Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Hiking Colorado: Basic Essentials of Hiking Backpacks

Adjustable Straps
First of all, hiking backpacks should have contoured padded shoulder straps that are easily adjustable to fit your body frame. It is a must for any backpack to have tightening straps. The straps are used to take off stress from parts of your back and redirect it elsewhere. They will keep the pack from sliding to the side while hiking, not hold the pack tightly to your back.

Hipbelt
The pack should also have a hipbelt. The hipbelt allows the weight of the pack to be evenly distributed and keep the pressure off stress points. Without a good hipbelt, all the weight would end up on your shoulder, neck and back muscles instead of your stronger hips and legs.

Pockets
The next thing that hiking backpacks should have are plenty of pockets. From cell phones to water bottles, you will need places to keep each thing separately and be easily accessible. There are some hiking backpacks that have a significant amount of pockets – these backpacks will cost more money, especially if the pockets are hidden, so make sure you choose wisely.

Lumbar Pad
Quality hiking backpacks will also have a lumbar pad situated at the small of your back to keep the pack's frame or hard items packed inside from digging into your back. Most of the downward force ends up at this point, so a lumbar pad with high-friction fabric is nice because it helps keep the belt from slipping.


Waterproof

It is also very important that hiking backpacks be weather resistant so we recommend hiking backpacks that feature waterproof outer shells and protective inner compartments. The backpack should be able to withstand blaring heat and a cold rain. Thus, look for backpacks that have a nylon base. If you have had nylon products before, then you will notice that it does an excellent job at repelling water.


Monday, February 25, 2008

Hiking Colorado: Backpacks

Hiking backpacks should be lightweight and comfortable and be able to hold everything that you need them to hold! With this in mind, make sure you don’t compromise the construction of the pack. It should be made of a strong material that is abrasion resistant.

It may seem daunting when it comes to shopping for hiking backpacks, because as you will notice, there are many different styles available on the market. It is important that you choose the size of your pack based on the length of your trip. We recommend smaller-capacity day or lumbar packs for local nature hikes. For longer trips, a pack in the larger size range for this category would be recommended. Perhaps you want a hiking backpack that does not necessarily look fashionable, one that is practical instead and suitable for the length and ruggedness of the hike. Or, maybe you want a backpack that has both fashion and functionality. Whatever the preference, there are some basic things that all hiking backpacks should have.


Sunday, February 24, 2008

Best Hiking Boots for Men, Women and Kids

Best Hiking Boots for Kids
When searching for the best hiking boots for women, first you’ll need to keep in mind that women's feet tend to be narrower than men's feet. This is often most noticeable in the heel. Some type of boot insert is also a worthwhile consideration, since women's feet often are not as well padded as men's feet. When choosing best hiking boots for women, it’s most important for boots to fit snug, yet comfortable, and should be both flexible and breathable. We have found through our numerous hiking excursions that waterproofed Nubuck leather and flexible nylon mesh uppers offer this ample durability for comfort on the go.

Best Hiking Boots for Kids
The best hiking boots for kids should be both practical and versatile, which make them great for the trail, school, and backyard play. Your child should love their support, comfort, and convenience. A water-resistant leather upper is recommended as it allows them to tromp through puddles unscathed. May we also recommend a moisture-wicking lining, so your child's feet stay dry, comfortable, and blister-free. If you prefer the lighter fare for the best hiking boots for your children, try the suede with nylon mesh lining.

Now if you’re just starting out and hiking mostly on smooth flat trails and dry terrain for short excursions, the best hiking boots for kids may very well be just a regular pair of sneakers or running shoes. If the terrain is a bit steeper or even muddy or icy, then the best hiking boots for kids will need to have more of a grip on the bottom sole in order to pull oneself up the incline safely.

Best Hiking Boots for Men
Since you’ll be hiking in and around mountains and hills, the best hiking boots for men should allow your toes plenty of room for those long ground-pounding sessions on extended downhill descents beneath a heavy pack. Many of the best hiking boots for men are made of Nubuck leather, or other full-grain leather material backed with a waterproof and breathable laminate like Gore-Tex. This waterproof protection is a necessity in questionable weather or when high alpine snowmelt transforms steep trails into slick and muddy drainage channels.

Congratulations, you are one step closer to a most enjoyable and breathtaking adventure, now that you’ve researched and compared our best hiking boots.


Saturday, February 23, 2008

Choosing the Best Hiking Boots for the Type of Trail and Time of Year

Trail Shoes
We recommend Trail Shoes for walking on well established, smooth trails and are usually the best hiking boots for short hikes or day walks in dry climate. These boots, under 2½ pounds, are more commonly known as lightweights. They resemble a combination running shoe/boot, and are generally constructed of suede, fabric, leather or nylon mesh, which make them ideal for summer hiking adventures. Some lightweight hiking boots weigh in at barely more than a pound. These are less for protecting the feet and ankles from rocky terrain and more for providing protection to the bottom of the foot. These are the best hiking boots for comfort, cushioning and breathability. The casual hiker will love these as their best hiking boots, while the backpacker will limp into camp.

Trail Hikers
The best hiking boots for longer, more rugged trails, require something sturdier like Trail Hikers. They have the tread on the bottom, usually a vibram or lug sole, which is needed for rocky ground. This sole can provide better traction while ascending and descending inclines and even on muddy terrain. These higher-cut boots will provide added stability and ankle protection against protruding branches and rocks, or even snakes that may be encountered in the wild. Trail hikers, also called middleweights, weigh 2½ pounds or more and are usually made of all leather and have decent weatherproofing. These are the best hiking boots suitable for most light to moderate backpacking loads and winter hiking conditions.

Mountaineering Boots
If you have planned multi-day trips which may involve scaling steep mountain faces, you will need Mountaineering Boots. These durable alpine boots are the best hiking boots for rough or steep terrain where you may need to attach crampons for a better grip on glaciers or hard-packed snow. For this reason, you want a rigid boot with a stiff sole to give your ankles extra support and protection as you climb on extremely challenging terrain. These are the best hiking boots for on- and off-trail hiking with moderate to heavy backpacking loads.


Friday, February 22, 2008

Colorado Hiking: Selecting The Best Hiking Boots

When it comes to choosing the best hiking boots to endure the type of outdoor adventure planned, it is of utmost importance to keep comfort and safety in mind. This, inevitably, can make all the difference in the world for a long memorable hike or a short-lived disaster. This is the single most valuable piece of hiking equipment and can set the tone for future hikes to come…or not. Now it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and buy the latest and the best hiking boots around to outfit your family, for it can become quite pricy and we wouldn’t want to start you off on the wrong foot. In fact, your best hiking boots may very well be found sitting right in your garage. You just need to dust them off and inspect the soles to make sure the treads aren’t worn down or have gaping holes. You will also want to make sure there is enough support for your ankle.

In order to assist you better, we would like to share our expert opinions in helping you decide which are best hiking boots for your needs. On that note, here are some things you should consider. We feel that the best hiking boots are built with a sturdy sole which will allow for hiking on rough trails in the wilderness. A strong, solid bottom will protect your feet from getting stone bruises or thorn punctures, if you should happen to encounter such obstacles while hiking. They should also have decent cushioning on the insole to reduce the possibility of blisters. Keeping this in mind, we recommend that you wear two pairs of socks, a thick wool outer layer along with a thin soft inner layer. The sides of your best hiking boots should offer sufficient support to help protect your ankles from being twisted to one side or the other on uneven terrain.


Thursday, February 21, 2008

Hiking in Colorado: Let Us Be Your Guide

If you should become inclined to hike, we can help you have a successful experience. We gather our knowledge from avid hikers of all ages. Many of our contributors volunteer with Trails and Open Spaces or have experience in the U.S. Forest Service. Start planning your hiking Colorado trip with us, your resource for hiking adventures. You won’t want to miss the next uplifting adventure as we build on our esteem, knowledge, and physical prowess of hiking Colorado together.

You’re not living for tomorrow unless you’re hiking Colorado today!


Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Colorado Hiking Memories: A Lasting Imprint

Are we ready to begin our hiking Colorado treasure hunt, where we unearth the sounds of brilliantly crashing waterfalls, the sights of majestic peaks and consuming canyons, the fresh air fragrance of wildflowers and mountain scent pines, the tastes of sweet honey syrup and succulent berries; all at our fingertips…Over the river and through the woods, along mountain streams to hot springs, waterfalls and lakes we go...The trail knows the way to carry the day up gentle slopes and rolling hills, across wide open meadows with colorful aspens...To the top of ridges, peaks and vistas, across tree lines and ridgelines through caves and caverns, we’ll discover a spectacular experience while hiking Colorado.

You’ll want to keep a journal or a log to record your miles trekked and elevations scaled. Make a history book of your Hiking Colorado treasure hunt of where you’ve been, ALL ON FOOT, or create a scrapbook of the glorious sights you’ve captured along the way.


Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Colorado Hiking: Safety First

Do your research in advance, make sure you know your environment. It’s very important to be aware of weather patterns that are in effect for the time of year for hiking Colorado, so you will know how to dress and when to head back from your adventure. Whenever humans interact with nature, there’s always a chance of injury. Make sure to put together a mini first aid kit in case something happens while hiking Colorado. It’s best to be familiar with the types of plants and wildlife in the area as this can be a great learning experience for the kids.


Monday, February 18, 2008

Hiking Colorado: Preparation is Key

When hiking Colorado, begin with a checklist of essential items you’ll want to bring along. We’ve provided a list of our Favorite Hiking Colorado Things to get you started. Remember you’ll want to pack lightly, but take enough water and energy foods for everyone. Proper footwear is the most valuable item you’ll need so that you can avoid getting blisters and help with traction while ascending and descending the trails. A lightweight backpack is recommended along with lightweight layers of clothing. Protection from the sun is also a must while hiking Colorado. Be sure to check out the nifty gadgets and all the latest in hiking equipment and educational resources available.


Sunday, February 17, 2008

Colorado Adventures: Getting Fit

Each month, a new hiking Colorado adventure will be featured. We will highlight one of our favorites to share with you. If you follow along from the beginning, the level of difficulty will gradually increase as we become more environmentally adapted and physically fit. Hiking Colorado can be a great way to exercise for the whole family and have a most enjoyable time doing it. Without even knowing, you’re improving your quality of life through fitness.


Saturday, February 16, 2008

Hiking Colorado: an inspiring way to come to your senses

Hiking Colorado can be an inspiring way to come to your senses. We begin by enriching our lives through the enlightenment and beauty of hiking Colorado, with its breathtaking views, exhilarating sounds, refreshing scents. Here we will discover some of Colorado’s natural wonders and best kept secrets together and gain a lifetime of precious memories that will change you and your family’s compass forever…

Get up off the couch and out into God’s great country and Your giant outdoor playground. Explore like a kid again. Do you remember the freedom of the outdoors? By hiking Colorado, we can put away our ipods, Nintendo wiis, remotes, and laptops to step away from our hectic everyday schedules and relax as the calming beauty of nature rejuvenates us.