Favourite Tips

Another excellent Edublogs.org weblog

Where You Can Buy Your Hiking Gear and Supplies From

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you interested in going on a hiking trip?  Whether you want your hiking trip to last one day or last as long as one week, you will need to bring along multiple pieces of hiking gear and other hiking supplies.  If this is your first time buying gear and other supplies to take with you on a hiking trip, you may be unsure as to where you can make your purchase or purchases from.

 

Hiking gear is a phrase that is regularly used to describe pieces of equipment or items that are important to hiking.  Hiking gear is regularly known to make hiking easier and safer.  If you are in need of hiking gear, like hiking boots or a hiking stick, you may want to think about visiting one of your local sports stores.  Sports stores are one of the best places to buy hiking gear from.  Depending on the size of your local sports store, your local sports store may have a whole hiking department, which will likely be filled with multiple pieces of hiking gear.

 

In addition to visiting one of your local sports store, you should also be able to purchase hiking gear from one of your local department stores.  Department stores are nice as they often carry a large selection of products.  If you are looking to not only buy hiking gear, but other hiking supplies, like extra clothing or snacks for your trip, you may want to visit one of your local department stores. Department stores are not only known for their convenience, but they are also known for their affordable prices.

 

In addition to traditional department stores and sports stores, you may also want to examine online department stores and online sports stores.  These online retailers often have a large selection of hiking gear for you to buy.  In fact, the selection that you will find online will likely be larger than the selection in your local stores.  Online shopping is nice, as it is convenient.  For example, with online shopping, you can shop for hiking gear at three in the morning, while in your pajamas. 

 

You may also be able to find a large selection of hiking gear, as well as other hiking supplies, like clothes, at specialty hiking stores.  While some of these stores do exist locally, it is often a lot easier to find a specialty hiking stores online.  Specialty hiking stores are a great way to find and buy hiking gear, as specialty hiking stores focus solely on hiking.  Many specialty hiking stores also handpick their merchandise, ensuring that it is really top of the line.

 

Although most hikers prefer to have brand new hiking gear, you may also want to take the time to examine pre-owned hiking gear.  Pre-owned hiking gear is great if this is your first time going hiking and if you are unsure as to whether or not it is something that you would like to do again.  Pre-owned hiking gear is also ideal if you are looking to plan a hiking adventure while on a budget.  If you would like to buy pre-owned hiking gear or at least examine some of the gear available for sale, you may want to check out online auction websites, thrift stores, and yard sales.  Pre-owned hiking gear can sometimes be difficult to come across, but, when you do come across it, you will likely be more than pleased with the money that you can save.

Before you start buying your hiking gear, you may want to make a hiking gear checklist for yourself.  A hiking gear checklist will help to ensure that you bring everything with you on your next hiking trip. When making your hiking gear checklist, you may want to walk yourself through your hiking trip and see what you will need. For instance, when you see yourself eating, what would you like to eat and so forth.

 

As outlined above, you have a number of different options, when it comes to buying hiking gear.  As a reminder, for the largest selection of hiking gear, you may want to think about shopping online.

→ No Comments

What You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Hiking Adventure

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you interested in going on a fun filled hiking adventure?  If you are, you are definitely not alone. In the United States, a large number of individuals enjoy hiking, often whenever they get the chance to do so.

 

Although there is a good chance that you may have gone hiking before, there is also a chance that this hiking adventure may be your first one.  If that is the case, you may be wondering what you should bring along with you.  If you are, you will want to continue reading on, as some common hiking gear pieces and hiking supplies are outlined below for your convenience.

 

Before examining some of the common pieces of hiking gear that you should bring with you on your hiking adventure, as well as other hiking supplies, it is important that you take the length of your adventure into consideration.  If you are planning on camping overnight on a hiking trail or in a hiking park, you will need to have some additional supplies, like a camping tent, sleeping bag, and so forth.  The above mentioned items can serve as a great starting point for you, but you may also want to think about creating your own hiking adventure checklist.

 

When it comes to hiking gear, one of the most important pieces of gear that you will come across are hiking boots or hiking shoes.  Many individuals do not know that they should actually go hiking in boots or shoes that are designed for hiking.  Unfortunately, many individuals set out on a hike in traditional sneakers or even sandals.  Hiking shoes are not only comfortable, as they are designed for hiking trail terrain, but they can also be used as a safety tool. With strong support for your feet and your ankles, hiking shoes and boots can help reduce your risk of injury in the event of a slip or a small fall.

 

A hiking stick is another piece of hiking gear that you may want to think about buying or brining along with you.  Hiking sticks can be purchased from sport stores, but hiking sticks can also be found by scavenging through your backyard.  Hiking sticks are not only nice because they look neat, but they can also help you keep your balance.  Also, in the event that you fall or have a hiking accident, your hiking stick can be used to bang against rocks or something else to help get the attention of rescue workers or passerby’s.

 

As for the clothing that you will want to wear on your next hiking adventure, it will depend where you are going hiking, for how long, and what the weather will be like. You are advised to thoroughly examine the weather forecast before leaving for your hiking trip.  Even if the weather is expected to be nice, you may still want to bring a few warm clothes with you, as you should also be prepared for the unexpected.  An extra change of clothes is also advised.  If you are concerned with space, you may want to think about look into buying some of those space saving bags, which are perfect for hiking.

 

You will also want to make sure that you bring a selection of food, snacks, and drinks with you on your next hiking adventure. As for drinks, you will find that water is the best.  As for the snacks, you will want to make sure that you bring snacks that are easy to eat, like small bags of trail mix, pretzels, or other easy to eat and transport snacks.  If you will be hiking and camping at the same time, you want to make sure that you bring more than just snacks; you will also want to bring real food.  You may want to think about making yourself a few sandwiches, as well as bringing along a few pieces of fruit.

 

Additional items that you will want to bring along with you on your next hiking adventure include a map of the hiking park or hiking trail in question, a compass, a cell phone, and a first aid kit.  Of course, these items, in most cases, are optional, but they are items may make your next hiking adventure enjoyable, as well as safe.

→ No Comments

Adventure in a Colorado Wilderness with Three 12 Year Olds

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

I still can’t believe it.  It’s been 40 or so years since that fateful summer.  My buddies Steve and Larry and I were around 12 years of age when we were dropped off early in the day on a rainy, muddy little trail of a road off  Highway 135 north of Gunnison, Colorado up toward Kebler Pass. 

 

The mission: follow trails up Pass Creek through the West Elk Wilderness Area, cross Swampy and Castle Passes at 11,086 feet, finally coming out on the other side following Little Robinson Creek down arriving at Coal Creek just up from the Paonia Reservior and Anthracite Creek.  

 

I marvel and wonder to this day, what were those boy’s parents thinking?  What would prompt them to turn 3 twelve year olds loose for a journey through the West Elk Wilderness?  We were on the trail way back in the backcountry of Colorado for 3 days and nights, carrying and fixing meals, setting up camps, fishing, chopping wood and worrying about bears and being lost.  I and people I know with children that age now are not sure we would even consider dropping them off on a wilderness trail, seeing them 3 days later in survivable condition at the other end. 

 

Over the years I’ve questioned family and friends and the answer usually comes back – it’s a different world today than it was 40 or 50 years ago.  Kids are different.  At that age, we were outside all the time, leaving the house in the morning and only coming in when we were hungry or it was bedtime.  On our bikes, we explored the entire valley, the river bottom on the North Fork of the Gunnixon, nearby creeks, hills and draws around Paonia, Colorado, day after day.  Our parents seldom had a clear idea where we were.  It was a different world absent fear of kidnappings, only the beginnings of awareness of the dangers of toys, only occasional accounts of kids dying in accidents and so on.  A more naive world perhaps, with less media hype of every single incident.

 

Of course, Steve was a seasoned backpacker (at age 12?), experienced in navigating trails, campsites and so on.  The parents apparently figured we would be fine.  Or they worried themselves sick and just never told us.

 

The three day journey started off on the right foot.  Both feet in fact were soaked as were the pants up to above the knees since the trail led through tall grass drenched by steady rain turning the trail to muck.  A wet slog up Pass Creek headed for Swampy Pass, and the first night’s camp we huddled in tents in the fog and rain in a grassy meadow along the creek. 

 

The second day dawned sunny, warming the scene, drying sleeping bags and tent.  Pants and shoes dried out eventually as we wore them over Swampy Pass and Castle Pass.  The second night’s camp afforded a comforting campfire, and order was restored.  Some order was restored anyway.  During the night an alarming snuffling noise outside the tents awakened us.  Panic ensued.  Racing around in the dark, and restoking the campfire, nothing was found indicating a bear anywhere.  Hoof marks suggested deer might have been grazing through, but imagination sure whips up mighty frights in the dark.

 

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, despite the night’s fright.  The Beckwith Peaks shined to the north, meadows were filled with flowers, and the fishing…., was unbelievable.  Hammering it out for miles back into remote creeks, Colorado fishing provides something of legends.  That 3rd day at the headwaters of Little Robinson Creek, we fished our way downstream.  Almost every cast was a strike.  Our limits were quickly filled on the upper reaches of that pristine stream. 

 

Finding a good campsite along Little Robinson Creek we set up the last nights camp and torched the campfire for dinner.  To our delight we discovered a valuable trait of a seasoned back-pack companion, even at 12 years of age.  He cooked fresh trout in foil over a campfire to perfection.  A memorable taste treat that would stick with us forever. 

 

That night sleep came early and deep, except for constant shifting to find a “softer spot” after two nights on the ground.   Exhaustion from the haul, and the lack of sleep the nights before overrode concerns about bears or other wild critters.  Another sunny morning back in the West Elk Wilderness greeted a refreshed group of guys, with the realization that those nightime anxieties were unfounded paranoias tormenting the mind. 

 

The last leg of the journey involved several miles following Little Robinson Creek working our way out of the wilderness.  The rendezvous point with our parents was where Robinson Creek and Willow Creek turned into Coal Creek at an old abandoned ranch house.  We started the morning trek with enthusiasm – a beautiful day, wonderful view of the Beckwith Mountains to the north of us, sparkling Little Robinson Creek at our side, and a good nights sleep.

 

The delight of that trek through West Elk Wilderness will always have the painful tinge of the final miles of the journey.  Not a major disaster, but the long, hot, dusty trudge down that last leg of the trail.  The weariness, legs in pain, feet bruised and aching, and the seemingly unending trudge stick with me.  The training I continue on into my 50’s is framed in terms of preventing the pain of that last leg of the journey – assuring better gear, quality boots, and the drive to train for such distances. 

 

Now days we would also envision great base-camp accommodations in nearby Gunnison or Crested Butte and found in the Colorado Wilderness Tours site at www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-co.html.  And again I’ve got to wonder what our parents were thinking when setting us loose on that 30 mile trek through the wilderness, I with beat up tennis shoes, and a backpack that was a bag with shoulder straps.  It was a much different world. 

→ No Comments

What To Know When Buying Binoculars

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

We are asked nearly every day:  “What are your best binoculars?”  And every day we answer:  “How do you plan on using them?”  We are not trying to be evasive with our answer, but the truth of the matter is – the best binoculars for one purpose may be the worse binoculars for another.  We want you to Get It Right The First Time.

 

Understanding your application is paramount in determining the best fit – for you.  Although there are many other specifications and qualities which determine the usefulness of binoculars, we will discuss in this article the primary characteristics for determining the best fit for your application.  But before we show you the list, we should go over some basic terminology.

 

What do the numbers on binoculars mean?  All sporting optics (binoculars, spotting scopes, night vision goggles, etc.) use the same nomenclature to describe important features.  As an example, a pair of binoculars may have 10×42mm listed as a technical specification.  But what does this mean?  The “10″ refers to the magnification power of the binoculars – that is – objects viewed will appear to be 10 times closer than when they are viewed by the naked eye.  The second number in our example is “42mm.”  This refers to the diameter, in millimeters, of the objective lenses on the binoculars.  The objective lenses are located on the end of the binoculars furthest away from your eye when viewing.  As with the aperture of a camera lens, the size of objective lens determines the amount of light that can enter your binoculars.  If your binoculars are going to be used during low light (hunting and astronomy are good examples) you had better have large objective lenses.

 

Another important number describing binoculars is called field-of-view.  A field-of-view of 390′ indicates that the width of the sight picture is 390 feet at a distance of 1000 yards.  Field-of-view is determined by magnification and the focal lengths of the objective and eyepiece lenses.  More magnification always means less field-of-view.  This specification is sometimes expressed in degrees.  A field-of-view of 6.5 degrees equates to 341′ (6.5 times 52.5 equals 341).

 

How well your binoculars will serve you in low light conditions is described as Twilight Performance.  Although many things, such as overall design and quality of glass impact this specification, magnification and objective lens diameter are the chief components.  A quick way to determine the Twilight Performance of binoculars is to multiply the magnification power (first number) times the objective lens diameter (second number).  The higher the result, the better the Twilight Performance.  As an example, 10×42mm binoculars will have better Twilight Performance than 8×50mm binoculars (420 versus 400).

 

Now that we understand some basic terminology, here is “What to Know When Buying Binoculars.”

 

* While compact binoculars weigh as little as a pound, by using them you will undoubtedly sacrifice performance.  If performance is your main consideration, full sized binoculars are preferred.  Anything weighing over about 1.5 pounds will get heavy fairly fast.  Use a binocular support system to evenly distribute the weight across your shoulders instead of using a strap around your neck.

 

* The amount of light available while using your binoculars will determine –more than any other consideration – which binoculars are best for you.  Low light uses such as hunting, birding and astronomy require larger objective lenses.

 

* The distance you will be from the object you view will determine the magnification power required in a pair of binoculars.  If your application is bird watching, theater or sporting events, a low powered binocular will suffice in most cases.  But if you’re into astronomy, you’ll need a high powered pair.

 

* The minimum focal point in binocular terminology refers to how near an object can be to you and be still be viewed in focus.  This tends to be important for birding but not so important for most other uses.

 

* Binoculars with a magnification power greater than 10x (and without a stability feature) will be difficult to hold steady.  This becomes important when viewing the night sky or distant mountains.  A tripod may be a good thing to have if you’re using binoculars with high magnification.

 

* Using your binoculars outdoors will usually subject them to moisture.  Waterproof binoculars are preferred for all marine, hunting, birding and other nature related activities.

 

* The greater the magnification, the narrower the field-of-view.  If field-of-view is important to you, don’t purchase the most powerful binoculars you can find.  This becomes very important when viewing objects that move quickly such as antelope, race horses, shooting stars or race cars.

 

* As with almost everything else in life, with binoculars you get what you pay for.  There are binoculars that cost under $10 and others which cost in excess of $2,500.  My experience says you will need to spend at least $250 for a pair of binoculars worth having.

 

* There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to sporting optics.  If you have multiple uses for binoculars, you will most likely end up with multiple pairs of them – and that’s O.K.

 

Your understanding of these few simple tips will not only help you in acquiring the correct binoculars for your application, but they will also help you with successful viewing – no matter what you’re looking at. 

→ No Comments

Consider When Choosing a Hiking Trail

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you interested in going on a hiking adventure?  Whether that hiking adventure will last for a few hours or a whole weekend, you will need to choose a hiking trail. When it comes to choosing a hiking trail, you need to remember that you have a number of different options.  No matter where in the United States you are located, you should have a number of hiking trails located a close distance away from your home. 

 

Since you should have a number of different choices, when looking for a hiking trail to hike, you may be wondering how you can go about finding the “perfect,” hiking trail to hike.  To help you choose the best hiking trail, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration.  A few of those factors are briefly outlined below for you.

 

One of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration is the difficulty of the hiking trail in question. You will find that hiking trails come in a number of different formats, particularly with difficulty levels.  In fact, you may find that multiple parks have numerous hiking trails to choose from.  Instead of choosing a hiking trail based on the beauty of the surroundings, you will want to examine difficulty.  If this is your first time going on a hiking adventure, it may be best if you choose a trial that is designed for beginners or at least those at an intermediate level.

 

In conjunction with the difficultly of a trail, your safety is also something that should be take into consideration.  You will want to make sure that you are on a hiking trial that is well maintained and well cared for. While it can be difficult to assess a hiking trail without visiting it, it is possible to do.  If you know of anyone who has been hiking recently, you may want to ask them which hiking trial they took and their views on their experience, namely the condition of the hiking trail in question. You may also be able to use the internet, namely a standard internet search, to find popular hiking trails being discussed online.

 

Another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when looking for a hiking trail, is security. Is the hiking trial or hiking park in question closely monitored by staff, namely security guards?  In today’s society, you can never be too careful, especially when in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you.  Hiking trails or parks that have security guards are not only ideal in case you run into a problem, like with a stranger with poor intentions, but they are also great in the event of a hiking accident.  Hiking trails or hiking parks with experienced staff members are less likely to have extreme or deadly hiking accidents.

 

As it was previously mentioned, hiking adventures can last for a few hours or be long as a whole weekend. If you are also interested in turning your hiking adventure into a camping one, you will need to find a hiking trial or at least a hiking park that has overnight accommodations. In most cases, you will find that these accommodations include an onsite campground.  If you are only interested in hiking for the day, the overnight accommodations of the hiking trail or hiking park in question may not be a big concern of yours.

           

Price is another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a hiking trail to hike.  In the United States, you will find that most hiking trails or parks are not free to visit.  In all honesty, the fee that you are charged will all depend on the trail or park in question.  Most of the time, you will find that the cost of hiking is affordable, but it is still something that you may want to take into consideration, especially if you are on a budget.

 

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration, when looking for a hiking trail or a hiking part to visit. By keeping the above mentioned factors in mind, you will likely find that your next hiking adventure will be a memorable one.

→ No Comments

Consider When Choosing a Campsite

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you interested in going on a camping adventure?  If you are, have you already decide where you would like to go camping?  If you have yet to choose a campground park to camp at, you may want to think about doing so soon. In the summer months, camping is a popular activity; therefore, you will want to make sure that you are able to get a camping reservation at the campground park of your choice.

 

Another one of the many reasons why you may want to think about making your camping reservations in advance is because many campground parks allow their guests to handpick which camping spots they want.  Of course, not all campground parks allow you to do this, but you will find that a large number of them do.  In terms of getting a good camping spot or a campsite, you will find that the earlier you make your reservations, the more campsites you have to choose from.

 

Speaking of choosing a camping spot, which is also commonly referred to as a campsite, you may be wondering what you should look for in one.  In all honesty, the “perfect,” campsite is likely to vary from person to person.  It actually depends on your wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of those in your camping group. Although there may be some variations of what you are looking for, you may want to take some of the factors mentioned below into consideration, when choosing the perfect campsite.

 

 

One of the first things that you will want to do is review who you are going camping with.  If you are going camping with children, namely small children, you may want to think about making sure that your camping site is a good distance away from any bodies of water or any dangerous hiking trails.  You will also find that many campground parks have onsite playgrounds and such. If you are camping with children, it may be a good idea to try and get a camping spot that is located near a playground or other locations that are designed for children.

 

In addition to the safety of those that you will be camping with, preferences are also something that should be taken into consideration, when choosing a camping spot or a campsite.  If you are a water lover and would regularly like to spend your time boating, fishing or swimming, you may want to think about getting a camping spot that is close to the water. On the other hand, if you would prefer to spend your time hiking, you may want to try and get a camping spot that is located near the campground’s hiking trail, and so forth. 

 

Size is also another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a campsite.  When reviewing campgrounds, you will find that different campground parks have different sizes campsites.  Often times, the larger campsites are designed for those with multiple tents or with motor homes. Before agreeing to rent a particular camping site, you will want to make sure that the site in question is large enough for all of your camping group members.  This is important as not having enough space could put a damper on your next camping adventure.

 

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a camping spot for your next camping adventure.  As a reminder, not all campground parks allow you to choose your owing camping sites, but a large number of them do.

→ No Comments

Consider When Choosing a Campground

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you interested in taking a camping trip? Whether you are interested in going camping alone, with your family, with your romantic partner, or with a group of your friends, you will need to find a campground to camp at. While many individuals just choose to go camping at the nearest campground, you may want to think about not doing the same.  In the United States and probably even close to your home, you should have a number of different campgrounds to choose from.  So, why not just take the time to make sure that you choose the best one for you and your needs.

 

If you are interested in taking the time to find the “perfect,” campground you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so.  In all honesty, it will depend on your own wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of the rest of your camping party.  Although not everyone wants to get the same thing out of their camping trips, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at. 

 

One of the many things that you will want to take into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at, is the cost of doing so. In the United States, you will find that most campgrounds require the payment of an admission fee or a camping fee and occasionally even both. The cost of the admission fee or camping fee will all depend on the campground in question. For instance, many smaller campgrounds charge smaller fees. Also, you will likely find larger fees for campgrounds that have more onsite activities.

 

Speaking of onsite activities, activities are something else that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at.  When it comes to the onsite activities of a campground, you may want to take a look at the scenery.  If a campground has on onsite lake or pond then there is a good chance that swimming, boating, and fishing are activities that you may be able to enjoy. Campgrounds are also often home to hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds for children, and much more.

 

How reservations are taken is another factor that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. For instance, there are some campgrounds in the United States that randomly assign you a camping spot.  On the other hand, there are campgrounds that allow you to handpick your camping spot out of all available locations.  Many campers prefer choosing their own camping spots, as it tends to give them some freedom over their camping trip and how much fun they have.  If you are picky about where you would like to camp, you may want to find a campground that allows you to choose your own camping spot.

 

Although it is nice to know what you should look for in a campground, it is also important that you know how to find them.  If you are interested in camping locally, you may already know of a number of local campgrounds.  If not, you should be able to use your local phone book or ask those that you know for recommendations.  As for campgrounds that are located a ways away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet.  A large number of popular campground parks have online websites and a standard internet search should them you find those websites, which could be used to learn more about the campground in question.

 

As a reminder, you may want to think about taking the time to research a number of different campground parks. It is important that you remember that no two campground parks are the same.  To ensure that your next camping adventure is as memorable as possible, you may want to make sure that your intended destination is perfect for you and the rest of your camping party.

→ No Comments

Consider Before Planning a Hiking Adventure

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a day off that you have or even a whole weekend that you may have free?  If you are, have you ever thought about going on a hiking adventure?  If you are like many other Americans, there is a good chance that the thought has at least crossed your mind before.  Hiking is not only fun and exciting, but, for many, it is also a great way to relax. 

 

If you are interested in going on a hiking adventure, you may want to get started with the planning right away. While it is more than possible to do so, there are a number of important factors that you may first want to take into consideration. These factors, which are outlined below, may help make planning your next hiking adventure easier and they may also make your adventure, when it comes, much more memorable.

 

One of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, before planning a hiking adventure, is your health. Although hiking can be a fun and exciting activity to participate in, it can also be strenuous.  If you are planning on going hiking, it is advised that you go hiking on a trail that is designed for beginners, unless you receive clearance from your physician.  Most individuals are able to go hiking without experiencing any health problems, but you don’t really want to take that chance; do you?

 

Something else that you may want to take into consideration, when planning a hiking adventure for yourself is the length of your hike.  How long would you like to go hiking for?  While a large number of individuals choose to go hiking just for a day, there are many more who take extended hiking trips. What is nice is that many hiking trials and hiking parks in the United States have onsite campgrounds. This means that you could turn your hiking adventure into a camping one as well, if you wanted to do so.

 

Location is another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when looking to plan a hiking adventure. In the United States, you will find that a large number of cities and towns, both large and small in size, have numerous hiking trails to choose from. Before you start planning your next hiking adventure, you may want to examine where you would like to hike.  If you are interested in hiking at a park that is located a ways away from your home, you may need to make additional travel arrangements. 

 

Cost is another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when looking to plan your next hiking adventure. In the United States, you will find that you will be charged a small admission fee to go hiking. While this admission fee is almost always reasonable, it is important to determine whether or not you can afford the cost of it. The length of your hiking adventure and if you plan on camping onsite may play an important role in the cost of your next hiking adventure.

 

The above mentioned points are ones that you will want to think about, when planning your next hiking adventure.  By taking the above mentioned points into consideration you will not only have a good time, but you will make sure that you stay healthy and safe as well.

→ No Comments

What’s In Your Hiking Pack?

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack – even if I have no intention of hiking.  Doing this has become a habit rather than a conscious decision.  My pack goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I drive out of town.  I’ve been a boy scout and a United States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared for almost anything.  My pack is full of items I hope I will never need. 

 

What’s In Your Hiking Pack?  As an outdoor enthusiast, you have complete control over what you carry or what stays in the car – such as a cell phone, do you carry one?  I wouldn’t dare go in the backcountry without all of the items listed below as “Highly Recommend.”  What’s In My Hiking Pack?  Here is my list split into two categories with the weight of each item in ounces:

 

Highly Recommend:  Cell Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9), Flashlight (4), Food – Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3), Map & Compass (4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror (1), Spare Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2), Water, Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24), Whistle (1).  Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not including water.

 

Nice to Have:  Bandana (1), Binoculars (12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4), Emergency Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10), Hand warmers (1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm (1), Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder (8), Road Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet Paper (1), Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2).  Total weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces.

 

The total weight of my hiking pack not counting water, is 10 pounds 14 ounces.  My pack has a shoulder harness system that takes the weight off of my lower back and distributes it evenly across my shoulders and upper back.  I hardly notice my pack when I’m wearing it.  One last point, if you carry something – make sure you know how to use it.

 

We’ve all heard quotes about being prepared, such as “Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur and “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” – Joe Paterno and “Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.” – Euripides.  I suggest carrying a well thought out pack is a good habit and a good outdoor life-skill.  One day it may save a family member, an outdoor companion or even you. 

 

Plan ahead before you venture into our backcountry, even if you plan to be gone only an hour or two.  It makes good sense.  With just this small amount of planning you’ll get the most out of your backcountry experiences. 

→ No Comments

More Exciting Than Adventure Travel

December 15th, 2008 by anto111 in Uncategorized · No Comments

There is not much in the world that is more exciting than adventure travel. When you are taking part in adventure travel you are taking risk, you are getting out there and finally living life to the fullest. When was the last time that you actually did that? Probably a long time ago right? Well there is no time like the present to change things for the better and to experience all that life has to offer.

 

There are all kinds of great vacations that you can take when it comes to adventure travel and not all of them are filled with death defying stunts and danger. Sure, some of them are but if that is not your think then you don’t have to choose them. Everyone has a different comfort level and adventure travel just means taking a trip that is exciting, one that is a little out of your normal travel behavior. You don’t have to go and climb Mount Everest or anything like that to have a good time with adventure travel.

 

Some of the best adventure travel has barely any danger to it whatsoever. Have you ever climbed through the runs of Greece, or hiked in the Amazon, or even gone surfing in Costa Rica? If not these are great ways to get your feet wet with adventure travel. With this kind of adventure travel you will be able to have a great time and not do anything too, too dangerous. Just things that excite you and thrill you to the bone.

 

Can you imagine taking a trip to some exotic locale and then experiencing some of their ways of life. Have you ever heard of Zorbing? It is something that they do in New Zealand, and it is so much fun. All you do is climb into a giant ball, it is like a great big beach ball, just climb in it and they roll you down the hill. There is usually some water in it to cushion any bumps that you might hit along the way down. The water is not dangerous to you and your breathing because it is kept totally separate from you in a different compartment of the ball. This is one of the most fun things that you could ever do when you are gong to adventure travel and it is not even a little bit dangerous.

 

You see adventure travel is something that everyone can enjoy, no matter what they danger tolerance happens to be. If you are sick and tired of the same old same old then you need to find out some more about adventure travel today. Start planning your next trip abroad now, with a little more adventure in mind. It is always fun to try something new and exciting so go for it and have a blast!

→ No Comments