Engineered mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Low |
| Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid | $180 | 1 lb. 4.6 oz. | Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug | Engineered jacquard recycled content mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Mid, Low |
The author climbed Mt. Whitney in the Hoka Kaha boots.
WHAT WE LIKED
Incredible comfort
Stability and support
Excellent traction on Vibram sole
Waterproof
Quality materials are durable
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
More moldable tongue
More bright color options
A zero or low heel to toe drop version (these have a 6mm drop)
The author backpacking in the Sespe Wilderness in the Hoka Kaha boots.
KEY FEATURES
MATERIALS
The HOKA Kaha is made of solid, durable materials that lend themselves to outdoor adventures and backpacking.They consist of Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather, GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face fabric, and 80% recycled polyester lining mesh, and Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction 5mm lugs.
I’ve worn my Kahas around the US in a variety of conditions including scree, dirt, rock, water crossings, rain, and gravel, and the materials have held up even under the heaviest use and the most grueling trail. They are abrasion resistant and hold up to heavy wear. These are great boots for day hikes, backpacking, and thru-hikes.
Close-up on the cushioning on the Hoka Kaha hiking boots.
WEIGHT
For as cushioned and plush as these boots are, they are surprisingly light for their size. They are 15.6 oz for the women’s boot and 16.8 oz for the men’s with a 6.00mm heel-to-toe drop for both. I did a section hike through the Nuumu Poyo for 50 miles with a 38-40lb pack and my feet didn’t hurt at the end of the day, nor did my legs feel tired from the weight of the boot with each step.
FIT
Like most HOKA boots (with the exception of the Anacapa line), these run about a half size large. This is the extra space you need to prevent discomfort when your feet swell during a hike, and most brands require you to size up to get this space. The Kaha has that extra space accounted for, so you can order your regular size and have a great fit, with the addition of the extra space. There is a wide toe box, so my feet never feel constricted nor is there pressure on the periphery of my toes. My heel stays in place and my feet feel supported in the Kahas.
CUSHIONING
From the first time I tried on a pair of HOKA Kahas, I was immediately smitten by how cushioned they are and how it felt like I was walking on clouds. They are considered a “plush” cushion with “a higher bed of soft cushion which is designed to provide a forgiving impact and ride” and I couldn’t agree more. I can hike all day and night for days on end in these boots and they still feel soft and plush.
COMFORT
These are the only hiking boots I will ever wear, and no, that’s not only because I’m now a HOKA Global Advocate! I’ve worn other boots from various other brands in the past (including for the first edition of Treeline Review's article on lightweight hiking boots in 2019) and there was always a grueling break-in period or the material felt too stiff, etc.
The Kaha is comfortable right out of the box and makes any hike feel like a short jaunt due to the supreme comfort. I’ve never had a blister while wearing these boots, and I always reach my campsite with my feet still feeling comfortable in my boots. And because of the superior cushioning, they make even hikes over sharp or rocky terrain feel like a walk on a dirt road because you can’t feel all of that through the sole of the boot due to its thickness.
These boots are designed for longer day hikes and backpacking trips and are rugged enough to handle the trail and the additional weight of a pack without compromising comfort or longevity.
The author at Sandstone Peak, CA in the Hoka Kaha Boots.
WATERPROOFING
My first hike with a pair of HOKA Kahas was at a local trail here in SoCal called Eaton Canyon. There are several water crossings on the way to the 40ft Eaton Canyon Falls at the end. I wanted to test out the waterproofness of the boot straight away and at the first water crossing I put my foot in so the water could come up the side and over the top of the toe. After several seconds, I pulled my foot out, and the water beaded off! Throughout the rest of the hike, I confidently stepped into every water crossing I could to continue to test out how waterproof these boots were. After sloshing through water, stepping on wet rocks without a slip, and getting the outer layer of the boots completely wet, we made it to the waterfall where I checked my socks. Everything was bone dry!
I’ve taken my Kahas on multiple hikes where I needed to cross water that came up to the top of the ankle bone, hiked in pouring rain, and hiked through snow (sometimes with microspikes), and I’ve never had water leak into the shoe. The webbing of the tongue creates a seal all the way up to the very top of the boot, so unless water is pouring over into the top of the boot–i.e., your foot goes all the way into the water–they are 100% waterproof.
BREATHABILITY
The author climbing Mt. Baldy (San Antonio) in the Hoka Kaha boots.
I’m not sure if I just have sweaty feet, or if the breathability of the shoe is the reason, but I do notice that on longer hikes my feet sweat. It’s not excessive sweating and it has not caused a problem while hiking or in the aftermath. Also, my feet don’t feel hot while I’m hiking, so I’ll say the breathability of these boots is standard. For as waterproof as they are, it would be difficult to make them any more breathable without compromising the waterproofness.
WARMTH
Because of the leather, GORE-TEX, Vibram sole, and dual-density CMEVA midsole, these boots keep your feet warm on cool/cold hikes. There are enough layers between the ground and your foot to keep you insulated. Pair that with a wool sock, and your feet will be well protected against cold temperatures while hiking.
I hiked to the Icehouse Canyon saddle (8 mile round trip) with microspikes when the trail was covered in snow and my feet stayed warm through most of the hike. After stopping at the top for lunch and stomping through thick snow drifts, my feet started to feel a little cold, but once I started hiking again, they warmed up.
TRACTION
One of my favorite features of the HOKA Kaha is that they have the traction of a bighorn sheep! The 5mm traction lugs really allow the sole to hold a grip on even the most technical environments. Even when crossing water, wet rocks, or muddy areas, the Kaha grips the ground aggressively to give the wearer total control and support. I’ve had very few instances where I’ve ever lost my grip while hiking in my Kahas, but those experiences were due to very unpredictable terrain and scree where slipping is often unavoidable.
DURABILITY
I wore my first pair of HOKA Kahas for over 800 miles before I retired them for a new pair. And honestly, I only retired them because I wanted a new color, not because they were too worn out. Those boots could have easily gone another 200+ miles since the sole was still intact, there were no holes, there was still traction in the lugs, and the leather outer had minimal signs of wear.
My current pair has around 400 miles on them and aside from the creases in the leather from hundreds of hikes (normal wear), you wouldn’t know it. I’ve scraped my boots along rocks, caught my toe in crevices, and been all around tough on my Kahas and yet they have stood up to everything I’ve put them through.
I even did a hike where the mud was so thick that it coated the entire outside of the boot. After 11 miles of hiking with dried out, caked on mud and then 2.5 hours drive to get home before I could wash them, I was concerned I had damaged my boots. It took some heavy scrubbing to get them clean and to dig the dried mud out of the lugs (that was tedious) but my Kahas are good as new now. And by the way, even through that grueling environment, my feet never got wet!
The HOKA Kaha comes with an abrasion resistant toecap that includes both a rubber tip in addition to thicker material sewn around the top of the toe area for additional protection and durability.
The author hiking in the Sierras in the HOKA Kaha boots.
ANKLE SUPPORT
There is some disagreement about just how much ankle support a tall boot, like the Kaha, can actually give you. Due to sports injuries, I sustained playing volleyball and running track in high school, I’ve had previous injuries to both ankles. My track coaches had to wrap my ankles for me before each meet or invitational to ensure I had the correct support to prevent injuries. I eventually learned how to do it myself and took that knowledge with me as I continued participating in sports and athletics into adulthood.
I know how important ankle support is and what it feels like when the ankle support is solid. When it comes to ankle support, there aren’t any tall hiking boots that offer THAT level of support that wrapping will do. However, as Heather Jones points out in her article on the subject, “High-topped hiking boots help to limit ankle movement, which means that when you’re wearing them out on the trail, you’re not using your ankle muscles as much. This can help to stabilize the ankle while traversing about, and also prevent any muscle soreness.”
I can confirm that when I’m wearing my Kaha boots, I notice less muscle soreness than I do when I hike in trail runners. My ankles never feel fatigued and I have not rolled my ankle while wearing my Kahas, despite having misstepped before.
There is sufficient ankle support, which also gives me confidence with each step I take, knowing how vulnerable my ankles are to injuries. If you are someone who needs quite a bit of ankle support, I’d suggest discussing options such as ankle wraps and KT tape with your healthcare provider or PT (I’m neither!).
Close up on the lacing system on the Hoka Kaha hiking boots.
LACES
The lacing system on the Kahas is sufficient to provide a comfortable and adjustable fit. There are three hooks at the top which makes it easy to tighten or loosen them as needed. There are four eyelets (two have a second optional eyelet for a customized fit), and the laces are made out of 100% recycled polyester.
STYLE AND DESIGN
I love the design of the Kaha because they are rugged, plush, and extremely comfortable lightweight hikers that shine on the trail with their various features. The new Kaha 2 GTX now also comes in a range of colors to really help you find a pair that fits your personality on the trail. I have the Black ones since they go with any outfit, but the purple ones caught my eye, too! Some might find the style of the Kaha “big” or “clunky” because of how thick the sole of the boot is and its overall profile is compared to other brands. But that thick sole is what makes the Kaha so comfortable and versatile for a range of terrains.
HEEL DESIGN
HOKA is known for their innovation in boot/shoe design and the Kaha 2 GTX includes their patented HUBBLE® heel and SwallowTail™. These features help on descents by allowing more surface area for your heel strike and helps with the heel transition for the next step. I definitely noticed a difference in my hikes from my first pair of Kahas, to the newest model with these design features. I was concerned that the extra bit at the back of the shoe would cause me to trip or get caught on rock overhangs, but that has not been an issue.
BREAK-IN PERIOD
There is zero break in period for the HOKA Kaha. I’ve tried at least 6-7 pairs of boots by various brands over the years, and these are hands down the best on the market for out of the box comfort with no break in period. I went on a 6 mile hike the first day I got my new pair and I finished the hike with no foot soreness, no hot spots, no blisters, and no discomfort. It was as if I’d been wearing them for years and they were already molded to my feet! I love that the Kaha can be worn right away without having to endure miles of pain in your feet for a comfortable “fit”. The fit is there immediately!
The author backpacking the NPT at Forester Pass wearing the HOKA Kaha
PERFORMANCE ON DIFFERENT TERRAINS
I’ve worn my Kahas in different terrains and in numerous weather conditions and no matter where I am, the Kahas have performed exceptionally.
SNOW
I’ve hiked in snowy conditions, both with and without microspikes, depending on the conditions, snow level, and amount of ice. Since the sole is so thick, I was prepared to order a larger size of microspikes to account for that, however, that wasn’t necessary. I ordered my microspikes according to my actual shoe size and they fit without a problem. The Kaha provides great traction and waterproof protection from the moisture as you’re navigating deeper sections of snow along the train.
MUD
I’ve taken my Kahas through sections of mud that were so deep that I could barely free my foot from the suction when it was time to lift my foot up! Although traction in mud that deep, thick, and slick is compromised no matter what shoe you’re wearing, I always felt stable in my Kaha. And the material held up to the dried mud and wasn’t damaged when I was finally able to clean them off. And they kept my feet dry even in those conditions!
RAIN
The Kaha holds up great in the rain and provides excellent traction even on wet trails and rocks. I would typically wear waterproof pants that covered the top of my boots when it rains. But sometimes the rain came as a surprise, and even in those conditions, the Kaha kept my feet dry inside.
DIRT & ROCKS
The Kaha has a thick sole with layers of cushioning–when hiking on rocky terrain, I can’t feel the ground under my feet so there is nothing sharp poking me or causing pressure points on my feet. On dirt terrain that is more even, such as a fire road, the Kaha provides cushioned support with each step and plenty of room for your toes to expand.
WHAT COULD BE BETTER?
These are a great all around hiker that have minimal areas for improvement on their already thoughtful design. One area of improvement would be to offer a zero heel-to-toe drop version of the boot. Another minor improvement would be to modify the tongue so it is more moldable vs. bulky when laced up.
I would also love to see even more color options in this boot similar to what is available for the HOKA Trail Code (men's and women's) and HOKA Challenger 7 (men's and women's) models. See our full review of the Hoka Challenger here.
The author hiking in the original HOKA Kaha boots.
HOKA SKY KAHA VS HOKA KAHA 2 GTX
The first model of Kaha that HOKA offered was called the Sky Kaha, but subsequent models are just the Kaha. The name was changed from the HOKA Sky Kaha to HOKA Kaha 2.
The most notable change between the Kaha and the Kaha 2 GTX is addition of the swallowtail and HUBBLE® heel on the newer model.
The Kaha 2 GTX also includes some updated colorways. The rest of the features of this boot are similar between the 2 models.
Other versions of the hoka kaha 2
HOKA KAHA 2 LOW GTX HIKING SHOES
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Upper: Nubuck leather
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight: 2 lbs. 1.6 oz. (men’s), 1 lb. 11.6 oz.
The HOKA Kaha Low GTX is a low cut version of the boots. They include the same material, same cushioning, same breathability, and same GORE-TEX waterproofing in a low top style. Due to their design as low tops, they are slightly lighter than the boots (13.8oz vs. 15.6 oz). Low tops can get more rocks and dirt inside the shoe on certain trails, so I recommend gaiters if you’re taking them backpacking or day hiking on trails with a lot of loose materials. The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Low are winners in our Best Hiking Shoes guide.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The author hiking at Temple Crag in the Sierra in the Hoka Kaha boots.
SHOULD I BUY HOKA KAHA 2 GTX HIKING BOOTS?
Do you want to feel like you’re hiking on clouds and not feel the sharp rocks of the ground underneath you? Do you enjoy a thick, cushioned boot that allows you to hike for miles without foot fatigue, pain, or discomfort? Do you want a solid boot that will last you for hundreds of miles across varied terrains with a minimal weight trade off for their size? Do you plan on backpacking or doing longer day hikes, especially in more technical terrain with varied conditions and you want 1 pair of boots that can handle it all? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the HOKA Kaha may be the perfect boot for you!
If you prefer less cushion in your boot, need something with a lower drop, or gravitate towards footwear that offers less material between your foot and the ground, then these may not be the pair for you.
SIMILAR MODELS
HOKA ANACAPA 2
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Upper: Waterproof nubuck leather
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight: 2 lbs. 4 oz. (men’s), 1 lb. 13.4 oz. (women’s)
The Anacapa 2 is a lighter weight version of the Kaha with a narrower toe box. These are also great right out of the box, and have a slimmer profile which makes them great for traveling and for shorter day hikes. I’ve worn the Anacapa 2 while backpacking and they handled the pack weight well and were great at navigating the myriad of conditions I unexpectedly faced on that hike. Because of them being narrower than the Kaha with a slimmer toe box, I recommend sizing up. You can read our in-depth review of the Hoka Anacapa 2 for more information.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
HOKA CHALLENGER 7
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
Upper: Engineered mesh
Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
Weight: 1 lb, 3.4 oz (men’s), 16 oz (women’s)
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is available as a mid and as a hiking shoe. The Hoka Challenger 7 is only available as a hiking shoe. Really, it's more of a running shoe, but it is very popular with hikers, which is why we include it here.
While both shoes offer neutral stability, the Hoka Challenger weighs much less for quicker turnover and is intended for more road-to-trail runs, whereas the Kaha 2 GTX is ready for more rugged trails at a slower pace than running. The increased cushion, waterproofness, and the mid-rise option for increased ankle support of the Kaha 2 also sets it apart as a shoe more equipped for more technical and wet terrain. At $75-$95 less expensive than the Kaha 2, the Challenger 7 is a preferred option for folks who spend the majority of their time on the trails running rather than hiking.
Read our in-depth review of the low-top version of Hoka Challenger 7.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
HOKA SPEEDGOAT 5 MID GTX
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
Upper: Engineered jacquard recycled content mesh
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug
Weight: 1 lb. 8.8 oz. (men’s), 1 lb. 4.6 oz. (women’s)
Like the Hoka Challenger 7, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is available as a low-top trail running shoe. The Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX takes that trail runner design and turns it into a lightweight boot. If your mission is to primarily hike fast or have a very lightweight hiking boot, you may enjoy the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX. However, we think the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX has better traction and ankle support.
Read our in-depth review of the low-top version of the Hoka Speedgoat 5 or the in-depth review of the new Hoka Speedgoat 6.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
SALOMON X ULTRA 4 MID GORE-TEX
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Upper Material: Synthetic/ textile
Midsole Material: EnergyCell
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb 14.4 oz (men's), 1 lb 10.1 oz (women's)
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX shoe weighs a little less than the Hoka Kaha 2, and has more heel-to-toe drop (11mm to Kaha’s 6mm). The Salomons offer stronger reinforcements and increased stability along the sides of the shoe, while its lighter weight allows for more agile movements. Salomon also tailors their women’s fit for a softer fit along the heel and collars, whereas the Hoka Kaha 2 is considered an all-gender shoe. The X Ultra is also about $50 cheaper than the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX. Read our in-depth review of the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX shoe for more info.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
MERRELL MOAB 3 MID
Waterproofing: M Select Dry
Upper: Suede and mesh
Outsole: Vibram TC5+
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz (men’s), 2 lbs, 2 oz (women’s)
The men’s Merrell Moab 3 Mid weighs about the same as the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, while the women’s weighs a little less. The Moab also has a greater heal-to-toe drop of 11.5 mm to Kaha’s 6mm, and costs about $70-$90 less than the Hoka Kaha 2.
Read our in-depth review of the Merrell Moab 3 Mid and our news article on the Merrell-Unlikely Hikers Collaboration.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
ALTRA LONE PEAK ALL-WTHR MID
Waterproofing: eVent
Upper: Water-resistant nylon
Outsole: DuraTread
Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz. (men’s), 1 lb. 8 oz. (women’s)
The Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid hiking shoes weigh a little less than the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Mid and, as is typical of the Altra brand, has a 0mm heel-to-toe drop. This option is ideal for folks looking for a lightweight hiking shoe that keeps them agile on the trails, and for folks who are comfortable with the lack of heel support that comes with a zero drop shoe (i.e., folks comfortable hiking with their natural gait). This shoe is also about $40-$60 cheaper than the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
I’m Nicole Snell—a hiker, backpacker, international speaker, and the owner of Girls Fight Back, a world-renowned, empowerment-based, self-defense company for people of all genders. I travel the world speaking and training groups from all demographics and industries including college, corporate, military, outdoor groups, conferences and more on a variety of personal safety, boundary setting and empowerment topics. I’m also the creator of Outdoor Defense, my YouTube series that offers practical strategies for building confidence and staying safe while enjoying the outdoors solo.
I’m an outspoken advocate for hiking, diversifying the outdoors, and protecting our natural lands. I am a hike leader for Black Girls Trekkin, an LA based non-profit that focuses on Diversity, Inclusion, Conservation, and Education.
I’ve worked with a variety of outdoor based brands, companies and groups to educate their communities on personal safety and boundaries for the outdoors and beyond. I’ve had the pleasure of working with HOKA, Runner’s World, Strava, Kula Cloth, SheJumps, Explorer Chicks, Outwild, AdventurUS Women, She Dreams of Alpine, and dozens more!
I have been a guest on over 40 podcasts including REI’s podcast Wild Ideas Worth Living, the Nike Trained Podcast, and the Just Trek Podcast. I was a guest speaker at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) Conference in 2021 and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Conference in September 2022. I have also been interviewed for my work in outdoor safety and empowerment by the Women’s Health Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine, Melanin Basecamp, NRPA Magazine, and Spectrum 1 News. In 2020, I won a Webby Award for People’s Voice for Tastemade Travel’s Self Defense for Female Travelers.
From a young age, exploring and hiking have been my passion. I grew up outside Joshua Tree National Park and spent my childhood exploring the nearby desert and connecting with nature.
As an adult, I have continued that passion. I have hiked all over the world, including Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Scotland, Wales, Andorra, and the infamous 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. In 2022 I summited Mt. Whitney in a 6 day, 5 night section hike along the south end of the Nuumu Poyo.
Over the years of exploring trails and mountains as a solo camper, hiker and backpacker, I have learned many ways to continue improving on my techniques and upgrading my gear when needed. Because of my experiences solo camping and as a professional, I can appreciate and evaluate what works.
You can learn more about Nicole Snell on her author page.
