Hiking Techniques

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Hiking is the Ideal Blend of Exercise and Fun

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

: Image by Al_HikesAZ via Flickr

Hiking is a fantastic way to get in some exercise and have fun at the same time. There are many reasons why hiking is such a great outdoor activity. It provides a cardio workout, overall fitness benefits and lots of fresh air. This is the main reason why hiking is referred to as a body exercise, everything is involved.

This is one of those activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family or alone. Those persons who love the outdoors can combine both loves into one. This activity can be done for an hour or longer depending on the hikers’ desires.

Many sports enthusiast are also avid hikers. They thrive on the challenges hiking can provide such as exploring mountains and forests. Few activities offer as many opportunities for exploring for the adventurous person.

If you need a chance to get away from it all for a while, this is a perfect way to do so. When it comes to stress relief, hiking is right up there with the best methods.

Tips for Hiking Comfortably

Hiking can be done safely and comfortably if done properly. Some tips to make hiking fun and safe include:

•Wearing properly fitting shoes is paramount. Close-fitting shoes, shoes with heels or too little traction on the bottom are definite not recommended.
•Bring water so as to keep hydrated. Drinking water from streams and rivers may seem like fun but it can be dangerous. Staying hydrated is especially important when hiking during summer months. Traveling with purification tablets is a good idea just in case you need to drink from a stream.
•If hiking for a long distance, learn the proper walking techniques to minimize soreness and prevent injuries.

Hiking is considered by many to be the perfect sporting activity. It is also one of a few activities that can be done year round.

Tags: Hiking, Outdoor activity, Outdoors | Posted in Adventures, All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Preparing for a Hiking Trip

Friday, August 20th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, get some exercise, and explore new places. Being prepared for a hike is the best way to ensure that it is fun and comfortable for everyone involved.

Preparing for a hiking trip is easy. Make sure you have the following on hand when preparing for a hiking trip:

• Proper attire. Make sure you check the weather before you go for a hike. If it’s an all-day hike, layering is ideal since it is typically cooler in the early morning and evening than in midday. If you’re going to be hiking through water, consider wearing a bathing suit underneath or clothes that dry quickly. Proper hiking shoes are essential, as well as thick socks to prevent blisters.

• Sun protection. This is crucial even if it’s cloudy. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you as well, and reapply often. A high SPF that is waterproof and sweat-proof should be sufficient. A hat is also a good idea, as well as sunglasses.

• Water/food. It’s important to bring plenty of water. Some hikers opt for backpack-type water containers that take up less room than bulky water bottles, or you could just toss a few water bottles in your backpack. Bringing a couple of frozen bottles is a good idea too, as it will melt as the day progresses and ensure you have plenty of cool water to drink. If you’re going to be gone for awhile, a sack lunch or some granola bars, mixed nuts, or trail mix are good options for a quick snack that won’t slow you down on your hike.

• Maps or directions. If you’re hiking in a popular, well-known destination with clearly marked trails, this is not as important. But if you’re roughing it, make sure you have an updated map and a way to get help if necessary.

Being properly prepared will make sure your hike is a fun experience for everyone.

Tags: Clothing, Hiking, Outdoors | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking, Sports | No Comments »

Hiking Safety

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is one of the most popular sports, and with good reason–fresh air, the beauty of nature, and a fun way to get exercise are just some of the things that draw people to the great outdoors to enjoy a hike.

As with any sport, safety should be your priority. These tips will help ensure you have the safest experience possible while hiking:

• Don’t hike alone. There is too much that could go wrong during a hike to go hiking alone–you could get lost, fall down and sprain an ankle or worse, lose your water and become dehydrated, and so forth. Instead, make sure you hike with at least one other person and make sure someone at home who isn’t going knows where you’ll be and when to expect you back.

• Protect yourself from the sun. Sunblock, hats, and even a lip balm with an SPF are all important for ensuring you don’t get burned while on your hike. Reapply often, even if it is cloudy outside or you are in shaded areas.

• Get a good idea of the area and weather first. Do a little research of the area you will be hiking in before you go. Find out what the terrain is like, whether the trails are paved or marked, whether there is wildlife in the area, and so forth. Knowing what to expect will also help you know what to avoid. Check the weather before you go as well. If a storm is moving in, you may want to postpone your hike.

• Stay away from restricted areas. It may sound like common sense, but each year many hikers are injured because they have gone into areas that are clearly marked as dangerous or restricted. Even if it looks harmless or beautiful, trust that park rangers know best and steer clear from areas that should be avoided.

Practicing these safety tips will help ensure your hiking experiences are enjoyable.

Tags: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking | No Comments »

Hiking Basics

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is a great sport and excellent exercise. While it may seem that hiking is as simple as finding a trail and walking, there is more to it than that. These hiking basics will help beginner hikers learn hiking and nature etiquette and tips so their hiking experience will be fun and enjoyable.

1) Stay on the trail. Sometimes it’s tempting to veer off of the marked trails you’re hiking and go exploring on your own, but it’s in your own best interest if you stay on the trail. It’s easy to get lost, and even if an area looks safe at first glance, you never know why an area may be marked restricted.

2) Respect nature. Don’t pick flowers, capture or feed wildlife like frogs or lizards, or tuck articles in your backpack as souvenirs. Nature is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. In some national parks and places, it is actually illegal to remove or disturb natural artifacts and surroundings. At the same time, never litter and make sure you follow guidelines for proper trash and waste disposal.

3) Choose your hikes carefully. New hikers start slow and pick a few easy day hikes to start with. Then you will get a good idea of your actual fitness level and hiking basics, like how often you need to rest. When choosing a hike take into account such things as altitude (higher altitudes can make breathing more difficult), your fitness level, steepness of the hike, and length of the hike.

4) Be prepared. You should always be prepared for your hike. This means taking enough water and snacks or food on your hike, depending on the length, making sure you are protected from the sun with plenty of sunscreen and hats, and dressing appropriately for the climate and duration of your hike.

These hiking basics are important for anyone who is new to hiking.

Tags: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Sports | No Comments »

Hiking and High Altitude

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

different kind of challenge in hiking is acclimating yourself to high altitudes. This especially holds true if mountaineering is your hiking brand-of-choice. It can be easy to forget that the air changes as you rise. You climb higher, the air gets thinner. Just because you’re still on terra firma does not mean the atmosphere remains the same. If you’ve ever read any mountaineering books, what can be most difficult about mountain climbing – aside from ascending any steep rock faces and escarpments – is getting used to the thinning air.

As you ascend and the air becomes thinner, you can feel almost asthmatic. No matter how deeply you inhale, you just can’t seem to get enough air. This is usually a sign that you need to stop, rest, and continue to get used to the thinning air. If you don’t rest and you continue to ascend without getting used to the new, lower levels of air and atmosphere, you may develop a case of Acute Mountain Sickness, or other types of Altitude Sickness, like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Though these sorts of things usually happen at over 8,000 feet, they can be fatal, and if you don’t take necessary precautions, they are almost inevitable.

When you’re high up, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of carbs, and maintain a steady pace. Don’t overexert yourself, don’t stagger your energy output, and try to avoid medications and inhalants to address the symptoms of high altitude. Everything is more potent, and has different effects, at high altitudes. Alcohol, for example. It is easier to get drunk at high altitude, and someone with a normally high tolerance becomes an everyday lightweight above 8,000 feet.

The key to high altitude is pacing. If you have a long climb in front of you, rest a day or two at logical stopping points so you can get acclimated to the new air. A little deliberation could save your life

Tags: High altitude, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, Hiking | Posted in Adventures, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Basic Hiking Courtesy

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

On various trail systems, you will encounter all varieties of hikers, each with different skills sets and expectations for what the behavior should be like between one hiker and another on the trail. Despite the inherent humility and kindness endemic to the idea of hiking, there are always people who harbor certain pretensions and suppositions about what is and is not permissible on the trail.

When you’re out exploring nature, it’s best to know what is expected of you and of other hikers, though the question whether or not you should moderate the behavior of others is entirely up to you. Nobody likes a preacher, but sometimes, a sermon is what is needed.

Some basic things to know about hiking etiquette start with a respect for nature. When you’re in the woods, you should bring nothing out that you didn’t come in with. This means you shouldn’t destroy plants, trees, or even dislodge rocks when possible. Additionally, you shouldn’t leave anything behind. Bring what you need, and don’t leave yourself or the woods wont for anything.

If you’re on a longer hiking trip that involves camping, don’t make a new site if it’s not necessary. If you’re on trails already made by other park districts and hikers, most chances are that someone has already camped out there before you. Stay within the boundaries of the campsite, avoid spreading out, and be sure to bury your waste. Doing these things make life easier for the people after you and more pleasant for the surrounding forest and its intricate eco-system.

Above all, when it comes to hiking, be considerate. Nature has its own rhythm and music. Don’t interrupt it with boisterous yelling and loud music. This is disrespectful to nature as well as other hikers trying to enjoy it. And if the trails are narrow, or you and your group are moving at a more deliberate pace, don’t hold up or block the trail for the faster-paced hikers.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Following a few basic principles of hiking etiquette can make your trip better for everyone.

Tags: Camping, Hiking, Trail | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

How to Start Finding the Best Hiking Footwear

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Investing in a solid pair of hiking-specific shoes or boots can make the difference between a day enjoyed and a day in pain and discomfort. A cheap pair discount shoes probably won’t hold up to a twelve-mile hike through the Appalachians, and an expensive pair of boutique boots with crampon attachments is a bit much for the trail around your local apple orchard, so when considering your hiking footwear, it’s best to take a few key factors into consideration.

First, what kind of hiker are you? Are you new to the practice, or have you been doing it a while? If you’re new to it, don’t buy the most expensive pair of shoes. Like an expensive guitar doesn’t make you a better guitar player, an expensive pair of shoes won’t make you better at hiking. Try your own shoes first, and move on from there.

Second, what are your trails like? Are they flat, paved with crushed limestone or mulch? Or are they dirt trails? Are there lots of roots and rocks? How much climbing will you have to do? Depending on the terrain, a heavier-duty shoe might serve you better. But if the trails are too light, a heavy-duty shoe might end up weighing you down. Know you trails.

Third, you need to know your feet. Going to your local hiking expert and having them help you find a good pair of shoes can make a huge difference. They might even know your feet better than you do, and because they’re the experts, they’ll know what is right for your hike. It doesn’t hurt either to go to a podiatrist, if you’re serious about the sport, and have your foot doctor recommend what kind of support you need. Walking can be hard on the joints, and having the right kind of support is necessary for enjoying a long day on the trails.

Now get out there and explore!

Tags: Best Hiking Footwear | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Hiking With Your Dogs

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Most animals love being outdoors – especially dogs. That’s why it is important to bring your dog outside whenever possible. Let Rover run around, catch the frisbee, play in the water, chase birds and squirrels, and let him get the workout that he needs. But you don’t have to stay at the park with him. You can take him into the woods on your next hike too.

But there are a few important things to consider when hiking with your dog. Since not all dogs are created equal, you want to make sure your dog gets along with other dogs. Especially if you pick a trail that is populated with a lot of other hikers and their dogs, a canine tiff is never fun to get into or break up, so do your best to make sure your dog is obedient and behaved when out on the trails.

Also, despite the temptation – even if you are absolutely sure you have the trails to yourself – keep your dog on a leash. A mountain biker could whizz by or a wandering animal might be lolling in the woods, and your dog could get into a collision with the mountain biker, or run off into the woods following only his animal instincts.

You should also bring some plastic bags to pick up after your dog. The temptation might be strong – you’re in the woods, and animals go to the bathroom in the woods – but just like you’re in the city, pick up after your dog. It’s cleaner, it’s more sanitary, and it smells better. And it’s considerate to other hikers.

Finally, consideration is key. Not all trails are open to people with dogs, so don’t think that you and Rover can be the one exception. No dogs means no dogs. Respect the rules.

Tags: Dogs Hicking, Hiking | Posted in Hiking Techniques, Sports | No Comments »

Hiking, Camping, and Fires

Friday, May 21st, 2010

If you are an avid hiker, chances are, you are a fan of camping and other outdoor activities too. And if you’ve ever been camping, you’ve probably had a fire going. Perhaps you were making some dinner, toasting some marshmallows, or maybe even boiling some water for some coffee. If you’re in the woods, having a good fire can be your best friend, but left untended or improperly prepared, it can quickly turn into your worst enemy. There are a few important precautions to take when you’re out spending a day in the woods, hiking, camping, and everything else.

First, whatever spot you pick to make a fire, do it away from brush, dry trees, and other fire hazards. Your best option is an open area in a clearing where sparks won’t jump from the fire onto a tree or a pile of dry leaves. To ensure the fire stays controlled, make a perimeter around it using rocks, dirt, sand, and whatever else might be used as a retardant. Finally, when you’re done with the fire, douse it amply with water and dirt to ensure that once it’s out, it stays out.

The embers at the root of the fire have a tendency to roost and reignite, so when you’re putting out a fire, mix it around and get it as wet as possible. And if you don’t have any water you want to spare, you can always urinate on the fire site too. It doesn’t smell the best, but it’s economical.

Finally, you should avoid making new fire sites whenever possible. The whole point of trail systems and prior camping sites is that you try to leave as little of a footprint as you can when you are out exploring the wilderness. The woods are to be respected, as are all the forces of nature, and nothing is more naturally destructive than fire. Therefore, in the woods, fire only when necessary.

Tags: Camping, Fires, Hiking | Posted in Adventures, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Urban Hiking and Exploring

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

There are other types of hiking beyond simply walking in the forest. Even hiking’s more obscure sub-types: canyoning, mountaineering, rogaining, backpacking, and others do not explain the limits of the sport. Furthermore, these types of hiking overlook the greatest and strangest jungles and forests of them all: cities.

Over the past number of years, urban exploring has become an increasingly trendy physical activity, which isn’t such a bad thing. And in some ways the urban exploring trend is an extension of modern civilization’s self-view, that we can see ourselves in such a curious and alien way. Urban hiking and exploring is therefore much more than simply walking down suburban sidewalks and downtown malls, but it is actually discovering the complexities of the world’s greatest cities.

For example, some cities have long neglected tunnel systems, abandoned buildings, and long-reaching industrial parks with now useless, monolithic machinery. As nature recaptures these items, or as the dregs of the city slink down into them, they start to look otherworldly and ugly, though beautiful in their own neglected way.

Urban exploring therefore necessitates accessing some of these archaic systems and forgotten monuments, in some forms more legal than others, but if you are seeking not to vandalize, but to simply document and explore the city’s degrading architecture. Some movies have also managed to further romanticize what the world would be like without people, and what would happen to the cities and industrial parks, but for hikers looking for a different kind of adventure, urban hiking and exploring offers just that.

There are websites online that have urban explorers for their own cities, and sometimes they will post new destinations or urban exploring ideas. Sometimes it’s best to explore with someone who has done it before, and there are often communities of people looking for new experience, so it’s a good way to make new friends, too.

Tags: Exploring, Urban Hiking | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

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