Hiking

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2. Do you have any fun camping, hiking and travel recipes for Summer snacks?

I suggest you search for Girl Scout recipes. There are several web sites that provide an abundance of recipes for outdoor use. I like gorp. It used to be made of Post Sugar Crisp, MMs, and peanuts. It's an energy snack. One has to be careful today with the various allergies children have. Dried fruit chips (slices) are fun to make and easy to carry and eat. Banana, apricot, apple, peach, all make good chips. Banana and apple are the least messy.

3. What are the best hiking boots made in America?

If you're not walking on trails w /heavy packs then hiking boots are the wrong boots and there are some in the hiking community that think that traditional hiking boots may even be the wrong boots for that. So what willl you be walking on ?

4. What hiking gear would you suggest for my mom?

Depends on how much you want to spend. Sounds like she might need a good pair of hiking boots or hiking lowrise shoes. If your on a lower budget make a gift basket w/ a backpack a water bottle, snacks high in protein to keep her going, maybe a book about local trails, and a new t-shirt or something. If all else fails a gift card to your local outdoors store or a season pass to your state park where she goes hiking is always good. Good Luck Happy mothers day!

5. What is the best hiking trail in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park? Also any must hike trails in North shore?

Attached is the website that has a map of the area. There are some hiking trails on the map. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00266_summer.pdf

6. How can I chose a good pair of hiking boots?

It sounds like your boots are not fitting you very well - they may be too loose and thus rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk. Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everybodys feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) - they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them). If you are going to be hiking in snow, than you will want water-proof boots (ie: Gore-Tex lining) and may want to consider a boot that can work with strap-on crampons (for extra support in ice). Backpacker Magazine just came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave the Timberland Cadion the best rating for comfort and fit on women's boots. You should pick up the issue, bucause it gives the low down on a variety of brands and recent styles. They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically: 1 - Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger 2 - Have them measure your feet for a good fit 3 - Try on several different models and brands 4 - Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair 5 - Wait for perfection - don't settle, if they don't fit 6 - Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles. A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.

7. How do you keep male dogs from hiking on your stuff?

Use moth balls.

8. I am interested in starting a hobby in hiking. I love in Canada (ontario) How do i start?

There is a difference between light leisure walking and hiking. Whatever you do make sure you get a good pair of hiking boots if you are hiking or a good pair of walking shoes if you are doing leisure walking ESSENTIALS - water - squirt some lemon juice in it to quench your thirst. - hat - to protect for the sun - I prefer a Tilley hat because it has a pocket in the inside to keep stuff in. - snack of some sort (nuts are good for the salt content) - whistle - in case of danger or you get in trouble - partner to hike/walk with - never go it alone - light jacket - in case it rains or gets colder - comfortable pants and shirt (preferably cotton so it will breath) - mosquito repellent - for the pesty bugs not to bite you - sunscreen - for those high UV days - camera (optional) - you'd be amazed at what you will see in nature. Some other possible essentials depending on the duration of the hike - matches - in case you need to stay warm - knife - protection - first aid kit SOME PLACES TO HIKE: Ontario - Elora Gorge is good for hiking/walking around - Algonquin Park is a great hiking area - Kilarney Provincial Park if you want a challenge - any provincial park will give you walking trails.

9. When you go hiking in deep woods is it against the law to carry a firearm in a National Forest?

go to the national forest web site and get the # for the ranger in the woods you wish to travel to and ask him or her

10. What hiking and camping gear should I buy?

Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the pack on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the mummy style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand. Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking. Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities. -First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs -Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice -Good all-purpose knife/survival knife -water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each -Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case) -Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking. -Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water... it doesn't always taste great when used with purification pills. -Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn't take up much space. Look on Cabela's or at a sporting goods store. -TOILET PAPER -Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don't come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking. -Bear spray -Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp). Recommended Supplies: -Cell phone or handheld CB at least -Camera (for obvious reasons) -Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it). -Insect repellant/sunblock There's probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you're going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course... they are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests... snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes... retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is falling... it's usually cleanest there). I'm not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.

11. What is the best way to take a 3 year old hiking?

I'd bring something that will make it easier for you to carry him or for him to get along when he gets tired. I think taking him hiking is a great idea though.

12. What are the best ingredients in a trail mix for a hiking trip?

almonds, honey roasted peanuts, mm's, pretzels, dried fruit (bananas, pineapple, raisins). The nuts and chocolate are a great burst of energy. I also bring along a granola bar or two for fast munching during short breaks.

13. what is the best way to train for a cross country hiking trip?

When I go hunting in the mountains. I start preparing by doing cardio exercises. running ,walking, bicycle. It works for me !

14. What brand / type of hiking sock should I purchase for a hiking trip through the rainforest during August?

winter or summer, I wear merino wool socks with polyester liner sock underneath they keep my feet more comfortable than anything else I've ever tried cotton is definitely NOT the way to go Smartwool, Fox River, and L.L. Bean are the brands I prefer I know wearing wool socks in hot, humid conditions sounds weird but my feet like it http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1catalogId=1langId=-1categoryId=38194sc1=Searchfeat=sr http://www.rei.com/product/604587?vcat=REI_SEARCH http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39301939memberId=12500226storeId=226catalogId=40000000226langId=-1

15. Whay is the best place to find a hiking group or partner for long distance thru hikes?

You could start a meet up group for the hike. Put it on a public calander for others to join in.

16. Is there any good beginner hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains via Gatlinburg?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park -Hike Abrams Falls Trail, in Cades Cove. A fairly easy 5-mile trek (round-trip) that is ideal for the beginner or a family. Plan on roughly three hours, depending on your pace. Check the included link to get more information and to see the map.

17. What do people think and talk about during hiking in group?

when my girlfriend and i go hiking....we try to find a place that is nice and quiet, with a nice view..usually from there...we just spill out our thoughts...from what we did wrong in the past..to what we're going to do for our future (we would ask ourself..are we going to make it?)... for me, i had a troublesome past..grew up in a bad neighborhood..bad parents...no good friends...but now that i'm older...i try to sort out my thoughts....hiking is the best way to let it out..

18. What is the difference between hiking boots and hunting boots?

They are both pretty close but still have their differences. Hikling boots are made to be light weight, and are very porus to allow air into your feet through the upper mesh. They also have a more curved knobby sole to make walking on loose rock and walking inclines easier to grip the surface. Hunting boots on the other hand tend to be heavier in weight simply because they are designed to completely insulate the feet against cold or freezing temperatures and provide water resistence at the same time. Hunting boot soles are made from a stiffer sole material that is not as soft and giving as Hiking boots. The Hunting boot sole is much flatter and can be worn and walked in with minimal noise on leaves twigs etc, and as a result are less likley to make noise when stalking animals

19. What features should I look for in a hiking shoe?

It almost depends on what area of the country you are living/hiking in. For wet areas I recommend leather boots with Gore-tex. I hike daily for my job as a forester and boots are the most important things I own. I am a big fan of the brand Vasque, but also like Merril and Montrail. You need comfort, support, and traction. I recommend going to an outdoors store and trying on a few pairs to get the right sizing and to find a model that feels the best to you. Then if you'd like find them online, sometimes they can be found cheaper. Just for your information the best hiking sandal I have found is Chaco. I am completely in love with them.

20. How long does it take to break into a new pair of hiking boots?

Your boots should be comfortable from the moment you put them on. If they aren't, you're going to get blisters for sure.