Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘environment’

Whether planning an overnight trip or an extended adventure in to the backcountry, planning for personal safety can ensure full enjoyment of the trip. While hiking and camping in the backcountry can be enjoyed by all ages, adults must take personal safety seriously - even outside the city limits. Being prepared for any challenge or threat is necessary to make sure all come home safely.

Experienced hikers and backcountry experts are quite familiar with the best equipment required to enjoy the trip. However, not many consider the need for personal self defense while in the wilderness. Unfortunately, crime is not limited to metropolitan areas and even though a cell phone might work while away from cities and roads, a 911 response might not be possible in the event of an emerging threat.

Checking equipment lists should therefore include making sure that each camper or hiker has a self defense tool. These tools include self defense sprays, a stun gun or taser or other non-lethal form of self defense. Animal repellants are particularly required for backcountry activity in some areas.

Also referred to as OC, a self defense spray or pepper spray is highly effective as it easily irritates eyes and results in temporary blindness to those on the receiving end of its application. These sprays are non-lethal and generally are organically based - comprised of concentrated cayenne pepper compounds. Usually contained in small canisters, these sprays can be easily carried on hikes and camp trips.

Taser International recently released the latest personal defense device for the general public, the Taser C2. The Taser C2 was specifically designed for the general public to truly feel safe in today’s troubled times. TASER products are giving people the power they need to take control and protect themselves. The TASER C2 utilizes the same technology used in TASER International’s law enforcement models to effectively stun an assailant up to fifteen feet away.

Safety should always be the primary consideration for backcountry travelers. There are many hazards to backpacking and hiking, so it is important not to overlook self defense needs - even in wilderness areas. The ability to remain calm under pressure is important. The availability of an effective self defense tool is essential if an unexpected threat develops.

In 1974, a mass grave was discovered in a Washington state forest. These were found to contain the remains of several missing women from Washington and neighboring states. The notorious Ted Bundy was later identified as the assailant. Bundy appeared harmless enough to his victims and none had effective means of defending themselves.

The reasons people enjoy hiking and backpacking are many and varied. The great exercise, a sense of adventure and a love of nature are just a few. Remember though, that criminal behavior can occur outside one’s city limits and being prepared to deal with an unexpected threat is essential to personal safety.

Author Joe Davidson is a veteran police Author. He operates StunTech Products to provide citizens with the ability and training to ensure their personal safety at home and on the job. Specializing in non-lethal self defense tools, StunTech brings peace of mind to home and workplace environments.

Let’s face it: we’ve all seen the word “Green” so much in recent history that it’s starting to not even sound like a word any more. Some folks may be getting sick of the word, but (if I’m being perfectly honest) I am thrilled to see the momentum of the movement, particularly how corporations are incorporating the philosophy into their work. As far as individual reactions, some people are tired of the movement and will not change. Others are simply waiting for more information before they decide where they stand, one way or the other. But some folks (like me - big surprise) are thrilled to see where this concept has gone and cannot wait to find out what will happen next!

But back to the point: this article is not a political rant, a critique of corporate greed, or a call to any specific action. Rather, this is meant to be a guide for those who want to be more green on their next outdoor vacation!

1. As an outfitter I cannot count the number of times I see friends who hail from the same location or neighborhood arrive in a caravan of vehicles. There are a variety of valid reasons to drive separately, but on more than one occasion carpooling would have been an eco-friendly option. If you have a big group of folks coming rafting, look into busing. Some of the rafting companies can get you great rates with a bus company. For example, last year, for groups of 44 or less, I had a luxury bus line ready to provide round trip transportation from Southern California for as little as $36 per person. This is a great option. You’re traveling with friends, there are DVD players and a bathroom on the bus, and someone else is doing the driving. This is a nice carbon footprint reducing measure.

2. Use propane for your cooking. If you are at all able to use a propane barbeque rather than charcoal, take advantage of this opportunity, as propane burns clean. This may be a tough change, because charred cooking tastes so good. But if the environmental incentive isn’t enough to make you switch, consider this: recent studies have shown that the chemicals coming out of charcoal are not great for your health.

3. We all know that sunblock is a must if you are on the river, or in any form of sun exposure, for that matter. There are debates as to whether or not it is actually good for your skin, but scientists have pretty much affirmed that sunscreen has a damaging effect on the ocean’s coral reefs. Well, our rafting doesn’t happen on the ocean, but we still suggest that you look into organic or all-natural sunblocks that do not contain any of the following: PABA, octinoxate, oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and the preservative butylparaben. And even if you don’t care about reefs, consider this: Over six million gallons of sunblock are washed off of human bodies and into the ocean each YEAR.

4. For those of you who are completely addicted to water sports, you may want to invest in your own life vest. While they cannot be called “life” vests any longer (there is no guarantee that they can save lives, and someone somewhere sued), they are a viable purchase for any river enthusiast. But when you are considering the prospect of buying a Personal Flotation Device (or PFD, for short), it is important to consider the environmental ramifications. Astral uses a completely recyclable foam, which is easier on the earth. And of course, safety is not a concern as their vests have a great reputation!

5. Do you eat organically? We do. When you do decide to go this route, please be aware that food spoils MUCH faster. After we discovered this, we stepped back for a minute to assess what the heck they put in other food that makes it last so long. Organic food generally has to travel far less to get to the grocery store, thus creating a smaller carbon footprint. The products used to grow the food are better for the earth, and the animals are treated more humanely.

6. Here’s an easy one: By virtue of whitewater rafting, you are automatically going on a green trip! River rafting requires manpower, as opposed to an electric or fuel-run engine.

7. Let’s ditch the plastic water bottles, whether we are on vacation or in our own town. Reusable water containers are a much better bet. Hydrating is incredibly important, but those plastic bottles generate a great deal of waste. Glass bottles are my favorite, although the breakage factor can definitely be a problem. If glass is not a viable option, then metal works great as well. If you are interested in being fashionable in your green endeavors, then check out Green is Sexy . com, owned and operated by actress Rachel McAdams, where you can purchase designer glass bottles (known as Love Bottles).

Hopefully these seven tips will give you some new ideas on how to be green, whether you are rafting, traveling to another vacation destination, or simply living your day-to-day life. The struggles between corporations to create greener products are far from over, but ultimately, the efforts of individuals and businesses alike will benefit all of us.

Enjoy your rafting experience!

Nature’s-Classroom, located in the heart of Gold Country on the American River, is a leading provider of environmental education experiences in Northern California. The outdoor environment becomes the classroom, as participants are taken whitewater rafting and learn about the rich ecological and natural history of this iconic region.

Due to climatic changes and harsh weather conditions people have to face many problems. However, in other parts of the world people live and easy life with perfect weather conditions. As seasons come and seasons go we must change our style of living accordingly.

With time and increasing technology the world has been blessed with inventions that have made harsh temperatures bearable for us. For areas where temperatures are high fans and air conditioners can be used to control or lower the temperature. Other than coolers, fridges, freezers all help in making things easier in those areas where temperatures are high. Where temperatures drop low gas or electric heaters can be used to increase the temperature.

Where temperatures are high fans and air conditioners are used to control the temperature, but it is difficult for those who spend time outdoors. In areas where there are low temperatures facilities like heaters and fire can be used, but one must keep warm to protect themselves from any kind of illness. To do that you often have to wear layers of clothing which makes it tough to walk around.

Coleman catalytic heaters are also safer as compared to those heaters with radiant burners as there is no flame. They are cheap, transportable and easily disposable.

Just because your granddaughters or grandsons come visit you when the weather is cold you would not want to miss out on a camping or fishing trip with them. In such cases you can bring these portable heaters to use. However, it is very important that they are used in area where there is ventilation.

Drop by http://www.naturalcuresforconstipation.net for info about herbal cures for constipation.