Hiking boots or shoes?

An avid outdoors person all my life, I have always worn boots when it came to camping and exploring in the outdoors.

As a relatively new hiker the game changes a bit. With more miles, differing terrain, it seams that making the correct choice can really help keep the dogs from barking too much. I know ultimately its whats best for me given a number of factors, but I wanted to hear from some of the more experienced trail hounds.

What do you prefer and why? 

Hammock Camping?

I came across this diagram for hammock camping and thought it was pretty informative. I have never used a hammock in place of a tent, but the freedom that comes with it is enticing. Light weight, sleeping under the stars, sounds almost romantic to an wilderness lover.

I had my eye on a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC an awesome hammock with all the bells and whistles. But the ENO Double Nest is much more affordable, especially since I have never truly tried sleeping in a hammock!

I would love to hear from you hammock people. What are the things that you have learned through trial and error? Please comment below.

Image from Survival Magazine

The Dark Energy Reservoir Charger

Join me on the dark side…Dark Energy Reservoir. This is a sleek dark mystical USB charger that has a ton of power. About the size of a cellphone and weighing in at a 5.9 oz, this portable charger has a power capacity of 8000 mAh. On a single charge of the Reservoir, you can charge your phone (3-6 times), camera (4-10 times), GoPro (6-7 times). That's a lot of juice! The Dark Energy Reservoir can charge 2 devices at the same time.

See more at Dark Energy Reservoir

How to use Bear Spray!!!

Check out this how to use bear spray from Backpacker Magazine and don't forget to visit their site!

Easton CTR-70 Trekking Poles

I recently ordered some new trekking poles and got to take them on trail this weekend. I have to say I really enjoyed these pole from Easton. The CTR-70 are a lightweight and durable all-carbon construction. The three-tier design features Rock-Lock™ clamping system, extended EVA foam grip, and adjustable webbing.

The webbing was easily adjusted even with a glove on. The grip design was very comfortable. Even changing the length on the fly was a breeze with the locking mechanisms.

I am extremely excited to continue to use these poles. 

Normally selling for $120.00 I got mine on sale for $40.00 delivered. Great to find things on sale and that you can use a coupon for too!

Find the full specs on Easton's site

Why Trekking Poles you might ask? Check out REI's informative link.

SOG's Seal Pup Knife Review

A couple of weeks ago I bought the SOG SEAL Pup, and have had a chance to put it to the test with several camping trips and hikes. I am really loving this blade! Its the perfect size for carrying while you hike or just for around camp. The AUS-8 blade came razor sharp and even after heavy usage held its edge well. The sheath has a pocket that's perfect for holding a multi-tool, and the snap closure on the belt loop makes attaching it to your pack or belt a breeze.

I highly recommend this knife and cant wait to try out its big brother the SEAL pup Elite.

SEAL Pup has a partially serrated blade that is powder coated for low-reflection and corrosion resistance. Its lightweight, glass-reinforced nylon handle and a raised diamond pattern for secure gripping.

Full specs here

How to stay safe in the wilderness

How to stay safe in the wilderness

1. Know the area you are going or at least do some homework. Talk to people who have been in there, or go with someone who knows the area.
2. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Use programs like Yodel that can send check in messages or emergency notification to your contact(s) allowing them to see where you are on a map and relay GPS coordinates to emergency crews. If you rely on cell phones etc make sure they are charged, and possibly have a pocket sized solar charger.
3. Bring the 10 Essentials minimum
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Time of day (allow plenty of time.  Round trip, or in and back), weather changes, other people, animals and equipment.
5. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. How you are feeling: Tired, thirsty, sick, nervous. Maybe its time to rest or turn back.
6. Don’t take unnecessary risks and know the dangers: What animals might you encounter, and what should you do? What if there is an uncontrolled fire? Am I in a potential flash flood area and what should I do if it starts to rain?
7. Stick to the trails. Don't go off trail unless you are an experienced hiker and know the area.

Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many times I read about lost hikers/runners and see how many of these were broken. It’s not usually the one mistake that gets you; it’s a series of small mistakes that leads to disaster.

My 15 Essentials For The Outdoors

Some of these are probably familiar to you others may not be. This is just what I carry; let me know how yours differs in the comment section. Always looking to improve and learn!

1. First aid kit- Gauze, rolled gauze, butterfly bandages, emergency blanket, tape etc. Also any prescription medications that you may need if that day hike becomes an oh my gosh I got lost or injured multi-day hike.
2. Filled water bottle- 1 liter a day is recommended for moderate climates. I also recommend carrying water tablets, a filter straw, Sawyer Filter, or a UV light etc. These are smaller, lighter, and maybe more economical than most water filtration devices.
3. Flashlight- I like a hands free option, don’t forget extra batteries and bulb.
4. Food- You’re burning calories and will get hungry, especially if you end up staying longer than expected. Pack food that takes no preparation and can be eaten on the go. Calories are important here, as they are energy.
5. Sunscreen and sun protection- A bad burn can lead not only to skin cancer but to dehydration. Keep some sun screen and a hat in your pack, and don’t forget to use them!
6. Bandanna- Better yet a Shemagh- See post on uses of a Shemagh
7. Whistle- I would couple this with a signal mirror
8. Map and Compass- Also know how to use alternate methods, a sundial etc.
9. Rain gear- A poncho can keep your dry, helping to prevent hypothermia, and it can also be used as an improvised shelter
10. Knife- More than just a Swiss army knife, I like a fixed blade. My go to is SOGs Seal Pup. The sheath even has a place for a Multi-tool…see next.
11. Multi-tool- You know, for doing MacGyver stuff
12. Matches or fire starters- I recommend both. Always have more than one way to start a fire. Fire can be used to sterilize water, cook food, keep you warm and signal for help with.
13. Tender- Dryer lint, cotton balls slathered with petroleum jelly, whatever you like, have some tender to get that fire going even in the worst conditions.
14. 550 Paracord- I lace my boots with paracord, as well as carrying some extra. Paracord can support 550 lbs, individual strands 50lbs. Great for lashing, fishing line, bow cord etc. Don’t leave home without it.
15. Gorilla Tape- Its Duct tape on steroids. There is nothing you can’t do from fixing a ripped tent, to taping up blistered feet. Wrap around an old gift card or wrap a few times around your trekking poles near the top. It will come in handy!

Bottom line: You are responsible for you, be prepared, and have fun!

How to make fresh drinkable water

Building a solar still is an important craft to know. Stranded on a beach, in a desert, or lost in the wilderness on a day hike gone bad? This can save your life.

Rule of 3's: The average human body can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Knowing how to create drinkable water from a stagnant source or from vegetation can save your life!

Hike alone? Check out Yodel to help keep you safe.

Written by Adam Nutting at hikingthetrail.com make sure to check out his blog!

This past weekend I tried a new iPhone app called Yodel. Its a very simple little app that allows you to send information out to people to tell them where you are. I chose to set up 3 friends for my first trip. You can also have it check into Facebook or send out a message to email addresses.  I would typically do this all manually before I went on a hike but the one thing that Yodel provides that I did not have off hand was my coordinates.  Overall the app is very simple to use.  You schedule a notification that transmits your location to your contacts where you are what you are doing and when you will be back. You can set your activity by typing in a short description. Hit save and off you go. A timer keeps track of when you are scheduled to be done and when you reach your completion time a notification pops up that requires you to check in. The program runs in the background to help save battery life.There is also an SOS button to send an emergency message out to your contacts. One of the settings I did not activated  was when you push the SOS button it can  automatically dial 911.    The app is only 99 cents and can be purchased via the Apple app store.

The app was worth the money and worked great. There are only two things I might suggest. The first one is to be able to cancel your scheduled notifications rather than having it notify you your time is up and have to hit cancel before sending the message. The second feature I might suggest is adding integration with a twitter account.

Overall a great little app and it does exactly what they say it will. I would recommend it to anyone who has an iPhone who does any kind of outdoor adventure sports.

To find out more information about the app and the company  please visit their website .