My two friends and i were planning on hiking the AT for two weeks and we were wondering what would be the best way to eat.

I have owned akitas and mastiffs all my life but would like to find a good extra large-breed dog to take on ski trips with; hiking a couple of hours up hill and then skiing down. Any ideas?

When a person talks about taking a trip whether it be alone, with friends or a romantic partner, they will need a place to have a holiday and activities to pass the time with. What will they do then?

However, for some people, they may not have decided where to go or what to do for their next trip. One thing to do for your next trip is try a bit of camping and hiking.

When you talk about going camping, more than likely you will also go hiking. The two are pretty much synonymous. Separately, both have wonderful activities but together, they are the perfect amalgamation.

You may be speculating as to why camping and hiking seem to go together. There are numerous reasons why these two go hand in hand. They are both a wonderful way to spend a vacation. Everyone should give camping and hiking a try for the following four reasons.

1. Hiking Trails in Campgrounds -

As you already know, these two activities just seem to work. The major reason behind this is because hiking trails are typically found in campground and state park where people camp out at.

The reverse is also true when it comes to them working out together.

There are hiking trails in establishments often referred to as hiking parks. These hiking parks often have their own campground site.

Experts in both hiking and camping will pair the two without thinking them both a part. This is a sign that both activities just go together like peanut butter and jelly (which you can bring on the camping trip.)

2. Designed For All Ages -

Camping and hiking are perfect for each other because both are designed for children and adults. This is important because families are always looking for ways to spend time together without the television set and other disturbances that take away from family time.

In the United States, hiking trails come in a variety of difficulty levels. It is possible to find trails just for beginners. These trails are idyllic for the younger children and the elderly.

3. Hiking and Camping Costs -

Another reason hiking and camping go together is the costs behind the both of them. Should you want to go camping, paying for it as well as the hiking fee… if there is one… can be a way to save money by combining the two activities. Should you make a corollary or, rather a reservation, at a public setting like a campground park, it is likely you will see a hiking trail… which you can do for free.

The reverse may also be true. Should you visit a hiking park and it takes you a while to hike, it is possible you can stay overnight at the park, free of charge.

All these activities depend on where you go and what the campground is like can be free. Do some research before embarking on you trip.

4. Hiking and Camping Arrangements -

Understand that hiking does not typically need reservations but to cover your bases, make them in case you decide to stay overnight especially at a hiking park or public campground. The earlier you make your appointment, the better because it gives you some choices as to where you can stay. The campground will typically let early birds choose their own spots.

So with everything you know about the two and why they go together, why are you not packing some food and some clothes and get started on your expedition? Talk with those who will be joining you, see how many will jump at the chance to do both.

There is nothing more enjoyable to get outdoors and go hiking. I like to hike as often as I can so it is important that I have the right hiking boots on my feet so I can go whereever anytime I want without worrying about my feet getting sore. However, there is more to buying hiking boots than going to the store and buying what looks best on the rack.

Regardless of where or how often you plan to go hiking, having the best hiking boots you can find can make a difference in your safety and comfort. When you go to the sports store in search of boots, you will need to have in mind the type of hiking you plan to be doing.

There are different boots made for walking on smooth trails, for climbing mountain trails, and for climbing steep trails over tough terrain. There are also boots that are made especially for summer and those made to keep you feet warmer in winter. Believe me, you don’t want to wear winter hiking boots in the summer and visa versa.

The best hiking boots are built with a sturdy sole, so they won’t fall apart when you hike on uneven paths in the wilderness. A solid bottom can also prevent injury to the feet from any stones or thorns you may accidentally step on while hiking.

They should also have decent cushioning on the insole to reduce the possibility of blisters. The sides should offer sufficient support to help protect your ankles from being twisted to one side on uneven terrain.

Once you have determined the type of hiking you will be doing, consider the best hiking boots for that activity. Trail shoes, usually suggested for walking on smooth trails, are recommended for short hikes or day walks. These are less for protecting the feet and ankles from rocky terrain and more for providing protection to the bottom of the foot.

Heavier Trails Require Sturdier Hiking Boots

For those heading out for three or more days on rugged trails, trail hikers are the best hiking boots for that type. They have the tread on the bottom needed for rocky ground and can provide traction in the mud. Usually waterproof, they will be higher cut on the sides and provide protection from twisting the ankles as well as any branches that be encountered in the wild.

For those looking at the sport of mountain climbing, there are boots designed that may also accommodate attaching crampons for crossing glaciers and steep mountains. These are the best hiking boots for ankle protection in steep trails and also have a stiff sole to provide additional support while climbing steep mountains. While cushioned insoles can help prevent blisters, they may also bunch up under the feet, so insure they are cushioned but secured inside the boot.

Even if you buy the best hiking boots you can find, a proper fit is necessary to prevent foot problems while walking. While they need to be waterproof, they also need to be able to breath to allow them to dry out quickly at the end of the hiking day.

I hope I have helped you understand the importance of finding the best hiking boot for you. Whether you are going into the wilderness for an afternoon hike or to live there for three months in a tent, having the right boots is very important to your comfort and to avoid unnecessary injury. I also hope that you now know that when shopping for outdoor gear it is very important to think of where you are going and how often.

Even for the casual hiker, the hiking backpack is absolutely essential. Whether you are hiking a trail alone, going cross-country with a group, or following a guide, your backpack carries the things needed to make your hiking trip a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience. The first thing to realize is that not all hiking backpacks are created equally. there are many, many choices out there in hiking backpacks. Choosing the one that is right for you will take a little time, research, and smart shopping.

Considerations When Choosing a Hiking Backpack

1. Hiking backpacks come in a variety of sizes and styles. The main thing to consider is the type of hiking you are planning on doing with this backpack. Someone going for extended trips into the wilderness will need a totally different hiking backpack than someone going for a six hour hike along the trails behind their house. If you will not be hiking far or staying out overnight, a small backpack that can carry a first aid kit, water, and some food for the trip is all that is necessary. If you are going to be out overnight, you will need room for more food and water, and a sleeping bag and possibly a tent. Cross-country trips will require a large backpack with room for everything mentioned above, with a tent for sure, changes of clothing, compass, maps, cooking gear, and other survival equipment.

2. Whatever the backpack type, make sure that it fits securely and comfortably. You don’t want one that is too heavy for you when loaded, or one that does not fit snugly. If your backpack shifts too much, it can easily run your shoulders raw where the straps are rubbing.

3. The price for a hiking backpack can range from over $400 to as little as $20, depending on the backpack. For the casual hiker, or someone who intends to get serious but is just starting, seriously consider getting the least expensive one that is adequate for your needs. You will probably want to try different backpacks after you have been hiking for a while, and you don’t want to have too much invested in your old backpack. But make sure that it is sturdy and comfortable. Don’t trade off too much quality in the name of price.

4. A consideration you may not think about, is that different backpacks are made for different genders. A man’s center of balance is slightly different than a woman’s, and their torsos are shaped differently along the shoulder blades. This must be taken into account when designing the hiking backpack, so that the backpack does not throw the hiker off-balance.

If you take your time, put some thought into it, and make an informed choice, you will wind up with a hiking backpack that will serve you well in your hiking endeavors.

Looking for some people that are interested in hiking Ocala National Forest in January or February 2009. 4 to 5 days around 70 miles.
If interested drop an IM.

I have seen some men wearing them in some running events and on hiking trails. Men and women what do you think? Would you mind if your husband or boyfriend wore one hiking or running?

I am going on a trip and my flight leaves at the beginning of June for my destination. I need some quality, durable hiking boots before May 31st. They have to be comfy, because I am doing alot of walking, but they need to be sturdy because I have twisted and sprained my ankles several times (typical hard working female used to flats who makes the concious choice to wear high heels for special occasions = weak/sprained ankles and lots of problems). Where can I find them?

Hello all,

Can any please tell me which would be the best hiking trail to waterfall around cades cove area in smoky mountains national park. We would like to spend a couple of hours for hiking.

Are you thinking about taking a hiking trip for yourself, to get away from the every day stress in your life? Maybe you want to go with some friends or your family and enjoy some quality time with them.

If this is the case, be sure to make a hiking checklist to be sure you do have everything you need. If you haven’t done this yet, you may regret it if you don’t.

Reasons For A Hiking Checklist -

1. Why should you make a hiking checklist for your next camping trip? The main reason is to improve your hiking trip. Suppose you want to bring something but it just does not make the trip. When you plan a trip, it is very stressful and often times, things that you want to bring end up being forgotten. By making this list, you can be assured that what you want is what you’ll be bringing with you.

2. The second reason a hiking list is important is to go shopping by it. Should this be your first or even second hiking, then you need to know what type of things to purchase at the store. If you have problems remembering what to bring, it is just as likely that you forget even the simple things at the store. So make a hiking checklist for the store can help you get what is needed and even what you want. Do not forget to bring the list with you.

3. What is another reason to make a hiking list for yourself? Understand that making a list is easy to create, so why would you not create one? If you have done your homework or have been hiking before, then you know what kind of things you want to bring or need to bring along with you. For this reason, it would be necessary to compile a list together so you will remember everything to bring. It can be done in just a matter of minutes.

4. Have you ever made a hiking list before? If not, you are probably wondering how to start one. Imagine yourself on the trip. What do you see yourself wearing? What do you see yourself eating and even drinking? The easy questions have the hard answers unless you imagine yourself hiking. From this, you can build a checklist.

5. Even though you can create your own list, sometimes you can draw a blank when trying to build one. Do some research and use the Internet to help your list along. You can find a large number of hiking checklist samples on the web. Some of these are often printable which means you can take them off the web, print them and use them as you go shopping. Make sure you look at that list well and add your own items to it.

The decision to make a list or not is really up to you. A hiking trip is a one to ensure that you have a good time. If you have a dull trip, it is likely you will not be going back anytime soon. This checklist will cover everything you need and everything you want to bring.

Just remember though if you are not making a list, you may not be as prepared for your hiking trip as you may think. Should you get hurt, will you have the supplies needed. What if it starts to rain, will you have what you need to keep a dry? It is important to make this list to have a good time and not worry.