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What to Pack for Your First Hike

admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Do you usually spend your weekends working in the yard or watching endless hours of Satellite TV? It’s time to break up the monotony with a short hikedon’t be intimidated! You don’t need much for a hike as short as 3-4 hourshere’s our essential packing list.
Band-Aids: You won’t think you’ll need them until you get to the top and realize you’ve got to go alllll the way back down with your blisters. BandAids help like you wouldn’t believe and they are great for preventative measures, too.
Provisions: No need to pack a whole picnic, a couple of protein bars or some granola and two canteens of water will do. If you’re going to short yourself on anything make it food, not agua just in case you get turned around and the hike turns into a long one.
A Cell Phone: It may not work all the way up but if trouble does come up (you’re lost, you break an ankle) you’ll eventually find a signal. Cells can get you out of potentially dangerous situations but be sure to note the rangers’ office number.

Tips For Hiking During Colder Weather

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Hiking is a fun activity to partake in all year, but there are some challenges associated with cold weather hiking. Below are a few tips to make your chilly hike a better experience.

First of all, dress appropriately for your hike. Look at the weather forecast and plan for any foul weather which is predicted. Layering clothing is much better than just wearing one big garment. Heat stays between layers more easily than it does with one bulky coat.

You should also make sure that you are staying off any icy terrain. There may be slippery surfaces on rocks during colder weather. These form as a result of moisture along the uneven surface of many rocks. This moisture can freeze if the temperature gets cold enough, resulting in a major hazard for hikers. Even if you don’t see snow, there can still be a number of icy areas to watch out for.

As with any long hike, you should let someone know where you are going. The importance of this only increases in any type of foul weather. If you fail to return home by a certain time, the person you told your hiking plans to can search for you.

What Are Some Health Benefits Of Hiking

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The health benefits that can result from hiking are impressive and numerous.
Hiking provides an excellent cardiovascular workout which strengthens and tones much of your body, including legs, arms, knees, abdominals, and hips. In addition to toning a variety of muscles, hiking is known to strengthen your heart and lungs which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke, promote HDL (good cholesterol) levels, and lower blood pressure.
Other ways hiking can improve your health include: improving bone strength and density which helps prevent osteoporosis; relieving certain types of back pain and stiffness; lowering your risk for many types of cancer; burning calories to help maintain or achieve a healthy weight; bringing pain relief to some individuals with arthritis; improving quality of sleep.
Hiking also helps build our immune system, resulting in fewer illnesses, such as colds and flus.
When looking at the health benefits of hiking, we should also remember that hiking is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental clarity. Hiking provides us with an excellent opportunity to exercise outdoors; as we breathe in the fresh air, taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of nature, we will also find that hiking is an excellent mood booster.

Important Hiking Tips For First Time Hikers

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Important Hiking Tips For First Time Hikers

Hiking is a wonderful opportunity that many enjoy on a daily basis. Hiking can be a sense of euphoria, as well as a spiritual journey for many. Although hiking may seem to be filled with simplicity, many do not realize that there are specific important hiking tips one must follow in order to become a successful hiker. Hiking can be something that one may not experience unless properly overturned. When becoming a first time hiker, one must be sure that his or her comfort is of utmost importance. Hiking is something that requires the proper equipment. Many hikers that hike for the first time often require a partner. A partner will be there to ensure one’s overall safety. Appropriate shoes are important for one’s feet, while weather substantial clothing is ideal. It is always important to obtain something for food before hiking. This will aide one in case of emergency. One should possess waterproof matches, food, water, reflective mirror and a compass. The sun is 100 times more efficient than a flashlight. This will aide one in ability to signal help in case of emergency. Having appropriate things will ensure a positive hike.

What Medical Supplies Should You Bring

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Hiking is an American pastime that not only is exciting and entertaining, but also requires physical activity that can help with your health. When going on a hiking trip, there is always the possibility of some kind of accident happening. Bringing the correct medical supplies will assure that you will be protected no matter what happens.

Band-aids and antiseptic are the most important supplies to bring. Hiking in rough terrain can lead you to many cuts and scrapes. To avoid infection and further complications, you should rinse them with antiseptic and cover with a band-aid. Putting an antibiotic cream on the cut will also help prevent infection. Be sure to have a large variety of bandage sizes.

A variety of over-the-country medicine is also important to bring. Acetaminophen, Aspirin and an anti-histamine should be included in all medical kits. Also, wrap bandages and knee and ankle braces would be beneficial to bring on a long hiking trip. Hand splints, syringe, gauze, moleskin and tubular bandages should also be included in the kit.

If you are hiking with someone that has severe allergies, an EpiPen is crucially important to bring. The EpiPen will help prevent serious health complications until medical attention is attainable. Bringing a tourniquet and EMT shears is something that you should do while hiking as well. In case of a real medical emergency, the tourniquet will prevent blood loss and the EMT shears will help prevent loss of limbs.

Tweezers, small scissors, feminine hygiene products and rubbing alcohol are all important to bring on a hiking trip as well. Hiking is supposed to be a fun and healthy pastime, but if you are not prepared for accidents that may occur, it could turn into a nightmare. Having all of these medical supplies will ensure that no unwanted medical problems occur.

Best Snacks To Bring When Hiking

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Packing the right equipment and safety essentials is important for your hiking trip, but the snacks bring along are just as important. To take this long trip through the woods, mountains, or wherever you choose to hike, you need plenty of energy and hydration. To stay hydrated on this long adventure, you want to pack bottled water. There-s no sense and passing out mid-hike.

When it comes to bringing food along on your hike, you want to choose the snacks that are healthy for you. It-s hard to imagine hiking after you have eaten cookies, cake, and chocolate.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . Sure you may be full of energy and ready to hike away the moment you eat those types of snacks, but eventually the energy will wear off, and you-ll be sluggish and very exhausted. When you pack you backpack for the hike, throw in some snacks that are high in lean protein and nutrients. Believe it or not, snacks high in carbohydrates are just want you want to look for, as well as snacks with healthy fats. Raisins, energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, beef jerky and olives. Fruit and vegetables are good snacks to have while hiking, especially apples, carrots, celery, and olives. Of course, trail mix is good when walking through the trails. It gives you a great mix of nutritional value with its mix of banana chips, coconuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, dried fruits, granola and other ingredients.

Should You Bring Your Hiking Gear When You Travel

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You’re A Hiker And You Know It – Even When You Travel
If hiking is in your blood, no matter where you travel, there’s a perfect hiking spot to challenge your hiking skills. It may be the Appalachian Trail or the Cathedral Mountains in Hawaii. Packing hiking gear when you travel is a great idea. Those wonderfully supportive hiking boots take on miles of walking in regions punctuated by hills or inclines. When it’s time to explore serious hiking trails, unpack your hiking gear to make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Packing The Necessities For Hiking
Less is more. That’s the thinking hikers prefer when packing their most basic hiking necessities. Take along a pair of comfortable hiking boots, favorite walking stick and waterproof windbreak jacket suitable for sudden showers. A small fanny pack or backpack should include a bottle for water and enough storage for sufficient hiking snacks like trail mix or other high protein foods. Your hiking gear should always include a first aid kit, a flashlight with fresh batteries, map of the hiking area you expect to explore as well as a cell phone and/or GPS system. Keep a few extra batteries stored in your hiking kit.

Best Hiking Trails In The United States

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are a lot of men and women alike all over the world who love to go hiking. Aside from the fact that it is perfect for those who love nature, it is also a good form of exercise to work all parts of the body. In the United States, there are a lot of hiking trails that you should try. I have gathered below a list of the best hiking trails in the United States that you should go to if you are looking for adventure.I was looking for more information and found it here.

1. Ewoldsen trail – This outstanding trail can be found in Big Sur, California. You can go to this trail any time of the year because it is filled with beautiful and picturesque views such as oceans, mountains, and a whole lot more. It is certain that you will enjoy your hike in this trail.

2. Appalachian trail – If you want a scenic view of the Hawk Mountain and Blue Rocks, this is the best trail for you. It is famous among hikers in Pennsylvania and nearby states because there are a lot of rocky and challenging paths in this trail. On the event that you are a beginner though when it comes to hiking, it is best if you bring a guide with you.

Tips To Choosing The Right Hiking Shoes

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For an avid hiker, good, well-made boots are the most essential piece of equipment in your hiking gear collection. Hiking is inherently filled with the activities of walking, running and climbing. As such, hiking places a great deal of stress and strain on your feet. Keeping them protected is essential to your health and ability to enjoy the most rigorous of outdoor activities.

Selecting the proper hiking boots means identifying those which will protect from any and all potential problems. Boots with extra padding will protect your feet from stones, branches and hillside edges which can dig into the side or roof of your foot. Make sure you cannot easily bend or twist the shoe or boot. This can prove the shoe or boot to be flimsy and unable to withstand the stresses of hiking, leading to an unsafe experience.

There are many more considerations to sift through when choosing a proper hiking boot. When in doubt, question everything. Ask your local professional at a sport shop, if necessary. It is always best to check with those more knowledgeable when unsure. The safety of your hike is something that should not be sacrificed for the sake of a cheaper price.