Archive for December, 2010

How to Pick the Right Hiking Boots for Varied Activities

Hiking | Posted by admin
Dec 31 2010
hiking

Hiking boots are a necessary staple for many different types of outdoor activities, including hiking of course.  These types of boots provide traction, stability and assure the wearer good footing.  If you are shopping for hiking boots for the first time or are searching for new boots to replace your well-used ones, the following tips will come in handy when figuring out how to pick the right hiking boots for different activities.

Figure Out What Your Hiking Boots Will Be Used For

The first step in preparing for your hiking boot shopping trip is to figure out what your hiking boots will be used to accomplish.  In other words, what activity will you be taking part in which makes the inclusion of hiking boots a necessity.  Some individuals just want to use their hiking boots for day hikes whereas others may want to use them for endurance-based hiking trips which would call for a more sturdy and inclusive boot.  When you figure out the main activity you will be using your hiking boots for, you can then move on to the next step which is starting the search for the specific pair of boots.

Single Out Hiking Boots That Contain All the Necessary Features

When reviewing the various hiking boots, whether online or on the shelves, consider which features your hiking boots simply must have.  Some of the desired traits people look for in their hiking boot selection include waterproof qualities, materials, high ankle support, top-notch traction and quick lacing action.  The exact type of hiking boots you choose will depend on what activity you will be primarily using them for.  For example, if you plan on hiking in cold, snowy climates, you will want to choose a hiking boot that is warm, insulated, waterproof and provides good ankle support.  Keeping the features in mind when shopping for hiking boots will help you to pick the right pair.

Keep Cost Factors in Mind

Hiking boots come in many different varieties with various price tags attached as well.  You can spend under 0 for a pair of hiking boots or a couple of hundred dollars on this type of shoe.  If you are shopping on a budget, there are ways to get great deals on your hiking boots without sacrificing for quality.  Look for hiking boots that are on sale and save money while still getting a good hiking shoe.

Look For Quality Brands

Many hiking boot shoppers make the mistake of choosing a hiking boot based on the price alone.  This can lead to trouble as after a few times wearing the hiking boot, one may experience discomfort or pain due to an ill fit.  This is why it is extremely important to read a few reviews and pick a hiking boot that is known for the particular characteristics that you look for in footwear.

More Than One Hiking Boot Purchase May Be Necessary

You should also keep in mind that it may be necessary to purchase more than one type of hiking boot if you plan on taking part in different activities.  Some boots may not be appropriate for all types of activities.  By having more than one pair of hiking boots you can be sure that your outdoor adventure will be carried out properly and that your feet will be comfortable and secure while doing so.  If worried about the cost of purchasing two or more pairs of hiking boots, just keep in mind that this investment will pay off in the end, especially if you consider how many times you will be wearing your hiking boots throughout the year and the longevity of quality hiking boots.

This article was sponsored by www.ClearWaterOutdoor.com in pursuit of their mission: “To encourage and enhance ones life outdoors, at any age, in any season”.

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The Basics of Tent Camping

Camping | Posted by admin
Dec 26 2010
camping

Tent camping is an activity my family has been involved in for many years. Our camping trips combine fishing, hiking, and swimming to the regular camp site life of cutting wood, starting a fire, food preparation, cooking, eating, games, and just relaxing. We’ve made a lot of good memories from our camping trips. We’ve always gone up in the mountains and found great camping hiking spots either at designated campgrounds that offer water for washing, and some type of restroom (out house or rest-stop type), and garbage cans, or places where there were no creature comforts at all. We always camped by streams, lakes, or rivers during the summer months.

If you intend to have a successful camping experience, planning is important. As a retired Army Airborne Ranger, who has had to live out of a ruck (back pack) for many days, having the right camping gear when you’re camping will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
The best camping tents for families are tents that have separate rooms. Since we have two children our tent has three rooms — my wife and I sleep in a room, the kids sleep in a room, and the entrance room is for dressing and storage. We use a combination of foam and inflatable mattresses. We use rectangular sleeping bags that you can zip together for the wife and I, and the kids have their own individual bags. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. We also use poncho liners for the kids to use inside their sleeping bags. We’ve had our tent for over 15 years and average 2-3 camping trips each summer.

We also take a couple of tarps. We use one tarp on the ground under the tent and make it long enough to have about 8 feet in front of the tent door. We take our shoes/boots off outside to keep the inside of the tent as clean as possible. We bring a small folding stool to place outside the tent door to help with putting shoes on. The second tarp is used to cover our kitchen/cooking gear if it rains.
We use two camping stoves – one uses propane (which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and washing) and the other is a 2 burner stove and uses fuel, which does not burn as hot. We use this one for cooking bacon, pancakes, eggs, etc. Bring a couple of frying pans, and camping pots/pans – remember to bring a spatula if you’re going to cook pancakes or eggs.

We always start a fire in the morning(for warmth) and in the evening, for cooking. Bring a collapsible grate to put over the fire if you plan on laying anything on it to cook or heat up. We make pointed sticks by cutting small branches from nearby trees for the polish dogs or bratwurst – so bring a couple of knives. We cut our own wood from the dead branches and logs you find near the campground. We bring an axe and small saw with a folding blade to get the wood the right size to fit in the fire pit.

Here are the basics of camping gear to bring:
Tent with rain fly, tarp, tent stakes, and hammer
Sleeping gear to include mattresses – inflatable or foam, blankets (poncho liners), and pillows
Cooking/kitchen equipment – camping stoves, folding camping table, frying pans, pots to heat water and cook in, paper plates, bowls, and utensils, napkins, paper towels, wash rags, towels, cutlery, large spoons, tongs, can opener, lighters, tin foil, plastic wash basin, scouring pads, disposable wipes, detergent, plastic storage bags, and trash bags. We pack this in see-though plastic tubs with folding lids. We pack most of our non-cooler food in these types of containers, too.

Fire pit necessities – if you plan on scrounging your own wood from the forest floor – axe, folding saw, gloves, newspaper for fire starting, lighter, a folding grate (campfire tripod), and a folding shovel.

Personal hygiene – soap, wash cloths, towels (dark in color), shampoo and shower shoes (if your campground has a shower), toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Safety equipment – flashlights, lantern, spare batteries, cell phone with car charger, map of the area, first aid kit, compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water.

These are some of the items you’ll need to have an enjoyable camping trip. After your first trip, you’ll be able to fine-tune your list. Tent camping takes a lot of prep work, but it is so worth it for the memories you’ll always have.

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What Are The Top Records In Hiking?

Hiking | Posted by admin
Dec 26 2010
hiking

Every hike is an adventure, but some shatter all expectations. Determination and stamina go head to head with gruelling and deadly hikes to excite and inspire the world of hiking. To whet your appetite, here are some our favourite hiking world records.

 

The World’s Longest Hike

There is some contention over this record. Whilst technically the Trans Canada Trail –once completed – will hold this record at 13,670 miles, much of it is roadside walking rather than true hiking. At present the trail offers over 9,320 miles of marked hiking. The longest trail in the USA is the North Country Trail, which runs for 4,600 miles from New York all the way to North Dakota.

 

The World’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trail

The Huashan Trail, Shaanxi Province, China is not for the faint-hearted. The Chinese Government has recently begun installing safer handholds and walkways, but there are still vertical steps, bald mountain faces and narrow wood pathways to cross.

 

The World’s Highest Hike

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the world’s tallest “walkable” mountain, at 20,000 feet above sea level. Although no specialised equipment is needed, this mountain takes around six days to hike and many die from altitude sickness. It is essential to travel in a group to look out for one-another’s safety.

 

The John Muir Trail Speed Record

The John Muir Trail is 223 miles of beautiful Californian hiking, starting in Yosemite and usually taking hikers around twenty days to complete. The record, however, is four days, five hours and 25 minutes and the holder is Michael Popov. He carried all his own hiking equipment and had no assistance at all.

 

The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Speed Record

This is 2,178 of scenic wilderness through the eastern United States, beginning at Springer Mountain in Georgia and heading south all the way to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Beginning to end may take three to five months and the route caters well to hikers. The male record-holder is Andrew Thompson, who travelled south in 47 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes. The female record-holder is Jennifer Pharr Davis at 57 days, 8 hours and 35 minutes. Completing the whole trail within a single season is called thru-hiking.

 

The Best Hiking Trail in the World

Of course this is subjective, but many hikers agree that for sheer breathtaking beauty as well as ease of travel, the Haute Route from France to Switzerland is the best trail in the world. The route begins in Chamonix, is 110 miles long and takes around twelve days to complete, finally ending in Zermatt, Switzerland. There are many rest stops for hikers along the route and little technical expertise is required, allowing hikers to travel through the most scenic vistas the Alps can offer and take the time to appreciate the views without fretting about where to make camp or how much food to pack. Passing from meadows to mirror-still lakes, through sleepy villages and surrounded by majestic peaks, the hike is no easy saunter. But the rewards are utterly incomparable.

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