Archive for the ‘Hiking’ CategoryLyme Disease is a tick-borne illness that is acquired by getting bitten by a tick. Deer ticks are the most common carriers of the disease. As outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy being on the trail in the woods you must take precautions because that is where you will find the little critters and that’s where they find you! Lyme disease is a non-contagious infection that can become a serious health problem. The deer tick carries a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorfer that gets transmitted to humans through the skin when the tick latches on to suck blood. They are like little hitchhikers hanging on the ends of grasses and tall weeds just waiting for a host to pass by so they can hitch a ride and get a free meal. You or your dog become the meal or any warm blooded creature that happens to be passing by such as mice, birds or deer. The first key to prevention is awareness. Always be aware that ticks are out there and that you need to do a tick check on yourself after you’ve been in the woods. To prevent ticks from being carried into your home, it is also important to thoroughly check your dog after a walk in the woods as they are much lower to the ground and tend to pick up many more ticks. Before heading out it is a good idea to wear long pants and long sleeved shirts and a hat to help deter the little buggers. They are looking for warm skin so clothing will be a deterrent but is no guarantee, hence the need to still do a body and hair check. Spraying some insect repellent that contains deet on your clothing will also help. Most infections are caused by ticks in the nymph stage as larger, older ticks are more easily seen and removed. The host will often not even feel the bite as the secretions do not cause any pain or itching as most insect bites do. There are some symptoms to be aware of in the event that you did get bitten but did not know. The classic rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye ring around what might look like a mosquito bite or other insect bite. In addition to the rash you might not be feeling so well and experiencing some joint pain or fever. Some people have serious reactions to tick bites and the swelling and pain will be obvious and can be accompanied by aching muscles as well. It is important that you seek medical attention and get a proper diagnosis because if it is indeed lyme disease you will need to be treated with antobiotics. If left untreated you will experience more serious problems often leading to paralysis, neuroligical and cardiac problems. Playing in the outdoors, hiking, camping and backpacking, requires some preparation, awareness and knowledge in order to stay safe. Little tiny things such as deer ticks have the power to ruin your life so take precautions and “Be Prepared !”
On a recent Cub Scout campout (Webelos Weekend), the boys went around to various learning stations such as fire building, nature, fishing, archery, BB Gun shooting and cooking. At the cooking station they were taught how to make a simple campfire dessert using bananas. The campfire should be at the hot embers stage and not in full flame. The recipe is below: Needed: 1 sheet of aluminum foil 1 banana 2 Tablespoons of Chocolate Morsels 2 Tablespoons of Mini Marshmallows Directions: Slice the banana through the skin lengthwise (leave the banana peel on). Put chocolate and marshmallows into the center of the banana. Wrap banana (that is still in its peel) in a piece of aluminum foil to cover it and then toss it into the coals for about 10-12 minutes to cook until candy melts. Allow it to cool. It will be oohey and gooey. Eat with a spoon. Enjoy !
Altrec’s Outlet Warehouse: 30-60% Off During one of our Cub Scout den meetings last year we did a little experiment in order to teach our Cub Scouts some basics about hiking before they moved on to Boy Scouts. The boys were told to bring in ten of the most important things they believed they must have in their backpack to take on a day hike. They had some interesting items to talk about. They had things like full size umbrellas, lots of extra clothes, a football, heavy canned goods (no can opener, though), electronic games, cans of soda, candy snacks, etc. Even at the age of 10 or 11 they had the right idea that they would need protection from the rain or cold and some food to eat.
We continued the lesson with teaching them about the ten essentials every hiker should have in their backpack by showing them a couple of properly filled packs and explaining the use of each item and why it might be needed. Each scout was given a list and had a chance to repack an empty backpack using the list and getting familiar with the items. They enjoyed the activity and definitely learned a lot during that meeting. Many of the boys had ‘aha moments’ and got it. Children are fast learners when it comes to danger or fear. They want to know. They need to know. They like to feel that they are in control. Explaining that the ten essentials could possibly save your life or help you survive a night alone in the woods was enough incentive to teach the lesson. Of course the lesson was to ‘be prepared’, which is the Boy Scout Motto.
Moosejaw Daypack Sale! Because not everyone was a scout in their youth, there are many people who enjoy hiking but end up learning the hard way how to be prepared for a hike out in the woods. It is usually by trial and error and getting stuck in a situation where they needed help. Maybe they sprained an ankle and had no first aid knowledge or supplies. They may have been caught in a storm that popped up out of nowhere and had no rain gear or knowledge about making a temporary shelter or even just an extra jacket to stay warm – hypothermia can be deadly. Or maybe they were deep into the trail on a very hot day and ran out of water and did not know how to find a water source because they did not plan ahead – dehydration can also be very serious. Or the worst case scenario is always getting lost for a day or more and trying to survive without water, matches, warm clothing or the knowledge to handle any of it. What is intended to be a pleasant day on the trail can indeed turn out to be a life threatening situation if things go wrong and you are not prepared. Having knowledge as well as the ten essentials (and a bit more) is the key to a lifetime of safe happy trails.
We’ve all been caught unprepared in all kinds of life situations. That is how we learn best. To be a safe, happy hiker it is wise to learn about the ‘ten essentials’. It is a checklist that has been around for a long time and has not changed much over the years until recently when a few modifications have been made for the modern hiker. The basic ten is still relevant though. The checklist is offered below. You may even have your own modifications to the list. It definitely comes down to personal choice but what you choose makes the difference. For example, if you are on any special medications or inhalers you don’t want to forget that or if your canine companion is along for the hike you will need supplies for him such as food, water, waste pick-up bags, etc.
Shop for Footwear at Moosejaw! Just having these in your pack is not enough – you must know how to use them. Take the time to attend an outdoor class that many outdoor outfitters and sporting goods stores offer. Join a local outdoor club and start hiking with a group to get yourself accustomed to what is involved or start reading on the internet as you are doing now. YouTube is full of helpful videos on all aspects of hiking – how to build a fire, how to sterilize water, how to build a shelter, survival techniques, etc. These video tutorials can be very helpful if you have no experience at all and having a visual video lesson increases your chances of remembering what to do if you are panicking. Experience is of course the best teacher and you will be a hiking pro before you know it.
The Classic Ten Essentials List:
That is the basic version of ‘the list’. That simple list in its most basic form can and will save your life in an emergency situation but it’s really not that simple. Each of these items requires more thought and understanding to really be an effective tool in your backpack arsenal.
For that I am going to refer you to the experts by giving you a link to the REI website below. You will find more detail on each of the items above. You will also note that REI has revised the list slightly and updated what they believe is best practice. You can’t argue with professionals! Here is that link but come back to read the rest of this blog because I have a few things to add to your backpack that you might need or want!
REI: Updated Ten Essential “Systems” http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html
In my hiking and camping experience there are a few “essentials” that I don’t leave home without. All are lightweight and just make life on the trail a bit more tolerable when the going gets rough. Here is a list of what I call “Supplemental Essentials” and I don’t take everything on every hike but rather decide as I pack for a particular trip whether I’ll need it or not.
“Supplemental Essentials”
Cell Phone - for emergency and doubles as a camera Insect Repellant – should be in the top ten! Duct tape: wrapped around your water bottle, flashlight or hiking staff – the stuff belongs on the top ten list because it is so versatile and helpful in so many ways. Whistle: In case you get lost a whistle will last much longer than you screaming your lungs out! Toilet Paper: (Not a whole roll but a bit in a Ziploc for when nature calls) Bandana (Many uses: a cool cloth when wet, a splint, a head covering, a signal flag on a stick,) Gum Baby Wipes in a Ziploc (just a few for refreshing your smelly, dusty self when needed) Mini binoculars – for bird watching or can be useful if lost in the woods Flavor Packets for water- just to spice up the beverage department (tea, lemonade or cool aid) Hiking staff or trekking pole – depending on your age, ability and the terrain – this can be a real knee-saver Warm hat (in cold weather) – just toss it in – you’ll be happy you did Hand Sanitizer Camera & Batteries (Keep both in plastic bags to protect from rain) A Trash Bag (can become rain gear or a shelter or actually used to carry out your trash) Emergency Space Blanket (very tiny – just ounces but useful if stranded/lost) Extra Socks – refresh those tired, hot, sweaty feet Field Guide – definitely not required but useful to some folks Journal & Pen – to record the experience
Remember when hiking in a group –some of the items on the ten essentials list as well as the supplemental essentials list can be distributed among the group to reduce weight and duplication. When planning your trip, it is all a personal decision that needs to be balanced against weather conditions, location, personal experience and skill as a hiker and how much weight you really want to carry. When sticking with the top ten essentials you will never go wrong and throwing in a few extra items can’t hurt and just might come in handy.
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There is nothing like a new pair of hiking boots to get you excited about hitting
those backcountry trails. Just the look of them says outdoors and adventure.
Everyone knows what they represent. A good pair of sturdy boots is the most
important piece of gear a hiker can have because without them you cannot get very
far. Finding quality boots is very important. They can mean the difference
between a hike from hell and a hell of a hike! I will probably always echo the
Boy Scout motto whenever I can and that is “Be Prepared”. By being prepared with
new hiking boots that simply means – break them in properly before going hiking!
You want your feet to be protected from the rigorous terrain often found on the
hiking trails. Hikers encounter everything from rocks, mud, uneven surfaces,
water, unexpected holes, thick brush and various obstacles along the path.
Wilderness trekkers can expect to run into even rougher terrain. Along with
great quality you want a perfect fit for your foot. They should feel snug but not
tight as boots tend to loosen up as they get broken in. If they are too loose or
too tight then you will have friction which is a definite cause of blisters. You
need to be able to wiggle your toes freely yet feel a snug ankle support that
does not rub or pinch. A boot that does not fit well can cause all sorts of
problems. Also remember that men’s and women’s feet are different in many ways
and women should not opt for a scaled down version of a man’s boot but rather
purchase one specifically designed for the female foot to insure a better fit.
Once you’ve found the perfect boot that is the right price,look and fit then it’s
time to break those babies in. Warning: if you do not break them in prior to
hiking you may end up with serious injuries and pain. Having foot pain can alter
the way you walk and cause leg and even hip or back pain. So taking this topic
seriously will result in a better outcome for you.
The best way to break in new boots is to do it gradually. Start out by wearing
your boots for short periods of time with the same socks you will be wearing to
hike in. Just putz around your house wearing them for a day or two and see how
they feel. If there are no tight spots or rubbing proceed with wearing them
outside a few times when you do some light errands or yard work or just walking
your dog. The key is to gradually put some mileage on them and allow the boots
to loosen up and relieve some of the new stiffness.
Depending on the type of boots, it may take longer to break in and soften some
heavy duty leather types or it may be quicker if you have a lightweight model
that is not so rigid and stiff or even made of non-leather. There are many types
and styles of boots today. Leather hiking boots are for more rugged trips like
backpacking or longer hikes while hiking shoes are often more comfortable,
lightweight and intended for use during dayhikes. Many of the dayhiker shoes are
made of mesh and nylon and can be worn immediately like a tennis shoe.
If you search the net you will find references to a variety of ways that people
like to break in new boots. Some use saddle soap and mink oil, Nikwax or
NaturSeal leather conditioner, Neatsfoot oil, or alcohol and water. Some swear by
getting them soaking wet and wearing them until they dry and conform to the shape
of your foot. Some methods may work, some may not but gently breaking boots in by
wearing them over time will definitely work and costs nothing.
If your current boots are so comfy and broken in and feel perfect but have seen
better days, then it’s time to start slowly breaking in a new pair while you
still have your old kickers to rely upon. Before you know it they’ll be in
perfect hiking shape too! It’s always hard to give up those old boots that you’ve
spent miles of time with – it’s like losing an old faithful friend.
Before your trip you should purchase some moleskin at the local pharmacy to add
to your first aid supplies that you should have in your pack anyway (remember -be
prepared!) . If during your hike you develop a hot spot on your foot the best thing to do is
stop immediately and treat the area. Remove boots and socks and allow feet to
rest and cool. A soak in a cool stream would be ideal. Shake out any dirt and
sand or pebbles from boots and socks. Apply a soft piece of moleskin to the red
area. It may prevent the development of a blister. Change into fresh socks if
at all possible and/or apply some cooling foot powder.
If you already have a blister do the following. If it has already broken, trim
away any loose skin and apply antiseptic to prevent infection and then apply a
bandage. Apply some moleskin or even duct tape over the bandage to lessen the
pain when you start to walk again. If the blister did not break, use a sterile
needle to poke it gently from the side to drain out the fluid. Apply antiseptic
and leave the skin intact as it serves as protection to the new skin underneath.
Do the same as above with moleskin and tape. See a doctor if an infection does
develop.
The socks you choose also play a very important role in your level of comfort
during the hike. Cotton socks are a no-no. They absorb moisture and when wet
will definitely be a source of chafing and blisters. Choose wool blend socks or
wicking socks which are made with synthetic fibers that pull the moisture away
from your skin. Also use a thin liner sock under your thicker socks to minimize
friction and rubbing against your skin. Throw an extra pair or two in your backpack – they don’t weigh much and can really save your feet when a fresh change is in order.
Simple but important tips: trim your toenails before the hike and make sure your
socks have no holes – two simple preventive measures that can save you some
rubbing that leads to blisters and pain. Also if laces are tied too loosely or
tightly friction again can cause blisters so tie them just snug enough to be
secure and comfortable.
This advice is also for anyone who buys new boots, especially leather ones -
construction workers, military personnel, ice skaters, mountain climbers,
cowboys, etc. Any new boots should be broken in so as to help it mold and
conform to the shape of your own foot and avoid causing you any pain from
blisters. There are lots of techniques for softening leather and methods of
breaking in but for hikers the best way is to wear them and walk in them since
that is what you will be doing in them anyway !
Happy trails and happy feet !
See, My family and I want to go to france, but we’re on a very tight budget. I know I’ve seen books for people like me, books with information on hostels and cheaper alternatives, etc. If you know of any that you’ve had good experiences with or your friend has or whatever that would be fantastic! Thank you!! Moosejaw Daypack Sale! i mean health wise. i have heard some horror stories. the idea of hiking is seems cool but then i think about the personal Hygiene and heard horror stories of nasty people on the trail and how filthy they are. any comments that can help? My brother and I are planning on Hiking the smokies coming up in the near future. We would like to start on the far east side (Near Big Creak) and ending on the far west side (Near Fontana Dam) We would like to drop our car off at the beginning and take a bus back to the car. Is that possible? Anyone have any tips about hiking the smokies?
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Winter scenes around Jasper, and hiking in the Rockies in August, yes August!