Hiking with Shawn Blog
Welcome to the Hiking with Shawn Blog! You can expect weekly blog posts featuring hiking, camping, cycling, and kayaking tips. I also post trail guides around Southern Illinois and beyond. You’ll also find gear reviews on the Hiking with Shawn Blog, as well.
Latest from the Hiking with Shawn Blog
The Hiking with Shawn Blog will feature one post a week featuring outdoor recreation tips, trail guides, and gear reviews.
How to Choose the Right Hydration Pack for Hiking
How to Choose the Right Hydration Pack for HikingDehydration can ruin a great hike fast but choosing the right hydration pack for hiking can keep you energized, balanced, and focused on the trail—not on thirst. A hydration pack lets you stay hands-free, carry more...
10 Trails to See Fall Colors in Southern Illinois
10 Trails to See Fall Colors in Southern IllinoisWe’re getting close to seeing more fall colors in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois is home to numerous great areas to see fall colors. Some places are easy to get to, while others demand a challenge but offer a...
Southern Illinois Trail Running Guide
Southern Illinois Trail Running GuideYou should get into Southern Illinois trail running! Southern Illinois is a hidden gem for trail runners. There are plenty of great trails here, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a challenge. Many people run these...
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for Backpacking
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for BackpackingHave you ever heard of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove? When backpacking, choosing the right stove is important. If you choose one that doesn’t work well, that might stop you from eating your meal. Not getting a...
How to Choose a Good Backpack for Backpacking
How to Choose a Good Backpack for BackpackingYou can’t just take any backpack for backpacking. It’s essential to choose the right backpack for your backpacking needs. A daypack wasn’t made for multi-day backpacking. You need a specific backpack made for backpacking,...
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025Everyone is always asking me about my favorite waterfalls in Southern Illinois! I figured it’s time to list them, at the very least, in a top 10. I chose a top 10 because they’re all my favorites, but that’s...
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail GuideButtermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long...
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
How to Choose the Best Hiking Daypack
How to Choose the Best Hiking DaypackAre you looking for the best hiking daypack possible? It’s essential to find a suitable daypack for several reasons. You want to be comfortable on your hike. You want to be free of pain. You especially want convenience while out on...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail GuideButtermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long...
Kinkaid Spillway Trail Guide
Kinkaid Spillway Trail GuideIf you haven’t hiked the Kinkaid Spillway Trail yet, you’re missing out. The Kinkaid Spillway Trail is a moderately rugged out-and-back hike of less than one mile located at the Kinkaid Lake Spillway near the City of Murphysboro, Illinois....
Victoria Glades Conservation Area Guide
Victoria Glades Conservation Area GuideVictoria Glades Conservation Area is a 2.2-mile hiking loop trail located near De Soto, Missouri. The trail is relatively easy, but some creek crossings, hills, and challenging terrain are part of the hiking experience. In this...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for Backpacking
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for BackpackingHave you ever heard of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove? When backpacking, choosing the right stove is important. If you choose one that doesn’t work well, that might stop you from eating your meal. Not getting a...
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?Are you wondering if the GoPro Hero 12 would make a good camera for hiking vlogs? The quick answer is yes and no. It really depends on what you’re wanting to get out of your videos. The long answer is in this...
Interested in Writing on the Hiking with Shawn Blog?
I am currently accepting guest contributions from outdoor enthusiasts and local businesses and organizations that are interested in posting on my blog. For the most part, guest posting is free as long as it’s non-commercial in nature. Just to be clear, I do not sell links. While I do accept paid sponsored posts from time to time, I reject around 9 out of 10 of sponsored post requests. If the content isn’t of the highest value to my readers, I will not accept it.
Copyright © 2025 Hiking with Shawn™ All Rights Are Reserved.
Hiking with Shawn® is a Registered Trademark of Hiking with Shawn, LLC
Hiking with Shawn is not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency.
