Taking a Hike

Are you tying your shoes correctly? Who knew!

Boy Scouts was a great adventure for me. I loved all the camping and being close to nature, exploring the woods and wilderness. Troop #40 in Hanover Township did their best to make me a good scout. Yet the one concept that I never managed well was tying knots (no merit badge for me!). And who knew after all these years, I am tying my shoes wrong!

Don't laugh until you watch this video. It seems I have been tying my shoes (including my running and hiking shoes) with the granny knot. Duh - it's suppose to be the Reef Knot!  Seriously, this makes sense as you will see at the end of this short Runners World video on correctly tying your shoes. Enjoy and learn!

Innovative Hiking Equipment: JakPak

My thoughts are beginning to turn to the Spring, when I start focusing on longer trails - overnight camping. I am learning about new and innovative equipment that makes longer hikes easier and safer. One thing I have learned from Appalachian Trail stories is that there is many items you need to carry - yet you also want to carry less weight. So this is the first in a series of equipment that may be useful and important to me - and maybe yourself.

Jakpak - this is a jacket - that turns into a sleeping bag and then into a tent - and is waterproof. The video tells the story. The individual components are built into the jacket - and with a unsnap here, and a velcro there, you can quickly gain protection from the elements. I'd like to try this out first - and be comfortable with it before I hit the trail. What do you think of the Jakpak?

Hiking : Winter Preparedness

Hiking is truly a four season activity; each requires a different level of preparation and awareness. This is out first Winter hiking; so we are in the learning stages.

We visited REI specifically to learn about and select a snow shoe. These are not the old "tennis racket" looking devices - more akin to the Jet fired skate board in "Back to the Future". High Tech.  These snow shoes are designed to keep you afloat in most snow conditions. By adding a a "tail" section (4" or 8") to the back of the shoe - you gain a better float on deeper or less packed snow. We liked the look of the Denali Classic and the price was reasonable (around $140).

In our research, we came upon a site with a depth of information on Winter hiking. Please visit backpacking.net.  And watch as we get out there...  taking a hike, snow style.

Outfitters: REI in East Hanover NJ

What a fantastic store - REI (Rt 10 East Hanover NJ) -a virtual hikers paradise.  I was at their store today and enjoyed the experience. Taking a Hike is (alas) not sponsored by anyone, and we will be fair, reviewing other retailers along the way.

REI (www.rei.com) is a large well organized store with virtually anything needed by mountain bikers, hikers, skiers and all matters of outdoors. The associates are knowledgeable and friendly. Well worth the visit, especially for the harder to find and unique items. They also hold seminars in their store. Check them out and let them know Taking-a-Hike sent you (a cheap way of seeking a sponsor.. ha!)