Wilderness Travel: Hiking Trips

How much do you know about hiking?  Have you ever gone on hiking trips?  How to get started? Hiking is nothing more than taking a walk in the wilderness.  The surface may be rough and uneven unlike taking a walk in the park.  If you never hiked before you can condition yourself before venturing out.  Conditioning your muscles is only one part, knowing the weather conditions is another and finding your way back may be the most important.  Learning about hiking trips before hand can enhance your experience and make it more enjoyable.

Hiking Trips




First, if you never hiked before start with walks in the park if you live in a city or back roads if you live in rural areas.  Find some areas that may be unpaved to give you a feel of what it is like walking in the wilderness on uneven surfaces.  Start with short walks to condition your muscles and feet.  There is nothing worse than getting up the next morning so stiff you feel like you can’t move.  As you venture out each time go alittle further.  Try to walk as long as you plan on your hiking trip.  Also if you’re planning on carrying supplies in a backpack you may want to do this taking your walks.

Hiking Trip




Going on hiking trips is different that hiking around home.  Be aware of any circumstances and know what you may need to take care of your body.  Remember, most times there may not be any shelters or vehicles to go to if you get tired or hungry.  If you never took hiking trips before starting with short hikes will help you learn what to expect.

Second, knowing what the weather conditions are before taking hiking trips.  You may want to consider summertime in most parts of the country, the weather is the most pleasant this time of the year, unless you’re plan hiking in the desert you may want to plan this in the winter, spring or fall.  Hiking in nice weather is one less thing to worry about.  Once you gain experience in hiking trips and want to make it more challenging, then take at look at the seasons where weather can be less friendly.

Third, is packing the proper food and water and wearing the correct clothing for hiking trips.  Keeping hydrated is the most important.  Don’t go out and buy that new pair hiking boots and wear them on a long hike the first time out.  Take short hikes to break them in or wear them around home for awhile.  Make sure you wear the proper clothing, lightweight is the best.  Taking along a jacket may not be a bad idea depending on the time of the year.

Amazing Hiking Trips in America



Last, you may want to consider taking your first hiking trip with a group of people who have experience in hiking trips.  They know what to expect and can guide you along the way.  Ask them questions on things you aren’t sure about.  You can gain knowledge from others.  Be aware of your starting point, this is where you want to end up at the end of the day.  Being able to find your way back is the most important.  Enjoy yourself on hiking trips and see what nature has to offer.

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August 24, 2010 | Get a Bag | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Wilderness Travel: Outdoor Wilderness Camping

How to Prepare for a Camping Trip in the Wilderness

Whether you are planning a wilderness camping trip alone or family camping trip it is important to be prepared.  Planning in advance with packing and survival is the key for a great relaxing outdoor adventure.  Widerness-CampingWith so many articles written about wilderness camping we can all agree on one thing, have emergency strategies by educating yourself on survival skills and take along an emergency survival kit.  You want to prepare yourself, there are no warnings when you may be faced with a situation in the wilderness.

Let someone else know where you are going for your wilderness camping adventure and layout a detailed plan for them.  You never know when a search and rescue team may need to locate you.  The layout of your plan should consist of location, route and when you expect to return home.   The more details you list the easier it will be for a rescue team to find you.

Wilderness Survival : About Lightweight Camping Tents

Everyone adventuring out in the wilderness should have priorities.  ShelterOutdoor-Adventure first, then water, fire, food and first aid.  Even taking a first aid course in outdoor wilderness survival before venturing out will give you training in first aid.  Why take a first aid kit if you don’t know how to use one.  These are all things to keep in mind.

Try to research the location where you want to go wilderness camping for water and possible food sources.  Knowing about streams and optional plants for food sources as an alternative.  Learn about water to see if it is fit to drink, also with food.  When in doubt don’t drink or eat, the sources could be contaminated.

Camping-Hiking-BackpackWhen wilderness camping, use your imagination to be resouceful.  The items you take along or your surroundings may be used in a situation to help you survive.  Packing wilderness survival gadgets like fire starters are beneficial in staying warm and dry.  Also choose the right outdoor clothing for wilderness survival.  Choose clothing made for the outdoors whether you are hiking, biking or canoeing.

Whatever your next outdoor wilderness camping adventure is, just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your trip with friends or family.

Camping Alone In The Wilderness


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May 24, 2010 | Get a Bag | Tags: , , , , | 9 Comments »

Backpacking Gear Preparation

Hiking-In-The-Wilderness

It’s always a good idea to learn the facts that you need when you adventure out in the great outdoors in backpacking gear.  You want to search for quality in outdoor gear, sometimes people purchase keeping cost in mind, but remember you get what you pay for, cheaper isn’t always better.  Hopefully this article will assist you in locating and knowing which backpacking gear may be suitable for you.

Backpacking-GearPurchasing the right backpacking gear will depend if you may be a person that likes to mountain climb, camping trips or adventures in hiking for short or long periods of time.  Some of the top brand companies that manufacture outdoor gear is Coleman, Granite, Gregory, Black Diamond and Jan Sport  just to mention a few. 

Backpacking Tips for Beginners: How to Backpack :

 

Complete your checklist before adventuring outdoors.  Your checklist should consist of the following:  compass, extra food, sleeping bags, pocket knife, water, waterproof matches, rain gear, tent, map, flashlight, clothing and a first aid kit just to mention a few.  Being well prepared could mean the difference between a wonderful adventure or wishing you never went.  Always practice safety and think ahead of any situations that may occur – weather, cold, heat or animals.

Inspect your backpacking gear a few days before venturing outdoors.  Most people pack their gear in a closet and remains there until they use it the next time.  Check the working condition of your equipment, it’s easier to fix gear that is not functioning at home then in the wilderness.

Before hitting the great outdoors take some time to research the area youcamping will be camping or hiking.  You can obtain updated maps or guides from ranger stations, visitor centers, local bookstores or request them through the forest or park service.  There may be updates on trails or bridges that you are not aware of. 

Weather updates are essential.  Packing the proper gear for inclement weather is always necessary.   Pack for snow, rain, cold and even the hot sun.  Rain gear is necessary when hiking in wet conditions.  Waterproof – breathable jackets and pants are easier and faster to dry out.  An extra large rain pouch could cover your backpacking gear and yourself as an alternative or an add-on to your rain gear.  It’s not a bad idea to pack an extra set of dry clothes, socks, hat and gloves for an emergency or if the temperature drops at night to keep you warm.  Plan for the unexpected even if it means packing alittle extra.

Backpacking Equipment Tips :

Campsites and shelters may be available in some areas.  Do your research on where they are located, how many are available and how far apart they are.  These may be first come first serve so you want to check how far you need to hike before arriving at the first one or next in line. 

Checking for water sources is a major part of your hiking trip.  You want to check where the water sources are located, you cannot always rely on maps and guides.  These do not outline how large a water source may be or if a recent dry spell has happened.   It’s always a good idea to camp near a water source in the evening, this will allow you easier meal preparation and cleanup.

Backpack-Gear-For-Mountain-HikingDoing alittle research and being well prepared can mean your safety when hiking, camping or mountain climbing.  When returning home you want to thoroughly clean your backpacking gear everything from your clothing to your sleeping bags to your equipment.  Performing maintenance can lengthen the life of your outdoor gear.

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March 30, 2010 | Get a Bag | Tags: , , , , | 8 Comments »

Things To Know Before You Go In Wilderness

It’s always a good idea to know what is necessary to pack when camping or hiking in the wilderness.
Most people think they can adventure out in the wilderness without having any basic ideas for survival.  I researched and came across The Wilderness Training Institute which is a practical customized 1-day course in Basic Wilderness Survival and Safety.

It is specifically designed for both the noviceHigh_Sierra_Desolation_Wilderness user and the experienced outdoorsmen, as it is the first course of its kind covering basic preparedness and avoidance skills, priority survival skills and survival kit/gear/clothing selections for wilderness backcountry.

Listed Are A Few Things To Know
When camping or hiking take emergency food on any trip over and above your regular food supply.  If you get lost you will be able to survive until rescuers are able to locate you.

Truchas_LakesWhich type of food, consider energy bars, chocolate and canned goods.  You want food that will not spoil, but remember to purchase the canned goods with the lift of lids or pack an opener.  It is a good idea to pack any perishables in a plastic container to keep them dry if it rains and to keep any bugs out.

Know how to dress, check temperatures before starting your wilderness adventure.  It’s always a good idea to dress in layers.  If the temperature rises during the day, you can always take off a layer or two and when the temperatures dip down at night these extra layers will help keep you warm.  Maintaining your body temperature is one of the most important aspects of surviving.  Always remember bad weather can set in at any time, so be prepared.  Try to find shelter from the extreme heat or extreme cold.

Keep your body hydrated with plenty of water.  You need to pack extra liquids with you.  Sweating creates lose of water in your body.  You can survive a long time without food but you must stay hydrated.  If your are near a river or stream and the water is clear, it would be a good idea to drink the water and keep your body hydrated.

Backpack Hiking In The Canyon

Always pack a first aid kit in your hiking or camping gear.  Bandages, aspirin, bug repellent, gauze, iodine just for any scraps or bruises.

It just takes a little common sense to pack your backpack with the travel gear you may need.  Having a flashling, swiss knife and a pack of matches or lighter to start a fire is a must.  So just educating yourself before adventuring out in the wilderness can save your life.

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March 8, 2010 | Get a Bag | Tags: , , , , | 7 Comments »