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Time to go hiking
Go Hiking
A hike is one of the healthiest and cheapest of all outdoor sports activities. It suits everyone from old and young, from beginners to advanced level who also go camping. There are several basic precautions that people need to look at before venturing out though.
Safety and personal health factors are very important considerations. While some like the solitude of going out alone, it is always best to go with at least one other in case things go wrong.
My earliest expeditions were not the best of memories, aching legs, thirst and bug bites and every season you hear so many news stories of rescues of lost hikers caught out in the elements.
How fit are you?
For those starting out having some basic physical fitness is very sensible. This ideally should involve some walking training to build up some stamina and cardiovascular fitness. Don't be in a hurry to tackle the hard and challenging hikes, do some basic training first and you will enjoy those advanced trips a lot more.
A successful and enjoyable trip without injury or stress involves good planning. When you plan your proposed track, do some research about the terrain, how steep a grade are the hills? what about the degree of difficulty on the steep slopes? are there water crossings on your route? what about other obstacles are there on the trail? Then objectively consider whether your skill and fitness levels will allow you to complete the trip without incident.
Choose the weather
Before setting out on your trip consider what climatic and environmental factors are involved, such as expected weather conditions and temperature extremes. This will affect your clothes and what additional equipment you will need to carry in your backpack. Unpredictable weather is one of the most important factors you have to face. Storm cells are generated along with sudden temperature changes, high winds and lightning. If the weather is hot you will have to consider carrying extra water to avoid dehydration, or carry extra clothing and shelter material if it gets too cold. You will have to also consider carrying snack foods, first aid kit, compass and maps if you are on a challenging hike, and for those with a good budget a handheld GPS is also useful. Then you should consider whether your shoes of boots are up to the task. Quality footwear is absolutely essential for comfortable and successful hiking expeditions. Carefully consider the terrain and make sure your shoes or boots suit.
Dont be too ambitious when starting
If you are new try an organized trip along some established trails first and verify you are up to something more challenging. Keep the slopes and hills to a moderate level, it is surprising how fatigued you will get if your condition is below that required. Like all exercise regimes in the gym, increase the load gently as your conditioning improves. Remember that you are supposed to be having fun and enjoying yourself, about communing with your natural surroundings. Once you have several good treks under your belt you can look at improving your off track skills, using maps and compass, and difficult terrain. Whatever you do don't take risks with yourself or your partners or party, it may cost you dearly. There is nothing more embarrassing than being rescued.
The advanced level hiker will have acquired some basic climbing and rappelling skills as well as basic wilderness survival skills. If you intend camping along the trail then look at all the useful camping information. There is always the potential for serious injury and you have to know how to handle emergencies and get your injured party out off the trail. It cant be overstated "Know your limitations!" and to use the old Scout motto "Be Prepared". There are far too many injuries and deaths because of a failure to follow those basic requirements The old adage "take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints" applies. The best part of hiking is the communing with nature, observing the bird life, and the wildlife.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND USEFUL and PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Are you worried about lightning safety while on a trek, climbing, or camping? All you need to know about staying safe
All you need to know about lightning safety when backpacking or camping
Choosing the right shoes and boots
As we said earlier choosing the right boots and shoes is essential. Consider the terrain you will cover and choose the boot that fits best.
Click here for good information on hiking boots and shoes
All about clothes
Choosing the right clothes for both comfort and practicality is important. Dress for the weather not for fashion. There is an old Norwegian proverb that says "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing"
What trail to choose?
There are so many trails in the world, from the desolate wilderness areas to established trails in many national parks.
What about mountains?
Surely the most spectacular of all activities are the mountains, ranging from Switzerland to Canada, Utah to Colorado.
Where to take your vacation
It is a big world, and I know many who have hiked the Himalayas to Patagonia, and choosing a destination is not easy. Again its all about your level of ability and fitness.
China Hong Kong Travel Guide China - Hong Kong Travel Destination Guide Insider destination guide to Hong Kong travel with information on maps, landmarks, disneyland and other theme parks, Hong Kong movies, food and general Chinese culture. China travel and Asia travel articles are provided.
TOP HIKES - USA
These great trails offer superb hikes and are graded in degree of difficulty out of 10, and average days to complete, of course you can take as long as you like.
Alaska McGonagall Pass, Denali National Park Duration - 4 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 8
Colorado Maroon Bells Circuit Hike through the Maroon bells wilderness in South Central Colorado. Duration - 4 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 8 Utah Chester Park Hike through the Canyonlands and Needles districts in Southern Utah. Duration - 4 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 6
Washington Hike from Diablo Lake to Lake Chelan in the North Cascades Duration - 4 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 6
TOP HIKES – International
France Tour de la Vanoise Glaciers, French Alps Spectacular hiking! Duration - 5 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 6
New Zealand Routeburn Track, South Island Hiking in the majestic Lord of the Rings country, even more beautiful than the movie! Duration - 4 Days, Degree of Difficulty = 4
The Hiking Outpost Thousands of books and web resources for all major hiking destinations. Yellowstone, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, Colorado, California and more.
Outdoor Adventure Visit our outdoor adventure home page full of current outdoor related news, forums, articles, information, tips, event calendar and much, much more! All related to the great outdoors your enjoy!
Vilaya Tours Vilaya Tours operates trekking and hotel based tours exclusively in the Chachapoyas area of northern Peru. The area is rich in archaeology and close to our base in Chachapoyas is the largest ancient stone structure in South America
Off Road Vietnam Off-road information, tours and adventures in Vietnam on motorbike, moped scooter, motorcycle, bike, bicycle, car, junk, train and 4x4 vehicles, kayaking and trekking... Site features a tour library of detailed itineraries and photos from the road.
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