In The Community
National Hiking Day is coming up this Sunday, November 17, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by hitting the trails! Hiking is an amazing way to get outside, explore new places, and give both your body and mind a boost. God knows we all need that boost right now! But whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve to make sure your hike is safe, comfortable, and as fun as possible. Here are pro hiking tips to help you get the most out of every step on the trail:
Check the Weather, But Be Ready for Anything
Photo by Vlad Bagacian on UnsplashWeather can change in a flash, especially if you’re hiking in mountainous areas. While it’s important to check the forecast before you go, make sure you’re prepared for anything nature throws your way. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker, even if it looks sunny, and wear layers so you can adapt to the temperature as you go.
Pack Smart but Don’t Overdo It
Photo by Timo Stern on UnsplashYou’ll need the essentials, but carrying too much weight can slow you down and make the hike less enjoyable. Stick to the basics: water, snacks, sunscreen, a map (or a fully charged phone with GPS), and a small first-aid kit. If you’re planning a longer hike, consider bringing a headlamp, an extra layer, and some extra food. Think about the “10 Essentials” of hiking—navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. You don’t have to bring a ton, but these basics can be customized to fit your hike.
Break In Your Shoes and Wear Good Socks
Photo by Marc Pell on UnsplashNothing can ruin a hike faster than painful blisters, so make sure your shoes are broken in before hitting the trail. Wearing shoes that haven’t been tested on a hike is a recipe for sore feet! Pair them with moisture-wicking, cushioned socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Trust us, your feet will thank you by the end of the day. Also, bring a few bandages or blister pads just in case. And don’t be afraid to take a break and adjust your socks if your feet start feeling hot spots—catching blisters early can save you a lot of pain!
Stay Hydrated and Snack Often
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on UnsplashIt’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need on a hike, but staying hydrated is essential. Bring enough water for the whole hike, and consider a hydration pack if you don’t want to keep stopping to reach for your bottle. Don’t forget snacks, either—nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit are perfect for keeping your energy up on the trail. Electrolyte tablets or powder are great for long hikes, so keep that in mind. They help replenish the salts you lose through sweat, keeping you energized and ready to tackle those uphill climbs.
Know the Trail (And Have a Backup Map!)
Photo by Denise Jans on UnsplashGetting lost on the trail is no one’s idea of a good time, so study the trail map before you go, and pay attention to trail markers as you hike. If you’re hiking a longer or more remote trail, download an offline map to your phone or carry a paper map. It’s always good to have a backup in case your phone dies or loses signal. Apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS are great for trail maps and often have reviews from other hikers that provide tips on conditions, difficulty, and must-see spots. Also, download your map for offline use so you’re covered, even without cell service.
Start Early and Pace Yourself
Photo by Onni Anttoora on UnsplashStarting early has a few perks: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and more time to enjoy the views. Plus, if you’re on a longer trail, getting an early start means you’ll have more time to take breaks and soak in the scenery. And remember—pacing yourself is key to avoiding burnout, especially on steeper trails. Hiking isn’t a race, so find a pace you’re comfortable with and take breaks to take your surroundings in. That’s where the magic is at!
Respect Wildlife and Leave No Trace
Photo by Transly Translation Agency on UnsplashHiking is about connecting with nature, and part of that is respecting the plants and animals you encounter. Admire wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding animals (it disrupts their natural behaviors). Pack out any trash, even if it’s biodegradable, to help keep trails beautiful for the next visitors. Overall, make sure to follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize your impact—stick to trails, don’t disturb plants, and leave everything as you find it.
Capture the Moment, But Remember to Look Up!
Photo by Briana Tozour on UnsplashTaking photos of those epic views is part of the fun, but don’t spend the entire hike staring at your phone or camera. Soak in the moment with your own eyes, and enjoy the peace and beauty around you. Your photos will be a nice reminder, but nothing beats the memory of truly experiencing the trail. Set specific times to stop for photos, like at scenic viewpoints or landmarks, so you don’t end up glued to your screen the entire time.
Listen to Your Body
Photo by Holly Mandarich on UnsplashIt’s easy to push yourself too hard when you’re caught up in the excitement of exploring, but remember to listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, take a break. If something hurts, don’t ignore it. Hiking is about enjoying the outdoors, so there’s no need to push through discomfort. Take care of yourself, and make adjustments as needed. Muscle fatigue and soreness are normal, but sharp or sudden pain isn’t. Trust your instincts—there’s no shame in turning back or taking it easy if something feels off.
Celebrate the Small Moments
Photo by Elias Maurer on UnsplashHiking isn’t just about reaching the summit or end of the trail. Take time to appreciate the little things along the way—the rustling leaves, the sunlight filtering through the trees, or a friendly chat with your hiking partner or the hikers you meet along the way. These small moments make the journey memorable and add to the experience.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to hit the trail and make the most of it. So lace up, pack light, and enjoy National Hiking Day. Happy hiking!
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He’s always talking about how nice he is
Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on UnsplashYou already know what we're going to say about this... A genuinely nice person doesn’t need to keep reminding you how nice they are. If he’s constantly saying, “I’m such a nice guy,” or constantly reminding you of the "nice things" he's always doing for you, it’s probably because he’s trying to convince you (and maybe himself). Nice people don't need to come out and say they're nice, they just let their behavior speak for them.
He expects to be rewarded for being a good human being
Photo by Mark Farías on UnsplashHave you ever noticed that he expects something in return every time he does something nice? Whether it’s a favor, a date, or even more, this is a major red flag. Nice deeds should come from the heart, not from a place of expecting something in return. If he's using his niceness as currency, girl, get away from that man.
He won’t take no for an answer
Photo by Monstera Production
When the “nice guy” doesn’t get what he wants, does he keep pushing? If he keeps asking you out or anything else even after you’ve said no, he’s not respecting your boundaries. A truly nice guy will respect your decisions instead of trying to pressure you into doing something you've already said you don't want to do. It's really that simple!
He’s passive-aggressive
Photo by Keira Burton
Does he sulk or get passive-aggressive when things don’t go his way? Maybe he gives you the silent treatment or makes snide remarks and hides them as “jokes.” Whatever the case may be, this kind of behavior is manipulative and very far from anyone’s idea of “nice.”
He talks badly about other women
Photo by Budgeron Bach
Pay attention to how the “nice guy” talks about other women, especially his exes. If he’s constantly badmouthing them and blaming them for everything, not only is it a sign he will talk about you that way eventually, but it's also a sign he doesn't respect women as much as he claims he does. If the nice guy is only kind to women he's interested in or "has a shot" with, he's not that nice, is he?
He’s good at playing the victim
Photo by Keira Burton
When things don’t go his way, does the “nice guy” act like the world is against him? Does he make you feel guilty for not catering to his every need? This manipulative tactic is designed to make you feel sorry for him and bend to his will. After all, he’s so nice, why doesn't he deserve everything he asks for?
He’s nice to get what he wants
Photo by Klaus Nielsen
When a “nice guy” is actually faking, it’s easy to notice a pattern: he’s only nice when he wants to get something out of it. Does he turn on the charm only when he wants something? Whether it’s getting you to do him a favor or trying to move the relationship forward faster than you’re comfortable with, this is a clear sign he’s not genuinely nice.
He can’t handle rejection
Photo by Timur Weber
When the fake nice guy is rejected, he doesn’t take it well. Whether he’s rejected by you or others, pay attention to how he reacts. Does he lash out and try to guilt-trip people? If so, he’s not an actual nice guy. Nice men handle rejection with grace and respect because they’re not entitled and understand that rejection is a normal part of life.
He tries to change you
Photo by Alison Leedham
Does he buy you gifts that don’t fit your style or make comments about how you should dress or behave under the guise of “giving you advice”? This isn’t generosity or niceness; it’s just an attempt to mold you into someone you’re not. A genuinely nice guy will like you for who you are, not for who he wants you to be.
He badmouths other men to make himself look good
Photo by Abbat on UnsplashIf the “nice guy” constantly puts others down to elevate himself, that’s a major red flag. This behavior is a sign of insecurity and a need for validation. Plus, a genuinely nice person uplifts people rather than tearing them down. If your “nice guy” is particularly critical of other men, especially men you’re friends with, when there’s no reason to be, he could be trying to make you doubt them as well.
Navigating the dating world can be tricky, but recognizing these signs can help you spot the “nice guy” who isn’t actually nice. Remember, a truly nice guy shows his kindness through respect, genuine actions, and understanding. Trust your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than you deserve!
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Sylvia Rivera: The Revolutionary
Sylvia Rivera at ACT-UP March, 1994. Photograph. 1994. Digital Transgender Archive.
We can’t talk about the fight for LGBTQ+ rights without mentioning the legendary Sylvia Rivera. Born in 1951 in New York City, Rivera was a transgender activist of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Alongside Marsha P. Johnson, she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization dedicated to helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth, especially trans and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Rivera fought tirelessly against racism, classism, and transphobia within the gay rights movement, often reminding others that trans women of color were at the forefront of the struggle for equality. She advocated for housing, healthcare, and legal protections for trans people, making her one of the most influential figures in LGBTQ+ history.
Bamby Salcedo: A Voice for Trans Rights
Bamby Salcedo is a powerhouse in the trans rights movement. A Mexican-American transgender activist, she’s the founder and president of The TransLatin@ Coalition, an organization that advocates for the rights of transgender Latinx people in the U.S. Salcedo’s advocacy is deeply personal—having faced poverty, incarceration, addiction, and violence, she transformed her life and now dedicates her work to uplifting trans people, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Bamby is known for her work in addressing issues like HIV/AIDS prevention, immigration reform, and transgender healthcare. She has testified in front of Congress, worked with policymakers, and continues to fight for the legal protections and safety of trans-Latine individuals across the country.
Jennicet Gutiérrez: Advocating for Undocumented Trans People
Jennicet Gutiérrez on Instagram
When it comes to activism, Jennicet Gutiérrez is a force to be reckoned with. She’s an undocumented transgender woman from Mexico who rose to prominence in 2015 when she interrupted a speech by President Obama to bring attention to the plight of undocumented LGBTQ+ immigrants held in detention centers. Gutiérrez is a founding member of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (TQLM), an organization dedicated to advancing the rights of trans and queer immigrants in the U.S.
Her activism focuses on ending the detention and deportation of LGBTQ+ immigrants, many of whom face severe abuse, harassment, and neglect in immigration detention centers. Gutiérrez’s bold actions have helped shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked issues faced by trans immigrants, particularly in the Latinx community.
Ivana Fred: A Trans Trailblazer in Puerto Rico
Ivana Fred is a Puerto Rican trans activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for the trans community on the island. She’s a spokesperson for the organization Coalición Trans de Puerto Rico, which works to promote the human rights of transgender individuals through education, advocacy, and legal protections.
Fred’s work has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Puerto Rico, including fighting for better healthcare, legal gender recognition, and safety for trans individuals. Her activism has helped ensure that the voices of Puerto Rico’s trans community are heard and that policies reflect their needs and concerns.
Victoria Cruz: A Fighter for Justice
Victoria Cruz is another Puerto Rican trans woman and a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in New York City. Cruz worked at the Anti-Violence Project (AVP) for decades, helping LGBTQ+ people who have experienced violence, harassment, and discrimination. She’s also known for her work as an activist and a survivor of violence herself, channeling her experiences into advocacy to help others.
Cruz was a close friend of Marsha P. Johnson, and she continues to fight for justice in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for trans women of color. Her work has been featured in the documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, where she investigates the circumstances surrounding her friend’s death. Victoria Cruz was also one of the first trans women of color to work in victim advocacy at AVP, providing vital support to survivors of hate crimes and other forms of violence.
Isa Noyola – Transgender Rights Activist
@muxerisa on X
Isa Noyola is a transgender Latina activist who works on the front lines of the fight for transgender rights and immigrant justice. She’s a deputy director at Mijente, a political home for Latinx and Chicanx organizing, and she’s also involved in the Transgender Law Center, advocating for gender liberation and the decriminalization of immigration. Isa has been especially active in abolishing detention centers and pushing for the fair treatment of trans women in immigration detention.
Her activism goes beyond fighting for the immediate rights of the LGBTQ community—she's dedicated to creating long-term, empowered communities that uplift all women. As a former board member of the Women's March, she worked to expand the organization's reach beyond the annual event, advocating for deeper engagement in critical areas such as immigration, climate change, and reproductive justice. Through her wide-ranging efforts, Noyola confronts systems that seek to limit the progress of intersectional feminism, ensuring it embraces all individuals who identify as women.
These trailblazing trans Latines have made their mark, fighting for their community and inspiring others to keep pushing for justice and equality. As we celebrate their contributions, let’s also commit to supporting and uplifting the trans community in any way we can.
