Why Hike?
That's right, America gained it's independence by winning a hiking war and the early settlers whose adventurous spirit led them across rivers, through forests, and over mountains until the American dream lived from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.
As they traveled they overcame the obstacles and hardships they faced. They accomplished this with the use of crude tools and equipment as compared to those available today.
But there is more than adventure in hiking, there are health benefits in it too. Hiking is one of the best forms of exercise known. It is one of the best ways to develop personal fitness. As you hike, you strengthen your heart and lungs, straighten your back, and harden your muscles.
Hiking is also fun. It gives one an inner joy and the primitive happiness that comes from feeling free as a bird, fit and self-reliant. It is an escape from the everyday way of life--no traffic, no radio blare or jibber jabber of the TV. It lets one enjoy the sights and sounds of nature: a leaping deer, racing rabbit or even a bear and to listen to the birds, the sound of a small stream, the whispering of the wind through the grass and the rustling of leaves.
The whole year is for hiking; you should find yourself out during every season. You're not a true hiker until you have hiked through the soft breezes of spring, the heat of summer, the showers of autumn, and have felt the bitter cold of winter on your cheeks. Not until you have enjoyed the glory of a spring sunrise and the glow of the harvest moon can you be called a true hiker.
This kind of hiking is not for softies. You won't always have easy going and fair weather. There will be fights with thorns and brambles, tough rock climbs, rocky trails, unexpected holes and sudden downpours. With the right spirit you will be able to overcome these obstacles with good humor and accept them as part of hiking.
Contents at a Glance
Planning Your Hike
If you just plan to walk around the block every evening after dinner, just make sure you wear a good pair of walking shoes. But if you're planning a bigger excursion like a day hike or overnighter, there are things you should know and do when planning your outing.To get the most benefits and enjoyment from a hike, you need to do a bit of planning ahead. When will you start? What is your destination? What route or trail will you follow? What will you do on the way and when you reach your goal? What will you eat? When do you plan to get back home?
Your hike may be a morning hike only or an afternoon hike or possibly an all day outing. You might want to learn about nature, do nature photography, or simply hike for the sake of hiking to roam the forest and fields, rocks and mountains. If you're going on a day hike remember it's a lot better to return from your day hike when it's still light. This might mean hitting the trail before dawn. The time you start depends on how far your scheduled hike is. Remember, it's also cooler in the early morning and you won't need as much water because you will probably sweat less.
Carry less and go further, based on the risk and environmental factors. These will determine what and how much you should carry with you on your hike. If you're hiking on an established trail, the number of survival items needed could be reduced.
Necessary Hiking Apparel
Your shoes should first be comfortable, flexible and light weight. Select from cross-trainers or light hiking shoes or boots; there are several on the market. It is also a good idea that the shoe you select has good ankle support. For most hiking, regular low shoes are good. But for rough country ankle-high shoes or boots are better.
Men's Kiowa Vegan XCR Hiking Shoe
For any-paced outdoor activity. Dialed up enough for aggressive, fast-paced, performance-oriented outdoor sport. Priorities include hard-line traction, stability with agility and no weight penalty, running shoe flex and a snug, performance fit.
Women's Kiowa Vegan XCR Hiking Shoe
All-weather outdoor sport shoe for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Your clothing should be light weight also, so wear a high-tech fiber material such as Microfiber, Tactel, Ultrawick, Spandex, Microfleece and Capilene to name a few. These materials are designed to transport body heat and sweat into the air. These materials can also be layered to provide warmth when hiking in cold weather. Cotton and wool do not possess the same characteristics of the higher tech materials and are heavier so you might want to leave them at home.
Capilene Silkweight Hiking Crew Liner Sock
Women's Capilene Pull-On Sport Top
Women's Capilene 2 Zip Neck
Men's Capilene 2 Zip Neck
DayPacks & BackPacks
Backpacks range from packs suitable for hiking trips of several hours to overnight, so make sure you invest in the right kind for your trip.
Women's Pandora Daypack
A lightweight daypack with a female-specific suspension and over 700 cubic inches of space.
Big Shot Backpack
A fully functional 2,100 cubic inch sport daypack made for a multitude of outdoor adventures.
Sandtiger Backpack
The Sandtiger is a large capacity, multi-dimensional trekking pack with 100-ounce reservoir.
Hiking Equipment
For every hike there are specific things you want to have with you in your pockets or backpack. Below is a list of basic items you should always have when you are hiking.Things To Take On Your Hike
2 quarts of water minimum, drink early and often, even in cold weather
Hat with a good size brim
Space blanket
Flashlight
Waterproof matches and or lighter
Compass, even if you have a GPS
Map, make sure you know how to read it and use with a compass
Packaged high energy food such as energy and power bars
Cell phone - which may or may not work
First aid kit (and basic first aid skills)
Benadryl for allergic reactions
Pocket Knife
Sunglasses
Camera - this may not save your life but I never go hiking without mine
Be sure to put in new batteries in your flashlight and GPS and make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave out. It is also a good idea to include extra batteries as a back up.
These items should be carried in a light-weight Park Backpack
Try not to hike alone, and always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to return. This is very important.
Forerunner 305 Heart Rate Monitor/ GPS
Track your heartrate, location and other critical trail running data with this lightweight GPS.
Witness Polarized Sunglasses
Did You Know?
Thirty-one million people participated in hiking as of 2006, 87.5 million people participated in exercise walking, and 48.5 million people took part in camping.
Special Hiking Equipment
The most important thing is to have fun on your hike whether you are out for the day, weekend or longer. The key to any successful hike is to be alert, smart and prepared. If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, remember to stay calm.
The Truckee River in Northern Nevada
Tents
Tadpole 23 Tent
The Tadpole 23 features a freestanding, front-entry, two-person backpacking tent for three-season use.
Emerald Mountain SL 2 Person Tent
Combines benefit of light free-standing tent with roomy interior, two opposing doors vestibules.
Morpho AR Air Supported Tent
There is no substitute for confidence in your gear, especially in your tent. Nemo has fine-tuned Morpho AR over several years to be the perfect all-weather shelter for extended travel. With remarkable strength, easy setup, and beautiful simplicity, Morpho AR can handle it all vicious downpours, high winds, and early season snow. At 4.8lbs and 40 sq ft, reviewers and testers agree, this single-wall tent is perfect for those who depend on reliable gear for their adventures.
Hiking On A Budget
Hiking can be a very expensive sport, but you don't have to break the bank to enjoy yourself. Check out some of these auctions for camping gear to fit your budget.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Inspire Others To Hike
Hiking Live The Adventure Tote Bag
Live The Adventure in our Hiking design on hiking t shirts, hiking tank tops, hiking sweatshirts, hiking tote bags, hiking tracksuits, and more.
Price: 14.99 
Navigation System Dog T-Shirt
Let pooch get in on the hike as the navigator with our "Navigation System" design. Available on t shirts, jerseys, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts and more.
Price: 19.98
Take A Hike Journal
Price: 12.48
Hiking Around The World Kids Dark T-Shirt
Take your kids with you on a hike around the globe with our hike around the world design. Available in adult t shirts, jerseys, hoodies, tank tops, and sweatshirts as well.
Price: 21.98
Overnight Gear
Tuffo Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket with Carrying Case
This generously sized all-weather blanket can mean the difference between picnicking at the park on a wet-grass day or keeping your child cooped up indoors. The durable construction, water-resistant backing, and light layer of padding make it perfect for tossing down on the sand, campground, or soccer sidelines. Easy to carry around with its shoulder straps and storage pockets, the blanket folds up to a compact and convenient size.<p></p>0 points
Coleman Colossal 20-Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag (Super King)
Colossal, 39" x 81", King Size Sleeping Bag, 5 LB Hollow Core Insulation, Fits Most Up To 6'4", Cotton Cover With Cotton Flannel Liner, For Moderate Conditions With Temperatures Up To 20 Degrees.0 points
Columbia Bugaboo Four to Five-Person Family Dome Tent
Take the family camping in style - and protection from the elements - with the Columbia CB-5300 Bugaboo dome-style tent, which fits four to five people. It provides a heady 74-inch center height and features a 1200 millimeter double-coated fly, sealed seams, and a polyethylene tub floor. The reflective zipper pulls make it easy to get in and out of the tent - even in the dark. It comes with a remote-controlled light (with a 65-foot reach) that attaches easily for exceptional nighttime security a...0 points
Coleman Girls Scattered Sleeping Bag
Fits most up to 4' 11 Youth-size 26 x 60 2 lbs ThermoTech Insulation Keeps you comfortable down to 50 Exterior pocket Polyester cover and liner Machine washable ComfortSmart Technology includes: ZipPlow - plows fabric away from zipper to prevent snags Roll Control - locks bag in place for easier rolling 5 year warranty0 points
Wenzel Omega II/Great Falls Mummy 0-Degree Sleeping Bag with Hood (Blue, Black Charcoal, Berry)
Wenzel Glacier Mummy Bag... high performance, low price! Comfort rated to 0 degrees F. For many folks, the camping season doesn't end when winter moves in... it just gets more challenging! If you're one of those brave souls, consider the Wenzel Glacier Mummy Bag for your next adventure. It's loaded with advanced features, and it's designed and constructed similar to Bags that cost twice as much and more. Comfort rated to a teeth-chattering 0 degree F yet it weighs under 6 lbs., making it easy to...0 points
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If You LIke To Go Camping
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- If you're an avid outdoors person and really enjoy getting down with nature then check out this lens for camping tips, equipment and more.
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The 24-Hour Pack: Hike Smart, Be Safe
As a Search & Rescue volunteer, I've participa more...2 points
Tell Us About Your Last Hike
Been hiking lately? If not, get out there. There's a whole world waiting for you. If you have, share your experiences with me and the readers. Your positive comments are appreciated as well.
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Dec 19, 2008 @ 9:08 am
- I like your lens! Lensrolling it on The 24-Hour Pack: Hike Smart, Be Safe" 5*'s!
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- AlpineLass AlpineLass Jul 15, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
- My last hike was a week ago in the Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island in Hawaii. Awesome! This is another fabulous lens by a lensmaster who knows his stuff! 5 stars and lensrolled.
Top 7 Ski Resorts
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- Winter52 Winter52 Jun 4, 2008 @ 9:34 am
- My last hike was in the English Countryside and I was not prepared. I have a husband that loves to surprise us with new adventures each day while on vacation. I'm going to make a list of everything you suggest, because I know that I'm going to need it. He loves exploring. :) Next time I will be ready. 5 stars
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz May 12, 2008 @ 4:14 am
- Hi Soulful Expressions
Thank you for joining www.squidoo.com/groups/woods. I enjoyed reading your lens. Thank you for opening my eyes to new information and ideas. I have added you to the Featured Lensmasters.
Please feel free to add as many lenses as relate to the theme and then add them to a plexo. If you don't find a plexo that fits your lens just email me.
Please feel free to grab any of these plexos to add it to your lens. By adding it to your lens both our lenses will be updated each time someone adds a lens to the plexo.
More Updates equal higher lensranks
Don't forget to visit the other lenses in the group.
You can add any of your lenses that are in the Isle of Squid to the last plexo. Please remember to visit the Isle of Squid lenses and review them.
I believe that each of these connections will improve the ranks of all of our lenses.
Evelyn
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz May 11, 2008 @ 11:22 am
- There is a new group being formed in Squidooville. It's called A Walk in the Woods. Because you have done such a nice job with your lens Whitefoot the Wood Mouse is inviting you to join him in this new venture. The exposure that your lens gets by joining will boost your lens rank and add to the number of web pages linking to your lens. Come take A Walk in the Woods.
by Soulshine_Expressions
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