You can make your trekking experience a one to remember by suitably equipping your self with appropriate hiking shoes to prevent the occurrence of any blisters and this is specifically advised during the cold winter months, when you would have to deal with other problems as well. Cold conditions can easily turn any surface into a deadly and dangerous icy path, or terrain, which is why you need to take a few things into consideration when choosing the best winter hiking boots.

Some tips on how to pick appropriate winter hiking shoes is mentioned as under.

A Good Winter Hiking Boots

Traction - You must avoid walking on smooth surfaces and ensure that the winter hiking boots have enough grip. Strong traction needs to be provided by the hiking shoes to avoid any possibility of slipping and getting hurt.

If you suspect that your boots will build-up with ice and snow underneath (thus getting rid of the traction) then it is best to try spike chains, which attach onto your boots or shoes and they adjust themselves to virtually any surface to create the perfect traction and grip for you.

Your winter hiking boots must have the ability to keep the feet warm while trekking through deep ice and snow to prevent any occurrence of frost bite. Complement your winter hiking footwear with thick woolen socks as these will not only provide warmth but by virtue of their length, enable you to stretch them such that they do not allow any cold air to get into your footwear.

Waterproof - The last thing you need is for the heat generated by your feet to melt the water on the outside of your boots, so that you are suddenly walking around in soggy boots. To avoid the scenario of soggy boots, it is imperative for you to purchase waterproof winter hiking footwear.

One option is going for Gore-Tex liners as they are not only water proof but also permit any excess moisture to evaporate from within them which is very useful if you happen to develop sweaty feet.

Visit the following for other infor: Waterproof Hiking Boots

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Many folks find hiking a great outdoor pastime. It’s an excellent way keeping fit and viewing some fantastic scenery. Here are a few tips to ensure your cross country adventures go as planned. Have at lest one companion with you at all times, never be alone.

If you’re any distance further than 5-8 hours from the closest house, travel in a group of 3-4. Check a map and plan your route, leave somebody back home with your destination and expected tome of arrival. Click through here for more information on bird watching binoculars.

Know yours and your hiking parties limitations. Always check the weather forecast before departing. When packing, think about the essentials first. Be sure to have plenty of dry clothes in a waterproof backpack. Every member of your team must carry a survival kit. It needs to be lightweight and be able to cover basic emergency needs like waterproof matches, map and compass, a metallic signalling device such as a mirror, a whistle, nylon rope, a sharp knife, and a waterproof first-aid kit.

Your hiking party should have at least one flashlight and spare batteries or a crank flashlight that doesn’t need batteries. Carry a small axe in a sheath on your waist, it will also come in handy. I always make sure that I have a good length of fishing line, as well as a few extra hooks.

I find it can’t hurt to be prepared and it’s no extra weight to carry. Always be sure your water supply is ample and include emergency food such as chocolate, dried fruit, and trail mix is a great nourishing snack while on the trail.

Other tips for safe hiking include wearing seasonal clothing, waterproof hiking boots that are well worn in, sunglasses, lip balm, and if you can, a handheld GPS unit.You can obtain more information on canon binoculars here.

Whilst not a safety tip - remember to enjoy the scenery while you are hiking and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife - just do it with safety!

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With spring finally here and summer coming soon, it’s that time of year for revitalizing your spring and summer wardrobe. There’s nothing better to get you in the mood for summer parties, vacations, and backyard barbecues than new tanks, shorts, sundresses, and of course, sandals. For the summer, no woman should be without the three most popular kinds of summer sandals - the slide, the flip-flop, and the classic sandal. The new spring line of Keen shoes for kids offers just that - all three staples of the summer shoes wardrobe, in a variety of styles and colors. And of course, with Keen, a name known and trusted for high quality footwear, each and every style is guaranteed to be top of the line in looks and comfort. Whether you are planning exciting summer adventures roadtripping across the US, hosting garden parties and barbecues, or a little of both, making sure the best three new styles for spring are in your wardrobe will guaranteed that you are comfortable all summer long.

The sandal, or slip-on, is the first staple of the summer footwear wardrobe. This design is easy to take off, and are a necessity for keeping by the door for running in and out of the garden, or on fast trips to the farmer’s market. Keen sandals offers a variety of new styles of slides and slip-ons, with the most popular new spring style being the Madrid Ballerina. Designed like the classic ballerina slipper, the Madrid features a ribbed mesh upper and natural gum rubber outsole, to combine the classic femininity of the ballerina with the usefulness of the Keen brand.

Of course, your summer adventures are sure to take you further than the backyard and the farmer’s market, which is why the second staple of the summer footwear wardrobe is the flip-flop. The flip-flop is great for trips to the beach or the lake, as they are fast to dry and easy to kick in and out off before jumping in for a swim. The most popular warm weather design of Keen sandals in a flip-flop is the Bree. With a nubuck leather upper, and a polyurethane and memory foam underfoot, the Bree is great for keeping your feet comfortable all day long.

Also: women’s comfortable boots

The third staple of the summer shoes wardrobe is the traditional sandal. The traditional sandal is designed to stay on the foot more easily than the flip-flop and the slide, and is great for keeping the foot cool and comfortable while hiking new mountain trails, or exploring the back streets of vacation towns. And in Keen sandals, the great innovative style for spring in a traditional sandal is the Coronado sandal. The Coronado offers the traditional Keen style, along with a natural rubber outsole for a steady grip, and canvas uppers in a variety of colors.

No woman’s summer wardrobe should be without these three footwear staples. And with Keene boots, you know you are buying quality footwear that will keep you comfortable and stylish throughout all of your summer adventures, no matter where they take you, from the backyard, to the back streets of exciting foreign cities, to the beach.

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For a fun native Alaska vacation consider the Nanamiut Village in the John River.

Is what you are looking for is a genuine outdoors Alaska vacation you might need to think about going to Nunamiut Village right on the edge of the Gates of Arctic National Park and Preserve. There you will find people that are decedents of those that have coexisted in the area since before five-hundred BC. They survived on caribou, which they still hunt, eat, and make clothing and more from, just as their ancestors.

The beautiful village is one that should be respected for its heritage of life. When visitors come to the village and disrupt the natural flow of the community it is both harmful and unappreciated. For this fact the village has provided a camping area that tourist must camp in. This campground is situated among the willows by the east edge of the runway opposite the town. Be sure to check in with the store, ranger station or community center for more information on the requirements for camping here. Do NOT camp within sight of the village, it is disrespectful toward the local people. Respect them, they have lived here a lot longer than you have been alive and have a right to be honored in their home.

The Nanamiut Village consists of just 250 individuals. The village is called a bush community thus supplies are limited. The local residents still count on caribou herds for alll of their meat, although they do hunt Dall sheep and harvest trout and grayling, ptarmigan, and waterfowl.

The weather in the area ranges from the 50’s during the summer months to an average of minus fourteen degrees in January. Of course, being Alaska, and the far north of Alaska, there have been recorded cold temperatures of between -56 and -91 degrees. The area gets an average of eleven inches of rainfall with an average snowfall of 63 inches per year.

When touring the area be sure to carry along the items that you will want (and remember you will be carrying the items so only pack the necessary things to avoid having to carry the weight). The town does not have the facilities that you may be acustomed to in other sites so you will not be able to stop by the store to pick the items up. Don’t forget, it is a truly rugged Alaska vacation you are taking, one that will be a great memory for decades to come.

If you don’t need the comfort of traditional Alaska tours, and desire a real Far North Alaska vacation then this is an area that you certainly must need to consider. However, you will not just spend your vacation in Nanamiut Village, but go on to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a visit and perhaps an overnight in the village will give you a experience of what it would be like to live this far from the rest of the world and in the manner that their ancestors lived years ago. Come, enjoy and appreciate the area so others will have the chance to appreciate this wonderland of the north too.

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One of the biggest backpacking trend in recent years is hiking light. They put less stress on your body and results in a more comfortable and enjoyable hike. The availability of lighter and multifunctional equipment can make your hiking backpack so much lighter than was possible ten years ago.

1. Analyze your current equipment kit
Take note of how much each of your gear weighs. This will help you get the big picture of how much gear selection impact the weight of your backpack.

2. Only pack what you need
It’s ok to carry luxury items but don’t take everything with you. Books, camping mattresses, fishing poles, binoculars and folding camping chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. If you can find lighter alternatives than use those instead. Balance between what would make comfortable at camp versus how much weight you can comfortably carry.

3. Base your gear on the season and weather
It doesn’t make sense to carry a zero degree sleeping bag and a four season tent on the Appalachian Trail in July. Your other backpacking should be right for the season as well.

4. Select the lightest equipment
If you can find lighter alternatives, replace your heavier gear. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your backpacking pack, sleeping bag and shelter. But don’t go too light with your pack until reducing the weight of the rest of your load - or your musculature will pay the price for an overloaded “ultralight” pack.

5. Use multifunctional gear.
Your overall gear should be able to work together. The ability to recognize synergistic relationships between your gear, or to select gear that performs multiple uses, is a key skill in reducing your pack weight and increasing the level of simplicity in your approach to lightweight backpacking. One example is the use of your trekking pole as a tent pole.

6. Use down.
For the same amount of warmth, down is far lighter than the best synthetics. Down, however, lose their insulation when wet and drying them on the field is close to impossible. Down sleeping bags can be lighter than synthetic sleeping bags by as much as 2.5 pounds.

7. Wear a windbreaker
Many good windbreakers weigh less than three ounces. Windbreakers give you tremendous comfort and warmth and allows you to wear lighter base layers. A windbreaker extends the comfort range of your clothing system.

8. Share your backpacking gear
Hiking with a friend, you can pool resources, especially shelter and cooking gear. Try to be creative and you’ll find many things to things to share including sleeping bag, light, map and camping mat.

9. Develop your skills
If you have good outdoor skills you can get by easily with minimal camping gear. There are many ways to acquire these but nothing beats experience. You can also attend backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses to aid you.

10. Travel Size
Travel sized versions of everything are lighter and smaller. Use a smaller container than the original packaging if possible. Sleep out in the backyard a lot. Especially on rainy or snowy or windy winter days.

Reducing Your Backpack Weight in Stages

To reduce your backpack weight, you need to do it gradually in stages. It takes experience for you to take note of the things you can leave behind and only carry what you need. It also depends on the weather and trail conditions. Just do it and eventually you’ll probably going to stick to hiking light.

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It took six day for Dr. Douglas Girling to finish the Sahara race in temperatures up to 130 degrees with his brother and a couple of friends.

Just a few months later he headed up for a polar race at the Arctic Circle. A feat not many would dare try. The conditions were harsh and cold. You would be reluctant to stop for fear that you would freeze to death.

According to the doctor, he did it because he wanted to see how far he can go in extreme conditions. When he was young, he used to travel to the US to compete in triathlons. His fascination with the physiology behind exercise led him to pursue a career in medicine.

Even after being married for 20 years with two kids, Girling, had continued to run. The previous year was when he decided to go for the Sahara race along with his brother, Malcolm, and some friends. They had to run in the blistering heat carrying food and camping gear

The pain was intense but the desert was so beautiful that it was worth it. When Girling finished the race, he had run for 34 hours and 46 minutes. It was a great feeling and his relationship with his brother and companions improved as a result.

Everyone else had enough but not long after, Girling was running again but this time for the Arctic 6633 Ultra race which took place in Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories on the Dempster Highway where the temperature at the time was around -40 degrees. It was so cold that his shoes froze solid soon after he began. The strong winds made matters worse.

He hauled a wheeled sled with a -40 degree down sleeping bag, a bivouac bag, a stove and some extra clothes. On his desert run, he had carried a lightweight backpack, alcohol stove, sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, foam flip-flops, and lycra gaiter to keep the sand out of his shoes.

It was worse than the desert. He had only run 3 miles when he realized that he had never felt such pain before. His hands froze in seconds the first time he tried to get a water bottle. What a relief it must have been to eat and sleep in the occasional sheltered checkpoints.

It was a test of how much he can handle. He ran in a nylon vapor barrier liner over synthetic long underwear plus booties and head coverings. On one occasion, Girling had to stick a plastic tube into his mouth to prevent his face mask from ice build-up.

Despite the pain, he managed to finish up to the third of four checkpoints in 48 hours, 57 minutes including four hours of sleep. Sixteen others dropped out, half even before the first checkpoint.

His daring adventures had given him a first-hand experience on being out in extreme conditions. It was the closest thing to being in a survival situation without getting himself into a lot of trouble.

While Girling hasn’t given up on adventure challenges, he’s had enough of arctic running. It was the toughest race he had even ran. His next target is the jungle race in the Amazon.

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A Colorado climber packing skis but limited other gear is missing on Mount McKinley and an initial high-altitude aerial search produced no sightings this morning.

Gerald Myers, 41, of Centennial, Colo., is believed to have reached the 20,320-foot summit of North America’s highest peak Wednesday afternoon, according to National Park Service spokeswoman Maureen McLaughlin.

A group of climbers returning from the summit reported seeing Myers on the summit ridge, she said. But he has not returned to the 17,200-foot high camp or to the 14,200-foot camp from which he launched his solo summit attempt early Tuesday morning.

Park rangers think Myers may have elected to descend on a more difficult route other than the popular West Buttress, which he took to the summit ridge and perhaps beyond.

The fact he was carrying skis suggests he may have attempted to descend via the Orient Express or the Messner Couloir — both of which are ski descents, McLaughlin said. Descents on two other possible routes, the West Buttress and the Reserve Gully, can be done on snowshoes, skis or crampons, she said.

“There are many routes to come down and we do not know which one he was targeting,” McLaughlin said.

Myers was traveling light. Though he grabbed his skis from a cache at 17,200 feet on Tuesday morning, rangers believe he carried no sleeping bag, bivvy bag, thermal pad or camp stove. This guy is clearly not following the ten essentials for mountaineering.

He should know better than to go into the Chugach without gear as basic as this. His chances of survival are slim. You should never sacrifice the essentials for the sake of hiking light.

Now he would have to dig himself a shelter in the snow if he wants to stay alive. It is likely that he has injured himself which makes matters worst.

This morning’s search, by an Air National Guard HC-130 Hercules, was limited by high winds and cloud cover. A second search could happen this evening if there’s a break in the weather, McLaughlin said.

This is the third incident, and the first search, on the mountain this season, McLaughlin said. In separate incidents earlier this month, William Hearne of Fairport, N.Y., 61, collapsed on his approach to the 14,200-foot camp and died of apparent natural causes, and a man with pulmonary edema was evacuated from 14,200 feet.

Find Beth Bragg online at adn.com/contact/bbragg or call 257-4309.

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Backpacks are generally categorized into three: frameless, external frame, and internal frame. The main purpose of a frame is to support the pack and helps to distribute the weight across your whole body, mainly on the hips so that your shoulders are not bearing all the burden.

Frameless Backpacks

This is the simplest and most inexpensive type of hiking pack you can find. The most basic design consist of one main pocket and connected to a set of shoulder straps. They are more used for general stuff rather than hiking. However, some are suitable for outdoor activities like hiking. Some more advanced versions have a suspension system like waist strap, chest strap and padded shoulders.

External Frame Backpacks

This is an old favorite with backpackers because of its large capacity and strong frame. The frame is very rigid and it supports a sack made of cloth or other materials.

External frames allow for users to carry a heavier weight than a frameless pack could. It also gives the wearer more support and protection and better weight distribution. The frames have been made of wood until about the middle of the twentieth century.

This type of hiking pack is not very common today and the frames are now made of lightweight metal tubes, often aluminum and sometimes titanium or scandium. A system of straps and pads keep the sack and frame from contacting the body so you get reduced sweatiness.

It is normal practice to strap bulky items such as camping tents, sleeping bags and pads on the frame because some parts of the frame are not occupied by the hiking pack. The main compartment is usually small compared to internal frame hiking packs to allow for these bulky items to be strapped.

The problem with external frame hiking packs is the center of gravity is very high up and away from the body resulting in instability. Keeping your balance especially when climbing up hills is not an easy task with external frame backpacks.

Users also complain of getting bruises as a result of the uncushioned frame rubbing or hitting against the body. However, external frame hiking packs are very durable.

Internal Frame Packs

Invented in 1967 by Greg Lowe, the internal frame backpack has replaced external frame backpacks as the standard pack for hikers. Greg Lowe later went on to found Lowepro, a company specializing in backpacks and other carrying solutions for various equipment.

The frame which consists of strips of metal or plastic is integrated into the pack. A system of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight.

An internal frame hiking pack is fitted closely to the body and therefore the load is more easily controlled and easily predictable. You have more freedom of movement and are ideal for scrambling over rocky surfaces and hiking uphill. However, the close fit presents another problem; poor ventilation and therefore sweatier backs.

Unlike external frame backpacks, there are only a few (if any) lash points for your tent or sleeping bag and there is a limit to the size of whatever you want strapped to the outside of the pack. Fortunately, modern internal frame backpacks have a large capacity so that all of your gear can fit inside.

Check out these internal frame backpack and bivies which are great for backpacking because they’re compact, lightweight and easy to set up compared to tents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonsky_Sicuna http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpack-Design—The-Three-Types-of-Backpacks&id=2317549

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Idaho tourism has a few surprises in store for you and one of them is a visit to a lava cave called Shoshone Indian Ice Caves outside of Shoshone, Idaho. This 1,000 foot long lava tunnel is covered with ice on the floor year round. It isn’t beautiful like the limestone caves that you can tour, but it is fascinating in its own way.

There is a wooden bridge that goes the distance of the cave so that you can walk above the ice. The cave stays cold enough for the ice as long as the door to the tunnel is closed during the summer. It is cold enough in the cave that you will need a jacket, if you don’t have one with you there are some at the entrance that you may borrow for the tour.

When you arrive at the cave you will see some rather ugly statues along the way. They were put there by a former owner of the cave to generate some tourist interest, although they failed at that for adults the kids seem to think they are neat.

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Merrell is a organization that has been in business for 26 years, and they bring high quality shoes to the outdoor enthusiast. They have crafted their sandals to be contemporary in mode, restful for the activities, and proven performance. Merrell assumes that outside adventures offer a chance to bring a better self awareness, freedom, and fulfillment in this life. Wearing Merrell sandals during your sunny outside activites is a choice you will not regret. With their recognized quality performance shoes, you are sure to be walking in comfort for the length of your day, no matter if it is a shopping outing or a hike in the woods.

The ‘outside’ keeps changing as peoples activities have taken on new adventures and varying terrains and environments. Merrell sandals have kept up with this ever happening world and strive to alter as people’s needs change. Their ability to keep up shows in their air cushion midsoles, supportive Trailspring & reg., footbed, Q-form & reg., Omni-fit & trade, technology, their lacing system and innovative sole patterns. All of these offer comfort and fashion in any natural or urban environment. Since day one of the company’s inception, they trusted that the journey is as important as the destination and that is their driving force in staying current in technology, fashion and comfort.

Also see: Merrell women’s shoes

Merrell sandals are of the highest quality and have brought contentment to many consumers. Most of Merrell’s sales are from repeat clients and they’re sharing their enthusiasm of the product. This spring is no exception to the quality and fashion that Merrell brings to the table. Viewing their many items will create a believer out of anybody.

The top 3 new styles of Merrell shoes on sale for spring include varying styles to meet the needs of many consumers. The Dewberry sandal available in 4 colors (red being one of them! Who can resist this!!) and has a feminine charm. It will emphasize your summer fashion with its 2″ heel and excellent colors. The Senise is a slide on thong sandal for your casual summer days - everyone has these days and needs a pair of casuals to complete their summer wardrobe. This sandal comes in 7 colors - you can definitely have a good time wearing these! The Siren Strap Sport sandal is a strappy, waterproof sandal that offers you tremendous support while looking mighty casual. Splashing around in these on your fun, outdoorsy days will give you a comfortable and fun day indeed!

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