Things to Look into Before Going to Hiking and Camping Trips

Posted on March 12, 2010 at 11:02 am in

Know your skill

Hiking is a physically demanding outdoor activity. And when we say physical, we mean moving more muscles than you usually do for a prolonged period of time, which, when the body is not prepared may result to injury. Thus, it is very important that you recognize first what you can and cannot do. Choose a hike that your body can handle. Know how long can you walk and how long can you stay outdoor. Hiking and camping should be a fun experience. Do not spoil it by trying to conquer a terrain you cannot handle.

Tell a friend

Think of this: If you will go to a hiking or camping trip alone, who will take your pictures behind great view? Who will tell you that your hiking shoes are untied? Seriously, hiking or camping alone is unsafe. Ask a friend to come with you - a friend who does not mind to get his hands dirty, who has an experience with difficult terrain, who has some accidents and missteps, and who has been in a bad situation before. Do not attempt to hike and camp. Discuss your plan with a friend and make sure that you both understand it before you go.

Check the weather

We all know the weather forecast is often inaccurate. Nonetheless, you have to listen to what the weatherman says before you even try to pack your bag and head outdoor. Remember that a sunny day could turn into a life threatening storm in an hour. And a clear terrain can be turned into a muddy one on a 10-minute pour.

It may not or may not happen, but you have to anticipate the worst possible situation. Better come out well-prepared and well-protected. Do not forget to bring raingear and appropriate clothing when you go hiking or camping. Always keep in touch with the nature and don?t just go marvel them with your mouth open. Be aware of the changes in the cloud pattern. Be conscious with the air temperature.

Check the terrain

Any hiking and camping park has a detailed topographic map so that, a rookie like you will understand well the terrain before actually going there. Going on a 5-mile trek? Don?t forget to check on the elevation. Both the distance of the hike and elevation of the ground will tell you how difficult the trip is. Learn to read the map with a compass and start planning your hike and where are the good places to take your rest. Using your map, prepare for an emergency plan. Make sure that the map is current. Terrain changes every time so better get an updated one on your hand.

Check on Permits

You may be already aware of the permit requirements issued by wilderness areas and national parks. Some these are free of change while others are very expensive. Make sure that you check on permits of your hiking and camping location.

Tell another friend

Do not forget to tell to another friend back at home where you are going. This is like telling someone about your trip, when you go abroad. Detailed information about your start time, exact route, end time, and times in between should be disclosed to your friend so that if something goes out of the plan, they will know where to find you .

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Sierra Designs Wu Hu 4 Person Tent

Posted on March 9, 2010 at 2:50 pm in

Sierra Designs Wu Hu 4 Person Tent - FREE FOOTPRINT


Our revolutionary tunnel dome pole configuration lets the Wu Hu act a bit like a tunnel (big on the inside, livable as all get out) and a dome, too (freestanding and easy to pitch). Perfect.

Specs:
Trail Weight 12 lbs 9 oz
Fastpack Weight n/a
Packed Weight 14 lbs 6 oz
Packed Size 26" x 7" x 7"
Number of Doors 2
Interior Area 55 sq ft.
Vestibule Area 17 + 17 sq ft.
Peak Height 66"
Floor Material 75D Polyester
Body Material 70D Polyester
Fly Material 68D Polyester
Number of Poles 4
Poles DA 17, 10.25/9.0mm

Price: 263.20


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What You Need for a Camping in the Grand Canyon

Posted on March 9, 2010 at 12:32 pm in

Camping spots can range from the middle of a forest to the middle of a desert. But have you ever wanted to go camping in the Grand Canyon? It is a wonderful idea, but not as simple as one would hope. If you really want to enjoy camping in the Grand Canyon; under the hot sun and the dry air, you need to be prepared for many things.

Located entirely in northern Arizona and being one of the great tourist spots in the world, the Grand Canyon is a very good choice. By camping here you will be spending a little more than usual, but it’s all worth it. Before your trip, take time for proper planning and preparing the correct equipment for the correct camping spot.

Planning and Finding a spot

Planning and finding a spot for camping in the Grand Canyon is the most important step. There are two options available when it comes to making choices; either you can take a developed camp ground that has been specialized for people who want to spend the night there or you can chose an area that is not specifically designated for camping purposes.

For the first option, it’s pretty easy to find a camping spot, because the authorities have already set up everything for you, and you just have to go and enjoy yourself there, just like a normal camping outing by the forest near your house. These spots can be found in both the North rim and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Currently there are two places in the North rim that are offered for camping. They are the North Rim Campground and the Jacob lake Campground. On the other hand, the South rim has four places, which are the Mather Campground, Trailer Village, Desert View Campground and Ten-X Campground. Of the four, the latter two are seasonal and not available all year round.

If you go for the second option, you can experience the Grand Canyon in a better way, but there are many issues that need to be considered including the backcountry permit application. You need to contact the Backcountry Information Center, and they will guide you throughout your camping in the Grand Canyon. It has to be noted that the alternative backwoods users are asked to follow the principle of “leave no trace”

Equipment preparation

If you go for the first choice, you should carry your equipment just like any other camping trip. However, if you choose the second option, make sure you carry more water containers and supply because there is limited water available within this particular part of the canyon. Camping in the Grand Canyon is restricted due to the policy of protecting the canyon. Thus, no kind of weapons and knives are allowed, in fear that users will harm the flora and fauna as well as the landscape around the area.

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Questions Answered about Hiking Boots

Posted on March 4, 2010 at 6:34 pm in

There is one common thing about a good pair of hiking boots: they are expensive. But does it mean you have to avoid buying one and settle for the second-rate shoes? The answer is, "no". A good pair hiking boots is necessary when you want your feet to be fully-protected on any type of terrain you plan to take.

Why buy a pair of tough and heavy hiking boots?

There are lots of reasons why you should buy a pair of good hiking boots.

? Good hiking boots are heavy enough to take you on extended hiking trips. Heavier weight means better protecting against everything you step on during the hike.

? Good hiking boots provide ankle support. Compare hiking boots from your typical everyday shoes. Bend the top of both shoes over side-ways. Your everyday shoes will bend effortlessly while hiking boots remain stiff. Stiffness means protection. There are some hiking boots that bend easily, though. These types are probably not going to provide you the level of protection you need on the trail.

? Good hiking boots have solid bottom so whenever you step on sharp objects, rocks, or stone, you won't feel anything. If you can, there is a possibility that the hiking boots will not be able to give the needed protected throughout the hiking trip. The sole of a good hiking boot does not bend and feels hard when you press your thumb against it. A maximum feet protection is required when you trek any trail. A good pair of hiking shoes is the one you needed.

? Good hiking boots provide waterproof feature or are capable of being waterproofed if applied with special solutions. This feature prevents you from developing blisters when your feet get wet.

? Good boots provide superior protection on the sides with extra padding. Side padding, like soles, protects your feet from rocks, stones, branches, and sharp objects you may step on that can gouge in the side of your boot.

What brand of hiking boots to buy?

The reason why there are many brands and types of hiking boots is because there is no perfect hiking boot. So you should not ask, "What brand of hiking boots should I buy?" What you should buy is the one that fits your foot, regardless of the brand.

If it does not fit you, don?t buy it. One brand may work for your friend but it does not necessarily work for you. Why? There are different types of hiking boots construction. This is called "lasts". Simplified: People have different set of feet. Some are narrow while some are wide. Some are thick on the toe while some are thick on the heel. So buy a pair of hiking shoes that will fit the shape of your feet comfortably.

How should I know if the boot is a perfect fit?

Test the feel of the boot by wearing it without a sock. Try to feel any narrow or loose part of the boots that you are not comfortable with. Feel if the boot is too light. Now, test the boot with your sock on. A perfect fit should be the one without any tight or loose area in the foot. A good boot is heavy.

Walk around with the boots on. It has to feel good from the tip of your toe to the back of your heels. If it does not, try another one.

Test the sole of the boot for toughness. As was mentioned, a good pair of hiking boots has solid bottom.

Important tips:

Break your new hiking shoes in before wearing them on the trail.

Wear moleskin to minimize the possibility of developing blisters.

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Relax in a Camping Hammock

Posted on March 4, 2010 at 2:50 am in

There is simply nothing more soothing to the mind, body, and soul than an afternoon spent swinging and relaxing away on a camping hammock. Many people that regularly enjoy a camping hammock, even just for an hour or two, often report leading less stressful and well-adjusted lives and are able to enjoy themselves much more due to the incredible stress reduction powers of the hammock itself.

Almost considered a magical device, the camping hammock can massively increase the quality of your life due to its powerful relaxation capabilities. Whether you enjoy swinging lightly back and forth in the breeze or simply relaxing while completely still, a hammock can be just the thing for you. Enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard or take your camping hammock with you on trips and string it up between the trees in a beautiful grove for the ultimate experience.

Unlock the Benefits of Relaxation

There are people that utilize a hammock with such great frequency that they become a sort of urban legend in the hammock world. These people are often known for their great relaxation and their tremendous ability to be well-adjusted to the world and capable of handling all of life’s stresses with the right decorum and moderation. When speaking to one of these camping hammock “gurus”, I became enlightened to the world of the hammock and thought that I would impart some of that knowledge on to you.

The number one factor in finding a good hammock is comfort. The object in “hammocking” is relaxation, so having an uncomfortable hammock is obviously going to be the antitheses to the goal that a hammock user should have in mind. Most hammock gurus recommend finding a high quality material hammock that has a great weight holding capability so as to maximize your comfort and safety.

There are several brand names of hammock that many hammock experts swear by. They highly recommend looking for hammock suppliers such as “Hennessy”,

“Clark Jungle”, “Speer”, and “Lawson” hammocks because of their great reputation for comfort and style. Safety is a concern as well, so ensure that you have discovered a brand name you can trust for a camping hammock that will not simply overturn in a wind or lack the ability to properly latch on to the supports.

In the end, the most important thing is the comfort factor. If you are not comfortable in your camping hammock, there is no point in furthering your hammock adventure and attempting to become one of the select few that consider themselves “hammock gurus”.

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