Archive for June, 2010

Will you be a new comer to backpacking, mountain biking or other outdoor activities? Something which you will need to keep in mind as you prepare to start planning for treks and adventures is being sure that you’ve got a sufficient water supply to maintain you for the length of any main excursions that you will be going on. One of the worst issues which can happen to a hiker or biker is to suffer from dehydration. There are lots of things that you can do to prevent this and planning is fifty percent of the battle, regardless of whether you go for an excellent hydration system such as the Camelbak Hawg or carry a lot of water containers along with you in your back pack.

In this article, we will mention the value of staying hydrated throughout your outdoor activities and provide a number of suggestions and options that will help you in achieving this goal.

Even if you are not involved in a strenuous activity, the body perspires and manages to lose fluids as perspiration. In order to rejuvenate the supply of fluids going out of the body regularly, a person should typically drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to keep an optimal degree of hydration.

Whilst backpacking, biking or doing another strenuous outdoor exercise, obviously you are susceptible to sweating much more so more treatment needs to be taken to become alert to replenishing the essential liquids that your body requires. Usually people consume these types of fluids as water which would be the healthiest for the body, but some individuals also drink Gatorade or other products which may also be a good way to hydrate the body.

One great solution to keeping hydrated when walking or cycling may be the investment of a great hydration system such as the Camelbak 100 oz which carries a good 100 ounces of water which will keep you hydrated during a good lengthy hike or bicycle trip. Just top off the tough water reservoir and place it into the comfy pack which is padded and easy to customize in dimensions to suit your back and body.

This specific design also includes an added 900 cubic inches of space for additional storage space. Stow items such as treats, keys and routes in easy to access pockets inside the pack. There’s even a pleasant waterproof location for the much loved Ipod right at the top of the pack to ensure that you are able to appreciate your selected music while hiking those stunning mountains or other wonderful countryside and scenic views.

A few great tips for remaining hydrated include things like sipping a fair bit of water before you even set off for your hike, drink additional water each 20-30 minutes approximately and continue to drink some water after completing your hike. The bottom line is to stay conscious about drinking adequate water and you ought to be perfectly okay.

Regardless of whether you select the Camelbak hydration pack or another model of this kind of structure, we really propose this as a wonderful investment and tool that will help you stay hydrated while walking. These types of systems have become easy to use and very affordable taking into consideration the benefit for what you are buying and also the cash that you could save on bottled drinking water.

If you haven’t had the chance to go hiking in Bright and its surrounding National Parks, it truly is an unforgettable experience for young and old. Don’t let the term “hiking” convince you that you may not be able to do this though, there are many trails that are suited to people of all fitness levels. Set below the victorian high country, at the foot of Mt Hotham is Bright Victoria, the gateway to the Victorian High Country. Popular amongst bushwalkers and overnight hikers, this is an ideal place to base yourself.

Mt Buffalo National Park offers a unique perspective of the area, the main massif towers over the Ovens Valley, an imposing and impenetrable looking mountain that is easily accessed by car. Many short day walks are available in this national park, including the beautiful climb up The Cathedral, and the almost impossible but easy climb to the summit of Mt Buffalo, The Horn. Drastically different to the surrounding high country, the main plateau of Mt Buffalo is covered in granite litter, and is very family friendly for those who are wanting to give hiking in Bright a shot.

Across the other side of the Valley, a series of striking peaks strutting up from the Great Dividing Range form Alpine National Park. This area in particular containing the highest peaks in Victoria, Mt Feathertop and Mt Bogong. Due to these high altitude peaks, hiking in Bright is quite a popular, and at the same time, exhilarating activity.

Mt Feathertop is a long climb, but relatively easy for those who have a good fitness level, rising 1922 meters above sea level, for those who have the time and patience to take the scenic walk along the Razorback to the summit of Mt Feathertop are rewarded with the most truly alpine style summit in Victoria, leaving just enough room to drop your day pack, and enjoy the views. Climbing in winter is not recommended for those who are inexperienced, however, a hike in spring or summer is highly recommended, and most definitely an experience that will not be forgotten.

Requiring a much higher fitness level, Mt Bogong is a long hard climb that is mainly uphill all the way. Involving a climb of over 1000 meters within six kilometers, this is truly a walk that is suited for those who have a good fitness level, and although it is shorter than the climb to Mt Feathertop, it is most definitely more strenuous. As this is the largest peak in Victoria, understandably, the views are tremendous, and the summit is relatively free of tourists, allowing you to enjoy a moment of serenity all to yourself whilst on the roof of Victoria.

There are so many places to go hiking in Bright, and I could go on telling you more and more about these beautiful and amazing places, but the truth of it all, is that these places are yours to discover. Anywhere from the open alpine meadows of the Bogong High Plains, to the quaint huts, this is simply one of the most exciting adventures that can be had when you see Bright Victoria.

Today, more and more people are going back to simpler times to relax both their minds and bodies. With this in mind outdoor camping supplies and backpacking gear stores have mushroomed of late and offer all kinds of gadgetry to enable the hiker to have all the fun while being safe and warm while on their getaways.

This pastime has really distanced itself from those times, as kids, when we spent nights out under the stars with just blankets and sleeping bags to keep ourselves warm. Today there are many lightweight and versatile clothing and equipment choices that really modernize the way we do things.

Take, for example, the lightweight tent which is much better than those available in the past. This includes the integral ground sheet, poles and all the attachments that are needed. Easy to put up, these tents sleep anything from two people and are great for those overnight stays.

Another must is the tiny compass which keeps everyone on the straight and narrow. This really is indispensable particularly in areas where the hiker has never been before. At only a dollar a piece, there is really no excuse to everyone in the party not using one for safety sake.

Of course, clothing and boots must also come high on the list of indispensable equipment to cut down on accidents. Thermal underwear and hoods have really made it possible for us to stay warm and dry while still allowing for free and easy movement for hiking or walking even in the roughest of terrains.

For the best choice in equipment it may be wise to take a look at the internet to see which sites offer some great deals at the best prices. Although there are many outlets, not all of them are as economical as they could be. But the internet makes it possible to visit some very diverse outlets without having to travel around. Some will have prices that look great but does the quality of their goods really match what the client is needing?

Sadly, in some cases, what looks like a good bargain online often turns out to be something that is totally useless. However, once some good equipment has been bought from a particular online store, people tend to stay faithful to that outlet and keep going back to the same one for the rest of their needs. The store can really build up a faithful and loyal following if they always give good prices for excellent equipment and this is where companies become very successful.

Finally, with the reducing cost of essential equipment, there really is no excuse to going out on a foray not equipped to the hilt. By taking chances, the individual not only puts his own life at risk, but those who have to mount a rescue mission too. Therefore, it is paramount that the essential bits and pieces are carried along with the hiker or party, and information left with responsible adults to facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience for all.