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Getting a good set of Winter Hiking Boots

A good set of hiking boots can turn any trek a wondrous outdoor adventure instead of a foot-blistering nightmare, however in the winter you have more to worry about than just foot blisters. Cold conditions can easily turn any surface into a deadly and dangerous icy path, or terrain, which is why you need to take a few things into consideration when choosing the best winter hiking boots.

Here is what you need to know to find the best set of winter hiking boots.

A Good Winter Hiking Boots

Traction - Stay away from smooth surfaces, and make sure that your boots will have excellent traction. Secure footing provided by your footwear is essential as you might easily slip and get injured.

If you suspect that your boots will build-up with ice and snow underneath (thus getting rid of the traction) then it is best to try spike chains, which attach onto your boots or shoes and they adjust themselves to virtually any surface to create the perfect traction and grip for you.

Warmth - Obviously in the winter, your feet can get cold easily, especially if you are trekking in deeper snow, so you want to ensure that you get some very warm boots, so that they can handle the lowest temperatures which you will be walking in. Complement your winter hiking footwear with thick woolen socks as these will not only provide warmth but by virtue of their length, enable you to stretch them such that they do not allow any cold air to get into your footwear.

Waterproof - The last thing you need is for the heat generated by your feet to melt the water on the outside of your boots, so that you are suddenly walking around in soggy boots. This is why getting waterproof winter hiking shoes is necessary.

You must pick up Gore-Tex liners as in addition to being water resistant, they also enable any extra wetness caused due to sweaty feet to harmlessly pass through them.

Visit the following for other infor: Waterproof Hiking Boots

Before You Go Hiking Learn These Safety Tips

Many folks find hiking a great outdoor pastime. It is a perfect way to keep fit and also enjoy the scenery. Here are a few tips to ensure your cross country adventures go as planned. Have at lest one companion with you at all times, never be alone.

If you're any distance further than 5-8 hours from the closest house, travel in a group of 3-4. Plan your route on a map carefully and stick to it, leaving a family member at home with a copy of your intended destination and

time of expected arrival. Click through here for more information on steiner binoculars.

Know yours and your hiking parties limitations. Know what the weather is going to be like before you leave. When you pack always pack essentials first. Pack plenty of dry clothes in a dry backpack. Every member of your team must carry a survival kit. It needs to be lightweight and be able to cover basic emergency needs like waterproof matches, map and compass, a metallic signalling device such as a mirror, a whistle, nylon rope, a sharp knife, and a waterproof first-aid kit.

Your group needs at least one flashlight, with spare batteries or a crank flashlight that does not require batteries. A small axe carried in a protective sheath on your waist may come in handy as well. It is also a good ides to have a length of fishing line with a few extra hooks.

If it`s not extra weight there is no harm in being prepared. Be sure you have enough water and include emergency food such as chocolate, dried fruit, and trail mix is a great nourishing snack while on the trail.

Other tips for safe hiking include wearing seasonal clothing, waterproof hiking boots that are well worn in, sunglasses, lip balm, and if you can, a handheld GPS unit.You can obtain more information on discount binoculars here.

Whilst not a safety tip - remember to enjoy the scenery while you are hiking and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife - just do it with safety!

Reducing the Weight of Your Hiking Backpack

Lightweight hiking is getting more popular each year. Lightweight weight hiking is much more comfortable and it puts less weight on your knees, neck, shoulders, and back muscles, hence reducing the risk of injury. With lighter modern gear, it's so much easier to do than before.

1. Have a closer look at your current gear
Using an excel spreadsheet and something to measure weight helps. This will help you calculate the weight cost of your gear selection.

2. Only take what you need
If you think something is necessary then take it with you but you don't have to take everything with you every time. Books, camping mattresses, fishing poles, binoculars and folding camp chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Look for lighter alternatives, go without, or carefully select one or two key items for any particular trip.

3. Plan according to season and weather
A zero degree sleeping bag won't be suitable in the summer. Not all clothing, shelter and sleeping bag are suitable for every season.

4. Take lightweight gear
Next (financial resources permitting), begin to replace your heavier gear with lighter items. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your hiking pack, sleeping bag and shelter. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.

5. Look for items that have multiple uses.
Treat your backpacking equipment as a system of components that work together. The ability to recognize synergistic relationships between your gear, or to select gear that performs multiple uses, is a key skill in reducing your pack weight and increasing the level of simplicity in your approach to lightweight backpacking. You can, for example, use a poncho as a shelter as well as raingear.

6. Select lightweight insulation.
Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they're warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. However, carrying down assumes that you possess the necessary skills and attentiveness to care for it in inclement weather - down provides precious little insulating value if it gets very wet. Using down sleeping bags can save you up to 2.5 pounds compared to synthetic alternatives.

7. Wear a windbreaker
Windbreakers are a super lightweight alternative to raincoats. Wearing a windbreaker allows you to comfortably wear base layers underneath providing you with improved warmth and comfort. A windbreaker extends the comfort range of your clothing system.

8. Sharing your backpacking equipment
Hiking with a friend, you can pool resources, especially shelter and cooking gear. Try to be creative and you'll find many things to things to share including sleeping bag, light, map and camping mat.

9. Improve your outdoor skills
The better you are at backcountry hiking and camping, the better you are able to make do without modern camping equipment. There are many ways to acquire these but nothing beats experience. Attending backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses helps.

10. Go Small
If you use travel-sized versions, not only will you save weight, you'll also save on precious space. Transfer all your food and other consumables into smaller packaging if the travel size version is not available. MInimize all packaging.

Reduce Your Pack Weight Gradually

To reduce your backpack weight, you need to do it gradually in stages. Be aware of the stuff that you really and the stuff that you don't need at all. Going light is more of a process than a one-time task.

Search on for Missing Skier

With limited gear and a pair of skis, a climber is missing on Mount McKinley and an initial high-altitude aerial search produced no sightings this morning.

Gerald Myers, 41, of Centennial, Colo., is believed to have reached the 20,320-foot summit of North America's highest peak Wednesday afternoon, according to National Park Service spokeswoman Maureen McLaughlin.

A group of climbers returning from the summit reported seeing Myers on the summit ridge, she said. But he has not returned to the 17,200-foot high camp or to the 14,200-foot camp from which he launched his solo summit attempt early Tuesday morning.

Park rangers think Myers may have elected to descend on a more difficult route other than the popular West Buttress, which he took to the summit ridge and perhaps beyond.

The fact he was carrying skis suggests he may have attempted to descend via the Orient Express or the Messner Couloir -- both of which are ski descents, McLaughlin said. Descents on two other possible routes, the West Buttress and the Reserve Gully, can be done on snowshoes, skis or crampons, she said.

"There are many routes to come down and we do not know which one he was targeting," McLaughlin said.

Myers was traveling light. Though he grabbed his skis from a cache at 17,200 feet on Tuesday morning, rangers believe he carried no sleeping bag, bivy, thermal pad or camping stove. This guy is clearly not following the ten essentials for mountaineering.

He should know better than to go into the Chugach without gear as basic as this. His chances of survival are slim. You should never sacrifice the essentials for the sake of hiking light.

Now he would have to dig himself a shelter in the snow if he wants to stay alive. It is likely that he has injured himself which makes matters worst.

This morning's search, by an Air National Guard HC-130 Hercules, was limited by high winds and cloud cover. A second search could happen this evening if there's a break in the weather, McLaughlin said.

This is the third incident, and the first search, on the mountain this season, McLaughlin said. In separate incidents earlier this month, William Hearne of Fairport, N.Y., 61, collapsed on his approach to the 14,200-foot camp and died of apparent natural causes, and a man with pulmonary edema was evacuated from 14,200 feet.

Find Beth Bragg online at adn.com/contact/bbragg or call 257-4309.

Are You Ready with Your Survival Pack

Getting ready for a disaster is like having savings in the bank. Disasters can strike at a blink on an eye.

For a peace of mind, have your backpack ready in case you need to evacuate fast. A survival pack should contain both short term and long term survival needs.

A good survival pack should be lightweight and include items like knives, tools, water, seeds, clothes, fire, shelter, light. These items should be able to help you survive in the harshest of conditions.

If you knew about the likely conditions of a worst case scenario, you would have less to carry. A internal frame backpack that's prepared for all the possible conditions are probably the best but they're also bulky and heavy. If it was to be carried in a car you wouldn't to worry about size and weight.

But a disaster doesn't only happen when the car is around. Different experts will have different choices of survival equipment in their backpack. These guys are always trying to be prepared for sudden manmade or natural disaster in a variety of ways for the unexpected. A good survival equipment should take up little space and an indefinite shelf life.

Want to know what military operators and hunters carry?

They carry a fixed-blade knife in a sheath strapped to the outside of the pack, and a Leatherman Wave multi-tool inside the pack, along with two very compact Mylar blankets that have a variety of uses like signaling for help, collecting water or as a waterproof lean-to.

These professionals also carry waterproof matches, a disposable lighter, a magnesium bar with striker, a credit-card-sized plastic Fresnel lens, a zip-lock bag filled with mugwort and a two-quart Platypus bladder system or a hydration pack for drinking water.

For clothes are two pairs of underwear and socks, a hat, a fleece skullcap and a pair of lightweight gloves, plus two pairs of sunglasses, two pens, a notepad and a pair of pruning shears. Other useful items include garbage bags, zip-lock bags, freeze-dried meals and some utensils.

Don't forget the first-aid kit, water purifier, ground tarp, compact binoculars, synthetic and leather cord, roll of electrical tape, wind and weather meter and roll of toilet paper. You may also consider carrying firearms and a lightweight bivouac sack.

The typical cost of a survival pack is around $2,000 but there are economical ways to pack an effective survival pack. A topic we hope to cover soon.

Types Hiking Packs

Backpacks are generally categorized into three: frameless, external frame, and internal frame. The main purpose of a frame is to support the backpack and helps to distribute the weight across your whole body, mainly on the hips so that your shoulders are not bearing all the burden.

Frameless Backpacks

This is the simplest and most inexpensive type of backpack you can find. The most basic design consist of one main pocket and connected to a set of shoulder straps. They are more used for general stuff rather than hiking. However, some are suitable for outdoor activities like hiking. Some more advanced versions have a suspension system like waist strap, chest strap and padded shoulders.

External Frame Backpacks

This is an old favorite with backpackers because of its large capacity and strong frame. The frame is very rigid and it supports a sack made of cloth or other materials.

External frames allow for users to carry a heavier weight than a frameless pack could. It also gives the wearer more support and protection and better weight distribution. The frames have been made of wood until about the middle of the twentieth century.

This type of backpack is not very common today and the frames are now made of lightweight metal tubes, often aluminum and sometimes titanium or scandium. A system of straps and pads keep the sack and frame from contacting the body so you get reduced sweatiness.

It is normal practice to strap bulky items such as camping tents, sleeping bags and pads on the frame because some parts of the frame are not occupied by the backpack. The main compartment is usually small compared to internal frame backpacks to allow for these bulky items to be strapped.

The problem with external frame backpacks is the center of gravity is very high up and away from the body resulting in instability. Keeping your balance especially when climbing up hills is not an easy task with external frame backpacks.

Users also complain of getting bruises as a result of the uncushioned frame rubbing or hitting against the body. However, external frame backpacks are very durable.

Internal Frame Hiking Backpacks

Invented in 1967 by Greg Lowe, the internal frame backpack has replaced external frame backpacks as the standard pack for hikers. Greg Lowe later went on to found Lowepro, a company specializing in backpacks and other carrying solutions for various equipment.

The frame which consists of strips of metal or plastic is integrated into the pack. A system of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight.

An internal frame backpack is fitted closely to the body and therefore the load is more easily controlled and easily predictable. You have more freedom of movement and are ideal for scrambling over rocky surfaces and hiking uphill. However, the close fit presents another problem; poor ventilation and therefore sweatier backs.

Unlike external frame backpacks, there are only a few (if any) lash points for your tent or sleeping bag and there is a limit to the size of whatever you want strapped to the outside of the pack. Fortunately, modern internal frame backpacks have a large capacity so that all of your gear can fit inside.

Check out these internal frame backpack and bivy bags which are great for backpacking because they're compact, lightweight and easy to set up compared to tents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonsky_Sicuna http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpack-Design---The-Three-Types-of-Backpacks&id=2317549

Shoshone Indian Ice Caves – Shoshone, Idaho

Idaho travel offers you a look at something you have probably never seen before. There is the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves near Shoshone, Idaho which is truly a lava tunnel with the floor covered with ice year round. It isn't as beautiful as the limestone caves with their delicate sculpture type creations but it is something that is worthy of seeing.

The lava tunnel is 1,000 feet long and has a wooden bridge going the distance so that you can walk the length of the cave and see how the floor is covered with ice and the end of the cave is a wall of ice. The ice stays year round as long as the door to the cave is closed during the summer so the heat doesn't have a chance to come in and melt the ice. It is cold in the cave so you will need a jacket, bring one or borrow one from the entrance to the cave and you will be just fine.

Ugly sculptures lead up to the cave. A former owner thought they would attract tourists so he had them built. They probably do attract some, especially those with kids that want to see them, that's about all they are good for, kids to play on.

Bringing New Fashion and Quality to Summer Sandals – Merrell Outdoor Sandals

Merrell is a organization that has been in business for 26 years, and they bring superior quality shoes to the outdoor enthusiast. They have crafted their shoes to be contemporary in style, comfortable for the duration, and proven performance. Merrell believes that outside adventures offer an opportunity to bring a better self awareness, freedom, and fulfillment in this life. Wearing Merrell hiking boots during your summer outside adventures is an option you will not regret. With their recognized superior performance shoes, you are sure to be walking in ease for the length of your day, no matter if it is a shopping outing or a hike in the woods.

The 'outside' keeps changing as peoples activities have included new adventures and varying terrains and environments. Merrell sandals have kept up with this always evolving world and strive to alter as people's needs change. Their capability to keep up shows in their air cushion midsoles, supportive Trailspring & reg., footbed, Q-form & reg., Omni-fit & trade, technology, their lacing system and innovative sole designs. All of these offer ease and style in any natural or urban environment. Since day one of the organization's inception, they trusted that the journey is as important as the destination and that is their driving force in staying current in technology, fashion and comfort.

Also see: Merrell womens shoes

Merrell sandals are of superior quality and have brought contentment to many consumers. Most of Merrell's sales are from repeat customers and they're sharing their energy of the product. This spring is no anomaly to the quality and style that Merrell brings to the table. Viewing their many styles will make a believer out of anybody.

The top 3 new styles of discount Merrell shoes for spring include varying styles to meet the needs of many clients. The Dewberry sandal available in 4 colors (red being one of them! Who can resist this!!) and has a feminine charm. It will accent your summer style with its 2" heel and excellent colors. The Senise is a slide on thong sandal for your informal summer days - everyone has these days and needs a pair of sandals to complete their summer wardrobe. This sandal comes in 7 colors - you can definitely have fun wearing these! The Siren Strap Sport sandal is a strappy, waterproof sandal that gives you great support while looking mighty informal. Splashing around in these on your fun, outdoorsy days will give you a comfortable and enjoyable day indeed!