Before you start comparing the many brands and styles of hiking boot, consider the type of terrain and your style of hiking. Do you take extended treks through the mountains or just stroll through the local park or greenbelt? Select a boot based on the most difficult terrain you will encounter. Do you carry a heavy pack? The heavier the pack the sturdier boot you will need. Are you an all-weather hiker? Do you need a lightweight breathable fabric or a heaver waterproof material?

Modern hiking boots do not weigh as much as older styles. Lightweight high-tech materials have replaced the metal shanks used in older boots and modern fabrics offer many advantages. A lightweight boot can still offer plenty of support and be a lot easier on the feet over less rugged trails. Many of today’s top quality lightweight hiking boots offer a Gore-Tex® liner that helps keep water out while still allowing your feet to breath. All-leather boots provide more support than the leather and fabric styles and they are easier to waterproof. They lend themselves to rocky terrain but they are heaver and less flexible. In my experience, leather boots will outlast the lighter styles, partly due to the heavier construction but also due to the fact that they have less seams which are always the weak point in any boot.

Have your feet properly measured and wear the type and thickness of sock you will be wearing on the trail when trying on boots. Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. Remember they will become more comfortable with wear. Make sure they fit and provide support around your ankle and instep. You will need good ankle support, especially when carrying a pack. Hiking boots will never feel as comfortable as that old favorite pair of sneakers, but if you develop blisters or have pressure points, then you need a different boot. Look for boots with foam padding around the ankle and tongue for comfort. Removable inserts will help to fine-tune for a perfect fit.

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of hiking boots, be sure to break them in slowly. Start with short walks around the neighborhood and progress to 3 or 4 hour hikes before that weeklong hiking vacation.

This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety only if unaltered and the resource box is included with live links.

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Climbing is a daring sport for the bravest outdoor enthusiast. Be sure you don’t try it without the right equipment! Ropes, cords, slings, harnesses, helmets, rock climbing shoes and boots to make your climb easier, backpacks and clothing suitable for climbing are some of the things you’ll need. There are several kinds of harnesses to look at, so think about your climbing style to determine the best kind for you. Test your harness to assure the best fit before you buy. You should also find specialty shoes that will give you the friction and focus you need as you climb.

Is cycling more of your thing? Your bike isn’t the only thing you will need. Helmets, backpacks, water bottles, and gloves are some of the items you’ll want to have with you. You could also benefit from clothes made specifically for cycling. So how do you choose a bicycle, anyway? It depends on your style of biking. Where do you bike? How important is comfort to you? What size of bike do you need? Are you going to ride it on a rugged trail or on a paved road? Ask yourself these questions when shopping.

Canoeing and kayaking are other popular sports for those who enjoy nature. What should you have packed to take on the river or lake? Carrying yolks, boat cushions and chairs, pump, safety kit, floats and life vests are important. Need help choosing a canoe or kayak? Consider the type of water you will be paddling on (lake, river, or ocean) as well as the types of expeditions you will be venturing into.

The avid runner must be fit and in great physical shape. However, you’ll need more than that to be successful at this activity. Good running shoes are an absolute must, along with specialty socks to help your feet. The right clothing will also help. As you try on running shoes, pay attention to comfort. You don’t want to worry about blisters or sprains later on!

So skiing is your hobby? Maybe you prefer snowboarding. The list of gear for skiers and snowboarders include skis, boots, poles, avalanche safety equipment, helmets, bindings and goggles. Of course, what you dress in is vital. A warm, waterproof ski coat or parka is essential, as well as hats, waterproof gloves, socks, pants and earmuffs. What skis or snowboard you need can be determined by your style and skill. With so many fun things to do in the great outdoors, everyone can find something they will love. Just don’t forget to pack all of the right gear!

Author: Corby Morris

There are two basic variations of the typical sleeping bag, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is open at the top and has a zippered side and bottom and will facilitate attaching two bags together to form a double bag. Rectangular bags provide more room for movement, but less overall warmth because of the opening at the top. Mummy bags are typically zippered in the center of the bag and close up completely except for a small hole for the face. Mummy bags are more confining, but offer a better insulating factor by minimizing heat loss.

Insulating materials used in sleeping bags are natural down filling and synthetic fiberfill. Down will be warmer and more insulating, and compresses into a smaller bundle, which may be a factor for backpackers and hikers, but will be heavier and less insulating if allowed to become wet. Synthetic filled bags conversely will insulate just as well when wet, but are less warm and take up more space when compressed. Synthetic bags are typically less expensive than down-filled ones.

The overall temperature rating is just a guideline as people are quite different when it comes to being warm. The most common ratings are +35 degrees for summer camping, +10 degrees to +35 degrees for spring or fall camping, 0 degrees for colder camping, and -10 degrees for winter camping.

Sleeping bags have characteristics just like the people who use them, so each of these features will have to be considered when choosing your new sleeping bag. Take into consideration the one that will be the most useful for all of your outdoor activities. A comfortable night’s sleep will provide a more enjoyable experience whether you are hunting trophy elk or camping in the backyard with the kids.

Author: Ferrel Kenda

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The standard climb up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park (~1,560m above sea level). The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 4km or 30 minutes drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter.

If you prefer to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on the weather, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to hazardous condition (i.e., the fog may be too thick by late evening causing visibility problems and/or the trail may be extremely slippery).

Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park upon arrival to not only acclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the ‘assault’ on the next day/morning.

The first ascent is from Timpohon Gate just after the Power Station up to the mid-summit Laban Rata Resthouse (or more popularly known as the 11,000 ft or ~3,873m). You will first follow the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Mount Kinabalu itself. A little further on, you will reach a scenic waterfall known as Carson’s Falls, named after the first Warden of the Park. Don’t forget to take a sip and fill your water bottles with the fresh natural mountain water.

Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 5-6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Participants at the annual Mount Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But it is not really about how fast you can reach the top. It is about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna on the way up.

Besides the heated Laban Rata Resthouse, the other option for climbers is to stay at the unheated mountain huts. There is actually another accommodation option at the so-called VIP Lodge, which is more expensive compared to the others and also, more difficult to secure (i.e., only two such units available).

After a short night rest to recharge your battery, the second and more grueling phase will commence early morning on Day 2, at about 2 am to 3 am. The second ascent will be from the mid-summit all the way to the summit, which is called Low’s Peak, named after the British colonial officer Sir Hugh Low, supposedly, the first person to conquer Mt. Kinabalu.

The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent due to the thinner air near the summit. But near the peak on the granite portion of the ascent, there will be a thick nylon rope laid down to mark the route so that climbers will not get lost in the fog. You can use this rope to pull your tired body up.

Although, to reach the summit is already an achievement, it is best to target, if possible, to reach the summit just before sunrise to catch the awesome sight. If you reached too early, it will be too freezing cold to wait too long for the sunrise. On a good clear weather, the sky seemingly turns from black to red then orange and finally gold as the sun appears. When daylight breaks, you will truly feel that you are standing on top of the world. You can see as far as Kudat and even Sandakan if the weather permits.

One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Mount Kinabalu climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) to avoid any disappointment.

This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata Resthouse, Mountain Huts or the VIP Lodge). In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the climb will not be possible as strictly stipulated in the National Park’s rules and regulations. Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.

In essence, Mount Kinabalu is relatively an easy mountain to climb. There is not much risk of acute mountain sickness at the first phase of climbing. Given climber-friendliness of the mountain, conquering the mountain must be high in your list of “activities to do” if you were to visit Sabah. For the average fit person, a visit to Borneo will not be complete without conquering Mount Kinabalu.

Author: E-borneo.com

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Experienced hikers will always tell you that every detail matters when you pack hiking gear, especially tents and camping stoves. The right hiking gear and clothing, a properly and ergonomically packed backpack, positive mood and good fitness – all these elements play an equally important role in the success of any hiking trip.

Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. The right footwear will serve you longer and take you farther and safer than any training shoes or sneakers will. You can wear a cheaper pair of pants or an old t-shirt, but a good reliable pair of hiking shoes or boots should be as expensive as you can afford.

Many people consider their jackets as another important clothing item for a hiker, especially in the colder periods of the year. A hiking jacket can be a true lifesaver if you choose well. A Gore-Tex top layer will shield you from cold, wet, and windy weather. Many hiking jacket manufacturers use a layering approach in their jackets, so that an outer shell layer becomes not insulation, but goes over insulating clothing. Underneath a Gore-Tex layer your can wear a lightweight and even trendy fleece jacket, which you can use in warmer months and for other sporting activities too.

Hiking tents are a must if you plan to camp in mountain regions in all three hiking seasons – spring, summer, and fall. Hiking tents can be used for protection from storms, winds, small animals and insects. Along with a tent pack a sleeping bag and an insulating ground pad which also brings warmth as well as ironing out bumpy ground.

A lightweight, dependable backpacking stove is much easier to use than campfires which are often prohibited in certain areas. A camping stove manufactured by such trustworthy brands as Primus and Coleman are basically a fuel container and a fire faucet with burner grates. These grates can collapse for compact storage. More expensive models even have electronic ignition so you won’t need matches or lighter. Although it is always a good idea to pack matches anyway in case of ignition failure. Another version of a camping stove is a storm cooker which basically consists of a spirit burner with windshield and handle and a pot or pan for cooking. These stoves are lightweight because you don’t need a propane container, but are sufficient for one or two people only.

The newest models of camping stoves are environmentally friendly, odor-free, and very accommodating. To cook and eat take a pot, spoon, and a cup. To start the camping stove, if you don’t have an ignition feature, lighters are more reliable than matches. Take more fuel than you initially planned – camping stoves “eat” more fuel in cold weather.

To fully enjoy your hiking trip you must prepare beforehand. Even a small mistake in selecting your hiking equipment may result in an injury or at the least in discomfort and a negative experience. Check and fire up your camping stove while still at home and double check your hiking gear and equipment using a hiking checklist before you head out.

Author: Kathryn Whittake

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