Finding Magnetic Declination with Your Compass
A compass is a necessity as part of your camping and hiking gear. Before you set out on your hike, you will need to adjust your compass to the correct magnetic declination of your hiking area. On your topographical map, find the magnetic declination information. This is usually indicated with two arrows: one signifying True North and one showing Magnetic North. Place your compass on your map, placing the heading arrow along the True North line. Turn the compass housing until it aligns with the Magnetic North line. Now turn your map until the compass is pointing North along the Magnetic North line. Now you will be aligned to True North.
The Great Outdoors
Hiking trips can also include spending a few nights in the great outdoors. That's why you should invest in quality outdoor hiking and camping gear. When buying a tent, for example, there are a few things to keep in mind. Search for tents with strong fiberglass or aluminum-alloy poles. If you purchase a single-wall tent (for one or two people) then make sure that the fabric used is a waterproof and breathable laminate that offers enough protection. Double-wall tents should have a breathable inner fabric and a waterproof outer shell. Your comfort and safety should be a top priority.
Braving the Winter Weather
It's certainly an adventure camping or hiking in the winter weather. However, it's important to have the proper winter wear, including winter hiking pants and snowshoes. Snowshoes enable you walk over deep snow by distributing your weight over a larger area. They strap onto the bottoms of your hiking boots or shoes. Many are made with frames of hardwood or a similar material. Leather straps function to keep you from sinking into the snow.
Get a Grip on Your Location
One of the most popular pieces of high-tech gear you can use on your hiking excursion is a GPS (Global Positioning System) device. Next to a map and compass, a GPS unit is your most important navigational tool. These devices can help search locations world-wide, expanding your horizons as a regular hiker. In addition, GPS devices are available with several accessories to make using them even more convenient. GPS holsters, for example, keep your unit strapped to your body for easy use. Many also offer recharging cords that plug right into your vehicle so you'll never run out of navigational power.
Determining Your Weight
There are two types of weight to consider when choosing hiking backpacks. These are FSO Weight and Packweight. "From the Skin Out" or FSO Weight is the weight of everything you carry on the outside of your skin. This includes your backpack, but also your apparel such as socks, boots, and other garments. Your Packweight is the weight of your backpack alone. This does not include any the provisions (i.e., food or drink) you are bringing.
Comfort on the Trail
Hiking is fun, but it can also be hard on your body. One of the best ways to eliminate undo strain on your limbs and back is to use hiking poles. Many of these poles are made of lightweight material and some are even collapsable to eliminate excess bulk on your backpack or daypack. Trekking poles typically have straps or handles at their tops so that you can easily loop your hands in and grip in comfort. Walk normally with the pole, leaning your weight slightly against the pole as you push off. Let the trekkng pole take the brunt of your efforts and save your energy for sight-seeing!
What To Bring When Hiking
Provisions, provisions, provisions! These are essential to your hiking supplies. Ask yourself how long you will be able to go without replenishing food or drink. Water is of utmost importance when planning an excursion. You will need about 3-4 liters a day. If you are not sure where or when you can replenish your water reserves, then the weight of the water alone will already add a serious load. Food will add another 1.5-2 pounds per day. In general it is unrealistic to go for longer than about a week to ten days without being able to replenish your provisions.
Survival in the Outdoors
The concept of outdoor survival may seem frightening to some, but basic knowledge of a few techniques can save your life.
Always make sure you have a spare set of dry clothes with you, including t-shirts and trekking socks.
Learning how to make an emergency shelter is one such technique. Use a sheet, rope, and either poles or fixed natural objects such as trees to create a good makeshift shelter. The tips of hiking poles will help prop up your sheet. Trees offer branches and trunks that are great for tying down your lines. Use loose branches and/or rocks to anchor a line or weight down a sheet corner.
Adjustable Hiking Poles
When hiking rocky terrains, using adjustable hiking poles are invaluable. Shorten your adjustable hiking poles on steep ascents to compensate for the height difference. On descending hikes, lengthen your poles so that your body will not lean forward, causing undue back strain. Your feet are great navigators, but trekking poles help you keep balance and reduce bad posture posture on uneven terrain.
All The Gear You Will Need
When hiking, you will most likely need the same amount of gear and hiking equipment for a three-day trip as you would for a ten-day trip. Weather is an unpredictable factor, however. Always prepare for the worst. Bring extra plastic ponchos, tarp, rope, and -- if you're using one -- a tent repair kit. The longer you hike, the more comfort you'll need. Consider thicker sleeping bag pads or even sunshower containers, which collect rain water and heat it with the sun's rays to give you a well-deserved shower every few days!
Hiking Your Hike Essentials
A hiking pack is one of the most essential pieces of hiking gear to carry your essentials for the trip. There are several types of packs, including lumbar packs, fanny packs, and hip packs. These are not technically considered backpacks, but are a wise choice if your hiking excursion is a quick one. Basic packs consist of pouches and belts that cinch around your waist. The weight of the waist pack is located in the curve of your spine near your center of balance. This keeps the strain off your body.
Gearing Up to Hike
If you are a beginning hiker, one of the most important questions you may have is where to get all the necessary equipment it will take to make your hiking experience a positive one. A good pair of trail shoes or running shoes are perfect for beginners. While it is certainly possible to find decent discount gear, be careful and search for reputable companies. Luckily, there are quite a few of them. These include Sierra Designs, REI, North Face, Marmot, and many more. Doing a little research before you start stocking up on gear will prove to be beneficial in the long run.