Hiking


Things to Look into Before Going to Hiking and Camping Trips

Posted on March 12, 2010 at 11:02 am

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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Questions Answered about Hiking Boots

Posted on March 4, 2010 at 6:34 pm

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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Hiking Bare Foot and Misconceptions on Leaving Your Shoes Behind

Posted on February 22, 2010 at 8:41 pm

Many can't imagine hiking barefooted. Why? Possibly because of the many misconceptions people think are real. And perhaps people are not used to the idea of leaving comforts in their home.

For one, many people think that the feet of the hiker must be conditioned for several months before it could be properly put to use for bare foot hiking. Well, experts on this type of hiking practically do not agree. In fact, they suggest that three weeks of constant practice with three times a week preparation would do. After which, the feet of the hiker will be fit for hiking given that the weather is relatively mild.

The conditioning process is needed to strengthen the ligaments of the feet while strengthening the soles should be the least of your problem. In fact, the latter could be done only when the soles are actually put to use. After which, the soles can be expected to thicken quickly enough, only within a few days of bare foot hiking would do, when walked on textured surfaces.

There are various ways to thicken your soles and many prove effective enough as to last for long term use. However there are certain practices a beginner could use which would quickly ensure the strengthening of the sole while guaranteeing that the thickness would be put back to normal once the exercises are stopped. The most recommendable practice though is a continuous conditioning on forest floors. This is not only helpful but also equally pleasurable.

Further, people often think that when you hike barefoot, your feet will be spoiled through bruises, stains and wounds. This of course could be proven when you try to hike barefoot yourself. You will experience that the hike would not stain or soil your feet. Instead, you will have quite pleasant experiences when you touch and examine your bare feet. This, by the way, should be an ordinary practice for bare foot hikers since they will have to track the changes in their own feet.

Calloused feet are also some of the main concerns of conventional hikers which are not exactly a problem for those who practice this type of hiking. Actually, callousness on the feet are products of poorly fitted hiking boots and shoes and the wearing of the feet themselves but not by being bare footed.

Cracks on the feet should be the least of your problem. It is not the result of tension on the soles, rather a result of carelessness. To prevent cracks from occurring, the hiker must always keep the feet moist with lotion and moisturizers.

Another misconception is that bare foot hiking will make the feet fairly insensitive to sensations. This is perhaps due to the assumption that the feet will develop thicker soles and those prevent them from feeling external stimulation. The soles of the feet like that of the palm have touch receptors. Even if the outer skin is thicker than usual, this has not as much effect as antagonists put on thickened soles of the feet. In fact, bare foot hikers admit that while their feet are thickened, they tend to have more sensitivity towards the surfaces they tread.

Another misconception on bare foot hiking is that one needs to continuously do it for the sake of keeping it conditioned. The truth is the thickness of the soles may almost instantly fade but prior to that, the feet were already accustomed to sensing highly textured surfaces. This of course is the ultimate goal. Once this develops, the thickening of the soles will only be secondary. After all, the thickness could always go back to its original form once the conditioning begins.

So you see, even some of the supposedly logical ideas on bare foot hiking could also lead to misconceptions that have no shade of truth at all. The next time you hike, why not try barefoot hiking and see if this form of hiking will suit you better.

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Going for Hiking and Backpacking Trip? Take these Tips with You!

Posted on February 16, 2010 at 2:03 am

1.) Shop for a good quality backpack. A hiker can forget his map, compass, flashlight, and knife but he can never leave without his backpack. Invest on a quality backpack that fits you. "Fit" meaning, when you wear it, you are comfortable with it. Thick shoulder straps and extra padding can increase the level of comfort when carrying the backpack on a long hike so choose one bearing these features. Crucial to the selection of backpack is the size. Choose one that can carry everything you need for most of your future hiking trips.

2.) Take the appropriate gear. Your survival when you are in hiking and backpacking trip depends on the right gear you bring. Pack clothes that are suitable for every possible weather condition in the area. Expect the worst. A sunny day hike can turn into wet, muddy, and slippery one so your clothes should be appropriate for any sudden weather change. Invest on a pair of quality hiking boots. If you are planning for serious hiking and backpacking, a tough, heavy and waterproof pair of hiking boots is a must. If this will be your first time, shop for the right gear and prepare yourself physically.

3.) Plan your trip carefully. The secret to great hiking and backpacking trip is planning. Plan your trip early. If you have to make some reservations, do it months in advance.

4.) Bring a friend. It is not advisable to hike and backpack alone so tell your plan to a friend and bring him with you.

5.) Tell someone about your trip. Another friend, a relative or someone back at camp should be aware of your whereabouts during your hike. Inform him about your route and your expected time of return.

6.) Bring communication device. Bring a cellular phone, a two-way radio or a satellite phone if it's available. This way, you can call for help in case something wrong happens.

7.) Check the weather forecast. Although weatherman is often inaccurate, it pays to listen to them. This way, you know what to expect when you are out there on the woods.

8.) Stay away from wildlife at all times. Even if you are hiking and backpacking on a suburban location, there is a possibility that you encounter wild animals. If you do, keep your distance from them. Back away slowly. Don?t run.

9.) Bring your portable stove. Most parks prohibit hikers and campers from making fire using woods so make sure that you bring your own portable stove to cook your food.

10.) Stay close to your things. There are still crooks even you are out on the woods so make sure you keep an eye on your things all the time. Do not bring any valuable items like wallet and jewelry. Avoid showing off your new gear to anyone.

11.) Bring enough food and water. Energy bars are recommended when you go hiking and backpacking. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Bring other foods at your preference. Bring enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your trip. Stay away from waters from lake, river, and creek. They may look clean and fresh but they can make you ill.

12.) Bring insect repellant lotion, hat, camera, toiletries, raingear, navigational devices (GPS, map, and compass), first-aid kit, binoculars, etc.

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Camelbak Catalyst 28 oz. Waist-Pack

Posted on February 7, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Camelbak Catalyst 28 oz. Waist-Pack


Whether you're on the road, on the trail, or at the gym, the lightweight and super-stable CamelBak® Catalyst hydration belt supplies you with just enough water to keep you at your peak for an hour or more.

Price: 26.25


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