Hiking | Hiking Gear | WES Trek Guides http://www.westrekguides.com Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:23:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Summer Camp: A Childhood Experience http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/11/summer-camp-a-childhood-experience/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/11/summer-camp-a-childhood-experience/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:54:03 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/11/summer-camp-a-childhood-experience/ Summer Camp: A Childhood Experience

Campfires, s’mores, midnight swims, bunk beds, and learning to ride…all these wonderful memories swirl up when anyone speaks of summer camp. Where else besides camp can a young girl master archery, crazy campfire songs, diving off an old pier, and being almost totally self-reliant. Summer camp provides a young girl the opportunity to build irreplaceable memories and life-long friendships.

Summer camps have existed in the United States since the 1860′s. The traditional, residential summer camp is usually located in a wooded spot-often near a lake. The simple outdoor setting fosters a sense of connection with nature and requires the campers to get in touch with the basics that provide a sound foundation for life.

Many of the earliest camps were founded in the Northeast and upper Midwest away from large urban areas; a number of them are still in operation today. In 1861, the first summer camp was started by Frederick and Abigail Gunn. Headmasters of a small home-school for boys in Connecticut, they took the school on a two week trip filled with camping, hiking, trapping, and fishing. The Gunnery Camp continued for another 12 years. The idea spread as additional camps were sponsored by organizations such as the YMCA and the Boy Scouts.

Girls’ camps soon followed; the earliest was established by the YWCA in 1874 as a vacation house providing respite for young working women. In 1902, the first private girls’ camps were founded in New Hampshire and Maine. Soon after, residential girls’ camps were flourishing in America. The Camp Fire Girls, founded in 1910, launched their camp program in 1914. Girl Scouts camps, started in 1912, grew to over 300 by 1925. As of 2005, according to the American Camp Association, there are more than 12,000 residential and day camps in the United States, serving over 10 million children. Approximately 30% of these are all-girl camps.

From the beginning, girls’ camps have focused on developing girls into teenagers and then into self-reliant young women, full of the character and confidence necessary to transition into the adult world with ease. As girls move through the camp day, they master archery, horseback riding, swimming, how to build and douse a fire and the creation of fireside skits; yet, other intangible results occur.

These same young ladies discover leadership, resourcefulness, the self-esteem built on mastery of new tasks, team building and friendships, community and compromise. As they learn to accept themselves and others without pretensions, girls absorb lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. As young women face the complex world of today, they often draw on the messages of strength and leadership they first encountered in summer camp.

Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes…day camps, specialty camps, performing arts camps, computer camps, university camps…but the traditional residential summer camp is still the basis for them all. It is a part of childhood every young girl should experience. Summers of s’mores and cabins live on in the memories of countless strong leaders and gifted citizens throughout the nation.

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www.survivalistboards.com This is the Colman 533 dual fuel stove. This stove can use white gas and regular gasoline. This is my first liquid fuel stove. I usually use my propane stove on camping and hiking trips. … coleman 533 review camping hiking survival camp hike hiker bushcraft wilderness

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Any recommendations of an itinerary for a week long camping/hiking trip from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise?
Looking for must-see sights and great hikes in the Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper area. We only have a week to make the round-trip from Vancouver. Is there anywhere along the way that is worth stopping for a day? We are big hikers and want as much natural beauty as possible! Also looking for recommended campgrounds – preferrably tent-only places, but we do like flush toilets and showers. Thanks for your help!

About Author


Fernwood Cove offers extraordinary summers for girls, a magical place where no two days are alike. The girls experience a traditional camp experience, offered in two separate 3 1/2 week sessions. Girls develop long lasting friendships and an appreciation of the outdoors while experiencing quality, skill-based activity instruction. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services

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The Affordable Outdoors – Camping, Fishing, Hiking http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/09/the-affordable-outdoors-camping-fishing-hiking/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/09/the-affordable-outdoors-camping-fishing-hiking/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:52:59 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/09/the-affordable-outdoors-camping-fishing-hiking/ The Affordable Outdoors - Camping, Fishing, Hiking

Take up camping, hiking, or fishing and you’ll always have a reason to be outdoors. Camping, hiking, or fishing is just three of the many available outdoor activities that will take you away from the normal everyday routine of life.  Spending quality time outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature with family and or friends and especially the kids. Many people assume that just because they have never been a part of these activities, have no equipment or know little to nothing about it they can’t go. That’s far from the truth. Its fun, easier and more affordable than you might expect. It’s all about enjoying the outdoors, nature and spending time outdoors.

Even if you’re on a tight budget a camping trip, a day hike, a family picnic by the lake or just a visit to your local park does not have to be expensive. Some facilities are free where others might charge a nominal fee that’s normally used to keep the facility more enjoyable. Some facilities are for use only during the daylight hours while others offer everything from day use, overnight camping, fishing, hiking trails, nature walks, and etc.  

Purchase of any gear or equipment should be kept to an affordable budget and fit for your specific needs. Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Boating and Outdoor Recreation is just a few of the activities where you can build your gear and equipment inventory a little at a time. Don’t try to buy it all in one season. In fact you can likely find friends and or family that will share equipment and gear.

Planning;

Make a list of items you might need or want and give yourself time to get things together, rather than attempting to throw everything together at the last minute. Your trip will be much more enjoyable if just take time make a list and plan. Your list should include everything that you need and or want, as well as those “just in case” items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to help ensure you’re not overlooking anything. There are many things to consider; sometimes making a list and planning is the only way to make sure you’ve got all of your must-haves to make the more enjoyable. It’s really all about individual desires and what you’ll be doing.

Here are just a few things to consider and think about.

  • Consider where you’re going, what your activities will consist of and how long you plan to stay in order to determine what gear you might need. 
  • Will you be Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, or maybe you just want to set up camp and chill for the weekend. You can even plan a combination.
  • What’s the terrain like? Will you be pitching a tent or using a camper? Will your destination be in the rough or will it be a designated cleared site?
  • Check the Weather predictions and always be prepared for the unexpected. The first time you don’t will be the time you wish you had.

Make it a rule, pack up any medications and all first aid supplies that you may need. Prescription medications, pain relief and vitamins are essentials. Those with allergies should bring along an epi-pen or allergy relief medication

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Learn tips and information on cooking utensils and supplies for your next hiking or camping trip in this free video clip.Expert: Christian Kieffer Bio: My name is Christian Kieffer, I have been a freelance travel photographer for ten years now. I have been in several countries traveling with my work and have been trekking since I was a child. Filmmaker: David Cornman

Help answer the question about camping hiking

How come I never see black people hiking/camping?
Sorry if this sounds racist, its just something i've thought about recently on all my hiking/camping trips. I've never seen any black people on the trails or in the camp sites. Just mostly white some asian and some indians.

About Author

M. Wayne Smith and a native of Tennessee currently residing in Nashville.
PH: 615-306-0505
Email: mws2008@comcast.net
Web Site: http://www.waynesoutdoorworld.com

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Why You Should Plan Your Next Hiking Adventure in Advance http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/why-you-should-plan-your-next-hiking-adventure-in-advance/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/why-you-should-plan-your-next-hiking-adventure-in-advance/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:58:29 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/why-you-should-plan-your-next-hiking-adventure-in-advance/ Why You Should Plan Your Next Hiking Adventure in Advance

Are you interested in taking a hiking adventure?  Whether you want your next hiking adventure to only last a few hours, or last as long as a few days, you may want to start thinking about planning your next hiking adventure in advance. 

Although it is nice to hear that you should plan your next hiking adventure in advance, you may be interested in wondering why that is so.  More often than not, a large number of individuals turn a traditional hiking adventure into a full-fledged vacation.  If you would like to camp overnight at the hiking park, it is important that you make your reservations in advance. During the summer months, you will find that camping and hiking are popular activities; therefore, many hiking parks quickly fill up with camping reservations.

As for the actual hiking part, planning your next hiking adventure in advance will give you the time to research and choose from a number of different hiking trails. Unfortunately, a large number of hikers, especially first time hikers, make the mistake of going with the first hiking trail or hiking park that they come across. While this is more than possible to do, do you know that you likely have a number of different options?  No matter where you live, you likely have a number of hiking parks or hiking trails to choose from, often within a reasonable distance away from your home.

Once you have selected a hiking trail to hike or a hiking park to visit, you will want to take the time to familiarize yourself with the park or trail in question.  This is nice because you can learn more about the territory that you will be hiking. In addition to examining the difficulty level or estimating the amount of time that you would spend hiking, you may also want to think about familiarizing yourself with the security of the park or trial in question. This information is always nice to know, especially in the event of an emergency.

Another reason why you should think about planning your hiking vacation in advance, is because it will make it easier to prepare for your trip.  When you go hiking, whether you only go for a day or a whole week, you need to bring numerous pieces of hiking gear with you. For instance, to stay safe on a hiking adventure, you will want to make sure that you wear hiking boots, as well as other hiking appropriate clothing.  Making your hiking adventure plans in advance will give you the opportunity to create a hiking gear and supplies checklist for yourself.  A checklist will help to ensure that you bring everything that you need, as well as everything that you want.

In addition, the earlier that you plan your hiking adventure, the more time you will have to prepare an itinerary for yourself.  For instance, are you planning on camping onsite or would you like to travel to a nearby hotel or resort?  An itinerary not only serves as a guide for you, but it is also something that can help to keep you safe. What you will want to do is give a copy of your itinerary to some of your friends and family members. In the event that something goes wrong , your friends and family members may know where to find you.

Unless your decision to go on a hiking adventure is a last minute one, you will want to try and plan your trip in advance.  Those who take the time to fully plan for and prepare for their hiking adventures are more likely to enjoy themselves. Remember for all your vacation and travel needs visit us at myroadtotravel.com. For more information on hiking visit the hiking category  of this blog.

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… La Sportiva Glacier boot Zappos mens mountain hiking

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how do I stretch hiking boots?
I get the dreaded black toenail syndrome after about four miles of hiking with my year-old boots. A salesman at an outdoor store told me my boots are probably too short for my feet, even though the next size larger let my heels move too much. How do I go about stretching my boots to fit properly, or is this even possible?

About Author

myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most…Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog myroadtotravelblog.com to help us do just that. Through this blog, we offer travel tips, our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback and remember, for all your travel booking needs please visit us at myroadtotravel.com

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Researching Hiking Campground Staff – Good Way To Ensure Safety http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/researching-hiking-campground-staff-good-way-to-ensure-safety/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/researching-hiking-campground-staff-good-way-to-ensure-safety/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:50:06 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/08/researching-hiking-campground-staff-good-way-to-ensure-safety/ Researching Hiking Campground Staff - Good Way To Ensure Safety

Have you ever wanted to go on a hiking trip? If so, have you chosen the trail you would like to try or the hiking park you’d like to visit? If you haven’t narrowed down any choices or even looked yet, then it may be time to start looking at your options.

When you first start looking at your choice of parks, you may look at the type of hiking trails the site has to offer. Are the trails a bit easy or are they hard to walk? Determining your skill level on hiking is very important to avoid getting an injury.

After you looked at the trails themselves, you need to begin looking at the trails. You may want to inquire about the hiking staff that are employed by the park of your choice. By doing so, you can get a feel about what the campground is like. If an employee cares about their park, they’ll care about the customer.

Many people may wonder why it’s so important to check out the hiking staff. The reason for this is mostly optional when you base what hiking park you will be visiting. Yet, it should be something you want to check into.

There are several reasons why you should look at the hiking park staff or even just the particular trail they cover.

One reason behind checking out the staff of your park’s choice is the staff should play a pivotal role because of your safety. At least one member of the hiking staff should be employed as a maintenance crew member. These are individuals who walk through the park checking out every single trail. They will spot and repair dangerous items they may come across.

For example: a hiker notices a tree branch in their path. When the maintenance crew is notified, they will go and get rid of it.

You may not think about it but a trail that has a maintenance crew is important. Why is this? Hiking trails are dangerous especially if they are not maintained regularly. Why? Because they are not only dangerous but the trails can be deadly. So when you are choosing a park to visit, make sure you find out if the park is heavily kept up. Should you be unable to determine this yourself, get some feedback.

In some parks, there are also security personnel which are also called security guards or security officers. While a hiking park does not usually need a security guard, they would be good to have in case of any problems. These security guards do not always patrol the grounds but having them on the site is just as important: a feeling of safety.

For safety’s sake, choose a hiking park that does have their own security guards/staff. While hiking is a fun and an exciting time, remember, it can be scary too. Especially if you are not used to the trail or a complete beginner.

Should something bad happen, having on-site security personnel that can respond quickly could mean the difference between life and death.

These security guards can also thwart some individuals who have intentions of committing crimes, such as robbing hikers or assaulting them. They can keep an eye on them and arrest them should they cause problems.

It is your decision on which hiking trail you will visit and which park you would like to visit. You should really take your time to consider everything about the park, including the park staff. Knowing the information about the staff can give your some sense of security and some peace of mind.

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What is the best way to eat while hiking the Appalachian Trail?
My two friends and i were planning on hiking the AT for two weeks and we were wondering what would be the best way to eat.

About Author

Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Pages Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!” from his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com/768/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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Ideas for Camping With Your Baby http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/ideas-for-camping-with-your-baby/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/ideas-for-camping-with-your-baby/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:56:32 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/ideas-for-camping-with-your-baby/ Ideas for Camping With Your Baby

Parents are always looking for new ways to spend quality time with their children. Sharing activities you enjoy is always a great way to get to know each other. Camping is one such activity. Babies are very adaptable and many enjoy the thrill of a new adventure with mom and dad.

You can use the items made for babies on your camping trip. You want to make camping with your baby comfortable and convenient so you have more time to spend doing fun activities with your family.

Most babies enjoy the water, and many campgrounds have baby pools. Take your baby swimming and keep your eyes open for the excitement he/she will show. If there is a beach where you camp, you can take baby with you. It is important to protect your baby from the sun and heat. Sunscreen is a must to protect baby’s delicate skin. Shade is always a good idea for baby when he/she is not in the water.

Backpack baby carriers are a good idea when camping with baby, since there are frequently places that are hard to push a stroller. If you like hiking, or going for a walk around the campground, a baby backpack carrier could be just the thing for you. Baby backpack carriers are used for babies who can sit up on their own. These backpacks are available with a hood to protect your baby from the sun. Most babies love the closeness of Mom or Dad while riding in their baby backpack.

Backpack diaper bags are also very useful when camping with your baby. Backpack diaper bags are comfortable and can generally hold more supplies than an traditional style diaper bag. Some of these backpacks are available with an insulated pocket that aides in keeping bottles and snacks cool for baby. Also, when walking long distances or hiking, it is better to wear a backpack diaper bag that evenly distributes the weight across your back and is better for your body and balance, than to carry a heavy diaper bag that hangs from one shoulder. Taking walks and/or hikes with your baby can be a fun, exciting, and interesting time together.

While camping with your baby, you may want to use a child locator. Child locators come in different styles. One style of child locator has a whimsical device which clips to your child’s clothing while you hold a small hand held device, and if you lose track of your child you push a button on your handheld device causing the clip on your child to emit a friendly beep. Another style of child locator has a fun device to clip onto your baby’s/child’s clothing and one for the parent, and operates by using a distance zone, so if your baby/child is outside of that distant zone, a continuous beep goes off. These devices are very helpful in helping you keep an eye on your baby/toddler during times when you may get distracted. As every parent knows, it only takes a few seconds for your baby/toddler to disappear out of your sight.

There are many available items on the market to help make camping a more convenient, enjoyable, and fun for you and your baby!

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Help answer the question about camping hiking

have you ever made the mistake of using a poison ivy (or oak) leaf to wipe yourself while camping/hiking?
i imagine the aftermath might be slightly painful.

About Author


David Cummings is a devoted family member and regular author on parenting and family topics. He is devoted to helping parents create quality time with their families and assisting children-centric organizations as well. He manages Bustling Baby, LLC – a family-oriented store that makes parenting life easier and fun, including the Eddie Bauer Bassinet and backpack baby carriers

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Salomon Winter Boots – the Best Winter Shoes http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/salomon-winter-boots-%e2%80%93-the-best-winter-shoes/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/salomon-winter-boots-%e2%80%93-the-best-winter-shoes/#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:58:56 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/06/salomon-winter-boots-%e2%80%93-the-best-winter-shoes/ Salomon Winter Boots – the Best Winter Shoes

A nice pair of boots is all fine and dandy, but will they get you to work through the winter snows? Well, Salomon Winter Boots certainly will. There are various types and brands of the best winter footwear. Salomon winter boots are one among them that gain you extreme comfort and warmth even in sub-zero temperatures.

There are several types of this footwear but among them, three deserve special mention; Salomon Lhasa, G.T.X. and Scrambler winter boot. Below is a detailed description of these boots that have grandstand play sales in the market.

Salomon Lhasa boot:

This footwear contains lugs attached to the contra grip outsole that enables you to get considerable grip even in snow covered areas and allow easy movement on the snow. The uppers of this footwear are mostly designed with suede leather that is highly waterproof and as a result, you can easily move through the wet areas. It is better to wear socks and Sockliner with this boot. The use of sock/sock liners will help you to prevent accumulation of sweat in the boots. But, wear the sock liners only when the temperature dips to sub zero levels and in other cases, it is better if you wear only sock.

Salomon G.T.X. Snow Boot:

These boots are another great invention of Salomon brand that keeps you stay comfortable at all times in winter. The inner part of this footwear is designed with Gore-Tex lining which have small pores to allow air inside the boots. As a result; there is no chance of sweat formation. Gore Tex linings even act as an ideal waterproof agent that restricts the entry of water inside them and keeps the feet stay dry and comfy. One can even get G.T.X snow boots with external heel counter that gives great support to your heels. These shoes are a perfect bet for undertaking various outdoor activities like, hiking in trails and going for a stroll etc.

Salomon Scrambler Winter Boot:

Scrambler winter boots are good bet for you if you are planning to go for snowshoeing. The upper part of this footwear is usually made of full-grain leather which prevents accumulation of moisture and keeps your feet perfectly dry all time. They also provide you the much needed comfort to withstand the harsh winter season

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Feb 04- the little hiker hits the trail in her boot cut jeans … hiking jeans children

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I need to buy hiking boots and have no idea where to start…?
I need "light-weight" hiking boots for my summer job, but I have never bought hiking boots and don't know how to do this and get a good deal. I want to spend as little as a I can but still get good shoes that will last a while and protect my feet. Any recommendations for brands or stores to look at? What's a typical price range I would be looking at? I don't want to pay more than I need…

About Author

Clara Havisham pens fashion articles for Shoecapital on all about shoes from the wide variety of models to the latest trends. Read more on Buying Guidelines for Winter Boots at Shoecapital.com.

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Tips for Hiking and Camping http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/01/tips-for-hiking-and-camping/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/01/tips-for-hiking-and-camping/#comments Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:50:59 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2009/01/tips-for-hiking-and-camping/ Tips for Hiking and Camping

More and more people today enjoy the simple, wholesome fun of hiking. hiking is an affordable, yet healthy and emotionally rewarding way to spend a vacation or a long weekend and you don’t need to visit a travel agent.
Experienced hikers will always tell you that every detail matters when you pack hiking gear, especially tents and camping stoves. The right hiking accessories and clothing, a properly and ergonomically packed backpack, positive mood and good fitness all these elements play an equally important role in the success of any hiking trip.
hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. The right footwear will serve you longer and take you farther and safer than any training shoes or sneakers will. You can wear a cheaper pair of pants or an old t-shirt, but a good reliable pair of hiking shoes or boots should be as expensive as you can afford.
Many people consider their jackets as another important clothing item for a hiker, especially in the colder periods of the year. A hiking jacket can be a true lifesaver if you choose well. A Gore-Tex top layer will shield you from cold, wet, and windy weather. Many hiking jacket manufacturers use a layering approach in their jackets, so that an outer shell layer becomes not insulation, but goes over insulating clothing. Underneath a Gore-Tex layer your can wear a lightweight and even trendy fleece jacket, which you can use in warmer months and for other sporting activities too.
Light weight towels should also one of your accessories
hiking tents are a must if you plan to camp in mountain regions in all three hiking seasons – spring, summer, and fall. hiking tents can be used for protection from storms, winds, small animals and insects. Along with a tent pack a sleeping bag and an insulating ground pad which also brings warmth as well as ironing out bumpy ground.
A lightweight, dependable back packing stove is much easier to use than campfires which are often prohibited in certain areas. A camping stove manufactured by such trustworthy brands as Primus and Coleman are basically a fuel container and a fire faucet with burner grates. These grates can collapse for compact storage. More expensive models even have electronic ignition so you won’t need matches or lighter. Although it is always a good idea to pack matches anyway in case of ignition failure. Another version of a camping stove is a storm cooker which basically consists of a spirit burner with windshield and handle and a pot or pan for cooking. These stoves are lightweight because you don’t need a propane container, but are sufficient for one or two people only.
The newest models of camping stoves are environmentally friendly, odor-free, and very accommodating. To cook and eat take a pot, spoon, and a cup. To start the camping stove, if you don’t have an ignition feature, lighters are more reliable than matches. Take more fuel than you initially planned camping stoves “eat” more fuel in cold weather.
To fully enjoy your hiking trip you must prepare beforehand. Even a small mistake in selecting your hiking equipment may result in an injury or at the least in discomfort and a negative experience. Check and fire up your camping stove while still at home and double check your hiking gear and equipment using a hiking checklist before you head out.

If you have any questions regarding Hiking and Camping Projects feel free to visit our site UltraLightTowels.com

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Help answer the question about hiking

What is the best way to take a 3 year old hiking?
I am planning on taking my son hiking a month before his 3rd birthday. We will be going to the Smoky Mountains. Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of equipment I should bring? He weighs about 30 pounds.

Thanks!

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Sanjay Lute is content writer for the ultralighttowels.com; Visit the site (http://www.ultralighttowels.com/) for more information about Hiking and Camping

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Tips on Hiking Gear Needs For Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/tips-on-hiking-gear-needs-for-climbing-mount-kilimanjaro/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/tips-on-hiking-gear-needs-for-climbing-mount-kilimanjaro/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:01 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/tips-on-hiking-gear-needs-for-climbing-mount-kilimanjaro/ Tips on Hiking Gear Needs For Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking is among the most enjoyable hobbies or activities that we can undertake, particularly hiking in areas of great natural beauty. Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is a breath taking experience, with so many different environments seen during the walk.

At nearly 19,500 feet (the actual height is about 19,300 and a few odd feet) Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow covered peaks, is the highest peak in Africa. It is one of the most amazing walks in the world. You will traverse five different climates as you travel upward toward the peak. Each climate, each aspect of the hike, affords you different challenges to meet as you climb upward.

To reach that peak, quite appropriately called the Roof of Africa, in reasonably good health, there are a few things that you’re going to need to take with you along the way. Planning ahead for a trip of this level is, of course, only common sense. What are you going to need to organize? 

*You many not climb Mt Kilimanjaro without a guide or without an organized trek, and by following the established paths. Find a good guide and group. Some will be far less costly, but may not be as experienced as they should be and not well able to handle emergencies. Choose wisely.

**Test your limits. You will need to know how your body will react to the altitudes that you’re going to travel. Hike to a few peaks prior to heading out to Kilimanjaro if you can and see how you react to high altitudes. If necessary see a physician to get medication to prevent altitude sickness.

* Pack very well for your trip. Usually your porter will carry part of your gear. Probably the porter will carry about 25 pounds worth. Don’t skimp or leave out needed equipment. One thing you will absolutely want to be sure that you have along with you will be portable water filters or hiking water filters. These are relatively light weight and you don’t want to be caught without one. Carrying enough water to sustain yourself on the trip is going to be difficult at best. A portable water filter, or hiking water filter will lessen the load and keep you safe by filtering out any type of micro-organism, even viruses. 

*Good quality hiking boots are an absolute must. Never wear new boots that aren’t broken in. Get yourself in reasonable physical shape and break in the boots at the same time, but wearing hiking boots that are new is going to mean that you’re not as comfortable as possible. With a trip of this length and height, that is not an option. Hike a few smaller peaks while you wait for your trip, take your dog for excessively long walks, or even just stair climb with them, but whatever you do, make sure your boots are well worn in.

*Don’t forget a camera, but make it a good quality one. Cameras often don’t react well to high altitude or low temperatures. Make sure that yours is well rated so that your gorgeous photos of you at the peak aren’t lost to a camera failure.

Just as you would with any other trip, don’t try to rush it, and get in decent physical shape. Make sure that you’re fit enough to handle the trip. Get out and get moving well before your trip comes up, and pace yourself on the way up. If you follow common sense rules for hiking, you’ll be sure to end up standing at the peak smiling down at the rest of the world.

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Help answer the question about boots hiking

what are the BEST hiking boots to get to hike up a 14,000 ft. mountain?
*I need a professional's opinion…… I'm going hiking up a 14,000 ft mountain & need the BEST hiking boots out there, waterproof, light weight, the whole shabang- what do u think about timberlands? i've looked into rocky boots, but i heard they weren't as waterproof after a while, and not so great….. what kind of hiking boots should I get?

About Author

Nature is one thing that’s very close to my heart and take full advantage when I get time to do outdoor activities. I hope you take time to enjoy hiking, safari, backpacking, and camping.

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Having the Right Hiking Accessories http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/having-the-right-hiking-accessories/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/having-the-right-hiking-accessories/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:51:09 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/10/having-the-right-hiking-accessories/ Having the Right Hiking Accessories

To make life a little simpler on your hiking trip you will want to get all the necessary accessory items. You do not want to get out there on your hiking adventure and find out you do not have all the needed items. But then on the other hand you do not want to take so much stuff that you make the hiking experience a workout rather than an enjoyable experience. When you have small children and you would like them to be able to enjoy your hiking experience with the family there are some accessory items that are a must. Small children are unable to walk for long distance so you are going to need a specialized pack or a stroller with large wheels to accommodate the rougher terrain.

The right hiking accessory items is a must

You will want to bring the best backpacking gear and that is Ultra light. You will also need a good utility knife and other gear like pot cozy, alcohol stoves and a good light like the photon light for those dark hours. A great accessory but not a must is a pair of night vision optics. You can always use a good set of binoculars or spotting scope for watching birds, deer, flowers and other beautiful sites on your hiking adventure. Two of the most important accessory items are a good flashlight, GPS system and extra batteries. With a good GPS you can hike a little easier knowing you can find your way back.

Extra Hiking Accessories on the Market

Many times when you and a friend go hiking or your family you end up camping. Many times you just can not see all you want to see in one day or you want to hike in further to your favorite fishing hole and it just can not be done in one day. A good tent, some bug dope, spray misters and drinking canteens all are additional hiking accessory items to put on your list. You probably want to have that fresh pot of coffee in the morning so try and get yourself a nice compact coffee pot.

There are so many accessory items on the market today that you can make you hiking, hunting or fishing trip into that beautiful backcountry a lot more special by bringing that accessory item. Bringing these items can let you see parts of the country you did not even know were there like a set of night vision goggles will let you see the wilderness from a totally different point of view. After all, you are out there to discover what you can not get in the city. The great outdoors is a wonderful place for you to become one with nature. Now be spirited and do not leave without the proper hiking accessory items you need.

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a few pictures showing a little about me … joseph paleologos tufts china camping hiking swimming kayaking prom

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what is the best way to train for a cross country hiking trip?
i'm going on a month long hiking trip in seven months and want to make sure i don't die in the middle! what is the best way to train?

About Author


Philip Collins enjoys many Hiking and outdoors activities. You can too, read more informative articles on hiking at http://hiking.1-stopweightloss.com

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Benefits of Ugg Sheep Skin Boot http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/09/benefits-of-ugg-sheep-skin-boot/ http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/09/benefits-of-ugg-sheep-skin-boot/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:58:41 +0000 admin http://www.westrekguides.com/2008/09/benefits-of-ugg-sheep-skin-boot/ Benefits of Ugg Sheep Skin Boot

You’ve likely heard about or seen the impact that the ugg sheep skin boot has made in the world of fashion recently. It’s one thing for the boot to be trendy, but what about beneficial? When people think of boots, they do not always think of them in terms of the benefits that the boots offer. Most people need boots for the snow, so any boot that is waterproof generally will be suitable. But boots do have benefits, including the ugg sheep skin boot , and the benefits of this boot go far beyond their good looks.

These boots are so comfortable they can be worn all the time in all types of weather. If made from genuine sheep skin, they likely will last a long time making their purchase a good investment. Best of all, with so many styles currently available, there is sure to be an ugg sheep skin boot to fit everyone’s tastes and budget.

The ugg sheep skin boot is a practical boot. The sheep skin helps keep feet warm during the cold winter months, and cool during the warm summer months. The comfortable and soft sheep skin fits like a glove and acts like a second skin, helping to maintain the body’s temperature. In fact, these boots can keep feet warm even in temperatures as low as -30ºF. Plus, the wool has natural wicking properties which help draw moisture away from the skin, and this is what helps to keep the skin dry. Finally, a person’s feet should not smell after wearing these boots. The wool fleece helps the air inside the boot to circulate which allows the foot to breathe. Of course, there is no guarantee on this claim!

The ugg sheep skin boot, if properly cared for, will last for many years, making it a good investment. The soft skin is actually leather and as such, the boot is not waterproof. A water-repellant product can be applied to the boot, but even this will not make the boot waterproof. The boot can be cleaned but not by immersing it into water. The boots must be cleaned by hand, using a cleaning product that is designed for use on sheep skin and dried naturally.

One feature of the ugg sheep skin boot that makes it such a popular choice in footwear can also cause the boot to become damaged. That feature is its soft sheep skin. These delicate-skinned boots should never be worn anywhere you’re likely to encounter things that can damage or puncture the boot’s soft skin, like on a hiking trip. So to ensure the boots live a long life, be sure to properly treat and care for them.

The ugg sheep skin boot is available in many different styles and sizes making this boot the perfect choice for all tastes. These boots are available in sizes for the entire family, including infants, children, men and women. Some ugg sheep skin boot styles include tall boots, and short boots, slipper-style, and boots with extra reinforcements, and much, much more. And then there are the colors – black, tan, pink, blue, purple, red, sand and more arriving in stores every day. The best quality boots are made from genuine sheep skin but imitation boots are everywhere.

Just remember, the better the quality, the higher the price. But when it comes to the Ugg sheep skin boot , keep in mind that you’re getting far more than just good looks; you’re making a sound investment.

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… La Sportiva Batura mountain boot Zappos shoes mens hiking

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I need help picking out hiking boots?
I do some hiking currently and I've always utilized a good pair of sneakers and they've served me well. However, I am planning on going to Nepal next year to go on a couple day trek as part of a business trip. I think I need an upgrade for the trip… can you provide some input to your favorite boots or what I should look for and where?

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Brian Fong
http://www.Sheep-Skin-Boots-Guide.com/

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