You can easily search for literally anything on Reddit these days. And that includes finding new hiking buddies and learning tips from the best subreddits for hikers.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker with boots worn from countless trails or a novice eager to take your first steps into the great outdoors, these subreddits are your go-to guides. We’ll explore forums brimming with breathtaking photos, essential gear tips, trail recommendations, and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. From the peaks of epic mountain ranges to the serene beauty of hidden trails, these subreddits offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your virtual backpack, and join us as we navigate through the top subreddits that every hiker, regardless of experience level, should follow.
Table of Contents
Best Subreddits for Hikers and Adventurers: Basics
r/Adventures
From wild hikes to city escapades, it’s all about the thrill of exploring. Members share awesome pics and tales of their journeys, making it a cool spot for getting inspired or just daydreaming about your next big adventure.
Fortress City of the Knights Templar:
Gulf of California:
r/WildernessBackpacking
Love getting off the grid? This community is all about backpacking where the wild things are. Here, you’ll find everything from gear tips to trail wisdom, shared by folks who really know their stuff. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, this place is a goldmine of advice, stories, and inspiration for your next trek into the wilderness.
Grand Teton National Park:
Backcountry sites:
r/Hiking
With its 2 million members, r/Hiking is one of the top subs related to camping and hiking. It’s a mix of stunning trail photos, handy hiking tips, and tales from trekkers worldwide. Whether you’re a pro hiker or a first-timer, this subreddit is a great place to ask questions and share your own hiking highs.
Fossil Creek, Arizona
Dante’s View, Los Angeles
r/Backpacking
This sub is filled with photos and stories about the members’ adventures and what they encounter while along the trail. Check out the top posts below.
Well, hello bear:
Colorado:
r/CampingandHiking
If you’re into both camping and hiking, you’ll find your tribe in this sub. Here, you’ll find a wealth of tips on the best outdoor gear, campsite photos, and trip reports from its 2.7 million members.
Glacier camping FTW:
Serene wilderness:
r/Alpinism
For those who get their thrills from scaling icy peaks and tackling challenging climbs, r/Alpinism is a dream come true. This community is dedicated to the art and sport of alpine climbing, sharing everything from breathtaking summit photos to technical climbing tips. It’s a hub for climbers to discuss techniques, gear, and experiences in high-altitude adventures.
Fagaras Mountains, Romania:
Vitosha Mountain, Bulgaria:
r/Mountaineering
This sub has twice as many members as r/Alpinism. It’s packed with stories of epic climbs, advice on navigating challenging routes, and discussions on the best climbing gear. This community is a great resource for learning, sharing experiences, and connecting with others who share your love for the mountains.
Conquering the HImalayas:
Orizaba:
r/Canyoneering
This subreddit is a playground for those who love exploring nature’s hidden crevices and water-carved canyons. It’s chock-full of breathtaking photos, essential safety tips, and tales from canyon depths. This community can be your go-to for advice, stories, and connecting with fellow canyon enthusiasts.
Goat Canyon, Taiwan
Winter canyoneering:
r/Canoecamping
Imagine gliding through tranquil waters by day and camping under the stars by night – that’s what r/Canoecamping is all about. This subreddit combines the best of canoeing with the joys of camping, creating a space for paddlers to share routes, gear reviews, and campsite recommendations.
Ontario:
Arkansas:
r/MotoCamping
For those who love the roar of an engine and the freedom of the open road, r/MotoCamping is your digital garage. This subreddit is all about the thrill of motorcycle camping, where bikes meet nature. Here, you’ll find tips on the best gear for two-wheeled travel, campsite suggestions that are motorcycle-friendly, and stories from riders who’ve turned the roads into their homes.
Ready to ride:
Sick setup:
r/Overlanding
If your idea of adventure involves four wheels and uncharted paths, this community is your roadmap. This subreddit is all about self-reliant vehicular travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Here, enthusiasts share stories of crossing deserts, forging through forests, and tackling tough terrains in their equipped rides. It’s a great place for tips on gear, vehicle modifications, and epic travel routes.
Comfy four-wheel home:
A solid garage build:
r/Snowshoeing
This subreddit is dedicated to the winter sport of snowshoeing, a fantastic way to explore nature’s snowy blanket. Members share stunning snowscape photos from all around the world.
Chillin’ in the Snow:
Mount Rainier:
r/BackpackingDogs
This subreddit is all about sharing the backpacking and hiking adventures you embark on with your dog. From gear tips for your pooch to dog-friendly trail recommendations, this community is a goldmine of information for pet owners who love outdoor adventures. Here are some of our favorites.
r/Caving
This subreddit is for those fascinated by the exploration of caves. We love their motto: “Cave Softly: Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time.” It’s a community where spelunkers share their subterranean adventures, safety tips, and stunning photos of caverns and cave formations. In this sub, you’ll find geological wonders and ancient secrets waiting to be discovered.
Useful resources:
Mother of all pits:
Best Subreddits for Hikers and Adventurers: Food and Gear
r/MYOG
MYOG means Make Your Own Gear. If you’re into crafting your own outdoor gear, you’ll love this sub. Think sewing your own sleeping bags, whipping up custom stoves, or even creating that perfect tent. It’s a mix of creativity, practical advice, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a sewing pro or just starting out, you’ll find tips, inspiration, and a community of fellow gear-makers here.
DIY jacket and bags:
Homemade sleeping pad inflation:
r/WildernessMedicine
This is where outdoor enthusiasts mingle to discuss all things related to health and safety in the great outdoors. From managing snake bites to dealing with altitude sickness, this subreddit covers it all. It’s a goldmine of information and real-world advice for staying safe while exploring nature.
Helpful discussion:
First aid kit:
r/TrailMeals
r/TrailMeals is your go-to spot for all the delicious eats you can pack on your outdoor adventures. This subreddit is overflowing with ideas for tasty, easy-to-prepare meals that are perfect for hiking and camping. Share recipes, discover new snack ideas, find out how to keep your belly happy while on the trail, or you can look for foods with the longest shelf life. These recipes caught our eye:
Red curry soup:
Easy gourmet trail meal:
r/TrailGuides
Aside from detailed trail guides, this subreddit is mostly filled with trail photos and videos shared by fellow hikers. Get ready to explore new paths and share your own favorite trails!
Three Sisters Falls, San Diego:
Couple hike:
r/HikerTrashMeals
This subreddit is all about packable, easy-to-prepare, and of course, delicious meals that don’t require a campfire but will still fuel long-distance hikers. In this sub, it’s all about convenient meal preparation. Here are some of the most brilliant ideas we found:
Protein overload:
No-cook complete meal:
r/Campinggear
This subreddit is where you can find all kinds of camping equipment needs. From the latest tent technology to the coziest sleeping bags, this community is buzzing with reviews, recommendations, and even the latest deals and promos.
Winter – 1, Foam memory pillow – 0:
Gear Porn:
r/GearTrade
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade outdoor gear, r/GearTrade is the place to be. This subreddit is a bustling marketplace for pre-loved camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment. It’s perfect for snagging a great deal or finding a new home for gear you no longer need. Be cautious in every transaction, though, as scammers have penetrated this sub.
Thanksgiving sale:
r/BackpackingStoves
For those passionate about their portable cooking gear, r/BackpackingStoves is a treasure trove. From fuel efficiency to the best models for different types of trips, this community is all about discussing and sharing everything related to backpacking stoves.
Kitchen kit:
Canister stove:
r/Ultralight
Dedicated to the art of packing light, r/Ultralight is for hikers and backpackers obsessed with minimizing their load. Here, members discuss strategies, gear, and tips for ultralight backpacking. This sub is a wealth of information for lightweight travel enthusiasts.
Gear breakdown:
r/HammockCamping
For hammock camping enthusiasts, r/HammockCamping is your resource for everything from gear advice to setup tips. This subreddit is focused on maximizing your hammock camping experience, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hanger.
Chill setup:
Western Montana:
r/Flashlight
It doesn’t focus on hiking and camping, but we know that flashlights are essential outdoor gear. r/Flashlight is the go-to subreddit for flashlight fans and anyone seeking advice on portable lighting. Discussions range from the latest models and technology to usage tips, making it a comprehensive source for all your flashlight needs.
Flashlight collector in the spotlight:
Flashlight motorcycle:
Tips for Engaging with the Reddit Hiking Community
Engaging with the best subreddits for hikers can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Read the Rules: Each subreddit has its own set of rules. Before posting or commenting, make sure to read these to understand what is and isn’t allowed.
- Lurk Before You Leap: Spend some time browsing the subreddit to get a feel for the type of content that’s appreciated. This will help you understand the community better.
- Be Respectful and Positive: The Reddit community values respect and positivity. Always engage with others in a friendly and constructive manner.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or information. The hiking community on Reddit is generally very helpful and knowledgeable.
- Share Your Experiences and Knowledge: If you have insights or experiences that could benefit others, share them! Whether it’s a trail recommendation or a gear review, your contribution can be valuable.
- Use Search Function: Before asking a question, use the subreddit’s search function to see if your question has already been answered.
- Participate in Discussions: Join in on existing threads and discussions. This is a great way to connect with other members and contribute to the community.
- Respect Nature and Promote Responsible Hiking: Emphasize and practice Leave No Trace principles. Share tips on minimizing impact on the environment.
- Stay On Topic: Keep your posts and comments relevant to the subreddit’s theme. Off-topic posts might not be well-received.
- Upvote and Support Good Content: If you find a post or comment helpful or enjoyable, upvote it. This not only supports the creator but also helps good content get more visibility.
- Be Careful with Self-Promotion: Some subreddits have strict rules about self-promotion. Make sure to contribute to the community in ways that aren’t just about promoting your own content.
- Safety First: When giving or receiving advice, always prioritize safety, especially regarding trail conditions, gear recommendations, and navigation.
Summary: Best Subreddits for Hikers and Adventurers
That wraps up our tour of the best subreddits for hikers and adventurers. Whether you’re all about sharing your latest epic hike, picking up tips for your next wilderness adventure, or just looking for some cool outdoor inspo, these communities offer a welcoming space to connect, learn, and find inspiration. They’re a great resource for enhancing your outdoor adventures and meeting others who share your passion.
