Buy Hiking Gear - Hiking Clothes Are Different Than Street Clothes

!: Buy Hiking Gear - Hiking Clothes Are Different Than Street Clothes

So you need to buy hiking gear. Well, first of all congratulations for considering that there is a big difference between street clothes and hiking clothes.

Street clothes are designed to be worn to the office or for going out to dine. Then we have casual clothing for taking in a ball game or a day out shopping. Then we have clothing for wear while cutting the grass or washing the car. Yet another piece of wardrobe will be for attending an opera or wedding.

Hiking clothes must meet the requirements of the outdoors in mind. You will be out in the rain, wind and sunshine as well perhaps, snow.

The designers of outdoor clothing consider all of these elements as they go about the task. They know that there may be some bush-waking that can be very tough on shorts and long pants. Designers know that jackets must be breathable when it is warm and sunny and yet it must hold in the cold when the temperature falls. Then there is the rain to contend with.

The hiking boot makers have spent small fortunes in trying to create the ultimate hiking boot. Just pay a visit to a well stocked outdoors supply store and take a look at the amazing variety of hiking boots gracing the shelves. From ruggedly built hiking sandals through easy hiking shoes right up to the tough, top of the line, handle anything type of hiking boots.

Then there are the lightweight, breathable under clothes. These must be warm as well as having the ability to wick the sweat away.

Once you consider all of these points you want everything to be color coordinated and to look dressy as well. Pity the poor clothing designer with these requirements.

Now you may understand why everyday casual clothing will not be a great choice for hiking. Apart from the fact it will not stand up to the rigors of the outdoors, you do not want to be caught out in the rain with it.

Hiking pants must be made of good, long wearing material. You need pockets that will hold things in when you climb under windfalls, as well as sit in awkward positions, so they should have flaps that will be held closed with Velcro. Extra reinforcement at the wear points is important. Consider the hiking pants with the extra pockets down on the calf of the legs. These are handy for storing car keys and wallets safely with flaps. We prefer the flaps with buttons as they are going to stay closed better.

Street jackets, denim pants, baseball caps, and running shoes are just the things to leave at home. Get the good stuff and you will really enjoy hiking.

Years ago my wife and I purchased good quality jackets for our hikes. We avoided buying the top of the line jackets for two reasons. First they had a lot of bulk and second, we couldn't afford them. We selected jackets that were medium weight, rain resistant and rugged. We found them to be perfect for our needs.

In the spring and fall we could wear a golf shirt underneath. As the weather turned cooler we simply put on a heavier layer. A sweater or breathable long sleeve shirt did the trick.

When we got into the winter a nice warm, lightweight under jacket and below that a breathable undershirt covered by the jacket was wonderful. We loved to cross country ski. We carried a small day pack containing our back pack stove, teapot and lunch. The jacket was lightweight enough to be no problem when tied around the waist while skiing and was at the ready to keep us warm once we stopped to have our lunch.

Think of these points when you are ready to buy hiking gear.

Buy Hiking Gear - Hiking Clothes Are Different Than Street Clothes

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How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes

!: How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes

There are various important aspects to keep in mind when arranging a trek and one of the most important things to consider is the hiking shoes. Selecting the best footwear can make or break the success of your trip so it is essential that you match the correct pair of hiking shoes with your hike.

A lightweight and flexible shoe perfect for a short and easy day trip over a well trodden and easy route but may leave one's feet aching and you could trip or twist an ankle if hiking through rough and unstable terrain over a prolonged period, however a sturdy and well supportive set of boots might be overkill on a light and easy day trip but is going to give you all-day comfort and support on a trek up the side of a mountain.

Here are a few of the many questions it is important for you to contemplate when searching for hiking shoes:

What ground will I be hiking on?
Will you be hiking well-worn paths, bushwalking, mountain or gorge walking or difficult unchartered landscape? Will there be steep hills or mountains, and will you need to have waterproofing when it comes to crossing streams?Are you likely to be hiking by way of rough dry desert, or will you be trekking through deep damp rainforest?

How long is my expedition?
Are you planning for a day trip or an overnight hike with camping out?

What will the weather conditions do?
Will it be hot, dry and sandy or are you trekking by way of damp squelchy pastures? This will determine whether you would need light-weight and breathable hiking shoes or a set that is going to keep your feet dry!

How much weight will I be carrying?
Will you need to have additional support from your hiking shoes for the heavy backpack and also other gear you will be carrying or are you travelling light with just a daypack?Heavier, more sturdy hiking boots will offer more support for you when compared to light weight hiking shoes when you are carrying heavy backpacks full with all your camping gear.

Do I need reasonable ankle joint support?
Rough loose landscape or level easy pathways? Hiking shoes with little or no ankle support can leave you with an injury if the ground is unsteady and unpredictable but a highly supportive boot can be overkill and be unnecessarily bulky if you don't plan on going off the beaten track.

How frequently will I use my new hiking shoes?
Do you plan just one or two hikes every year or are you an avid hiker who needs very long lasting strength from your hiking shoes or boots? Whilst a great pair of hiking boots will be with you for a long time no matter your level, it's important to think about the amount of use you will get from your new pair before over-spending on a massively strong boot if you are just going to utilize them every six months yet on the other hand, if you underspend on a cheaper and less steadfast pair then they can go downhill comparatively quickly if you take them out on an overnight hike every single weekend.

How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes

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Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

!: Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

If there is such a thing as magic, it is surely found on southern Oregon's spectacular Rogue River hiking trial. Hikers from all over the world come to experience this protected trail...and yet you will rarely see another hiking group on the trail...true magic. This moderately difficult trail hike is unique because over the course of the four-day experience, you can stay each night in riverside wilderness lodges. Rooms are double occupancy; with hot showers and real beds. Superb family-style dining is the hallmark of each of the lodges.

Contracting through a designated Rogue River outfitter offers an alternative view of the wild & scenic Rogue River Canyon; guided trekking on the Rogue River trail. You get the best of both worlds: trekking through one of the nation's finest river canyons and the comfort of wilderness lodges each night. The outfitter packs your heavy gear in a river raft, provides a wonderful riverside lunch each day and a trail guide to ensure the group's safety. All you need is your daypack, camera, and water bottle.

The Rogue Canyon trail offers an excellent scenic experience as the trial meanders through "enchanted forests," open meadows of wildflowers, and dramatic viewpoints along rocky crags. Black bear, osprey, bald eagle and deer are to be seen throughout the canyon. The wild & scenic section of the Rogue was one of the first river canyons brought under protection of the national wild & scenic rivers act. So, today, there are limits on the numbers of guests who can travel through the canyon each day thus protecting this Oregon natural treasure.

The trail is well maintained and in good condition during the spring and early summer months. Elevation of the trail is below 1,000 feet. Grades are generally mild. On the first and last day of the 4-day hike you will find steeper areas with a number of switchbacks. During the middle of the hike, much of the trail is level or nearly level. A small portion of the trail is cut into rock cliffs with exposed drop-offs. The trail follows the river, sometimes near the river, other times higher up the canyon. The average distance covered each day is 10 miles with the second day being the longest hike at about 15 miles. The daily distance is a moderate walk for a person in good physical condition, provides reasonable time during the day for viewing the surroundings, photographing the incredible scenery, and enjoying a leisurely riverside lunch.

Your historic hiking trip begins at Grave Creek...the start of the wild and scenic section of the famous Rogue River. The first five miles of the trail are quite rocky...so wear appropriate hiking boots. You will finish the first day at Black Bar Lodge...almost a 10-mile day hike.

The second day you will see magnificent views of the river's rapids and come upon several historic sites. Near the end of this day's 15- mile hike, you will find the beautiful Rogue River Ranch. Visitors are welcome to stroll the Ranch's well-maintained grounds and look inside its museum (note, in the summer of 2007 the Ranch was closed but it is expected to open again in 2008). Just a little over a mile from the Ranch is Marial Lodge where you will rest and relax for the evening.

The third day gives you more spectacular views of the river...with a famous look at Mule Creek Canyon and the gorgeous Stair Creek Falls. Experience it all on this day with a cool walk through the "enchanted forest," and even try out the Tate Creek slide. You'll walk about 8.5 miles on this day and end your journey at Clay Hill Lodge surrounded by beautiful views of the Tacoma "still waters."

Your fourth hiking day is short but includes the steepest part of the trial with many switchbacks. Wear long pants to ward off the poison oak that is prevalent along the trial's edge. You'll reach your takeout point by early afternoon (Foster Bar) and, if you are traveling with a Rogue River outfitter, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour scenic drive back to your waiting vehicle at the Galice Resort.

Tips: If you do not own trail boots, it is a good idea to note the following specifications: buy your boots long before the trip. Wear them as much as possible to break them in. Good ankle support is important. A handy trick for insuring foot comfort is carrying a spare set of socks in your daypack. Clothing should be loose fitting and allow for full movement.

Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

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Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

!: Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

If there is such a thing as magic, it is surely found on southern Oregon's spectacular Rogue River hiking trial. Hikers from all over the world come to experience this protected trail...and yet you will rarely see another hiking group on the trail...true magic. This moderately difficult trail hike is unique because over the course of the four-day experience, you can stay each night in riverside wilderness lodges. Rooms are double occupancy; with hot showers and real beds. Superb family-style dining is the hallmark of each of the lodges.

Contracting through a designated Rogue River outfitter offers an alternative view of the wild & scenic Rogue River Canyon; guided trekking on the Rogue River trail. You get the best of both worlds: trekking through one of the nation's finest river canyons and the comfort of wilderness lodges each night. The outfitter packs your heavy gear in a river raft, provides a wonderful riverside lunch each day and a trail guide to ensure the group's safety. All you need is your daypack, camera, and water bottle.

The Rogue Canyon trail offers an excellent scenic experience as the trial meanders through "enchanted forests," open meadows of wildflowers, and dramatic viewpoints along rocky crags. Black bear, osprey, bald eagle and deer are to be seen throughout the canyon. The wild & scenic section of the Rogue was one of the first river canyons brought under protection of the national wild & scenic rivers act. So, today, there are limits on the numbers of guests who can travel through the canyon each day thus protecting this Oregon natural treasure.

The trail is well maintained and in good condition during the spring and early summer months. Elevation of the trail is below 1,000 feet. Grades are generally mild. On the first and last day of the 4-day hike you will find steeper areas with a number of switchbacks. During the middle of the hike, much of the trail is level or nearly level. A small portion of the trail is cut into rock cliffs with exposed drop-offs. The trail follows the river, sometimes near the river, other times higher up the canyon. The average distance covered each day is 10 miles with the second day being the longest hike at about 15 miles. The daily distance is a moderate walk for a person in good physical condition, provides reasonable time during the day for viewing the surroundings, photographing the incredible scenery, and enjoying a leisurely riverside lunch.

Your historic hiking trip begins at Grave Creek...the start of the wild and scenic section of the famous Rogue River. The first five miles of the trail are quite rocky...so wear appropriate hiking boots. You will finish the first day at Black Bar Lodge...almost a 10-mile day hike.

The second day you will see magnificent views of the river's rapids and come upon several historic sites. Near the end of this day's 15- mile hike, you will find the beautiful Rogue River Ranch. Visitors are welcome to stroll the Ranch's well-maintained grounds and look inside its museum (note, in the summer of 2007 the Ranch was closed but it is expected to open again in 2008). Just a little over a mile from the Ranch is Marial Lodge where you will rest and relax for the evening.

The third day gives you more spectacular views of the river...with a famous look at Mule Creek Canyon and the gorgeous Stair Creek Falls. Experience it all on this day with a cool walk through the "enchanted forest," and even try out the Tate Creek slide. You'll walk about 8.5 miles on this day and end your journey at Clay Hill Lodge surrounded by beautiful views of the Tacoma "still waters."

Your fourth hiking day is short but includes the steepest part of the trial with many switchbacks. Wear long pants to ward off the poison oak that is prevalent along the trial's edge. You'll reach your takeout point by early afternoon (Foster Bar) and, if you are traveling with a Rogue River outfitter, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour scenic drive back to your waiting vehicle at the Galice Resort.

Tips: If you do not own trail boots, it is a good idea to note the following specifications: buy your boots long before the trip. Wear them as much as possible to break them in. Good ankle support is important. A handy trick for insuring foot comfort is carrying a spare set of socks in your daypack. Clothing should be loose fitting and allow for full movement.

Hiking Oregon's Rogue River Trail

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