Navigation is definitely one of the most important essentials for hiking. After all, the main reason people end up lost and in trouble is because they have no idea where to turn.
Being lost can totally break a person. A panic takes over and irrational thought sets in. But it's not all bad news. If you have an understanding of the basics of navigation, it will go a long way to perhaps saving your life.
Years ago, we had to rely on simple map and compass navigation to determine our path and for planning our route...and it's still vitally important to take some time learning how to read a compass and apply it to map reading.
It's very simple and this guide will show you how it's done. Read it and take it in! The importance of this cannot be underestimated! the page is quite old, but the knowledge remains the same.
These days, we have can even have more help in the guise of a GPS system. The Global Satellite Positioning units available to us are nothing short of astounding. They can pin-point your position within a few yards and guide you to safety if you're lost, or show you the way through a route.
They all work on a number of the same satellites floating around in space. They 'lock' on to a minimum of 3 satellites to give you a triangular reading of where you are.
Only recently released to the general public from the Americans, we can now use this information as a back up to our compass and map. If we know how to read a map with a compass, we can use thee GPS units on their own...they are that accurate...the map and compass then become the back up.
Some will not work accurately in dense areas of forests, and some will be skewed by mineral deposits in the earth, but on the whole they can be life savers.
They all work the same, but some are just basic units showing you how to get from A to B, others are full of fancy data like elevation, distance, speed, camera confirmation software and a whole lot of other interesting stuff!
You really only need a basic GPS unit to start, it doesn't have to be the most expensive kid on the block! The ones that give you more detail and have more bells and whistles are obviously more expensive.
Make sure the batteries are fully charged before going on a hike, and take a back-up set of batteries with you. You never know how long you'll be out there! Make sure you have read all the instructions at least twice over and understood them, then, go on a few practice runs to really get used to the GPS unit.
Don't rely totally on the GPS units though, make sure you have basic skills in compass and map navigation, meaning always carry a compass and a detailed map. Learning navigation is easy once you sit down and learn in properly. Once you have the knowledge, it will never leave you.
Friday 29 March 2013
Sunday 24 March 2013
Footwear
The first in my list as one of the 10 essentials for Hiking is Footwear. It might sound a bit obvious, but so many people start off with great intentions of going the distance, but invariably end up hobbling and in great pain, just because their choice of footwear.
There are 3 styles for the basic hiker to consider:
First we'll take a small hike over relatively low to middle hillsides. You can easily get away with a hiking shoe, but I would certainly go for the Mid-Boot, not the Tall boot. A Hiking shoe will be fine, but they are more favorable for flat hiking on solid ground, hopefuuly in drry weather.
The Mid boot is a more sensible choice for hilly walks, or if the weather is wet, or likely to turn so. The main reason for choosing the mid-boot over the shoes is ankle support. When climbing hills, the support is there when your ankles are likely to be pushed into different angles. another reason is support when you tread on an unseen boulder, or try to traverse a hill. the mid boot will support your ankle so much better than a shoe.
Tall Hiking boots are more for a longer, more intrepid hike that will take in steep hills or mountains. The longer the hike, the more support your feet will need, especially on hilly terrains. they're also excellent when walking over boggy areas, or soaked terrain where you're likely to be in the mire up to your ankle, of course, a good pair of gaiters will help your boots not getting soaked inside as well as out.
All three types of boot should be waterproof, and kept in that condition by using oils for protection afetr each hike. Keep your boots maintained...if you find a pair that are perfect, they are well worth looking after!
A good sole is also a must. Good traction is imperative and a non slippery sole will keep you safe and save you from slipping and even falling. It's difficult for a boots sole to be perfect, but get the best you can...they are worth their weight in gold!
Get boots that are lightweight, yet tough. A heavy boot will only get heavier when it's caked in mud. A good boot should not weigh much more than a normal pair of shoes and the laces should be strong and tied twice.
Pricing and branding should also be taken into consideration. A brand that sells hiking boots cheaply is a brand that goes after the beginner. They want to ship them out fast, and although some are half decent, you will be lucky if a pair coasting £30 ($45) will last you more than 5 hikes.
Be prepared to pay up to £125 ($160) for a decent pair, and look at the brand. Are they reputable? Are they specialists in the Hiking field? Are they a renowned brand?
And finally, there's common sense. A boot should be comfortable. If you have used a certain kind of boot and brand before, and they have been excellent, don't defer from getting another exact pair...why fix something if it ain't broke?
If you're new, try them on first...walk around the shop, bend, kick, wiggle...anything that test the boot out in that very short time you have to make your choice.
You won't know if the boots suit you until you have 2 or 3 hikes under your belt, what might feel like a great pair of boots at first might turn out to be your worst enemy. You may get lucky and the boots you choose are perfect for you (very lucky), and it does happen, but always be prepared to give your boots a good test before your happy with your purchase.
There are 3 styles for the basic hiker to consider:
First we'll take a small hike over relatively low to middle hillsides. You can easily get away with a hiking shoe, but I would certainly go for the Mid-Boot, not the Tall boot. A Hiking shoe will be fine, but they are more favorable for flat hiking on solid ground, hopefuuly in drry weather.
The Mid boot is a more sensible choice for hilly walks, or if the weather is wet, or likely to turn so. The main reason for choosing the mid-boot over the shoes is ankle support. When climbing hills, the support is there when your ankles are likely to be pushed into different angles. another reason is support when you tread on an unseen boulder, or try to traverse a hill. the mid boot will support your ankle so much better than a shoe.
Tall Hiking boots are more for a longer, more intrepid hike that will take in steep hills or mountains. The longer the hike, the more support your feet will need, especially on hilly terrains. they're also excellent when walking over boggy areas, or soaked terrain where you're likely to be in the mire up to your ankle, of course, a good pair of gaiters will help your boots not getting soaked inside as well as out.
All three types of boot should be waterproof, and kept in that condition by using oils for protection afetr each hike. Keep your boots maintained...if you find a pair that are perfect, they are well worth looking after!
A good sole is also a must. Good traction is imperative and a non slippery sole will keep you safe and save you from slipping and even falling. It's difficult for a boots sole to be perfect, but get the best you can...they are worth their weight in gold!
Get boots that are lightweight, yet tough. A heavy boot will only get heavier when it's caked in mud. A good boot should not weigh much more than a normal pair of shoes and the laces should be strong and tied twice.
Pricing and branding should also be taken into consideration. A brand that sells hiking boots cheaply is a brand that goes after the beginner. They want to ship them out fast, and although some are half decent, you will be lucky if a pair coasting £30 ($45) will last you more than 5 hikes.
Be prepared to pay up to £125 ($160) for a decent pair, and look at the brand. Are they reputable? Are they specialists in the Hiking field? Are they a renowned brand?
And finally, there's common sense. A boot should be comfortable. If you have used a certain kind of boot and brand before, and they have been excellent, don't defer from getting another exact pair...why fix something if it ain't broke?
If you're new, try them on first...walk around the shop, bend, kick, wiggle...anything that test the boot out in that very short time you have to make your choice.
You won't know if the boots suit you until you have 2 or 3 hikes under your belt, what might feel like a great pair of boots at first might turn out to be your worst enemy. You may get lucky and the boots you choose are perfect for you (very lucky), and it does happen, but always be prepared to give your boots a good test before your happy with your purchase.
Friday 22 March 2013
Pinterest Board of Mine!
As I'm trying to get the word out about how important I think the 10 Essentials for Hiking is, I have created a Pinterest Board where I hope more people can pin pictures relating to hiking essentials.
This will, and can, include pictures of anything to do with hiking, but it would be nice to see different boots people like, or jackets and perhaps even food that people take with them on treks.
The idea is to build a really honest and good board with lots of interesting pics that folk can pin to.
Here's the Board over at Pinterest if anyone would like to add content.
Feel free to add...I will be putting as many relevant pics that merits this subject...the 10 Essentials for Hiking.
This will, and can, include pictures of anything to do with hiking, but it would be nice to see different boots people like, or jackets and perhaps even food that people take with them on treks.
The idea is to build a really honest and good board with lots of interesting pics that folk can pin to.
Here's the Board over at Pinterest if anyone would like to add content.
Feel free to add...I will be putting as many relevant pics that merits this subject...the 10 Essentials for Hiking.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Quick video of the 10 Essentials for Hiking
OK...I know my video skills leave a lot to be desired, but I've put up a simple 'show and tell' lens on Squidoo, then recorded it and uploaded it to YouTube.
Tarrantino it ain't!
But, it gives you the breakdown of what I will be covering over the next few posts, such as Hiking Boots, clothes and equipment, I will also go over the safety aspect of hiking, which cannot be taken lightly!
Here's the Link - 10 Essentials for Hiking
I'll keep these intro posts short so I can get into what is important...Hiking.
I will embed the video at a later date along with other good relevant video's that hammer home what you need to stay safe out on the trail.
For now though, the video is up and waiting your perusal.
Tarrantino it ain't!
But, it gives you the breakdown of what I will be covering over the next few posts, such as Hiking Boots, clothes and equipment, I will also go over the safety aspect of hiking, which cannot be taken lightly!
Here's the Link - 10 Essentials for Hiking
I'll keep these intro posts short so I can get into what is important...Hiking.
I will embed the video at a later date along with other good relevant video's that hammer home what you need to stay safe out on the trail.
For now though, the video is up and waiting your perusal.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
The 10 Essentials for Hiking
Fitness apart, the equipment you use could save your life. You may think I'm being a little dramatic by making this blog to cover these 10 essentials for hiking, but do not underestimate anything when pitting yourself against Mother Nature and human oversight.
I will soon go into the details of each of the 10 essentials for hiking in other posts, but for now, just be aware that your NEED this equipment on EVERY hike.
Accidents do happen, they're not supposed to...that's why they're a surprise when they happen, but at least being prepared will help lessen the impact an accident can have when you're away in the wilderness.
Not only accidents, but comfort and well being are things to take into consideration as well as a bucket load of common sense!
That's it for now, I will start posting the 10 essentials for hiking soon.
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