Hiking

Posts Tagged ‘Hiking’

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.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/hiking-backpacks-4-great-tips-to-choose-the-best-776948.html
[eba kw="hiking gear" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Hiking Gear, tips

With over 2.2 million acres in wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s leading nature locations. Much of the park is managed as a wilderness and backcountry, with over 1,100 miles of hiking trails maintained. On the other hand, hiking Yellowstone National Park does present certain dangers. These include unpredictable weather, wild animals, turbulent streams, and loose mountain rock. Visiting the park means experiencing the area on its terms. If you do choose to hike the park, you need to be prepared for all situations, and know that there is no guarantee for your safety. Most of all enjoy the scenery and research all of the regulations and precautions.   Hiking Yellowstone National Park during the spring is a great way to see and enjoy all of the attractions of the park. This time of the season allows visitors to enjoy the roads without the intrusion of motorized vehicles. All hiking, jogging, roller skis and blades, as well as bicycling are allowed between the Mammoth Hot Springs and the West Entrance. This is only if the conditions are favorable from March through the third Thursday in April. The reason for the area restriction is because of the fact that the East Entrance all of the way to the east end of Sylvan Pass has limited access during this time of year.   The best option when you arrive at the park is to visit the ranger station or the visitor center before starting your hike. This is so that you can get any information involving which trails are closed and which areas are the best for hiking Yellowstone National Park. This is due to the fact that trail conditions change suddenly, especially with rain, bear activity or sudden fires. Be prepared by bringing a raincoat, plenty of water, a warm hat, first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It is also recommended that you not hike alone. Having another person with you will ensure your safety, and the company is pleasing on a hike. Contrary to fishing, there is no permit required to take a day hike in the park.   It is important to remember that you should not drink the water from any of the streams or lakes in the park. There are intestinal infections associated with drinking untreated water, and the cases are becoming very common. The reason being that many of the waters might be polluted by human wastes or animal wastes. Always bring a large supply of bottled water so that you can protect yourself from the harmful infections, and to also stay hydrated. If you do have to drink the water from the lakes or streams, be sure that you boil the water for an appropriate time or use a water filter.   If you are hiking on a trail that is far away from a visitor center or ranger station and a lightening storm occurs, you need to immediately get away from any water, ridges, isolated trees, or exposed places.  It is common for a sunny day to immediately become fierce with storms, wind, sleet, rain, and even snow.  This is one of the main reasons that you should pack enough supplies in the event of any sudden weather changes.  You can use the map at the bottom of this article for reference when you take your trip hiking Yellowstone National Park.    For more information go to http://www.fishing-yellowstone.com

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/the-ins-and-outs-of-hiking-yellowstone-national-park-595366.html
[eba kw="trails hiking" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Outs, National

To make life a little simpler on your hiking trip you will want to get all the necessary accessory items. You do not want to get out there on your hiking adventure and find out you do not have all the needed items. But then on the other hand you do not want to take so much stuff that you make the hiking experience a workout rather than an enjoyable experience. When you have small children and you would like them to be able to enjoy your hiking experience with the family there are some accessory items that are a must. Small children are unable to walk for long distance so you are going to need a specialized pack or a stroller with large wheels to accommodate the rougher terrain.

The right hiking accessory items is a must

You will want to bring the best backpacking gear and that is Ultra light. You will also need a good utility knife and other gear like pot cozy, alcohol stoves and a good light like the photon light for those dark hours. A great accessory but not a must is a pair of night vision optics. You can always use a good set of binoculars or spotting scope for watching birds, deer, flowers and other beautiful sites on your hiking adventure. Two of the most important accessory items are a good flashlight, GPS system and extra batteries. With a good GPS you can hike a little easier knowing you can find your way back.

Extra Hiking Accessories on the Market

Many times when you and a friend go hiking or your family you end up camping. Many times you just can not see all you want to see in one day or you want to hike in further to your favorite fishing hole and it just can not be done in one day. A good tent, some bug dope, spray misters and drinking canteens all are additional hiking accessory items to put on your list. You probably want to have that fresh pot of coffee in the morning so try and get yourself a nice compact coffee pot.

There are so many accessory items on the market today that you can make you hiking, hunting or fishing trip into that beautiful backcountry a lot more special by bringing that accessory item. Bringing these items can let you see parts of the country you did not even know were there like a set of night vision goggles will let you see the wilderness from a totally different point of view. After all, you are out there to discover what you can not get in the city. The great outdoors is a wonderful place for you to become one with nature. Now be spirited and do not leave without the proper hiking accessory items you need.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/having-the-right-hiking-accessories-55859.html
[eba kw="Hiking Outdoors" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Accessories, Right

Recorded on April 11, 2009 using a Flip Video camcorder.
[eba kw="kids hiking" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Kids, Hiking

Earlier when we went hiking, we knew where we were. We bought the canvas shoes and off we went! Today, there are so many varities for hiking, for you to get puzzled is not very difficult. There are so many choices to make.

You have hiking shoes for walking in the forest, you have shoes for walking in temperate weather, you have shoes for walking up snow clad hills and mountains, and you have shoes for walking in swamps and so the list goes on and on.

Shopping for the right shoe is itself daunting! And much more than the hike you were planning.

Today there are dozens of hiking shoes, some looking sophisticated that you wonder who buys them? Anyway, that is not subject.

When you your hiking, you know exactly where you are going, what kind of soil it has, whether it includes steep gradients, and of course the weather and climate. Based on these principles of your hiking, you can choose your shoes.

If your hike involves loose terrain, then you certainly need precision footweak. Your choice should be shoes that have climbing shoe style lacing. This hiking shoes helps you to have better control while hiking in the loose terrain by tightening or loosening the two laces that come with this shoe.

When you are looking at some terrain that may have some wet ground, then you need a shoe that has built in studs, which help you get a good grip on wet roots, muds, shallow water, etc. The studs helps getting a good grip on this terrain, and when you hit a hard surface, the shoes retract the studs.

One more choice for travelling over rough spots, is trying a shoe which has straps in the shoes sides. You can thus use these side straps to tigthen or loosen them, depending at level of this interlacing strap give you the stability you need.

Newer shoes have been designed to reduce shock on your heel. The heel design is such that it contains rubber “springs” separated from the front half of the shoe.This helps protect your sole when you put down your foot hard. To protect grit entering into your shoe, yet another design provides a ankle collar. Another has gaskets made up of nylon loops. Using these loops you can protect your foot from grits.

In warmer terrain, you need to let your legs breathe. There are shoes with some form of netting which takes in air, and ejects the sweat! Keeps your feet cool!

So go ahead, demystify the hiking shoes, and take one which suits the best. And don’t forget the safety gear. We hope that our snapshot has given you some idea of the kind of hiking shoes that are now available, and that we have been able to take of the mystery out hiking footwear. Try them out. You would be perhaps higher using one of them; otherwise as they say, what I have the best for me. Happy hiking!

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/choosing-hiking-boots-great-tips-to-protect-your-feet–777019.html
[eba kw="hiking gear" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Choosing, Great

Cycling and Mountain Biking in Crimea

Crimea can be a mountain biker’s dream come through. A large number of roads make the mountains easily accessible, and trails and dirt roads crisscross the peninsula suitable for biking.

Since bikers deal with many of the same issues as hikers, read the article about hiking in Crimea for information on water, climate, transportation, and regulations that may apply to you.

The main starting points for cyclists are Simferopol, Bakhchisaray, Sevastopol, and Feodosiya — all connected to other major Ukrainian cities (Lviv, Kiev, Kharkov, Donetsk) by train. South Shore towns like Yalta, Alushta, and Sudak are not accessible by train, so bikers rarely start there unless they are traveling as a large group and get a van to carry their bikes to their starting point. Read about transporting bikes on Ukrainian trains.

All Crimean automobile roads are suitable for road cycling, however, some are best avoided during the tourist season. For example, traffic is quite heavy on highway M18 from Sevastopol to Yalta, Alushta, and Simferopol during summer months, and moderate at other times of year. The views of the sea and mountains are beautiful. Between Foros and Alupka (25 km) there is an older highway that runs parallel to the M18 higher up the slope with very little traffic, but there are more ups and downs and in places damage from landslides (the road is no longer maintained). In one location west of Parkovoe there is a sudden half-meter drop-off in the road—an unpleasant surprise if you’re cruising down the road at 30 km/hr.

A beautiful route that is unfortunately closed to the public is the paved road from Yalta to Alushta over the highest part of the Crimean mountains through the Crimean Nature Reserve. It is 77 km long and rises to 1448 m at Nikitskyy pass, making it the highest paved road in Ukraine. Ride at your own risk, as there is a minor chance of being caught and fined, or made to turn around. Supposedly the forest patrollers watch the section between Besedka Vetrov and Chuchelskyy pass and go home after 6:00 p.m.

Southeastern Crimea also has tons of roads fit for cycling. The Kerch Peninsula is almost completely flat, but there are many roads and relatively little traffic. As strong winds can be an issue, check wind direction before finalizing the direction of travel. West of Feodosiya begin the Crimean Mountains with their great and varied scenery. In the eastern section of the mountains there are numerous paved roads up these long valleys to remote small towns and villages, as well as endless kilometers of dirt and rocky roads suitable for mountain biking.

NICE ROADS FOR CYCLING by yourself.

Bakhchisaray to Yalta (86 km), Beautiful ride with few cars through foothills and mountains with a strenuous 1000 m climb up switchbacks (over 12 km) to the stunning Ay-Petri plateau, then a steep descent into Yalta with switchbacks and more traffic. Descend into Yalta either early morning or late in the day when people are returning from Ay-Petri to Yalta and there is no oncoming traffic.

Orlinoe to Golubinka (25 km), Kholmovka to Shturmovoe (25 km), Bakhchisaray to Aromat through Schastlivoe (50 km), and Skalistoe to Nauchnyy (14 km)

These roads all run through the foothills (up to 500 m in elevation) southwest of Simferopol and have great views, varied scenery, and light automobile traffic. These routes can easily be connected to make a loop or set of loops.

Crimea’s terrain is hilly and mountainous and covered with trails and dirt roads. Grades range from flat to very steep. Once during a ride I met a Ukrainian guy from Donetsk who had marked on his topographical map all the places he had ridden; the map was literally covered in ink. He traveled alone and took a sleeping bag with him just in case night caught him on the road.

I won’t list routes here because there are hundreds of them. Any trail or dirt road can be biked if it’s not fenced off! The high-detail topographical maps show most of these trails. The easier rides, of course, are in the hills below about 500 m. Most of the “extreme” routes are above this altitude.

A good idea is to pick a destination, say, Bakhchisaray, buy topographical maps when you get there, and begin exploring areas you find interesting. Or, you can take the maps to the local Mountain Rescue Service post and get their advice on the routes you have chosen (if you speak at least some Russian/Ukrainian). See the “lodgings” section on our hiking page for tips on finding a place to stay.

Guided tours

Kirill Yasko, an experienced mountain guide living in Kyiv. He speaks English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian and has led a large number of hiking groups in the mountains of Ukraine, including several groups of foreigners. Each trek is 7 days long. Participants will need to arrange travel to Simferopol themselves (train is most convenient), where they will be picked up at the train station and taken into the mountains. In the trek itineraries below, each day’s hiking mileage is indicated in parentheses.

Valley of the Ghosts, a hike through some of the most mysterious mountains of Crimea.

Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Perevalnoe village. Ascent to Chatyr-Dag Plateau. Visit equipped caves — Marble Cave and Emine-Bair-Hosar.

Day 2 Climb Mt. Eklizi-Burun. Descent to Kutuzov Lake.

Day 3 Angarskyy Pass, Funa fortress.

Day 4 Ascent to South Demerdzhi through Valley of the Ghosts.

Day 5 Dzhurla and Dzhur-Dzhur waterfalls. Haphal Gorge.

Day 6 Tyrke plateau. Karabi plateau.

Day 7 Descent to Black Sea at Rybachye village. Return to Simferopol.

Cave Towns, a hike through the ancient cave settlements of Crimea’s hilly inland with a descent to the coast.

Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Bahchisaray. Tour of Bahchisaray Palace and Uspensky Monastery. Chufut-Kale cave town. Camp by Beshik-Tau Mt. (10 km)

Day 2 Tepe-Kermen cave town. Visit Kyz-Kermen ruins. Descent into the Kacha River valley. Kachi-Kalyon Monastery. Camp by the river. (14 km)

Day 3 Hike through Crimean oak forest to the Chelter-Koba Monastery. Belbek River crossing. Syuiren Fortress. (16 km)

Day 4 Climb to Mangup-Kale plateau. Mangup cave town, capital of the Feodoro princedom. Camp next to the ruins of the city walls. (12 km)

Day 5 Descent to Adim-Chokrak Valley. Shuldan cave monastery. Eski-Kermen cave town. (12 km)

Day 6 Descent to the coast near Inkerman. Kalamita tower. Arrival in Balaklava. Camp by the sea cost next to the Golden Beach. (15 km)

Day 7 Chembalo fortress. Tour of underground submarine factory. Transfer to Sevastopol. (5 km)

Canyons of Crimea, a classic hike through Crimea’s picturesque canyons and mountains.

Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Sevastopol. City overview. Transfer to Morozovka village. Camp by the Black River. (5 km)

Day 2 River crossing. Chernorechenskiy Canyon. Hike upstream through the canyon floor. Camp in the canyon. (6 km)

Day 3 Leaving the canyon. Baidar valley crossing. Visit Skelska Cave. (16 km)

Day 4 Ascent to Uzundzha canyon. Hike through beech forest to the Te?house camp. (15 km)

Day 5 Descent to Silver Waterfall. Camp by the entrance to Crimea’s Grand Canyon. (12 km)

Day 6 Hike through the Grand Canyon. Tthe Bath of Youth. Climb to the northern edge of Ay-Petri Plateau. (15 km)

Day 7 Ay-Petri Plateau crossing. Descent to the Uchan-Su waterfall through Taraktash Gorge. Transfer to Yalta. Return to Simferopol. (12 km)

Above the Sea, a hike along the rim of Crimea’s highest mountains with the Black Sea ever in view below.

Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Angarskiy Pass. Climb upper plateau of Chatyrdag. Rest at the top of Eklizi-Burun Mt. Descent to Saurgan Meadow. (5 km)

Day 2 Cross the Safun-Uzen River valley. Ascent to Babugan Plateau. Camp next to forbidden deer-forest. (10 km)

Day 3 Hike along edge of Babugan Plateau. Roman-Kosh Mt. (highest in Crimea at 1545 m). Gurzuf Pass and Arbour of the Winds. Camp at treeline. (12 km)

Day 4 Hike along plateau above Yalta. Taraktash Gorge. (12 km)

Day 5 Ascent to the Ay-Petri Mt. Visit oriental bazaar. Tour of Three Eye Cave. Descent to Besh-Tekne Hollow. (12 km)

Day 6 Walk through the Guerrilla Forest. Climb old Roman road to Shaytan-Merdven Pass. (15 km)

Day 7 Hiking along Foros mountain ridge. Tour of Foros church. Baidarskiy Pass. Descent to Laspi Bay. Rest at the seashore. Transfer to Sevastopol. (40 km)

Crimea Mountain Bike Tour, see the Cave Towns and South Shore of Crimea. This is a non-technical mountain bike tour around some of southwest Crimea’s most interesting sights.

Day 1 Arrival in Simferopol. Transfer to Crimean Observatory. Lunch. Briefing, safety equipment. Uphill and downhill training. Bike trip in vicinity of observatory. Dinner. Tour of observatory and telescope viewing. Camp. (8km)

Day 2 Breakfast. Trip across Sel-Buhra to Tepe-Kermen cave town. Visit Kyz-Kermen cave town. Set up camp. Dinner. (18km)

Day 3 Breakfast. Transfer to Bakhchisaray. Tour of Bahchisaray Palace and Uspenskiy Monastery. Journey to the Kacha River valley and Tash-Air — an ancient campground with rock paintings (4000 B.C.). Set up camp. Dinner. (25 km)

Day 4 Breakfast. Journey to the Belbek valley. Lunch. Ride to Khodzhi-Sala village. Rest at lake. Climb to Mangup-Kale plateau. Visit the capital of Feodoro princedom — Mangup cave town. Set up camp near the ruins of the city walls. Dinner. (35 km)

Day 5 Breakfast. Passage to Ternovka village. Cave monastery Shuldan and Cholter-Marmara lookout. Passage to Black River. Visit 16th century fortress. Lunch. Black River Canyon. Swimming in lake. Set up camp near the river. Dinner. (35 km)

Day 6 Breakfast. Passage to Morozovka village. Lunch. Journey to Cape Aya. Descent to the Black Sea. Set up camp by the shore. Dinner. (30 km)

Day 7 Breakfast. Pass above Golden Beach to Chembalo fortress. Descent into Balaklava. Lunch. Transfer to Sevastopol. End of tour. (6km)

All tours cost around 220 Euros apart from the last one, which costs around 290 Euros with rental of bike and around 250 Euros without.

Payment is at the end of each tour. Prices are indicated in each trek description below. You will see that they are very reasonable, as they include all meals, transfers, and guide services. For the bike tour, a car escort is also included in the cost. Prices can change depending on changes made to itineraries and any additional services or activities participants choose to add to the tour.

All hikes are intended for normal people in good condition without special training. Average walking time per day is 6 hours. Participants live in tents and are expected to bring all necessary gear with them. However, equipment rental can be arranged if given prior notice. Meals are cooked on a fire. Food for three meals a day is included in the cost of each tour. Tour members carry their own belongings, carry water, and are expected to help gather firewood and tend the fire. Conveniences such as toilets and showers will be nonexistent. When you order a tour Kirill will take into account your preferences for routes, food, and service. You may go alone, with family (including children), or with friends. You can also take pets along. The usual group size is 6 to 15 people.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/cykling-and-hiking-in-the-mountains-of-crimea-a-dream-come-through-for-all-319057.html
[eba kw="trail hiking" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Through, Hiking

Every hike can be exciting with some post production and loud music
[eba kw="Hiking Outdoors" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Hiking, Hiking Outdoors

The intrepid early explorers Lewis and Clark were perhaps the first non-aboriginal explorers to discover Crater Lake and report their findings back to President Jefferson, but they were certainly not the last and today some half a million visitors enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Crater Lake National Park every year.

The crystal blue lake, which is ringed by 2,000 foot mountains, is the thing that picture postcards are made of and the area offers a wealth of hiking, biking, boating and horseback riding. Indeed, Crater Lake is truly one of the Unites States’ most outstanding national parks.

One thing which makes the area certainly feel special is the fact that at 1,940 feet Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and was formed more than 7,700 years ago by the eruption of the nearby Mount Mazama.

There are many spots along the 33 mile route around the lake from which you can see unparalleled views such as that of Phantom Rock seen from Kerr Notch, or Wizard Island seen from Sun Notch. And there are also numerous hikes that simply cannot be matched anywhere else.

On the east side of the lake hiking trails lead up to Mount Scott, while on the south side Crater Peak can be quite easily reached from Rim Drive. One of the nicest hikes of all, especially for novice hikers, is along the north side where the Cleetwood Cove trail leads down to the lake and you generally find deer feeding as you walk along this particular trail. You can also visit the volcano on Wizard Island from Cleetwood Cove and peek inside the 90 foot wide opening to the cinder cone after climbing the 800 foot trail.

Now, if like me you enjoy fishing, then there is a very nice trail which leads to Fumarole Bay where you will find a plentiful supply of both rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. And, best of all, you do not need a permit and there is no limit on the number of fish you can catch!

However, for those who are really looking for a hiking challenge then there is nothing quite like the long, steep and winding hike up the 9,000 foot Mount Scott. As with most arduous hikes the rewards are of course well worth the effort and, as well as a magnificent view of the lake, you will also be able to see Mount Shasta and Mount Jefferson clear over in California.

If you would like to visit the area during the winter then you will certainly not be disappointed although you will need to take your snow shoes with you. And, if you are really fit then there is always the 33 mile cross country ski route around the lake.

The Crater Lake National Park is certainly not one of the largest national parks but it is one of the most beautiful and is wonderful place to plan a hiking trip.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/hiking-in-crater-lake-national-park-454206.html
[eba kw="trails hiking" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Trails Hiking, National

What makes the difference between a good and a bad hiking trip is so often how well you are equipped when you head out. Once you leave and head into the great outdoors you are on your own and anything that you need you will have to do without, unless you have brought it along.

Insect spray is a must as is plenty of drinking water. Also some high energy snacks can give you that extra boost that you will need later in the day. You might want to consider bringing a light backpack along with you that you can carry some essentials with you in also.

If you plan on going fishing then you would be well served by purchasing a collapsible pole that is specifically designed for hiking with. Trying to drag along a standard fishing pole is just asking for trouble, because it will snag and possibly break along the way.

Good footwear is a must as is nice new socks to wear also. Hiking in standard footwear will leave you with blisters and sore feet to nurse for days afterward, so don’t try it. If you plan on getting close to any wildlife then you would be well served by picking up some camouflage clothes to wear as well or you won’t have a chance of even getting near any.

Also if you are going to be spending any time at night out in the wilds then you will need a sturdy flashlight and extra batteries as well. Remember to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back and if you are going to be burning a camp fire you may also need a permit or you risk getting a ticket from the forestry service.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/dont-forget-to-stop-by-the-hiking-supply-store-on-your-way-out-393006.html
[eba kw="Hiking Outdoors" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Store, Stop

As backpacking and hiking equipment has become more sophisticated, people have gotten more daring, and at times even reckless. Humans, it seems, have an inherent need to prove they can survive in the wilderness. More and more hikers and rock climbers are backpacking deeper and deeper into the unknown wilds. These are not your weekend campers. Rather, these are serious nature lovers who look and find there own truth, each time they venture outdoors. There is obvious gear and equipment they utilize, both traditional and futuristic. This article will attempt to verify some of the accepted items to pack, as well as some new options to think about.

When packing, it doesn’t matter what type of activity you are going to undertake, there several unwritten rules one has to abide by. First, you must pack  light, and include the basics of food, water and a way to purify it, first aid kit, and some kind of fire starter. A map and compass, so you have an idea on where you’re going and how to get there. Include some type of multipurpose knife or tool that can perform a number of tasks, from cutting branches to removing splinters. Don’t forget your sunglasses and some sun screen. A flashlight and extra batteries, even if you are taking some type of lamp. Now, this is very important. Even though you are trying to keep it light, you must take extra food, as well as rain wear and extra clothing, including a hat.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the use of futuristic equipment. I’m referring of course to GPS and beacon technology. Purists don’t want anything electronic, and the other camp feels they should take advantage of anything that will get them home safely. The current expense of these devices does make them cost prohibitive. Also, in the case of an injury, these units don’t give the precise location of a victim, so you will still need some sort of signaling device, like a mirror or whistle.

I don’t feel that the future must all be electronic. I have come up with a patent pending concept that will satisfy both camps, and is so cost effective, anyone that backpacks, hikes, rock climbs, and camps, will be able to afford. In this day and age of electronics, I have devised something that is completely mechanical. There are no batteries or bad reception to worry about. Surviving in the wilderness should never come to mean survival. In this day and age, someone who is lost should only be thinking about being rescued.That is why we needThe LifeTracker.

The LifeTracker makes it possible for people to be found before panic on both sides will ever set in. It not only will save lives, but millions of dollars in search and rescue man hours. The LifeTracker is a device that in case of an emergency will, with the pull of a cord, jettisons a heavy  gauge red balloon attached to a 1000 ft fishing line up high enough for searchers or a rescue plane to see. The LifeTracker is a series of 3 different products designed to locate anyone lost in the wilderness, in hours rather than days.

The LifeTracker Belt is…4″ wide with pockets on the outside to store a thermal blanket and other survival supplies.

The LifeTracker Vest…Using the same concept as the “Belt” the vest inner side unzips to release a folded lean-to tent complete with telescopic 3 ft poles. Some people will prefer a vest and are willing to pay extra for the complete survival package. This offers a great option, and like the “Belt”, is very marketable.

The LifeTracker Flare Gun…Flare guns are very expensive and, of course, the flare only has a short life. With a small adjustment to the LifeTracker Device, it can easily be kept in a lightweight pistol, that can be stored in any backpack, vehicle, boat or plane.  It might even have military use.

The LifeTracker Series can be manufactured and sold inexpensively enough so that anyone who camps, hikes, rock climbs, or just ventures into the wilderness, will want to include it as part of their gear. Even if the rescue device is never activated, the gear becomes part of  everyday wilderness attire.
Please help my dream come true. Go to:  The LifeTracker
and click on Contact and let me know what you think.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/wilderness-survival-gear-for-hiking-and-backpacking-861744.html
[eba kw="hiking gear" num="3" ebcat=""]

Tags: Hiking, Survival