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African American Hiking for Spiritual Health
Hiking is gaining popularity within the African-American community. We're beginning to spend more time in nature in an effort to connect deeply with the spirit within. The alertness that is required to observe the natural beauty around us is calming, ...
Hiking Boots
Improper footwear damages feet, especially during hiking excursions. Hence, a must for all adventure and other sporting trips are hiking boots.Some popular brands which make excellent-quality, beautiful, and different types of hiking boots include Asolo, ...
Join the American Hiking Society
Have you taken up hiking as a new form of family recreation? Are you a serious hiker that spends hours on challenging trails? Do you want to find a way to become more involved in hiking across the nation? Hikers of any background will want to check out ...
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How to evaluate hiking boots and footwear for comfort, protection, and durability.
Choosing hiking boots and footwear is one of the most important decisions you as a hiker or camper will make. They'll either make your trip memorable or miserable. To find what's best for you, ask yourself "What type of hiking do I do?"
Day Hiking (Light-weight)- Do you usually go for short hikes for one to several hours during the week or weekend without a backpack? Then you'll want to consider these. They're lighter, flexible, and breathe better because they're usually made of fabric and split-grain leather. They're comfortable for day outings but you'll become fatigued and your feet will begin to bother you if you try to hike with a pack or for an extended trip because they aren't designed to support you like the hiking boots below.
Backpacking/Hiking (Mid-weight)- Stiffer mid-weight hiking boots provide more support and protection for shorter 2-3 day trips or even day hikes with or without a light to moderate load. If you hike for a few hours and want more support and/or up to three days on or off-trail on easy to moderate trails get a mid-weight leather backpacking boot.
Extended Backpacking (Mountaineering)- The best level of support, protection, and durability for heavier loads and longer trips, but they're also usually heavier. Supports heavy loads of approximately 40+ pounds (could vary with hiking boot). If you hike for more than three days on or off-trail with a moderate to heavy pack on demanding terrain get an extended (heavy weight) backpacking boot. If you need to attach crampons for glaciers check to make sure the boots are compatible before you buy. For cold-weather hiking it's critical to get waterproof insulated boots that breathe to keep you dry.
Full-grain leather and Nubuck suede take water repellant products well but keep in mind that they won't waterproof a hiking boot NOT designed to be waterproof in the first place. The repellant will help shed water but if you're walking through streams or deep puddles you're going to get wet.
Waterproofing
You may or may not need waterproof hiking boots. Consider the environment you usually hike in and how long your trips are. If you do a lot of short desert hiking trips you probably don't need waterproof boots. Actually in a dry environment they'll only make it harder for your feet to breathe (more numerous or heavy layers mean less breathability). Nylon mesh fabric breathes better than leather, but remember you're making tradeoffs for durability, support, and protection.
If you would like to learn more about selecting your next pair of hiking boots and what's important regarding fit and construction please visit the website www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com Also take a look at the related article on hiking socks and learn how to say goodbye to blisters caused by poor quality socks.
Marc learned about quality gear just after his pup tent flooded forcing him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter at www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-journal.html & get the most usable info. FREE! Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, hyperlinks & this notice are intact.
Copyright Marc Wiltse - http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/
Written By: Marc Wiltse
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Lol! Do u Tweet or post 4 hiking?Salt Lake Tribune (blog)Hiking doesn't exactly take advantage of the latest technology. Even if you have a GPS, a water bladder on your back and the latest hiking boots, ... |
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