What are the best hiking boots? I get asked that a lot, since I do so much hiking. My pat answer is not usually appreciated: "The ones that fit best on your feet and fit best in your budget." So now I will give a real recommendation based on years of experience. There are several companies that I buy from on a regular basis.
My three favorites are Timberland boots, Merrell Boots, and Vasque Boots. Each has their strong points. All are sturdy, reliable, long-lasting, and comfortable. Well, as comfortable as hiking boots can be....
These days I have been using the half-leather, half-mesh boots just to have a pair of lighter boots on these old tired dogs of mine. The older I get, the lighter I want my boots to be. But back when I was a youngster bounding up and down the trails, it was total leather for me!
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Showing posts with label Backpacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Backpacking. Show all posts
Tents
Tents
In terms of camping comfort and safety, having the proper equipment is at the top of the list. And the right tent is very important for everyone's safety, whether camping or backpacking.
You need to limit your exposure to the extreme weather conditions, so the choice of a tent is a crucial decision for all campers and backpackers. What good is that down mummy bag if your tent leaks or the fly becomes loose in the wind?
Here are the most important considerations to make when you are learning how to choose a tent:
1. Poles inside or poles outside? The best backpacker tents have been refined over the years and the finest quality backpacker tents feature poles under tension on the outside of the tent. Because this design has worked so well, many family size tents now feature these kinds of poles.
2. Separate fly attached by clip-on apparatus or rig your own with a tarp? Definitely choose the tent that has a custom fitting fly that clips on. These are superior to any fly you can create with a tarp and bungee cords. Because their shape perfectly matches the shape of the tent, there is little chance of wind-blown rain entering the tent.
3. Air-tight or mesh top? Can you even buy a tent without a mesh top these days? Enough people reported the inside condensation build-up to the tent manufacturers that they listened and your best tents in every price range have a mesh 'skylight' so the tent breathes under an attached fly. Never choose a tent that is advertised as air-tight. You will get rained on from the inside of your tent from condensation.
4. 'Sleeps Comfortably' ratings? Always choose a tent that claims to have room for one more person than will use the tent. I swear they are measuring children when the manufacturers claim their tent will sleep a certain number of people. If there are two of you, get a tent rated for three or four people.
5. Plastic stakes or metal? Always go for metal, and the longer the better. I often purchase a set of replacement stakes longer and thicker than those that come with the tent and take them with me on each trip. After a dozen trips, guess what? Yep, all the original stakes are bent, broken, or lost.
6. Waterproof fabric or canvas? Do they even make canvas tents anymore? If so, don't buy one. Lightweight nylon is the way to go. Waterproof it yourself with a spray-on product and be sure to do the seams three times.
If you follow those basic recommendations, you have learned how to choose a tent for any situation. Enjoy your new tent!
Thanks for visiting Weekends Outdoors.
In terms of camping comfort and safety, having the proper equipment is at the top of the list. And the right tent is very important for everyone's safety, whether camping or backpacking.
You need to limit your exposure to the extreme weather conditions, so the choice of a tent is a crucial decision for all campers and backpackers. What good is that down mummy bag if your tent leaks or the fly becomes loose in the wind?
Here are the most important considerations to make when you are learning how to choose a tent:
1. Poles inside or poles outside? The best backpacker tents have been refined over the years and the finest quality backpacker tents feature poles under tension on the outside of the tent. Because this design has worked so well, many family size tents now feature these kinds of poles.
2. Separate fly attached by clip-on apparatus or rig your own with a tarp? Definitely choose the tent that has a custom fitting fly that clips on. These are superior to any fly you can create with a tarp and bungee cords. Because their shape perfectly matches the shape of the tent, there is little chance of wind-blown rain entering the tent.
3. Air-tight or mesh top? Can you even buy a tent without a mesh top these days? Enough people reported the inside condensation build-up to the tent manufacturers that they listened and your best tents in every price range have a mesh 'skylight' so the tent breathes under an attached fly. Never choose a tent that is advertised as air-tight. You will get rained on from the inside of your tent from condensation.
4. 'Sleeps Comfortably' ratings? Always choose a tent that claims to have room for one more person than will use the tent. I swear they are measuring children when the manufacturers claim their tent will sleep a certain number of people. If there are two of you, get a tent rated for three or four people.
5. Plastic stakes or metal? Always go for metal, and the longer the better. I often purchase a set of replacement stakes longer and thicker than those that come with the tent and take them with me on each trip. After a dozen trips, guess what? Yep, all the original stakes are bent, broken, or lost.
6. Waterproof fabric or canvas? Do they even make canvas tents anymore? If so, don't buy one. Lightweight nylon is the way to go. Waterproof it yourself with a spray-on product and be sure to do the seams three times.
If you follow those basic recommendations, you have learned how to choose a tent for any situation. Enjoy your new tent!
Thanks for visiting Weekends Outdoors.
Benefits of Hiking
Benefits of Hiking
Hiking is just one of the many types of activities that can bring families closer together. Hiking is something that can be enjoyed without the interruption of the chores and errands of life at home.
Backpacking is a special kind of hiking, a time to get into the wilderness and absorb. Ask parents why they take their kids hiking, and one idea is usually mentioned, to share that time with their kids in nature.
Hiking is more than simply going for a walk, it is walking in and experiencing the wilderness. Hiking is a popular outdoor recreational activity and one of the best ways to explore nature. It is one of the most loved activities for the outdoorsy person! Nothing can compare to the thrill of the adventure topped with the fresh air and the beautiful topography all around.
Hiking is said to improve arthritis by strengthening leg muscles; and since natural tranquillizing endorphins are generated, hiking may relieve back pain. Hiking forms healthy habits for a healthy life. Hiking is such great exercise!
Hiking is usually as close as a local park. Hiking is essentially walking, and we know that walking is a great workout. As in all forms of exercise, do not neglect your regular stretching routine. The uphill demand on your heart and the downhill demand on your muscles, connective tissues, and joints during hiking make it not only a great all-around workout but also a more intense one.
Thanks for visiting Weekends Outdoors.
Hiking is just one of the many types of activities that can bring families closer together. Hiking is something that can be enjoyed without the interruption of the chores and errands of life at home.
Backpacking is a special kind of hiking, a time to get into the wilderness and absorb. Ask parents why they take their kids hiking, and one idea is usually mentioned, to share that time with their kids in nature.
Hiking is more than simply going for a walk, it is walking in and experiencing the wilderness. Hiking is a popular outdoor recreational activity and one of the best ways to explore nature. It is one of the most loved activities for the outdoorsy person! Nothing can compare to the thrill of the adventure topped with the fresh air and the beautiful topography all around.
Hiking is said to improve arthritis by strengthening leg muscles; and since natural tranquillizing endorphins are generated, hiking may relieve back pain. Hiking forms healthy habits for a healthy life. Hiking is such great exercise!
Hiking is usually as close as a local park. Hiking is essentially walking, and we know that walking is a great workout. As in all forms of exercise, do not neglect your regular stretching routine. The uphill demand on your heart and the downhill demand on your muscles, connective tissues, and joints during hiking make it not only a great all-around workout but also a more intense one.
Thanks for visiting Weekends Outdoors.
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Mt. Shasta Summit Hike
I chose July to return to Mt. Shasta, as this year it was a low snow year and I knew there would be less snow than usual, making a somewhat easier climb. I was joined on this trip by my friend Eric, whom I have known since high school. We both drove in to the Bunny Flats Trailhead on the southwest flank of Mt. Shasta. Our chosen route: Avalanche Gulch, also known as the Traditional John Muir route. In two days, we would climb 7300 feet and cover 7 miles.
Day 1: With fully-loaded packs, we started up the gradually sloping trail through the forest. Eventually the trees disappeared as we climbed higher. The sun brought temperatures up into the 90’s. In less than 2 miles, thankfully, we reached the Sierra Horse Camp. Here we refilled empty water bottles with cool spring water and sat in the shade. We felt fully rejuvenated and proceeded onto Helen Lake.
The walk from Horse Camp to Helen Lake was a bit warm, that’s for sure. But the surrounding rocky landscape was dramatic, interrupted by the occasional melting snow patch. A cricket or bird would break into song occasionally. Eric and I proceeded in a stride that seemed effortless, so interesting was the scenery. We took frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate. We encountered one other pair of climbers along the way. About 5 hours after we started our journey, we arrived at Helen Lake.
We each pitched our tents in one of the crescent-shaped stone shelters for protection from Shasta’s notorious winds. We tied our tents down securely and spent the rest of the day barefoot, relaxing at our base camp. It was warm, but somewhat breezy. Hours passed as we told stories, laughed heartily, and took in the scenery. Eric sketched a bit and I wrote in my journal. At about 7 pm, we decided we’d had enough sun and retired to our tents.
Day 2: The alarm woke us up at 3 am. After a quick breakfast of granola bars and water, we packed up supplies for the summit hike. By 4 am, we bid adieu to Helen Lake and were off. After expending some major energy trying to ascend a scree slope to the base of the Heart, we opted to hike on the snow. The crampons gripped the snow firmly and our pace quickened. At the base of the Heart, we decided to go left. Although we knew most climbers go right, we thought this route looked more fun, plus we would avoid the gnarly ascent through Red Banks. The day’s warmth had carved out fanciful asymmetrical shapes in the snow, making the route more beautiful and giving us nice platforms to stand on or step into. We reached the base of aptly-named Misery Hill and changed footwear for the scree hiking.
We took a couple of extended breaks on Misery Hill and on the snowy, flat terrain above. We opted for a slow, steady pace and passed several hiking pairs resting. Eventually the rocks became larger, more solidly stacked up. No more of the two-steps-forward-one-step-back walking characteristic of a scree slope. We clambered over the rocks and Eric became as agile as a mountain goat.
The summit quickly came closer and we veered back onto the sandy trail. We could see a group of three hikers resting and snacking up top. We smiled, knowing that the climb was successful. We sat on the summit for about an hour, stretching, napping, writing, eating. It was great to relax and bask in our glory of success at summiting Mt. Shasta.
The descent, as always, was far easier for me. Eric has weak knees so he always suffers on the way down. We took it very slowly. My lungs got a break as my legs took over the work. We passed lots of people now, all on their way up. Close to Red Banks, we affixed crampons once more and followed a narrow band of snow through the pumice cliffs. There was a glissade chute there for anyone willing, but Eric and I deemed the snow conditions too poor for glissading.
After getting off the snow, it was back to conquering scree walking. Helen Lake couldn’t come fast enough. At the lake we spent quite a while eating, airing out, and sitting down.
We packed up our camp and put on our heavy packs once again. We met some other climbers preparing for their summit bid and again relaxed in the shade while refueling on snacks. The last one and half miles back to the car were a breeze. Smiles and words of congratulations came from most of the aspiring climbers we met on the way up the trail.
Eric and I agree: What a trip!
Mt. Shasta Summit Hike - Weekends Outdoors
Day 1: With fully-loaded packs, we started up the gradually sloping trail through the forest. Eventually the trees disappeared as we climbed higher. The sun brought temperatures up into the 90’s. In less than 2 miles, thankfully, we reached the Sierra Horse Camp. Here we refilled empty water bottles with cool spring water and sat in the shade. We felt fully rejuvenated and proceeded onto Helen Lake.
The walk from Horse Camp to Helen Lake was a bit warm, that’s for sure. But the surrounding rocky landscape was dramatic, interrupted by the occasional melting snow patch. A cricket or bird would break into song occasionally. Eric and I proceeded in a stride that seemed effortless, so interesting was the scenery. We took frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate. We encountered one other pair of climbers along the way. About 5 hours after we started our journey, we arrived at Helen Lake.
We each pitched our tents in one of the crescent-shaped stone shelters for protection from Shasta’s notorious winds. We tied our tents down securely and spent the rest of the day barefoot, relaxing at our base camp. It was warm, but somewhat breezy. Hours passed as we told stories, laughed heartily, and took in the scenery. Eric sketched a bit and I wrote in my journal. At about 7 pm, we decided we’d had enough sun and retired to our tents.
Day 2: The alarm woke us up at 3 am. After a quick breakfast of granola bars and water, we packed up supplies for the summit hike. By 4 am, we bid adieu to Helen Lake and were off. After expending some major energy trying to ascend a scree slope to the base of the Heart, we opted to hike on the snow. The crampons gripped the snow firmly and our pace quickened. At the base of the Heart, we decided to go left. Although we knew most climbers go right, we thought this route looked more fun, plus we would avoid the gnarly ascent through Red Banks. The day’s warmth had carved out fanciful asymmetrical shapes in the snow, making the route more beautiful and giving us nice platforms to stand on or step into. We reached the base of aptly-named Misery Hill and changed footwear for the scree hiking.
We took a couple of extended breaks on Misery Hill and on the snowy, flat terrain above. We opted for a slow, steady pace and passed several hiking pairs resting. Eventually the rocks became larger, more solidly stacked up. No more of the two-steps-forward-one-step-back walking characteristic of a scree slope. We clambered over the rocks and Eric became as agile as a mountain goat.
The summit quickly came closer and we veered back onto the sandy trail. We could see a group of three hikers resting and snacking up top. We smiled, knowing that the climb was successful. We sat on the summit for about an hour, stretching, napping, writing, eating. It was great to relax and bask in our glory of success at summiting Mt. Shasta.
The descent, as always, was far easier for me. Eric has weak knees so he always suffers on the way down. We took it very slowly. My lungs got a break as my legs took over the work. We passed lots of people now, all on their way up. Close to Red Banks, we affixed crampons once more and followed a narrow band of snow through the pumice cliffs. There was a glissade chute there for anyone willing, but Eric and I deemed the snow conditions too poor for glissading.
After getting off the snow, it was back to conquering scree walking. Helen Lake couldn’t come fast enough. At the lake we spent quite a while eating, airing out, and sitting down.
We packed up our camp and put on our heavy packs once again. We met some other climbers preparing for their summit bid and again relaxed in the shade while refueling on snacks. The last one and half miles back to the car were a breeze. Smiles and words of congratulations came from most of the aspiring climbers we met on the way up the trail.
Eric and I agree: What a trip!
Mt. Shasta Summit Hike - Weekends Outdoors
Backpacking Trip to Duffy Lake
This is a great beginner backpacking route. I needed a beginner route since I was taking along my friend Brett, who has never been backpacking before and was breaking in his first pair of hiking boots. I chose wisely, it turns out, as he only got a few minor blisters and I heard no complaints.
Brett was breaking in a new pair of hiking boots, but I was breaking in my new lightweight backpacking stove. It seems I need a new one every five years or so, and every time I go to buy a new one I am pleased with the improvement. This trip was the maiden voyage of my new Trangia 28-T alcohol stove. My first time to try an alcohol stove. What a pleasant surprise! It is quieter and boils water faster than with my old whisperlite. I hear these have been popular in Europe for many years now. Seems like we can usually learn things about outdoor recreation from our friends in Europe.
Brett and I reached the trailhead by 10am and made quick work of getting on the trail. It is a little over three miles in to the lake, but it is all uphill. It is well worth the trek to reach this beautiful wilderness lake. If you are looking for family vacation ideas, I would put a backpacking trip to Duffy Lake on your list.
Backpacking Trip to Duffy Lake - Weekends Outdoors
Brett was breaking in a new pair of hiking boots, but I was breaking in my new lightweight backpacking stove. It seems I need a new one every five years or so, and every time I go to buy a new one I am pleased with the improvement. This trip was the maiden voyage of my new Trangia 28-T alcohol stove. My first time to try an alcohol stove. What a pleasant surprise! It is quieter and boils water faster than with my old whisperlite. I hear these have been popular in Europe for many years now. Seems like we can usually learn things about outdoor recreation from our friends in Europe.
Brett and I reached the trailhead by 10am and made quick work of getting on the trail. It is a little over three miles in to the lake, but it is all uphill. It is well worth the trek to reach this beautiful wilderness lake. If you are looking for family vacation ideas, I would put a backpacking trip to Duffy Lake on your list.
Backpacking Trip to Duffy Lake - Weekends Outdoors