Archive for the ‘hiking’ Category
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Solitude vs Socializing: Which is Better for Backpacking?
Many people who have gone on backpacking trips have done it to learn more about themselves – they want to get out into the world, into nature; they want to discover who they are by bringing themselves and only themselves into the world with them. But not everyone takes this approach. Some people take a friend or travel in groups, and find that backpacking trips can be just as transformational and life-changing that way. So which way is better, and which way should you approach your backpacking trip? Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Going Solo
Advantages: Going solo is a big investment in your personal growth. By exposing yourself to the world with you and your wits, and nothing else, you literally force yourself to become more independent. You grow up a little. And you learn that you can meet challenges that you didn’t think you were capable of overcoming. Many people go solo simply because it provides this amount of self-discovery.
Disadvantages: Going solo can be great for the above reasons, but it also has its dangers. If you get lost in the wilderness, there’s not much you can do to get back home without a good amount of technology. You can also run into trouble if you find yourself in need of a few friends because someone wants to pick a fight. You’re on your own; sometimes it works for you and sometimes it can work against you.Going with Friends
Advantages: Going with friends can add a buffer against some of the dangers of backpacking, giving you support when you need it and help when no one else would otherwise be there. Bringing friends along on a backpacking trip also has the benefits of giving you a shared experience; it’s one thing to view the stars over your head while a fire burns by yourself. It’s another thing when you and your friends can share that story forever.
Disadvantages: Having a buffer is great. But it can also handicap you. If you’ve never been by yourself before, perhaps that’s exactly what you need. Being on your own can build independence and self-reliance, while bringing your friends would only buffer you against from those kind of personal growth experiences.
What type of backpacking sounds good to you? Ultimately, of course, it’s up to you. But if you know what you want to get out of your backpacking trip – personal discovery or simply some good times – you have a head start and know which way to lean.
Photo Credits: justinjohnsen
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Backpacking: Is it Better to Pack Light or Pack Heavy?
In the world of backpacking and outdoorsmanship – for lack of a better term – there are a few schools of thought. One of the most popular ideas for backpackers is that packing light not only reduces the weight on your back, but makes everything simpler when it’s time to set up a camp. Another school of thought feels that extra weight is worth the extra convenience. And yet another school believes that you should be able to survive with a flint, a knife, and the clothes on your back. Who’s right?
If you want to learn more about yourself as a backpacker, you’re going to have to tackle two different ways of learning: experience and experimentation. You never learn anything unless you actually do it, and in order to do something, you’ve got to take a leap of faith and actually experiment.
For those of you light packers out there, how many times have you actually gone backpacking without your light equipment? Is there better equipment out there that improves the quality of life you have when you’re backpacking?
For the heavy packers, have you tried packing light? What was the experience like? Answering these questions will help you find out exactly what kind of backpacker you are – and what’s more you’ll finally have evidence to support your philosophy.Some people believe that packing light for hiking and backpacking is a great idea. But they don’t think it’s because you should pack light, it’s that you should pack next to nothing at all! Survivalists are people who enter the wilderness, striving to learn how to live by their wits and skills alone (with perhaps a tool or two). Although this skill certainly isn’t easy to learn, it can be easy to maintain with experience.
What kind of backpacker or hiker are you? Are you able to point to an experience in your life where you can definitely say “This is why I know the other way of doing it is wrong”? Have you given another way of doing things an honest try?
If you want to backpack more often, you should learn the many different skills that come with backpacking, not just a specific way of doing things. After all, isn’t the fun of backpacking the novelty of creating new experienced and seeing land you’ve never seen before? Why not blaze a few new trails?
Photo Credits: thechosenrebel
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How to Train for a Long Hiking Trip
So you’re finally ready to do it: heading out to the Grand Canyon in a month or two, you feel excited for all of the views you’re going to see. But are you ready for all of the exercise you’re going to get? If you need to shake off your hiking rust, this article will help whip you back into hiking shape so you can concentrate on the nature – not the nuisance.
There’s No Training Like the Real Thing
You might be putting in extra hours at the office in order to make sure that you can have this extended hiking trip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a few hiking jaunts on your own. If you can, bring your spouse on these hiking trips so that you both receive the benefits. If you venture out alone, make sure you don’t venture far off the beaten path – your goal is simply to re-acquaint yourself with the experience of hiking. If you must have adventure, make sure you bring equipment like a compass and GPS device.
There is no training like the real thing: hiking up and down hills will help you not only build up the leg strength you’ll be requiring, it will help you work out the details of your own trip. What did you forget to bring on this hiking trip that you’ll need on your hiking trip? What was uncomfortable about your hike, and what can you buy out there on the marketplace that will help you feel better?Training Near or At Home
Of course, it’s not always possible to get out there and hike in the woods. How should you exercise and prepare today?
First, take a look at your daily routine. Whether you’re sitting on the couch all day or simply taking a daily walk, you might want to change things up to better reflect what you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’ve been avoiding that big hill on your walk, it’s time to take on the challenge. If your treadmill has an incline feature, be sure to make avid use of it.
Second, make sure you feel okay about leaving indoor civilization for hours at a time, even if your exercise routine keeps you on the treadmill. Ask yourself what you’d need to feel comfortable: plenty of water and snacks, sure. But also remember that on your hiking trip, you’ll want to bring gadgets like binoculars and a digital camera. Most importantly: be cautious and safe, and you should have plenty of fun.
Photo Credits: tricky â„¢
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Essential Gear for the Consummate Backpacker
When you’re a backpacker or a hiker who enjoys long jaunts through undiscovered territory, it goes without saying that you need to pack light. When you’re traveling solo, there’s no additional aid or transportation: just you, your feet, and gravity. Because of this need to stay light, it helps to narrow down the few essential items you’ll want to bring with you on your next backpacking trip.
- A Water Filter – Bringing a water filter, especially as you travel along a lake, river, or stream, will be greatly beneficial. Why? It reduces the excess energy you’ll have to spend preparing to filter water while keeping you adaptable. After oxygen, water is the most essential compound we need to get our bodies going: do you want to be ready when your bottle runs out?
Keep in mind that many water filters are not very heavy. They might take up a little more space than you’d like, but the trade-off is more than worth it.
- Proper shoes/boots – Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, you won’t want to break in a new pair of shoes or boots the moment you decide to go backpacking. Instead, you’ll want some comfortable shoes that have already been broken in, and shoes that you know you can rely on after all of the wear and tear that walking in the wild is bound to bring them. Having your feet well taken care of is also an integral way to keep your spirits up well after you have started your backpacking trip.
- A Swiss Army Knife – We all know about the practicality of a Swiss Army Knife, so why is it so especially important that you bring one along with you while backpacking? Putting the practicality aside, a Swiss Army Knife is tiny, lightweight, and won’t take up the kind of space some of your other tools will. Some people even clip their knives or include them on their keychain. Besides, you never know when it will come in handy.
- The proper “living” equipment – If you’re backpacking out in the wild and plan on spending more than a few nights out under the stars, you’ll need to remain both comfortable and warm. Both are integral to getting a good night’s sleep, which will be even more important when you’re out backpacking throughout the day. Bring a small, lightweight sleeping bag that covers your body and traps heat well, as well as a pan for cooking.
When filling your backpack, keep these essential items in mind so you know what to be prepared for – and how to pack it light.
derekdalton - A Water Filter – Bringing a water filter, especially as you travel along a lake, river, or stream, will be greatly beneficial. Why? It reduces the excess energy you’ll have to spend preparing to filter water while keeping you adaptable. After oxygen, water is the most essential compound we need to get our bodies going: do you want to be ready when your bottle runs out?
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5 Ways to Get Your Feet Ready for a Hiking Trip
If you plan on going on a hiking trip, you’ve probably made some of the preparations: you have an idea of where you’re going and how long you’ll be there. But when it comes to the “crunch time” of really packing up and being totally prepared to head out, many people find that they’ve put off too much until the last minute.
That’s why you’ll want to start getting your feet ready today. With these five tips, you’ll build up both foot muscle and skin strength so that you can enjoy the hiking trip for the fresh air and views without thinking about your feet.
1. Walk barefoot as much as possible going into the trip.
Many of us walk around with socks and sandals, even around the house, and while this makes us more comfortable, it doesn’t exactly put a lot of stress on the feet. Why is this a bad thing? You want to put a little stress on them to get them stronger and work them up to a toughness that you’ll need once you finally hit the outdoors.
2. Trim your nails and check for possible ingrown nails.
Toenails grow slowly, so it’s sometimes tempting to ignore them. But before you go hiking, trimming your nails will help you to avoid jamming them and breaking them. Check for ingrown nails as well – if your toes look clear and are pain-free, chances are you don’t have any. Get your toenails round and short.
3. Exercise with your feet.
Even a little bit of walking every day will help you get your feet used to activity. For the more ambitious, you could try small hikes and jogs, but as long as you’re working out and using those feet muscles, you should be pretty good.
4. Wear comfortable, thick socks.
This can go without saying, but it’s worth the reminder: socks are crucial to keeping your feet comfortable. Test out a few before going and make sure they don’t hole up easily. You might even test them by going outside and using them – just make sure to wash them again!
5. Make sure your shoes are comfortable.
This will depend on your feet type and the type of terrain you plan on tackling, but if you have a pair of shoes or boots that you’ve taken hiking before and don’t put unnecessary strain on your feet, you’re off to a good start. Don’t bring a brand new pair of shoes on your hiking trip, as these sometimes need “breaking in” time and can give your feet blisters.
Photo Credits: David Plotzki
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How to Hike With Your Dog
Have you ever gone out on a hike by your lonesome – or with a friend – feeling guilty at the prospect of leaving Man’s Best Friend home alone?
There’s no reason to feel guilty, particularly as you can even start bringing your dog along with you on your hikes. Doing so will help you bond with your dog, bringing you both into a situation where you feel somewhat dependent on each other to keep going. With your dog with you, you won’t have to exit the house to the pattering of Fido scratching on the wall, hoping to come along.
But before you do bring your dog on a hike, make sure to follow these tips and guidelines:
- Make sure your dog has all the vaccination he/she requires. You might already have this covered, but it bears mentioning because of the unpredictability of introducing a dog back into the elements. If you’re not sure, make sure to call or check with a veterinarian before you bring your dog hiking with you.
- Get your dog in shape. Just like you wouldn’t expect yourself to tackle Mount Everest after many years as a couch potato, you can’t simply expect your dog will be in hiking shape, even if you take daily walks. Introduce your dog to hiking with a small hike to begin with – this will both help them get into shape and familiarize them with the environment you’ll be bringing them in to.
- Bring a leash. This is often required at certain hiking trails, but even if not, you’ll want to make sure you have control over your dog. You never know what kind of critter might come along and steal away your dog’s attention. Even if you have a good verbal command over your dog and leashes aren’t required, bring a leash the first couple of times just to be sure. You can always let go of the leash if the dog wants to go explore.
- Remember that you’re drinking for two. Don’t forget that your dog, just like you, will need to keep hydrated, particularly on hot summer days. This might mean a little extra packing. If your dog pants heavily, it’s a fair sign that he or she is already getting dehydrated and needs some water.
- Consider your dog to be like bring a smaller person along with you. How would you prepare to bring another person along with you? You’d need extra supplies of the same things like food and water, yes, but you’ll also need to be prepared with a first aid kit.
Following these simple guidelines a few times will get you used to the idea of taking your dog with you on your excursions into the woods and the great outdoors. But as with anything, make sure you and your dog are ready before you start embarking on your adventures.
Photo Credit:phxpma -
Hiking Terminology 101
Anyone who has taken up a hobby on more than a semi-regular basis knows that with each hobby or endeavor, there are typically certain words that develop known only to the community devoted to that hobby. Hiking is no different, and if you want to become a truly avid hiker, you’re going to have to speak the language. Don’t worry; this isn’t like learning Spanish. It simply means picking up some basic hiking terms, some of which are listed here.
- Day Packs: Day packs are like smaller versions of backpacks that you’ll use for a common hiking jaunt, packing only what you need for a day’s worth. Backpacks are more suitable for more long-distance hikes and for the different activity of backpacking.
- “From the Skin Out” or FSO Weight: As the title suggests, “from the skin out” refers to everything you’re carrying with you that you weren’t born with. In other words, FSO weight includes everything you’re carrying, from your sunglasses and clothes to your backpack and hiking stick.
- Packweight: Different from “From the skin out” weight, the packweight refers to the actual backpack you’re carrying itself. Don’t include food and water in this weight: simply refer to the actual weight of your backpack.
- Pronation/supination: Both of these refer to the angle at which your foot hits the ground. Pronation refers to rotating your foot inward; supination refers to rotating your foot outward. These are also popular terms with runners, who need to make sure that their form is ideal for the pounding that their feet will take. As you can imagine, this is also important for hikers.
- Guiding stars: Guiding starts are ways that help you find your direction at night; they’re different in the northern and southern hemispheres. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you’ll look for the North Star; if you’re in the southern hemisphere, try to find the Southern Cross.
- Cairn: A formation of rocks or simply a pile of rocks that helps indicate the direction of the trail. Needless to say, keeping on your trail is of vital importance to a hiker that doesn’t want to get lost.
These terms simply work as some “basic” hiking terminology: if you want to learn more, simply remain exposed to the hiking community and you’ll pick up more advanced terms. Don’t be embarrassed to ask another hiker what a term might refer to; after all, we all had to learn them at some point or another.
Photo Credits: Rick McCharles -
The Highest Peaks on Earth
In the strictest sense of the word, a mountain is simply another landform that towers above other land. In some cases, we call these hills or peaks, but when the landform is big enough, we give it a better word: a mountain.
The Earth’s wide variety of climates and terrain includes both the peaks and the valleys, the swamps and the deserts, but mountains appear on every single continent including Antarctica. According to some studies, about 25% of the land on Earth can be described as “mountainous.” So which are the peaks that stand high above all others?
Let’s look at it on a continent-by-continent basis:
- Europe – Mount Elbrus, standing at 18,510 feet in southwestern Russia along the Caucasus mountain range. With two summits, Elbrus is full of lore especially in local areas, with names that range in meaning from “tall” to “eternal.” Standing even higher than the mountains in the Alps, this giant was first ascended in 1874.
- North America – Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, standing at 20,320 feet. McKinley also has meaningful alternate names, as Denali means “the great one.” You can find Mount McKinley in Denali National Park in central Alaska. Mount McKinley was first ascended in 1913.
- Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro, at 19,330 feet. Located near the border of northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro stands out like a sore thumb along the eastern African planes, giving it a stunning view of the surrounding area. Kilimanjaro was first ascended in 1889.
- South America – Aconcagua, at 22,841 feet. Aconcagua, taller than Mount McKinley, is the tallest of all mountains in the Americas, and is located between the Chilean and Argentinian border in the Andes mountains. Its first recorded ascent was in 1897.
- Asia – The famous Mount Everest is the highest peak in Asia and the world at a gargantuan 29,029 feet. It should be noted that the Himalayas boast over 100 mountains taller than Aconcagua, which is taller than any peak in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This gives an idea of how large and tall the mountains of the Himalayas are.
- Mars – I had to throw this bonus “not on Earth” one. Olympus Mons, Latin for “Mount Olympus,” is the tallest known mountain in the Solar System, standing at about three times as tall as Mount Everest, at approximately 88,580 feet.
Now you know which mountains stretch higher above the others, as well as the dominance of the Himalayan mountain range, which is in turn dwarfed by Olympus Mons. While you don’t have to scale any of these today, you might consider taking a trip to one of these amazing sights: just remember to bring plenty of supplies if you decide to head to Mars.
Photo Credit: eamoncurry123 -
The Highest Peaks on Earth (And Beyond)
In the strictest sense of the word, a mountain is simply another landform that towers above other land. In some cases, we call these hills or peaks, but when the landform is big enough, we give it a better word: a mountain.
The Earth’s wide variety of climates and terrain includes both the peaks and the valleys, the swamps and the deserts, but mountains appear on every single continent including Antarctica. According to some studies, about 25% of the land on Earth can be described as “mountainous.” So which are the peaks that stand high above all others?
Let’s look at it on a continent-by-continent basis.
Europe:
Mount Elbrus, standing at 18,510 feet in southwestern Russia along the Caucasus mountain range. With two summits, Elbrus is full of lore especially in local areas, with names that range in meaning from “tall” to “eternal.” Standing even higher than the mountains in the Alps, this giant was first ascended in 1874.
North America:
Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, standing at 20,320 feet. McKinley also has meaningful alternate names, as Denali means “the great one.” You can find Mount McKinley in Denali National Park in central Alaska. Mount McKinley was first ascended in 1913.
Africa:
Mount Kilimanjaro, at 19,330 feet. Located near the border of northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro stands out like a sore thumb along the eastern African planes, giving it a stunning view of the surrounding area. Kilimanjaro was first ascended in 1889.
South America:
Aconcagua, at 22,841 feet. Aconcagua, taller than Mount McKinley, is the tallest of all mountains in the Americas, and is located between the Chilean and Argentinian border in the Andes mountains. Its first recorded ascent was in 1897.
Asia:
The famous Mount Everest is the highest peak in Asia and the world at a gargantuan 29,029 feet. It should be noted that the Himalayas boast over 100 mountains taller than Aconcagua, which is taller than any peak in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This gives an idea of how large and tall the mountains of the Himalayas are.
Mars:
Olympus Mons, Latin for “Mount Olympus,” is the tallest known mountain in the Solar System, standing at about three times as tall as Mount Everest, at approximately 88,580 feet.
Now you know which mountains stretch higher above the others, as well as the dominance of the Himalayan mountain range, which is in turn dwarfed by Olympus Mons. While you don’t have to scale any of these today, you might consider taking a trip to one of these amazing sights: just remember to bring plenty of supplies if you decide to head to Mars.
Photo Credits: Kappa Wayfarer
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Five Reasons to Make Hiking Your Next Hobby
When someone asks you what you like to do in your free time, are you sick of having nothing to say? “Well, I watch a lot of TV” isn’t exactly a great conversation starter. If you’ve been feeling like a couch potato lately and want to spice up your life, guess what? I have a suggestion for you. Take up hiking! Hiking is a great hobby that means exercise, fresh air, and, of course, a little something to talk about. Here are five reasons to make hiking your next hobby.
Reason #1: Regular exercise. It seems like a strange thing – suggesting “exercise” as a reason to go out and, well, exercise, but hiking is a great form of exercise that includes challenge, variety, and great views. Many people dislike exercise because of the monotony it can mean. Hiking isn’t exactly logging miles on the treadmill. Hiking is about going out and experiencing the world and the variety it has to offer. You’ll feel like a million bucks after a good hike.
Reason #2: Having a life. When someone asks you what you did with your weekend, do you always wish you had something more to say than “Well, nothing”? If so, give hiking a try – at least once – and see how much better you feel about your life. As with many things worthwhile, it will take a little bit of discipline to get yourself out there, but once you are, you’ll be glad you did. Sometimes it pays to avoid the easy comforts.Reason #3: Challenge. Why does hiking feel more fulfilling than walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes? Because the treadmill can often be flat, dull, and boring. Hiking is a hobby with challenge. You’ll often be walking on an incline, which means more exercise, and you’ll encounter different terrain and views along the trail.
Reason #4: Pride. Staying at home and lounging around feels good in the moment, but you have to ask yourself at the end of every day if you’re glad about what you did that day. Many times, we look back on the times we’ve had and regret the days we spent seeking comfort rather than enjoying life to its fullest. You’ll feel proud of yourself when you finally get out of the house.
Reason #5: Meeting new people. When you go out hiking, it’s hard to miss other hikers out there – with a shared hobby, you’ll have something to break the ice!
Photo Credits: brewbooks
