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.
Little Grand Canyon Video Guide
Little Grand Canyon Video GuideWe recently took a trip to Little Grand Canyon and hiked the 3.5-mile loop trail, which features amazing scenic overlooks, tall bluffs, and waterfalls. When we went, it was dry, so there were no waterfalls. However, it’s also safer when...
Camping at LBL in Hot Weather Video Guide
Camping at LBL in Hot Weather Video GuideThis past summer, my wife and I camped at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and enjoyed cooling off in some nearby creeks. We’ll definitely go camping there again (we have many times), but the golf carts should be restricted...
Red Hills State Park Guide
Red Hills State Park GuideRed Hills State Park in Southern Illinois is a fun park that offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, lake activities, and dining. This might be a state park that many in the southernmost counties have heard of. However,...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
3 Osprey Hiking Backpack Reviews for Different Hiking Trips
3 Osprey Hiking Backpack Reviews for Different Hiking TripsThe Osprey Hiking Backpack is well known for being a prominent pack for the hiking community. Osprey Packs is a widely-known hiking backpack brand. It is usually a little bit more expensive than other brands,...
Oboz Waterproof Hiking Boots Review
Oboz Waterproof Hiking Boots ReviewSince I’ve recently purchased my second pair of Oboz waterproof hiking boots, I figured that was a good time to create a review for it. I’ve used these new Oboz Mid Bridger waterproof hiking boots for a few months and those before...
MPG Cycling Shorts Review
MPG Cycling Shorts ReviewYes, I am a Cyclist... I've been an adult cyclist since 2012 after realizing that I was 300 pounds of fat and laziness. I would become out of breath bending down to tie my own shoes - no joke! So I got a bicycle and started riding every other...
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.
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