Having a successful hiking trip depends in part on the supplies and gear you have inside your backpack. To assure you are prepared for the open trail, consider the length of the hike and your backpack capacity. In addition to your gear, it is...
Hiking isn't only an excellent way to stay in shape, it's also a lesson in preparedness and surviving in the outdoors. Depending on the length of hiking trip you have planned, you'll need to pack an appropriate amount of gear, sometimes including...
When you carry all your gear on a multiday backpacking trip, having an uncomfortable pack can turn what should be an amazing adventure into a torturous ordeal. To ensure a memorable trip in the outdoors, make sure you have a pack that fits your...
A hiking backpack is an essential part of any hiker's gear. You have a variety of options to consider when choosing a hiking backpack. Be sure to try on several backpacks before buying one to find the pack that is most comfortable for you and has...
For hikers, a backpack carries all the necessities to make the hike more comfortable and manageable. Consultants at REI report that a backpack should fit the contours of the hikers body, as well as be able to hold all the necessary gear needed for...
Hiking can help improve cardiovascular function while burning calories to keep you in shape. If a simple hike doesn't seem like enough of a challenge for you and your fitness level, carrying a weighted backpack can help you amp up the intensity...
Hiking and backpacking are enjoyable ways to spend time with friends and meet new people. You can walk through scenic areas and talk to people hiking with you. With hiking and backpacking clubs, you can also easily arrange for group pick-ups and...
Hiking and backpacking with your children can create seasons of adventures. Planning a backpacking trip with children will require some extra planning to make sure that your kids enjoy the trip. An important planning piece is to make sure that...
Extensive walking and activities that involve lifting and carrying a heavy load, such as hiking, can lead to back pain. Other symptoms may include muscle stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion and discomfort when standing or sitting. If...
When you're on a hike that requires you to bring extra gear or food, whether it's a day hike or a weeklong backcountry expedition, few pieces of gear are more critical than your backpack. Whether you're picking out your first hiking backpack and...
Backpacks for hiking--often referred to as daypacks--are designed specifically for daylong hiking trips and other short outdoor activities, such as skiing, cycling or mountaineering. Built to keep your gear organized and secure, backpacks for...
Heading out to the trail for a hiking trip is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and majestic scenery. As you prepare for the hiking trip, include specific gear and equipment in your backpack to ensure a safe, successful and enjoyable...
Nothing can ruin an idyllic hike faster than blisters, pinched feet or a sprained ankle. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential for hiking and backpacking. Your choice of footwear should revolve around several factors, including where you...
Hiking and backpacking are outdoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. As a result, you can expose youth to the great outdoors during a backpacking trip. Regardless of the terrain or type of...
Whether you're planning on a day hike or a one-week excursion in the mountains, knowing how to arrange your backpack is essential for efficient hiking. Knowing the best order for loading your gear can help ensure a proper weight distribution and...
Whether you are planning a short, half-day hike in the mountains, or a five day backpacking excursion down into the Grand Canyon, you will need certain equipment, information and most importantly, common sense. If you are a novice at backpacking...
It’s a good idea bring basic emergency supplies on even the shortest day hikes. You’ll also want sufficient food, water and extra layers in case of bad weather. You don’t need a full-size backpacking pack for day hikes, but the...
One of the most critical pieces of gear you need for hiking or backpacking is footwear. Improper footwear can lead to injuries, such as blisters and sprained ankles, that make walking painful or even impossible. A variety of hiking and backpacking...
Your boots carry a lot of responsibility on a hiking trip. They help define your level of enjoyment while taking much abuse in the form of stony, muddy, dusty trails and submergence in streams and ponds. Backpacking boots are a kind of hiking...
Climbing in the backcountry gives you the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors while having a thrilling experience. Before you head out on a climbing trip, you must make sure all your gear and equipment is organized and ready to go. One...
Hiking can be an excellent way to burn calories and stay in shape and has the added benefit of being performed in a peaceful and beautiful environment. On average, you will burn around 350 calories an hour while hiking. While that may not seem...
Hiking isn't just a way to escape the man-made confines of the city and experience nature at its finest. It's also a great health-boosting workout, with the average 155-lb. individual burning approximately 223 calories in just 30 minutes of...
A backpack is a necessity for a hike or long walk, but stick to the necessities when packing your backpack. Take only the items that you will need to stay safe and coordinated on your hike. Items like makeup or an extra pair of sunglasses would...
Hiking is an opportunity to experience the great outdoors while participating in physical activity to improve your health. The trails and rugged terrain you experience on the hiking trip, however, can cause various injuries. A common minor injury...
Just like the competitive athlete, backpackers need to train for backpacking. It's not enough to be in shape. Backpacking is a strenuous sport that makes demands on back, abdominal and leg muscles. Design a varied exercise program to work all...
The best exercise routine is the one you are going to stick with. You are more likely to stick with a routine that is fun as opposed to one that you find monotonous and boring. That is why many people who set out to lose weight fail. They pick one...
Running as your chosen form of cardiovascular exercise can help you burn calories and strengthen your heart. Adding a weighted backpack to your routine adds weight training to the mix, allowing for resistance as you run for strength training as...
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest, located just north of Redding, is the largest forest in California, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. This National Forest includes mountain elevations ranging from 1,000...
Backcountry hiking requires preparation of your equipment, mind and body. You can witness beautiful scenery and wildlife on a backcountry hiking trip, along with extreme and unexpected weather. Being prepared for these situations and following a...