!8: Bargain Sale Wide Mountaineering Boots: 2011

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Trail runners or hiking boots? Appalachian trail

!±8± Trail runners or hiking boots? Appalachian trail

Trail runners versus Hiking boots What do you think...please comment see my blog blog.andywestactive.com

Trail runners or hiking boots? Appalachian trail

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Backpacking in High Mountains

!±8± Backpacking in High Mountains

The high mountains of Colorado still had a lot of snow in mid June. In fact, the Arkansas river was close to flooding here in Canon City, despite there being no rain in weeks. The snow melt was enough to raise it to its highest level in years. But my friend Mike and I were still hoping to go backpacking up high.

We had been up to 9,000 feet a couple weeks earlier and saw just one snowbank in the woods. Driving home we could see that though there was a lot of snow in the high peaks of the northern Sangre De Christo mountains, it was in patches. There were large areas without snow, even above 13,000 feet. It was time to give it a try.

We decided on a two night trip to Bushnell Lakes and possibly to the top of Bushnell Peak (13,105 feet). About this time I received a phone call. I own a backpacking website, so I get emails with questions all the time, but this was only the second time someone had called me at home. The man on the other end was calling from Texas, wondering about the conditions in the Sangre De Christos - was there too much snow?

"I hope not," I told him. "Me and a friend are headed up there tomorrow." He said he had called the forest service rangers for an area south of where we would be, and they had told him everything was still snowed in up high. He was going for a week, starting a few days after us, and wondered if they might be exaggerating. We agreed that they probably were.

Challenges Of High Mountains

It was hot when we started, even with only 13 pounds on my back (I like to go light). Where the trail split we decided to go to the Stout Lakes instead, by the Twin Sisters Peaks. This was the next valley over from Bushnell Lakes, and a shorter hike. When we came to a trail register we noted that only a couple people had been up there this year. One had left an entry on the way down: "Lost the trail in the snow at 10,800 feet." It was dated just a few days earlier.

We headed up the trail, soon hearing the roaring stream it follows. We saw the first small patches of snow before we crossed it at about 9,600 feet. Then we were hiking on a trail that doubled as a stream itself, complete with small waterfalls. The snow patches were more frequent, and we walked over the stream/path on a snow bridge at one point before realizing that it was a three-foot fall if it had broken.

Several hours up the trail there was no trail. It was somewhere under several feet of snow. It is hard to get too lost following a stream up a valley, though, so we kicked steps into the hard snow and continued on. In places we found the trail again, and even had long dry stretches to hike. The melting process is very irregular. In one of our photos Mike is standing on dry grass next to a seven-foot high wall of snow. In another, I'm trying to climb a twenty-foot snow-cliff.

Then there is the photo from the first lake. It is of myself, standing on it. There was dry ground around half of it, but it was frozen. We headed back down to a small pond that was only partially covered in ice. It had been a hot day of backpacking in deep snow. We put our water bottles in a snowbank and set up the tarp on the grass. Marmots came near to investigate.

The next day we hiked up past the first and second lakes, both above tree line. We followed a stream up a steep hill and into a meadow full of wildflowers at about 12,000 feet. There were frozen lakes below, flowers around us, and a 13,012-foot mountain waiting above, past rocky climbs and slippery fields of snow. We made it to the top - the highest Mike had ever climbed - and signed the register. We could see mountains in all directions, some of them over 60 miles away.

By the time we made it back to the camp, I was sick. I hadn't anticipated the effect of the sun. I had a hat and sunglasses, but the sunlight reflects at you from all sides when you cross snow and ice. It wasn't just a sunburn, but sun-sickness. I spent the night alternating between feeling on fire and having chills run through my body. Mike got the chills the following day. With that in mind, here are some tips for backpacking in the high mountains.

1. Call the forest service. Find out what the conditions are where you plan to hike, so you can bring the proper equipment and clothing.

2. Have a good map and know how to use it. This is especially important in early summer, when you might lose the trail in the snow.

3. Sun block is just a start. Where a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.

4. GPS your car location. If you have a GPS device, mark your car in case you lose the trail.

5. Check the trailhead register. Those backpacking before you may have stopped on the way out to note that a bridge is washed out, fallen trees have covered the trail, or something else you should know.

6. Climb high early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in many high mountain ranges. If you want to go to the summits and high ridges, it's best to do it early and be lower before noon.

It's great to have meadows and valleys to yourself. That's one of the advantages of backpacking in the high mountains early in the season. Just be ready for a wide variety of hiking conditions.

Backpacking in High Mountains

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Timberland Men's Euro Hiker Leather and Fabric Boots,Tan Leather/Fabric,10 M US

!±8± Timberland Men's Euro Hiker Leather and Fabric Boots,Tan Leather/Fabric,10 M US

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| Price : $94.99 | Post Date : Nov 25, 2011 13:53:08
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Whether you wear 'em in the city or in the wilderness, the Timberland Euro Hiker offers a sophisticated look for casual, everyday wear. The premium, full-grain leather or leather/fabric upper is abrasion resistant for lasting wear. Removable, cushioned orthotic adds comfort. Trail Grip rubber sole delivers superior traction. Timberland logos on side and tongue.

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Camping and Outdoor Activities: Get Involved with Nature

!±8± Camping and Outdoor Activities: Get Involved with Nature

Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to get ourselves involved with nature. National Parks can provide an excellent backdrop for some of your outdoor activities. Activities such as hiking, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, white water rafting and kayaking, skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering are just a few of the sports you might want to include on your camping adventure

It's important when traveling to bring along the proper clothing. Always include some rain and windwear, a fleece jacket is also a good idea. A first aid kit and plenty of drinking water should always be available. Of course if you are planning on doing any outdoor activities in the winter you will need more clothing etc. Bring along your bicycles and hiking boots if you have them. Usually equipment rentals will be available for activities you don't generally do

Whatever outdoor activity you decide on pursuing, it's always a great idea to do a little research. Most of the National Parks you will be visiting have excellent web sites that you can look into and see what sort of hiking trails and activities are available. Information such as popular points of interest in the parks will also be available in travel books and park brochures. Depending on where you will be staying you can also research the area you will be visiting for information on bicycle rentals, kayak rentals and lessons, and boating. There will be different outfitters available in the area that may offer excursions and rentals through the park you are visiting.

One of the most convenient and popular camping activities is hiking trails. For some people a hike can consist of a simple walk around the park, while others prefer a much lengthier hike. Regardless of what sort of hike you will be taking, a little preparation will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable journey. Hiking trails offer highly scenic and incredible views of nature. Hiking is a wonderful way to view nature at its finest, as the parks really are preserving special pieces of our wilderness. Depending on what park you will be hiking, the trails will offer different ranges of difficulty levels. Many trails will lead to scenic vistas as easy hikes, while other hikes may be significantly more challenging and too steep for some.

Always be prepared for the weather when hiking. Carry a daypack with some water, a rain/wind jacket, a fleece/wool jacket or sweater, a first aid kit and some food. Good hiking boots are essential. On some of your hikes it is quite likely you will come across wildlife such as moose, black bears and grizzly bears, big horn sheep and deer. It is a good idea to know what you should and should not do when coming across animals. Parks often will have signs up if animals have been sighted in the campground.

Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the sport and see beautiful streams, ocean, lakes and rivers all over the United States. National Parks offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Check with the state fishing regulations for exact dates and detailed fishing information, including proper license requirements. Some fishing opportunities will require overnight backcountry use permits. It is always important to respect the park you are fishing in, in order to maintain the quality waters that protect the natural fish populations and food sources for bald eagles, ospreys and otters among others.

Cycling is an excellent and convenient way to explore the national park or area where you are staying. Bringing along bicycles allows you to just get up and go wherever you are. It is important to check beforehand as to where cycling is allowed. Most National Parks only allow biking on the paved and backcountry dirt roads throughout the parks. Most hiking trails do not allow bicycles. Most of your cycling through the parks will be done on the same roads used for cars. For this reason special caution should be used; stay alert and be visible using both head and tail lights along with reflective clothing. Look into the area where you will be camping. There may be trails available specifically for cycling.

Horseback riding might be a fun and exciting option while visiting a national park. Several parks offer gravel roads for horseback riding, certain parks also have horse rentals and guided excursions available. A list of stables and outfitters can be obtained at visitor centers, or checked through travel guides and brochures.

Whitewater rafting is one of the most unique and invigorating ways to visit a parks backcountry. Some of the most incredible National Parks may have river rafting excursions that travel through the park, the river rafting is usually offered by various companies and outfitters. If whitewater rafting sounds a bit too dangerous, perhaps a kayaking excursion through one of the splendid rivers would seem wiser. Imagine kayaking through one of the popular National Parks past geysers, hot spring and mud pots. Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore areas that are untouched by vehicle or foot traffic.

Cross country skiing is another popular way for the entire family to visit and see beautiful winter landscapes. Many parks have several excellent trails available for cross country skiing. Several National Parks will offer novice, intermediate and advanced trails for skiing. Cross country skiing is a wonderful way to experience the parks wilderness during the winter season. Snowshoeing trails may also be available in parks.

The U.S. National Parks offer some of the most incredible rock climbing and mountaineering pursuits in the world. Rock climbing and mountaineering are usually sports reserved for people with a bit of experience. Rock climbing and mountaineering can offer wonderful and different perspectives of the landscapes. Both sports demand having the proper equipment and knowledge for safety reasons. Many National Parks offer established climbing routes that will have a wide range of difficulty levels; usually no permits are needed, unless an overnight stay in backcountry is involved. It is important to check weather conditions beforehand and use caution, never climb alone.

What better way to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world than with some fun outdoor activities. The options for outdoor activities are endless. Whether you decide to visit any of the amazing National Parks or choose to go camping in a favorite spot the list is limitless. Many of the activities you might be interested in will be available in the towns near the parks. Various outfitters and companies outside some of the popular National Parks will offer excursions that go into the parks. Whatever activity you decide to enjoy, it is always wise to do a little research to know ahead of time what to expect, always check what the weather conditions will be to avoid any dangerous situations.

Camping and Outdoor Activities: Get Involved with Nature

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Backcountry Skis For 2010

!±8± Backcountry Skis For 2010

Skis designed with the downhill-oriented skier in mind-lift served and backcountry, telemark or AT-continue to feature ever-widening dimensions, more durable construction, and control-enhancing improvements to the tip, tail, and overall shape of the ski. Several skis in this review feature "rockered" or early-rise tips. These are ski tips that begin to lift farther back along the ski than what most of us are used to. Rockered tips shorten the running surface of the ski on firm snow, while improving floatation in soft snow. Manufacturers are also offering a greater range of ski designs for women, and for shorter and lighter skiers, too. Some of the shorter skis on the market are also proving to be especially well-suited for backcountry skiers who spend a lot of time in the relatively tight confines of the natural northeastern forest. Here is a look at some of the backcountry ski offerings for 2010.

BIG POWDER/BIG SNOW
Skis in this category excel in soft and deep snow conditions. To tap into their full potential, these skis like to be driven with bigger boots by skiers with solid downhill skiing experience. At the same time, however, the wider dimensions of these skis make them an excellent quiver ski for dedicated backcountry skiers who prefer a mid-weight boot, but would like more flotation in low- to medium-angle terrain.

BLACK DIAMOND JUSTICE
Dimensions: 138-115-123 (188cm)
Lengths: 175/185cm
Weight: 4.15kg (9.2lbs)
MSRP: 9
Featuring a wood-core, minimal camber, a rockered tip, and enough sidecut for enhancing control in harder snow conditions, Justice loves powder, and lots of it. It's a bit heavy to be lugging around in the backcountry, but with the four-buckle boots needed to drive this ski to its full potential, it won't really matter if you are in solid touring shape. From a backcountry standpoint, these would make good quiver skis, ideal for days when skiing powder is the main objective, or for powdery days when a combination of lift-riding and side-country touring is in the cards.

VOILE DRIFTER
Dimensions: 151-125-138 (182cm)
Lengths: 162/172/182/192cm
Weight: 3.8kg (8.6lbs)
MSRP: 5
Priced lower than most other skis in this class, and made in the USA (Salt Lake City), the wood-core Drifter is backcountry-veteran Voile's version of a big, rockered ski. It is also one of the lightest skis in the big and rockered category, and thus, is a great choice among seasoned skiers as a dedicated backcountry powder ski. Still, the Drifter can be matched up with mid-weight/three-buckle boots, with great results when seeking out fresh, powder-coated lines in low- to medium-angle terrain. Surprisingly turnable for its dimensions, this ski can handle even the tightest confines of the Vermont forest.

G3 ZEST (Women's)
Dimensions: 132-100-123 (166cm)
Lengths: 166/172cm
Weight: 3.4kg (7.5 lbs)
MSRP: 9
This is a colorful and beautifully designed wood-core ski that is one of the more versatile rocker-tipped skis out there. Still, it does not qualify as a do-anything ski. When driven by a strong skier, it can handle hard pack and icy conditions sometimes found in New England, but the Zest much prefers to stay in the softer, untracked snow found more often in the backcountry and on powder days. Lighter-weight men who aren't afraid to sport some color should also consider this ski as a great quiver ski for primarily softer snow conditions.

ALL-AROUND
This category features skis that are versatile enough to be your one-and-only, go-anywhere ski. They excel in a wide variety of snow conditions and terrain.

BLACK DIAMOND JOULE (Women's)
Dimensions: 126-95-114 (188cm)
Lengths: 175/185cm
Weight: 4.15kg (9.2lbs)
MSRP: 9
Another women's specific wood-core ski in the mid-fat category, the Joule excels in all snow conditions when kept tuned and when driven by a seasoned skier. Featuring a nice combination of medium side-cut, width, and flex, the Joule matches up well with either four- or three-buckle boots. It's light enough to tour with for days on end, but stable enough to carve groomers for hours on end. This is simply a great example of a versatile ski.

ICELANTIC NOMAD
Dimensions: 140-105-130 (168cm)
Lengths: 156/168/181cm
Weight: 3.3kg (7.2lbs)
MSRP: 9
Made in the USA (Colorado), Icelantic's durable wood-core construction, functional dimensions, and beautiful designs are well worth a look. The Nomad is their most versatile ski, featuring sufficient sidecut for negotiating twisty lines in harder snow conditions, enough width under foot for excellent powder floatation, and an incredibly smooth flex that seems to make transitioning from one turn to the next effortless. Available in a short 156cm length, and when combined with a three-buckle or mid-weight boot is a great choice for skiers interested in touring convenience, maneuverability, and downhill performance.

KARHU STORM BC
Dimensions: 126-96-117 (177cm)
Lengths: 170/177/184cm
Weight: 3.3kg (7.3lbs)
MSRP: 0
The sustainably-harvested Paulownia wood-core Storm BC has been a favorite among many well-rounded skiers with a backcountry habit here in the Northeast. Favoring medium speeds and medium-turn radius, the Storm BC is as much at home on a steep and wind-scoured alpine mountainside as it is when treated to untracked powder under the shelter of the hardwood canopy. Light enough to tour for days on end, it can be driven with great results by either a three- or four-buckled boot.

TOURING/TECHNICAL
These are skis for those who place a higher priority on touring performance than downhill performance, or for skiers with more technical pursuits in mind, including ski mountaineering and randonee racing.

KARHU XCD GUIDE
Dimensions: 109-78-95 (175cm)
Lengths: 165/175/185/195cm
Weight: 2.6kg (5.8lbs)
MSRP: 0
Karhu's popular XCD (cross-country downhill) ski line is still going strong, thanks in large part to the success of the Guide. A lightweight, waxless-base, ultra-versatile ski, the Guide has been skied on the upper flanks of K2, been on missions to the North Pole and has often graced the pastures of Vermont's countryside. It's light enough to be taken on ultra-long tours in lightweight boots, wide enough to keep you floating in softer snow, and stable enough to occasionally tackle steep, alpine conditions. Although its waxless base gives you the convenience of climbing without skins, you can put skins on the Guides when the going gets steep or slippery. The Guide is also a great choice for easy-going ski tours out the back door, along backcountry trails, or ski adventures in the hardwoods.

DYNAFIT SEVEN SUMMITS
Dimensions: 113-78-100 (170cm)
Lengths: 156/163/170/178cm
Weight: 2.64kg (5.8lbs)
MSRP: 0
The Seven Summits is designed for dedicated ski mountaineers who prefer shorter, lighter weight, and more maneuverable skis for navigating tricky terrain and great distances in the mountains. The Seven Summits hold its own on hard packed, alpine slopes, and steep couloirs, and with some caution, can get you through even the trickiest snow conditions Nature can dispense. Randonee racers also love the lightweight and nimble nature of this ski.

Backcountry Skis For 2010

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

How to Pick a Hiking Boot

!±8± How to Pick a Hiking Boot

Because of the wide variety of outdoor activities, there are a wide variety of hiking boots to serve all of your outdoor footwear needs.

There are many things you need to look for in a hiking boot. For example: Whether they are comfortable and can take excess strain off the feet by supporting packs and gear. You should determine your needs based on your activity and choose your footwear accordingly since the kinds of hiking boots on the market differ by flexibility, strength, support level, cut, and weight for varying uses.

There are many kinds of hiking boots available, but there are three main types:

1. Mid hiking boots
2. Mountaineering boots
3. Backpacking boots

1. Mid Hiking Boots

Usually meant for weekend or day treks, mid-cut hiking boots are best for light to moderate loads. They are created with more flexibility than other boots, which usually decreases break-in time. Mid hiking boots are best used on shorter adventures where you're carrying light to moderate packs because for these activities, you won't need a lot of gear and you won't have to wear the boots for an extensive time.

2. Mountaineering Boots

For the most part, mountaineering boots are thick and heavy because they are created for lengthy treks in extreme weather conditions. They're crafted for durability against wear, support with heavy weight loads, and substantial element exposure. These are surely the boots to choose for an intense, lengthy trip where you'll have a lot of gear to carry. Mountaineering boots usually need a lot of timeto break in, since they tend to be pretty stiff. But that quality is how they provide such great support for heavy packs for days of adventure!

3. Backpacking Boots

Backpacking boots are meant to offer excellent comfort and support during several days with packs of varied heaviness. These boots are crafted with sturdier midsoles than your average lighter hiking boot so as to keep their shape and continue to support you under strain and over a longer time period. For this reason, backpacking boots are the best choice for average on- or off- trail trips that are going to be lengthy and where you'll have a moderate- to heavy-weighted pack.

The most important factor will remain your own individual style. This will determine your needs, but you ought to always consider the size and weight of your pack and the time you will be spending on your feet during the trek. Generally speaking, a lighter pack on a shorter trek won't demand stiffer boots. But if your load will be heavier and/or your trek longer, you will want to make sure you pick a boot that features a great deal of durability and support. Many boots offer overlapping features in an effort to offer versatility, but it's important to review these carefully to ensure that no one feature sacrifices quality for another.

How to Pick a Hiking Boot

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Taste of flannel shirts

!±8± The Taste of flannel shirts

Flannel:

Flannel shirts are made of lightweight wool, which produced much softer than any other type of material. They are also made of cotton and synthetic fibers, except in moments of wool. These shirts are very comfortable to wear thanks to its soft feel and provides excellent fit and this is why people around the world for this for casual wear.

Cultural history:

People from all continents will be used to wear flannel shirts. ForFor example, in the North American continent, farmers and loggers used to wear them, because they have found the warmth and shelter from the wind available. The same can be said for Australia, where they were known as having flannel 'Bogans' and 'westies'; derogatory words to refer to the working class work. Mainly due to his level of comfort, these T-shirts and are still very popular.

Call:

In the recent past, the use of flannel shirts popular with various rock and metal bandsArtists. The main reason is the T-shirts are to see something shiny and almost all rock stars prefer this type of shirts, as they help in highlighting them on stage next to the convenience factor. In sport, these shirts are preferred and commonly used in the game of cricket and baseball. They are also widely used as the night wears in many countries.

Since these shirts are made of wool fabrics, it is recommended not to go near the fire while wearing one, as they were highly flammableand can easily catch fire. The popularity of the shirt is still high and everyone wants to have these shirts in the closet. There are thousands of shops, the wide ranges of these shirts for people of all ages to offer. They come in many shapes and attractive design, with accessible prices for them.

Types:

There are different types of flannel shirts designed for different purposes, whether it's hiking or simply to make a style statement. I recommend brandsOutdoor clothing are, Carhartt, Moose Creek, Pendleton, Woolrich and Wrangler. I recommend brands of interior style to wear are Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, and Saks.

Flannel shirts are also for women. T-shirts are very popular among women, among other types or models such as gingko, fed, and pastel colors. Prices for shirts for women are in the same order of magnitude of T-shirts for men, $ 25 - $ 95, with the difference between the dollar amount lowball and highball in the secondDesign and quality of the fabric. Flannel jackets and night is also very popular. So we can see that flannel shirts are very popular and preferred by millions of people and is expected to remain in vogue for years to come.