Start every hike off with the right gear for the journey. Once you've laced up the boots on your feet, you need a daypack to stash your water, trail snacks, and maybe even a hammock. Plus, it’s always ...

The Santa Barbara County chaparral shrublands form my best-loved hiking region, also called Los Padres National Forest. However, the much higher “alpine” areas also summon the soul to breathe free ...