MS Hiking for a Cure

Reposted from Ms-MegaVenture 
I recently came across Megans webpage quite by accident. Megan is hiking from Mexico to Canada on the PCT to raise money to find a cure for MS. Check out her story and support her quest.

Hello! I am hiking 2,650 miles on the pacific crest trail in honor of my father who has lived with multiple sclerosis since the year 2000. The hike starts on April 24, 2014 in Campo, CA and ends in Manning Park, B.C. It will take about 4-5 months to complete. With my home and few necessities strapped to my back, this is bound to be a wild ride!

My father has always taught me to work hard, be adventurous, and love others. It is the simple love one shows to smile, laugh or have a small conversation with a perfectly good stranger.
Multiple Sclerosis affects people in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 20 and 50. Every hour someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. More than 2.5 million people worldwide live with this unpredictable disease. The symptoms of MS are different for everyone - the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.




Visit my other pages for more information: 
https://twitter.com/MS_Trek
https://www.facebook.com/PacificCrestTrekForMs
http://ms-megaventure.blogspot.com/p/mission.html

Collecting rain drops

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I thought this was a great diagram of how to build your own rain water collection system for your home. Provided of course you have rain gutters and an HOA that would allow this. Even so this is a very cool idea. I might try this as a project with the kids on a weekend where I hear, "I'm bored" Of course where I live it would have to be on a smaller scale.

I think, given that this collects rain gutter water, you may have to filter it to make it potable. I am thinking of the cute little birds that are chirping outside right now, possibly pooping in the gutters. Still a great idea!

Has anyone tried this or made something similar and had success?

Taking care of your hiking feet

Taking care of your hiking feet- Guest Post

Reposted from HikingintheSmokys.com

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes hiking season. As we prepare for our first hikes of the year, now's a good time to take some proactive steps to help prevent unwanted blisters. The following are a few tips, suggestions and strategies for taking care of your feet before and during a hike to help ensure that it isn’t ruined as a result of blisters

Toenails: Make sure you take the time to trim your toenails before a big hike, especially one that involves long descents. It’s best to clip your toenails as short as possible so that there’s no extra nail length. If need be, file the nails down until they’re flush with the skin. Sometimes I forget to do this and end up with a long nail digging into the flesh of a neighboring toe!

Socks: One way of preventing blisters is to wear proper socks. This means staying far away from 100% cotton socks which absorb sweat and can lead to blisters. It’s best to wear socks made from synthetics, or a blend of synthetics and cotton, which wicks moisture away and keeps your feet drier and cooler. Also, make sure you wear socks that fit properly. Socks that are too big can bunch together in boots and create friction areas that result in blisters.

Finally, I always keep an extra pair of socks in my backpack just in case the ones I’m wearing get wet.

Boots: Much has already been written on boots and walking shoes, including what type to wear, proper fit, etc. That discussion is beyond the scope of this article, but if you’re looking for an informative article on the subject I highly recommend this one. Also, my wife has had problems with blisters, and even lost a toenail while hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon several years ago. She’s since discovered that as a result of her narrow feet, she wasn't wearing boots that fit her properly. This article on Backpacker Mag offers solutions for people who have similar issues.

Boot laces: One way to help prevent blisters from forming on your heels, and toes from hitting the front of your boot, is to make sure your boots are properly laced, especially on descents.

What under your boots?

I recently purchased my first pair of Smart Wool Medium Crew socks, and I have to say I LOVE them!

Made from 74% Yarn, 25% Merino wool, and 1% Elastane these socks keep my feet dry, cool and provide the prefect amount of cushion that I need for my thru-hikes. Whether I use my hiking boots or my trail runners these are by far the best socks that I have worn.

Around $20 per pair they are definitely not cheap, but if your feet are uncomfortable your whole trip can suffer. What do you wear?

Check out Smartwool here

Asics Gel Venture 4 Trail Runners

Trying out the Asics Venture 4 Trail Runners today, and putting my heavy boots away for day trips and thru-hikes. Usually I carry under 35lbs so I don't really need the added ankle support of a heavy boot. Follow up coming soon.

Do you use trail runners for your day and thru-hikes? What brand would you recommend?

Daylight savings time

I love that day light savings time is here, that mean when I get off work, its not dark! This creates an opportunity to get outside during the week, and one of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking. I found this awesome lookout spot above the Rancho Santa Margarita bridge, just above The Bridge Church and Mission Hills. This spot would be an incredible place to take pictures at sunset, I might have to revisit it with a good camera soon.

Trip: 1.5 miles 
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Time 45 min taking breaks to enjoy the scenery 
Stars: 2 out of 5
Required: Nothing
Dogs: Yes
Other: Bring a camera, watch the decent its steep with loose rock in some areas. A slip and you could hit cactus.

How to adjust your pack

I wasn't sure what all these straps were for so I did a little digging and found this helpful video from our friends at Kelty and Backpacker Magazine and thought I would share it.

REI Crestrail 51

This is a 51 liter internal frame pack weighing 3 lb. 15oz and in my opinion would be best used for 0-3 day hikes.

The Crestrail is super comfortable and offers a lot of storage(8 pockets) with tons of accessibility.

I love that it has quick stays for trekking poles and has pockets on the hip belt for your compass, flashlight, snacks or whatever you need to keep handy! The chest strap even has a built in safety whistle.

If you are in the market for a new pack definitely check this one out! Normally $160 on sale for $79

I am sure this pack will be with me for years of adventure.

• Sculpted FreeFlow back panel has multiple peaks and valleys to reduce contact areas and increase ventilation; soft foam conforms to your back for a stable fit
• ActivMotion® hipbelt pivots to follow the natural motion of your hips, helping keep the pack balanced and stable on your back when hiking on uneven terrain
• Hipbelt webbing tightens with a forward pull for easy adjustment; 2 zippered pockets provide handy access to snacks
• Tubular aluminum perimeter frame is lighter weight than HDPE/stay framesheets; it transfers weight to hips and stabilizes the pack, helping prevent unwanted side-to-side sway
• Top-loading main compartment also features a large zippered opening to the bottom for easy access
• Large front pocket with double-zipper access, stretch stash pocket and lightweight lash points provide storage and organization for often-used gear and clothing
• Side bottle-locking pockets secure bottles or other items, helping prevent them from falling out when bushwhacking or taking your pack off
• Quick Clip ice axe attachments are strategically positioned to avoid interference with pockets and access zippers
• Over-the-top and dual side compression straps pull the load close to your back, minimize bulk and provide external attachment points for gear
• Floating top lid extends, allowing the pack to handle large loads
• Ripstop nylon fabric resists abrasion and tears; durable water resistant finish repels moisture
• Water-repellent zippers help keep your contents dry and eliminate the need for fabric zipper flaps
• The REI Crestrail 48 pack features a hydration-ready design that allows your reservoir's drink tube to be routed over either shoulder (reservoir not included)

How to pack your pack

Found this today, and although for some of the more experienced hikers this might be second nature, I know there are a lot of you just getting into hiking. This ones for you! Get out there and enjoy the wild.

For our experienced backpackers, leave your tips below!

 

IF YOU CAN NOT VIEW CLICK HERE

Serrano Creek Trail

Serrano Creek is a little trail in Lake Forest if you are looking for a get away from it all trail, this is not it. However if you work or live in the area its great for a lunch or after work quickie. Stretching from Rancho Parkway to Trabuco Rd its an easy hike/walk/bike, but sometimes that all you have time for. This trail is well maintained and family friendly.

Trip: 4.5 miles from Rancho to Trabuco or 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 44 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time 3.0 hours round trip med pace
Stars: 2 out of 5
Required: Nothing
Dogs: Yes
Other: This trail is used by horses, mountain bikers, and walkers

Backpacking season is right around the corner, and Chris Simmons would like to take a moment to remind you of all the stuff you won’t be needing when you head into the hills.

1. Mugs/cups. Everyone wants one, but these things are a pain to pack efficiently, are useless if they aren’t insulated, and weigh something if they are. More often than not, they don’t have a lid. A good compromise: Find a half-liter Nalgene bottle. It’s the perfect size for your morning coffee or evening tea, and with the lid screwed on, it can tuck into your jacket or sleeping bag, doubling as a hot-water warmer.
    
2. Pillows. Great for car camping, and inevitably inadequate for the backcountry. Most of the time, I drop all my extra stuff into my backpack and use it to prop up my head. I’ve also been known to use the climbing rope, or my boots.
    
3. Extra Clothes. You’re going out for a weekend—not climbing Mt Everest. Seriously, extra shirts, pants and underwear should be tossed out. It makes packing a ton easier, and eliminates the (perceived) need for #4. On a 21-day Denali expedition, I bring a single change of long underwear, which is only put on when we leave the 14,000-foot camp for the final summit push. I’ll bring an extra pair of socks per three days in the backcountry, maxing out at three pairs total.
    
4. 100 Stuff sacks/Ziploc bags. Does everything have to go in a bag? And then into another bag? And then into the backpack, which is a big bag all by itself? Seriously? Yes, it makes it more organized, but why are you carrying so much stuff that you need to be that organized? If it’s smaller than your hand, it goes in the lid. The hike or approach into the mountains is often hotter than the climb and time spent sitting around camp, so use your pants, jackets, hats, gloves and your share of the tent or shelter (but see #9) to stuff around the sleeping bag, stove, food and climbing gear.  Afraid it’s going to rain, and your pack isn’t water proof? See #5.
    
5. Pack Covers. The most clever —and useless—piece of equipment that the outdoor industry every convinced the public was necessary. Maybe it dates back to canvas packs. Your stove can get wet and still work. The tent is designed to get wet and still work. If you’re hiking in the rain, you’re probably wearing rain gear, so you shouldn’t notice the difference between a wet backpack and dry one. Often these overpriced pieces of fabric are held on with just some elastic and a draw string, making them the 2nd most commonly blown-away item (in between trucker hats and poorly-anchored tents).  Worried about your sleeping bag getting wet?  A waterproof treated stuff sack, not necessarily dunk proof, will work 90 percent of the time, unless you’re in the Pacific Northwest. For the other 10 percent (or 30 percent in the PNW) of the time, simply line your pack with a plastic trash bag. Voila.

See more HERE

Favorite Trail Bar

Cliff Bar has a white chocolate macadamia nut flavor that is off the trail the best tasting bar I have had! I absolutely love these. I have some in my day pack, and even a few in a drawer at work.

What is your favorite trail snack?

What have you used it for?

I made the switch from Duct Tape to Gorilla Tape a few months ago and I love this stuff. I have used it to fix shoes and an iPhone, to place over blisters, as support for joints. If McGyver was still in action he would never be without this stuff. I wrap it several times around a used plastic gift card, and keep it in my med kit. Some people wrap it around their trekking poles just below the grip.

What have you used it for? Please share with us below!

Jungle navigation and survival with Mykel Hawke

Mykel Hawke is the real deal when it comes to survival. One half of the series Man Woman vs Wild, Mykel is an Ex-Specops guy and former Army Green Beret who knows his stuff. Check out this clip from Discovery's I Shouldn't Be Alive.

Can I wear trail runners for hiking?

The answer is yes. This is a very common practice among experienced hikers who know their limitations and what would be considered safe for them. For day hikes or even some long distance thru-hikes, trail runners are great. Trail runners are design differently that regular running shoes, from a more aggressive tread, to a specially designed shank to protect your foot from pounding on the rocks.

There are several things that should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy and wear trail runners for hiking.

Things to consider:

• Your weight
• Your pack weight (under 30lbs is best)
• The trail (rough terrain or going off trail is not recommended)
• Trail runners will not last as long as hiking boots.

A trail running shoe (bottom) has a more aggressive tread than a regular running shoe (top)

With so many manufacturers, materials, tread design, and even colors it can seam overwhelming. Which ones do I choose?!  Well unless you have unlimited fun funds, cost can certainly be one of the top considerations. 

But the one that trumps them all is how do they fit you? Some trail-running shoes cater to certain foot types, due to their design and their type of sole construction. The key is try a bunch of different brands and see what fits you the best. Break them in, and have fun out there!

Starting Fire with Water?

I know how to start fires in many different ways; from matches, to flint and steel, and bush craft methods like a bow drill or saw. But I have never tried to start fire like this, and I am not sure how useful this would be in a wilderness scenario. It could possibly be useful in an urban scenario or maybe just to wow the kids or some geeky friends. In any case check this out.

Holy Jim Water Falls

Holy Jim Falls located in the Cleveland National Forest is well maintained family friendly day hike. Last weekend I took a couple of my kids, and one of their friends on this gem. The key to this one is to go early, it is a popular hike and on the way down we encountered a lot of people. I even think there was a bus tour from Japan, although we never saw the bus. Take your time on this one, stop look around, explore. Salamanders, birds and other wild animals are all around if you go too fast you might just miss something awesome! Do stay on the marked trail, every year someone who was not prepared wanders off the trail and gets lost. Make sure to bring the essentials and a camera, there are a lot of great photo ops. 

Getting there:

The road journey is half the adventure. The road to the falls parking lot has potholes and is tight in some areas, you may have to pull over for another vehicle coming up or down. From Interstate 5, get off at El Toro Road. Head north on El Toro to the point where the road forks at Cook's Corner. Take the right fork (Live Oak Canyon Road) past O'Neill Park. A quarter mile past Trabuco School, you will pass over Trabuco Creek. Turn left onto the dirt road. Some people park here and hike in: this adds 4.45 miles and 840 feet to your hike. Most continue on the road for another 4.45 miles and park in the Holy Jim lot. Though washboarded in parts, the road is usually passable for most passenger cars, although a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The trail ascends the canyon on the left side of the parking lot.


Trip: 2.8 from trail head
Elevation Gain: 625 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time 1.5 round trip
Stars: 5 out of 5
Required: Adventure pass or pay $5 at unmanned pay station
Dogs: Yes
(Lat:33.677 Lon:-117.5162)

Tent Review: REI Quarter Dome T2+

Thinking of getting a new tent? Check out NutnFancy's video review and make sure to follow him on YouTube he's got some informative well done videos.