Hints for Happy Hiking (Sports Equipment in General)

Member Name: Vivien

Product:	Sports Equipment in General
Date:	16/09/00 (208 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fantastic hobby that keeps your mind and body fit

Disadvantages: You might get wet.

When I was at school I used to think the most important thing to be a good hiker, was to have the biggest Rucksack money could buy. Nowadays on day hikes I am happiest with the minimum amount of paraphinalia and often venture out with a good sized good quality bum bag. ( Of course I always make sure that I do not jeopardise my safety by leaving out essentials )
I often take with me 2 walking poles. These have recently become very popular and may help to prevent serious Knee ailments in later life. To make best use of the poles have them shorter when walking up hill, and extended on descents. When traversing you can even have them at two lengths.
The most useful piece of kit I have ever bought was a drinks bottle holder that can fit on the hip belt of a rucksack or bum bag. It is essential to drink a lot of fluids before, during and after exercise and it is better to keep sipping regularly all day, than to drink only at dinner breaks. No one wants to keep stopping to get a drink from the rucksack all the time and by having the drink to hand you do not need to stop in order to quench your thirst.
On hot days a sun hat is a good idea, I use a wide brimmed Tilly hat which keeps the sun off all sides of your head. Also remember to keep reapplying the sun cream.
To keep maps, tissues, passports etc dry without spending a lot of money I use Zip lock freezer bags. They work out at about only 6p each and are also good for cycle touring and camping.
Instead of chocolate I take breakfast bars or malt loaf, these items are high in carbohydrates, and travel well, do not melt, and take longer to freeze in extreme conditions.

Boots - buy the best you can afford and make sure they are fitted well. When walking down hill it is common for toes to rub at the front of the boot. To avoid this it is normally advised to buy larger than normal. when fitting boots you should be able to fit two fingers behind the heel. You should also try the boot on with the s
ock you would normally use.

Socks- I prefer one good quality sock, that wicks sweat and is thicker at the pressure points.I use thorlos.

Don't underestimate safety precautions.
The weather is very unpredictable and in Britain can be very localised.
Let people know were you are walking and when you should return
Do not swap good map and compass skills for a mobile phone ( mobile phones may be excellent in dire emergencies but cannot be relied on and should not be used for trivialities)

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