Also I always carry a large orange garbage bag in my pack. So many potential uses but a great help for search and rescue because of the color.
Check out my Hiking 101 course at:
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
2 Minute Heated Emergency Shelter
I've been posting video's from The Intense Angler on YouTube recently because the guy just has so many awesome tips that apply to hiking. Here's another crazy easy tip that is Low cost, light weight and could potentially save a life. Enjoy.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
DIY First Aid Kit
A good first aid kit is a must for any hiking or backpacking activity. There are many different pre-made kits available and they are great. If you buy one make sure it has everything you need. Another option is to make your own kit. This allows you to stock your kit as you see fit for your particular situation and needs.
Teton Sports has a great video on building a kit of your own;
For more info: Check Out My Hiking 101 Course
50% off code: JAN2017
Teton Sports has a great video on building a kit of your own;
I would add some plastic gloves and a triangle bandage to use as a sling. A Sam splint is also something I carry.
For more info: Check Out My Hiking 101 Course
50% off code: JAN2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Unique Uses For Hand Warmers
I've been following the Intense Angler on YouTube for awhile and he has some amazing outdoors tips. This week I'm again posting something from his site that is "winter related". Hand warmers are a very popular item in cold weather to keep hands and feet warm, but they also have numerous other uses. Check it out:
coupon code: JAN2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Cold Feet? Try This
One of the most common complaints when it comes to winter hiking is cold feet. Winter hiking boots are more insulated and a good pair of winter hiking socks do help. Also those little warming pads are great and do help ( so I'm told ) but here's a tip that will add warmth and insulation and it's a simple and cheap fix anyone can do.
From The Intense Angler here's the tip:
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Happy winter hiking and stay warm.
From The Intense Angler here's the tip:
Friday, January 6, 2017
Mountains 101 Course ( FREE)
About the Course
Mountains 101 is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching a comprehensive overview of Mountain Studies. Mountains 101 will cover an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world.
Registration is now open.
Mountains 101 will begin January 9, 2017.
Mountains 101 will begin January 9, 2017.
Topics Covered
This course will provide students with a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world.
- We'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time.
- We’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally.
- We’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time.
- We’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.
We'll also share general tips and tricks to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment.
To this end, we've enlisted:
- ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Matt Peter and
- field-science graduate student Laura Redmond,
who will be providing a smart and useful "Tech Tip" at the end of every lesson -- from how to pick the best footwear for hiking, to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.
Want to know more about what we'll be covering? Watch some Tech Tip teaser videos.
Learn more about Matt and Laura as well as the guest content experts you can expect to see during the course.
The course will be available in three versions:
- to the world for free (no exams);
- anyone around the world for a Certificate of Completion through Coursera for a modest fee; and,
- to University of Alberta students for UAlberta credit as either the in-class version (INTD 280 The Mountain World) or the online experience version (Mountains 101). Learn more about these for-credit options.
We’ll be delivering your lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts .
We have had a lot of assistance from several partners in preparing this course, especially from our national parks agency, Parks Canada, along with The Alpine Club of Canada and MEC.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Staying fit in the off-season
Article from the American Hiking Society
Be ready for that first hike of the year.
While it seems like common sense to not go on a fifteen mile downhill kneebreaker in early spring after a long, inactive winter, sometimes we just get caught up in the adventure and excitement of being outdoors. By making a few simple adjustments to your normal routine in the off-season, however, you’ll find yourself avoiding some of those early-season injuries and aches.
Walk, don’t drive. Some of your daily commutes can be turned into training by walking instead of driving your car. Walk to the supermarket with your backpack and fill it up with your groceries for some good backpacking practice. Walk to a nearby park to enjoy your lunch rather than eating in the company break room.
Bike your way to fitness. If you can’t make time to walk all over town for errands, consider riding a bike. In many urban areas, bike paths make riding an attractive alternative to sitting in rush hour traffic. Be sure to always wear a helmet and keep an eye out for cars and pedestrians.
Step into fitness. Though staircases are often hidden in large office buildings as part of the fire escape, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Run up and down stairs to keep your heart pumping and improve your leg muscles. Choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you’re on a steep incline on the trail, you’re legs will thank you for the all the practice.
Hike first, pack later. Hiking doesn’t necessarily involve wearing a huge bulky backpack. Your first several trips outdoors can be with a small pack carrying only the 10 Essentials. Once your body is ready for longer hikes you can prepare yourself for a weekend getaway. Mix it up some. In winter months, your favorite hiking trails might be great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Indoor jogging and exercise on elliptical machines will keep your heart and lungs in tip-top shape. Yoga and swimming are also great for keeping you limber and avoiding injury.
Our group at Slow and Steady hikes all year.
Check out my Hiking 101 Online Course here: https://yescourse.com/store/hiking-101/?ref=4ec6
Be ready for that first hike of the year.
While it seems like common sense to not go on a fifteen mile downhill kneebreaker in early spring after a long, inactive winter, sometimes we just get caught up in the adventure and excitement of being outdoors. By making a few simple adjustments to your normal routine in the off-season, however, you’ll find yourself avoiding some of those early-season injuries and aches.
Walk, don’t drive. Some of your daily commutes can be turned into training by walking instead of driving your car. Walk to the supermarket with your backpack and fill it up with your groceries for some good backpacking practice. Walk to a nearby park to enjoy your lunch rather than eating in the company break room.
Bike your way to fitness. If you can’t make time to walk all over town for errands, consider riding a bike. In many urban areas, bike paths make riding an attractive alternative to sitting in rush hour traffic. Be sure to always wear a helmet and keep an eye out for cars and pedestrians.
Step into fitness. Though staircases are often hidden in large office buildings as part of the fire escape, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Run up and down stairs to keep your heart pumping and improve your leg muscles. Choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you’re on a steep incline on the trail, you’re legs will thank you for the all the practice.
Hike first, pack later. Hiking doesn’t necessarily involve wearing a huge bulky backpack. Your first several trips outdoors can be with a small pack carrying only the 10 Essentials. Once your body is ready for longer hikes you can prepare yourself for a weekend getaway. Mix it up some. In winter months, your favorite hiking trails might be great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Indoor jogging and exercise on elliptical machines will keep your heart and lungs in tip-top shape. Yoga and swimming are also great for keeping you limber and avoiding injury.
Our group at Slow and Steady hikes all year.
Check out my Hiking 101 Online Course here: https://yescourse.com/store/hiking-101/?ref=4ec6
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Winter Weather in the Mountains
Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. What started out as a nice sunny winter day can soon turn into a cold windy whiteout. It pays to be prepared for the weather at all times especially in winter. This is why we keep preaching about the necessity of layering when it comes to clothing.
It's always better to carry extra than to try to save weight in your pack and carry less. Only to end up with hypothermia or frost bitten.
As a rule on a sunny day the temperature drops 1 degree C for every 100 meters climbed. Cloudy days drops it to 0.6 degrees C but just use 1 degree C as a rule of thumb. That's without windchill.
At certain times of the year we have literally seen the weather go through four seasons in the course of one hike.
A site we regularly use to check weather is Mountain- Forecasts.com Click here to check them out.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/
Choose a peak in the general vicinity of your hike and get the forecasts for differing elevations for the day you are hiking. It will give temperature and windchill as well as wind speed..
Weather is a funny thing. It can be miserable in Calgary and many hikers will stay home. But in the mountains it can turn out to be a beautiful day. Of course the opposite can also be true. It has to be pretty cold for some of us diehards to reconsider.
One thing that will cause me to cancel a hike at the last minute are bad road conditions. Always check the road conditions before leaving at: https://ama.ab.ca/knowledge-base/articles/road-reports/
An old hiker once told me the most dangerous part of any hike or scramble is the ride home. Why have rotten road conditions on top of that. My thoughts. I realize the roads could deteriorate through the day while you're hiking but if they are bad to start it may be wise to reconsider.
It's always better to carry extra than to try to save weight in your pack and carry less. Only to end up with hypothermia or frost bitten.
As a rule on a sunny day the temperature drops 1 degree C for every 100 meters climbed. Cloudy days drops it to 0.6 degrees C but just use 1 degree C as a rule of thumb. That's without windchill.
At certain times of the year we have literally seen the weather go through four seasons in the course of one hike.
A site we regularly use to check weather is Mountain- Forecasts.com Click here to check them out.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/
Choose a peak in the general vicinity of your hike and get the forecasts for differing elevations for the day you are hiking. It will give temperature and windchill as well as wind speed..
Weather is a funny thing. It can be miserable in Calgary and many hikers will stay home. But in the mountains it can turn out to be a beautiful day. Of course the opposite can also be true. It has to be pretty cold for some of us diehards to reconsider.
One thing that will cause me to cancel a hike at the last minute are bad road conditions. Always check the road conditions before leaving at: https://ama.ab.ca/knowledge-base/articles/road-reports/
An old hiker once told me the most dangerous part of any hike or scramble is the ride home. Why have rotten road conditions on top of that. My thoughts. I realize the roads could deteriorate through the day while you're hiking but if they are bad to start it may be wise to reconsider.
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