Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘health’

Are you currently looking for a way to start losing some weight and to get healthy? Well if you are not one for the gym because you are an outdoorsy type of person, then you might want to try out hiking for a change. But before you can actually get started, you need to get all the right tools, gear and equipment first.

All these are very important in ensuring that you will be able to make the most out of your time in the wild. Yes, even wearing the right clothes is important as you surely won’t want to

Why? Well how will you be able to enjoy your big adventure in the wild if you are forever getting stuck in the mud because you wore the wrong kind of shoes or you find yourself not being able to walk around comfortably because you brought the wrong kind of clothes? You need to be very particular about these as well to ensure that you will be able to make the most out of your trip.

You need to be able to get yourself a nice-fitting pair of hiking shoes so that you won’t have any trouble in trekking in the woods and roughing it out in such kind of terrain.

That said, shopping for a nice pair of hiking shoes should be on top of your priority list while you are preparing for your big adventure in the wild.

However while there are various kinds of hiking shoes available, there is actually a shortage of fashionable hiking shoes in the market. Because as far as styles go, there isn’t really much to choose from however given that when it comes to this kind of shoes it’s always function that comes first and the designs are very simple, it’s still very easy to match these with any existing items in your wardrobe.

Shopping for hiking shoes shouldn’t be such an ordeal. Just have your priorities straight and be very practical when you are out shopping. Instead of focusing on what’s in or what’s new in the market, do focus more on the quality of the item and how well you will be able to make use of it in the future.

Always remember that what’s important here is that you get yourself a pair of hiking shoes that will last and not just something that is ?in? this season.

Are you currently looking for a way to start losing some weight and to get healthy? Well if you are not one for the gym because you are an outdoorsy type of person, then you might want to try out hiking for a change. But before you can actually get started, you need to get all the right tools, gear and equipment first.

All these are very important in ensuring that you will be able to make the most out of your time in the wild. Yes, even wearing the right clothes is important as you surely won’t want to

So where should you start? Well a comfy t-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts should already do the trick when it comes to finding the proper attire for your camping trip however, it’s the footwear the you need to be most careful with.

Aside from packing the right clothes, you also need to have a good pair of hiking shoes so that it would be much easier for you to roam around in the wild and rough it out. Given the harsh terrain that can be found in such conditions, you need something that will be able to really carry you through your journey.

Loads of sports shops or those that offer camping supplies actually carries various types and brands of hiking shoes so you need not worry about not finding one that will suit your liking. However, do be aware that such kind of shoes is not cheap, as these are made from special materials that are ensured to withstand any rough terrain. So you need to have a decent budget for this so that you won’t end up merely settling for a pair that you do not like so much.

But where will you be able to find such shoes? Loads of camping and sports shoes actually carry this particular type of shoes. While these do not really come cheap, a good pair of hiking shoes will certainly last you good, long while. If you are currently on a tight budget, don’t rush into buying a pair of shoes that you might just end regretting of buying in the end.

When you’re already shopping for shoes always consider the quality of the shoes above all else. Aside from the style, some people actually tend to focus more on the brand of the shoes rather than on its fit and how durable it will prove to be once you’ve set out into the wild.

Again, the most important thing about shopping for hiking shoes is that you are able to find a good pair that won’t just conk out on you in the middle of your hike.

One of the most important things you can do is take good care of your feet. Everyone has different feet. Finding the right fit can be challenging and taking the time to make the best decision will insure a great experience.

What type of footwear to look for depends on what type of outings you have in mind. Dayhiking is doing shorter hikes on less challenging trails. Like a few miles at your local park and a good pair of trail shoes are all you need. If you intend to do an overnight or multi-day hike where you will be carrying more weight, a pair of backpacking boots will best suit your needs.

Viewing the selection at a local outfitters can seem a little intimidating. Making the best choice is based on understanding five components in all shoes and boots and the proper support each part must have.

The tread on the bottom of the shoe is called the outsole. The best outsoles provide traction in all kinds of conditions. Look for tread designs that are staggered and avoid those that are uniform. Staggered treads provide better traction while readily releasing dirt, mud and debris.

The midsole is a layer of material above the outsole. You can only see the outside edges of it. The purpose of the midsole is to disperse kinetic energy shock. Every time the force of your foot hits the ground, an equal and opposite shock rebounds back up through your anatomy. Without a sufficient midsole, your tendons, ligaments and cartilage would be responsible to radiate and disperse most of that kinetic energy. Without a sufficient midsole, your body tires easily, your joints become sore and your muscles sometimes ache.

So, how can you tell if a shoe has a supportive midsole? Hold the back end of the shoe firmly in one hand, while applying pressure to the front of the shoe with the other. As the front starts to bend upward, you will feel resistance. The shoe or boot with more resistance will have better support. Although they may not be as flexible, they should still have flexibility. Otherwise, you may not feel rocks and other hazards beneath you.

The insole, commonly referred to as the footbed is a thin piece of closed cell foam fitting the shape of the shoe providing cushioning and support to the anatomical curvature of the bottom of your foot. If you remove a footbed and you can twist it out of shape easily, it does not have sufficient support. Manufacturers tend to include footbeds that aren’t really supportive. Over time, the original footbed will compress and you will loose cushioning. Try a replacement footbed with real support. I love Superfeet. Significantly reducing stress, a good footbed provides support for your feet and your body.

The body of the boot or shoe is called the upper. Some are leather, some are made of synthetic materials and some are a combination of both. While it takes longer for full grain leather boots to break in, synthetics conform to the shape of your feet quicker. Shoes that employ breathable mesh panels are cooler in warmer conditions. The upper also contains the laces and the tongue.

The height of a shoe or boot provides no ankle support, only abrasion resistance and protection from rain, snow, mud etc. Ankle support is provided by something called the heel counter. The heel counter is a rectangular piece of material between layers of the upper at the back of the shoe just above the outsole, wrapping around the heel area.

Drawing a line straight down the back center of a shoe would cut the heel counter in half. Compressing the shoe between your palms with that line in the center gives you an idea of how much ankle support there is. With less ankle support, a shoe would fold flat along that line near the bottom above the outsole. Shoes that have great ankle support will not.

So, there you have it. Outsole, Midsole, Footbed, Upper and Heel Counter. Other than these attributes, you know when a shoe feels right. It either does or it doesn’t and the only way to know, is to try them on. Go try on some shoes and improve the quality of your outdoor experience!

These are the most important items in your pack. Applicable to both dayhikes and backpacking trips, these will improve your safety, comfort and quality of your outdoor adventure.

One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you’re in trouble.

Purchase a map reading compass and learn how to use it. Once you’ve learned how to orient the park map and the compass, you will know what direction you are facing, how to easily correct your course and get back on track.

Two, one liter bottles of water so that you stay hydrated. This is your minimum required intake per day, but since hiking is physically demanding you will drink more, especially in warmer climates. You can survive for a month without food, but only two or three days without water. You should have some sort of water treatment with you. I carry Aqua-Mira, which is a liquid purifying agent.

Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.

Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.

Pack some sort of light source like a headlamp or flashlight. If you are forced to make camp or hike out in the dark, you will be able to see trail debris an obstacles that could cause danger.

A good personal first aid kit is a must. If you like, you can make one yourself but be sure to include moleskin, triangular bandages and specifics for the outdoors. Don’t forget any personal medications. Take a basic wilderness first aid course to help you understand common outdoor injury and illness.

Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!

A folding camp knife will serve many a purpose. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. I’ve seen knives that don’t lock take off finger tips.

Don’t forget the sunblock. Bring some sunglasses as well and you may want a cap with a visor or brim for extra UV protection. Your skin and eyes will be much happier.

When you walk the Anglesey coastal path, you have before you up to 125 miles of exciting and varied scenery, from tidal estuaries to quiet, calm coves, small seaside villages to warm sandy beaches and rocky offshore islets. The coastal path scheme receives financial support from the Welsh Assembly and European sources and provides an excellent way for visitors to enjoy the coastline. You are best planning ahead which sections you want to cover and remember that the coastal path lies in one of only five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Wales.

Leave St Cybi’s Church within the old Roman fort in Holyhead, once a small fishing village but now a major ferry port linking Ireland to Britain, and head for the Rocky coast, country park and old quarry. As you climb the path up the side of Holyhead Mountain, heading for North Stack, look back from the rugged clifftops and admire the panoramic view of Holyhead Bay, with the tidal Skerries and Carmel head sweeping down to Valley and the breakwater in the foreground. Continue to South Stack cliffs and lighthouse, see the marine birds and turn for the headland which takes you to Trearddur Bay and Rhoscolyn.

Leaving Four Mile Bridge southwards follow the Coastal Path almost parallel with the river as it flows strongly out of the inland sea to Cymyran estuary, passing sand banks where keen observers may notice various marine birds, while nearby is the edge of Anglesey Airport. Turning the corner at Cymyran brings you onto the first of many sandy beaches around Rhosneigr, exposed to the open sea and popular with surfers and sailors. Beyond the sandy stretches are a Neolithic burial chamber and a church in the sea at Porth Cwyfan.

On the south corner of Anglesey is the impressive Newborough Forest, planted in the 1950’s to hold the sand dunes together and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and beyond these woodlands is Llanddwyn beach where Demi Moore filmed scenes from the movie Half Light. At Aberffraw in the west, walk the estuary to the coast and enjoy fine mountain scenes from the long sandy beach with high dunes and marram grass. Between these two points is a pleasant walk through peaceful meadows and woodlands, where you can see St Cadwaladr’s Church and Malltraeth which inspired wildlife artist Tunnicliffe.

The Royal town of Beaumaris hosts the last Welsh castle built by Edward 1st, which is now a World Heritage Site. From here your aim is to reach Penmon Point at the eastern tip of Anglesey, and the coastal path walk takes you north eastwards along both narrow country lanes and the shoreline made up of small gravelly beaches. You will see the impressive former Augustinian Priory and Dovecote at Penmon before reaching the tidal coast with Trwyn Du lighthouse and Puffin Island nearby. Walking inland past Dinmor quarry you climb up to Arthur’s Table, which offers great coastal views, and then you descend to beautiful and vast Red Wharf Bay, passing woodlands on your right.

North east Anglesey, from the small coastal village of Moelfre to Dulas, offers a combination of small sandy coves on low lying land such as Lligwy and Ora beaches, with a relatively undeveloped rocky coastline then from Dulas up to Point Lynas headland. Here an old lighthouse still stands and a pilot station was set up to help ships bound for Liverpool. North of Moelfre is famed for the sinking of the Royal Charter in 1859, as well as many heroic rescues by local life boatmen, and as you walk along the Anglesey coastal path you will see the memorial. There are some small coves, such as Porth Eilian, between Point Lynas and in the west Amlwch port, the ancient copper town.

The above reflections are just a glimpse of what you could experience if you decide to come to Anglesey and walk some of the coastal path. One idea which is popular among keen walkers is to go in a group using more than one car, so that you can complete one section and then return to pick up your car. From what many people have said, if you plan which sections you want to walk, then your first Anglesey Coastal Path experience is unlikely to be your last.

Hiking footwear is probably the most important apparel that a hiker will need. Without the proper footwear, a person might be exposed to the risk of injury and getting tired faster.

First is to buy their shoes at the right time. While some do it in weekend mornings to have more time to choose from store to store, experts says that the best time to buy hiking shoes is when the feet are tired. Human feet expand when tired, and buying shoes after a tiring day will allow hikers to feel how comfortable the shoe will be when their feet swell while hiking.

Next is the shoe type. Trail running and climbing shoes can be ideal for occasional hikers. Trail running shoes were designed for off-road terrain while maintaining ventilation and comfort, and climbing shoes offers outstanding grip.

Hikers should also have a comfortable insole. Various types can be found in the market, and among them are gel-filled insoles. They were designed to provide better cushioning around the foot and heel, and offer greater shock absorption.

Hiking shoes lacing technique should not be overshadowed by other factors. Lacing affects comfort and pressure on the feet. One lacing technique for shoes with odd number of eyelet pairs is the straight bar lacing.

Hike lacing distributes pressure evenly on the entire shoe, and keeps the tie in one side. To have a hike lacing, shoelace should be run straight from the inside of the bottom eyelets so that the ends will be on the outside. One end is to be run outside to the next higher hole, and insert on its pair across the other side. The other end will be vertically run on the outside to the next unoccupied eyelet, and run across its pair on the other side. Both ends will continue the process, until the ends reach the topmost eyelet and are on the same side. This lacing is suitable for even-numbered eyelet pairs, but workarounds can be done for odd number of pairs.

Since the lacing was done in an inside-out manner, this technique can be messy to look at. As a variation, hikers can start on the outside of the eyelet, so that the vertical run of the lace is hidden inside the shoe. Other techniques can be done but as a rule of thumb, lacing should distribute pressure and keep the shoe firm.

Finally, hiking shoes lock lacing should be done. Locks are encouraged by stores to prevent slips and twisting caused by stress. Basic lace lock technique is the low lock. To do this, the shoe will be laced until the third pair of eyelets from the top. Both ends will be run diagonally to the topmost hole so that their tips are on the outside. Then, they will be vertically run on the lower hole, and will be crossed over so that they will be tucked on the vertical run of the other side. Lock lacing tightens the lace and prevents minor slips, but harder to loosen. If the user frequently encounters heel slippage, chances are their shoes are not suitable for hiking.

Given the many outdoor-related television shows and You Tube videos available it becomes clear how important outdoor survival skills are to surviving the wilderness. Because there is so much to consider, what are the 5 most important survival skills to know and apply?

While all these presentations help, it is still the time you take to answer the following 5 questions that can make or break your level of preparation and prevention for your next adventure.

Therefore, can you answer yes to each of these questions? And is your answer a resounding yes! More important, can you prove you know and can apply the answers.

Remember it is one thing to learn about wilderness and outdoor survival skills; it is yet another to be conversant and practiced in the skills.

1) Can you build a 60 minute or less shelter to minimize effort and converse energy “for the seasonal activity?” Link the equipment you are carrying with you with the available resources around you. Be attentive to the balance between shelter construction versus effort.

2) What does it mean to stay found if assistance is needed along the trip? Everyday, stories are heard and read where lost people kept moving and became ill/injured. Unless where you are is dangerous, stay in one place, stay found! Think through ways to alert rescuers from this base of operations. That is of course “your friends or family have set in motion your rescue if you do not report in according to plan.

3) Of the available signalling devices, which ones will work best along the trip? While the whistle is a great start, it is not helpful in signally an aircraft. Also, not all rescues happen on sunny days and some rescuers can arrive at night. Of the devices you carry with you, make sure you are practiced in their use.

4) Can you start a fire in less than 30 minutes for the weather conditions you’ll encounter along your trip? Watching others play in starting a fire can be amusing. When within reach is everything they need, and yet they are unaware of the resources. And it is amazing how many neat and nifty fire starting devices are available in your home to carry with you like cotton balls, lint and petroleum jelly.

5) What water collection techniques make sense for the trip you are taking? There are many ways to gather water. Scan your survival books and prowl the Internet to find examples appropriate to your upcoming trip. Water is an essential element of a successful trip. Therefore, you need to replenish it to stay alert to what is happening in you and around you.

In answering these questions, if you wavered in any way, and you are about to leave on your next adventure get yourself to the next available wilderness survival workshop and practice and learn, and learn and practice.

Prevention is Queen; Preparation is King

The use of hiking shoes is strictly required and implemented in activities such as mountain climbing, hiking and other similar tasks. This is because hiking shoes gives the users the capacity to have the traction and stability in dealing with the very dangerous terrain. Lack of this equipment has caused many accidents and unwanted mishaps.

Hiking shoes have evolved from its simple designs instituted decades ago to very advanced and highly functional tools for climbing and other terrain related activities. The producers and manufacturers of hiking shoes have invested a large amount of resources in developing the correct technology to further improve and develop their products.

The hiking shoes today have found many new features absent from its previous versions. One of which is the use of traction spikes which allow climbers and hikers to have better stability in relation to the ground. The spikes found in the latest hiking shoes are unique compared to other shoes. This is because the spikes are placed strategically at the active parts of the foot which permits better movement.

The latest hiking shoes are created to be a perfect fit to the foot of the hiker and climber. One feature which allowed the shoe to be a better fit to the user is through the use of the sole adapting foam which easily adjusts its form to the wearer’s foot. This creates maximum comfort and functionality.

Another important feature integrated into hiking shoes is the use of a protective cloth placed towards the lower part of the legs. This comes in the form of sleeves which can be pulled up and protect the wearer from unwanted scratches and contact with pointed plants and other obstacles.

The hiking shoes are exposed to a very hazardous environment which includes obstacles from nature such as soil and plants. The shoe is constructed using thick and sturdy leather which is placed strategically in the tip which receives the greatest amount of stress. This would help in times where the wearer needs to force something away by kicking it including rocks, plants or twigs.

The shoes are made with top quality materials considering the fact that the wearer requires the best to ensure his safety. Rubber is now used to give flexibility for the user. This is critical during times that the hiker steps over irregularly shaped rocks or stones since lesser materials would break or rupture.

Hiking shoes is a necessity and requirement for people exposed in the environment and hazardous places. It requires the wearer to be able to undergo the different hazards in the environment while enjoying the task.

The use of hiking shoes is strictly required and implemented in activities such as mountain climbing, hiking and other similar tasks. This is because hiking shoes gives the users the capacity to have the traction and stability in dealing with the very dangerous terrain. Lack of this equipment has caused many accidents and unwanted mishaps.

Hiking shoes are very important accessories. Basically, it is used by hikers and climbers in very treacherous and dangerous terrain conditions. Hiking shoes should be of high quality, durability and performance to assure the safety of the user. That is why the shoe has been outfitted with the ideal set of material which is a combination of leather and rubber. The rubber portion of the shoe allows easy movement while the leather part offers up considerable protection.

One of the main technological breakthroughs found in the latest hiking shoes is the spike attachments radiating from the sole of the shoe. Although this has been used in shoes for decades, the latest hiking shoes have allowed the spikes to have the correct placement to have better traction and stability.

Hiking shoes also have another special modification which is established through the extreme perceptive shape. This is made possible through the self adjusting foam surrounding the foot of the user. The foam adjusts itself based on the foot of the wearer. Thus, the tension is minimized which increases its flexibility and comfort.

The use of protective sleeves has also been added to the latest hiking shoes. Since the hikers are venturing on rough and dangerous terrain, the leg area is exposed to hazards in the form of spike and pointed stems. This could easily penetrate the skin and create bleeding. The sleeves help prevent this injury from happening since it can be extended upwards considerably.

Hiking shoes are frequently used to kick and remove any unwanted elemental objects such as soil and dirt which serves as obstacles to the hiker. That is why hiking shoes are also designed to be thick and strong at the tip which can be used to force away any obstacles in front of the wearer without damaging the shoe.

Everybody in the field of outdoors activities knows that hiking shoes are essential to the hiker and climber since it keeps them safe and secure. That is why millions of dollars have been spent to develop the most advanced and reliable technology when it comes to shoes manufacturing.

Hiking shoes is a necessity and requirement for people exposed in the environment and hazardous places. It requires the wearer to be able to undergo the different hazards in the environment while enjoying the task.

If there is one thing to consider when buying your next sleeping bag, I say its all about temperature. Get the right range! If the forecast says its going to be warm during the day and then cool off overnight, find out how cold cool off really is, then buy the sleeping bag that is good to 20 degrees below that!

A couple of years ago, I was preparing for a 2 day boat trip to the 1000 Islands. After shopping around all Summer, my husband and I found a boat in late October which suited our needs. We decided to drive the boat back home down river rather than trailer it to save some money, but the boat had no heater.

So, how to keep warm? I did not feel like bringing sheets and blankets, so warm sleeping bags seemed logical. Knowing it might get chilly at night, I checked a few weather sites and determined 45ish would be the low. So, on-line I went to find SO much information and so many decisions to make, it all became a blur.

So, I picked a pretty blue one from Mountain Hardwear called Sunrise for just under $200.00 that was good to 50F. I didn’t really consider my options at that time, but now I wish I had noticed, similar sleeping bags in the same price range and slightly more expensive were available that were good right down to 5 and even to -40F.

Needless to say, that night was c o l d !! We picked up the boat on a balmy 65 morning, and drove all day, ending up in the 1000 Islands near Brockville, Ontario that night. We should have picked up a clue that it was going to be cold when we found that all the docks were removed from the islands, but we just scoffed at the scared, cold-fearing tourists and enjoyed a late dinner all alone on an island.

We enjoyed a warm meal on the boat followed by a nice walk on the island with our golden retriever, then went to sleep early knowing we had another long day ahead of us. Some time during the night, I heard our dog barking so I got up to investigate. The cabin was freezing! It literally felt like there was ice on the floor.

Unfortunately for me, the bed was too small for 3, so I couldn’t even enjoy the warmth of my dog next to me. I quickly dove back into my sleeping bag, but it was too late. My feet were already numb and they didn’t seem to warm up all night.

We found out the next day that the temperature dropped to around 25 overnight. First order of business that day, buy a portable heater! And my advice to all sleeping bag buyers: buy a sleeping bag that’s good to 20 degrees lower than you think you’ll need - you’ll be happy you did!