If Hiking Shoes Vs Hiking Boots

whos a winner, Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots leave you much more tired at the end of the day.

Hiking Shoes And Ankle Support

You may have heard arguments for the necessity of ankle support, but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. The problem is weak ankles, not a lack of support. You can solve this by walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).

Some may need boots, but be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in hiking boots. You may also need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. Cut the weight down, though, and you'll be more comfortable anyhow.

Why Running Or Hiking Shoes?

Feet stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots. This means fewer blisters. After switching to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters. I don't mean fewer blisters. I mean haven't had one blister since I switched. Not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.

How To Choose Your Shoes

Try to keep below two pounds per pair, unless you have size 13 feet. If the weights are not shown in a catalog, you'll have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description and photo. Quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers, so look under the insoles (a removable insole is another sign of quality shoes). You can usually find a good pair of running shoes that weighs less than 28 ounces for under $80, or half of that on closeouts.

There's nothing quite as liberating as ditching the heavy pack and heavy boots and hitiing the trail in running shoes. You get to go more miles, and in comfort. You get to run up a hill just to see what's there. I have yet to meet a person who has tried backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned to boots.

Guide For Beginner Hikers

You love to hike, but lately you have noticed that the pockets of your clothing can only hold so much, and it certainly does not make for a very comfortable hiking experience. So, what you need to do is get a hiking backpack that feels good and holds everything that you need it to hold!

So Many Choices

You might be daunted when it comes to shopping for a hiking backpack, because there are indeed many different styles available on the market. Perhaps you want a hiking backpack that does not necessarily look fashionable, but it very practical. Or, perhaps you want a backpack that has both fashion and functionality. Whatever the preference, there are some basic things that all hiking backpacks should have.

First of all, the hiking backpack that you choose should have straps that are easily adjustable. No one body is the same, and as such you will need to adjust the straps accordingly. The straps should not be narrow, but rather wide, and made of a padded material so that your shoulders do not become aggravated.

The next thing that your hiking backpack should have is plenty of pockets. From cell phones to water bottles, you will need places to keep each things separately and safely. There are some backpacks that have a significant amount of pockets - these backpacks will cost more money, especially if the pockets are hidden, so make sure you choose wisely.

It goes without saying that your hiking backpack should be weather resistant. The backpack should be able to withstand blaring heat and a cold rain. Thus, look for backpacks that have a nylon base. If you have had nylon products before, then you will notice that it does an excellent job at repelling water.

A hiking backpack, should, above all things, be comfortable to wear. A backpack might look nice and have all of the space that you need, but it might become cumbersome to carry, especially if you have many things that you prefer to carry and are a serious hiker.

If you want more information on hiking backpacks, all you need to do is go to your local sports supply store, since there should be a variety of hiking backpacks available in the camping section. You can also search the internet, since there are many reputable websites that can be of help. You are sure to find the best hiking backpack for you with the proper research.

Outdoor Activities

So what better way to lose all of that then to head out to the great out doors where you can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and other various fun activities.

Imagine waking up to clean fresh air, bright blue skies and the smell of coffee perking on an open campfire. What better way to start your vacation. Whether you decide to go camping, fishing or hiking it will be an activity enjoyed by the whole family or a group of friends or maybe individuals that prefer to spend some alone time. One of the great things about being outdoors is that you can do any of these things all year long; be it enjoying the cold crisp air of the winter mountains, or hiking on a trail of your choice, or even just taking it easy at your campsite or fishing for your dinner in the warm summer months.

Before you start on your adventure, it would be a good idea to make a checklist of things to bring and do so you don’t forget anything. And don’t forget, your kids will love helping you make that list and you can be sure that they will have some great ideas of their own. Of course, bringing along some one with experience in any of these adventures would b e a great idea.

So next time you find your mind wandering and you are just itching to get going, get up and get busy planning your next outdoor adventure.

First aid For Hikers

Hiking can be one of the most wonderful activities you can pursue; physical activity in beautiful surroundings; exploring new places; breathing in fresh air. Unfortunately it can also be one of best places to experience a myriad of injuries. Because of the nature of the activity – traveling, sometimes solo, in a secluded setting – it is absolutely imperative to carry a first aid kit for hiking.

A first aid kit for hiking includes a number of important things and should be carried with you at all times. Make sure the container is lightweight and easily transportable as you will more than likely carry it with your other supplies in your backpack.

Some inclusions in your first aid kit for hiking should be bandages of all sizes including gauze and tape, alcohol or other antiseptic for cleaning wounds, antibiotic cream, pain relievers, a small pair of scissors, bug repellant, and sanitary wipes.

If you take any medications on a daily basis, be sure to bring them with you just in case. Keep extra medications in your first aid kit for hiking so that you’re always prepared.

First and foremost, in addition to your comprehensive first aid kit for hiking, anyone hiking should always carry a cell phone on them at all times; especially when traveling alone. Alert friends and family about where you’ll be and what time you’ll be back; that way someone will know where to find you if you’ve been gone an excessive amount of time.

A first aid kit for hiking is one of the most important things you can bring with you to ensure an enjoyable, successful hike. Preparedness will save you time, inconvenience, and possibly even your life.

Take the steps necessary to assemble a first aid kit for hiking by visiting some outdoor sporting stores. Many will sell a pre-assembled first aid kit for hiking in a lightweight container easily stored in a backpack. Shopping online will also yield you a number of first aid kits of appropriate size.

Or if you wish to assemble one yourself then just look for the appropriate container and begin purchasing the necessary items specific to you.

Either way, a first aid kit for hiking should be considered part of your hiking equipment. Never leave home without it and you’ll never be caught off guard.