What to Wear, Part 2

Last week we talked about what you should consider wearing as a base or mid layer. This week we review some other clothing considerations for hiking. Whether you are hiking in the steamy Grand Canyon, or the cold of Denali, these layers are essential.

Outer Layer

The main responsibility of the outer layer is to protect against weather. In the summer, it is best to find a jacket that is waterproof and will guard against the wind, even if the forecast calls for sun.  We like the Marmot Aegis. This jacket is highly water-proof and lightweight. It packs down nicely and will take up minimum weight in your pack.

Bottoms

Choosing bottoms for a hike may seem like a no-brainer, but there are a couple of considerations you should make when deciding what to wear. Shorts are usually appropriate for warm weather hiking trips. However, you may want to consider wearing pants to avoid bug bits and scratches from branches and bushes. Indecisive? You could always get a pair of convertible pants like the Columbia Silver Ridge, which are great for unpredictable conditions.

Pants or shorts should be made of a light, sturdy material. If you don’t feel like carrying a pack on a day hike, you could opt for a multifunctional bottom to store all of your loot.  Originally made for mountain biking, the Zoic Ether short is really cool and even has an MP3 player pocket.

Socks

A sock is just a sock, right? Not quite. Choosing the right socks can mean the difference between a great outing and a mess of painful blisters. Like base layers, a thinner synthetic sock will keep your feet cool and dry while reducing odor. These Patagonia liner socks do the job and can be worn alone in hot conditions. If you are wearing a stiffer hiking boot or trekking in cooler conditions, it is good to wear a second, thicker sock like these WigWam socks to provide padding and comfort. If you suffer from sweaty feet or plan to get wet, it is always a good idea to bring along an extra pair.

These clothing pieces aren’t the most exciting in your wardrobe, but they are very functional. When heading out on a trek it is also always advised to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun and any dust and dirt.

Next week, we will talk about foot wear and how to find the right hiking boot for you.

What’s in Your Pack: Couples Hike

Looking for a unique date idea? How about taking a hike with your sweetheart? Not only is hiking a good way to relieve stress, it offers a great, inexpensive way to spend time together. Looking to make this trip more memorable? We have some interesting gear ideas about what should be in your pack.

The great thing about heading out on a couple’s hike is that weight isn’t a huge concern. With two packs, you can easily take along some extra gear you wouldn’t otherwise.

Sit down to a great meal together. There are some delicious options for a romantic dinner on the trail- the instant, quick prep version. We like Mary Jane’s Farm organic meal options, like the alfredo pasta or  red pesto pasta. Take things to the next level with a nice glass of wine. PlatyPreserve provides lightweight flasks to keep wine fresh while making it easy to transport. Poured into your camp style wine glasses, this makes for a perfect date out in the fresh air.

Staying overnight? While not lightweight, the Sexy Hotness couple’s sleeping bag from Alite offers a unique opportunity for snuggling under the stars. Wake up refreshed and ready for another day of hiking with Starbuck’s instant coffee.

What are your must haves when embarking on an outdoor adventure date, we’d love to know! Check back next week for another What’s In Your Pack post with suggestions for hiking with kids.

Trail Tips Thursday: What to Wear, Part 1

Choosing the right clothing for a hiking trip can make all of the difference. It is always best to layer in order to adapt to changing temperatures and weather conditions. This week, we will explore the world of base and mid layers to determine what you should and should not wear on your next outing. And remember what your mom always said- you can always remove a layer, but you cannot add something you did not bring along.

Base Layer

Base layers are those closest to your skin. These shirts are meant to control both moisture and temperature. They should keep you warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. The best part about wearing a base layer in the summer is their ability to wick away moisture. A good base layer will absorb moisture and as your body heats up, it will create a cooling effect. Forgot deodorant this morning? A good base layer also has odor reducing capabilities.

The number one rule when layering, for cold or heat is: Do not wear cotton. This even includes your favorite t-shirt. Cotton fabrics lose their heating capacity when wet and will use body heat to dry. Although this may sound pleasant on a warm weather hike, should the winds kick up or the temperature drop, you will be chilly.

The best options for base layers are synthetic or light wool fabrics. One of our warm weather favorites are Patagonia’s Capilene 1 Graphic T-Shirts, available for both men and women. These shirts will keep you cool and dry, and come in several cool colors and patterns to make you the envy of your fellow hikers.

If you’re climbing to the summit or trekking in cooler climates, one of Patagonia’s Merino 1 Crew tops is a great choice. These tops are rated for warm to cool conditions which make them great for changing weather conditions.

Mid Layer

Mid layers are meant to be insulating and keep you warmer should the temperature drop. It is a good idea to invest in moisture wicking mid layer as well. It is easy to find something lightweight that won’t take up too much room in your pack, yet keep you warm. The North Face’s Inspiration Jacket is always a good choice. Unfortunately, there are few color choices, so this jacket will not make a fashion statement.

No matter if you are hiking in warm or cold weather, it is important to choose the right base and mid layers to make your trip more comfortable. Come back next week when we will discuss other essential clothing pieces.

What’s in Your Pack: Solo Hike

Hiking is one of the best ways to get outdoors and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Usually, we choose to venture out with family and friends, but sometimes even the most social hiker would rather go it alone. Hiking solo enables you to hit the trail on a whim. Hiking alone can be risky and therefore requires some extra preparation and caution.

Having a good day pack to carry all of your gear is the first step. We like the Recon Pack from The North Face. It has plenty of outer pockets to ensure easy access to your loot. What should you pack in all of those pockets? A few basic essentials include, a small first aid kit, insect repellant, and sun block. If you want to reduce weight and the weather is warm, you could opt for a rain poncho rather than a jacket.

Make sure to carry along a sufficient supply of drinking water. Depending on the length of your trek, you may want to consider carrying your own water purification system (See our post Drinking Water Safety. Stay energized with easy to pack (and really delicious) Cliff Bars. If you are planning on camping out, there is a wide variety of ready to eat and quick prep meal options available at REI.

Ensure your hike goes off without a hitch by planning a bit beforehand. AccuTerra enables you to map out your route, find landmarks, and provides information on trail difficulty levels. Even better, you can easily share all of this information. When heading out on a solo hike, it is always wise to let someone know where you are going and when to expect you to return.

While you might like the simplicity of going it alone, there are always those moments you wish you could share with someone. AccuTerra makes it simple enough to share those moments that take your breath away with the ability to upload trail routes and pictures to Facebook. Go ahead, brag that you’re outside while everyone is back at the office.

Trail Tips Friday : Drinking Water Safety

Water – you never knew how much you loved it until you run out…Whether you are embarking on a day hike or a backpacking trip, you have undoubtedly packed some sort of water supply. Water is the single, most important thing to bring along on an outdoor excursion. However, should you become lost or find yourself without clean water, and since us humans are not as gifted as camels, it is important to know how to purify natural water sources for drinking. Remember that drinking unpurified water can cause a potentially serious illness.

There are a variety of personal water filtration systems available for wilderness travel. Filters are rated by the size of organisms they are able to remove. Based on your needs, you can find a simple or highly complex water filtration system. We like this fast and lightweight filter by MSR.

If you find yourself in a jam and do not have a filter, there are easy ways to clean water to make it drinkable. No method is as certain as boiling water before drinking, but there are other options available. There are common chemical methods to treat water, such as iodine or chlorine. Iodine tablets are often found in first aid kits and tend to be more reliable than other chemical methods. We recommend keeping iodine in your first aid pack as it is useful in many different emergency situations.

Our favorite method is to use water purifiers. These devices not only pass water through a filter to strain out micro-organisms, but also through chemical compounds to also kill viruses. Experts recommend having a back-up method of purification and using two methods to ensure that water is safe. A great option for the day hiker is the all in one Katadyn MyBottle. A little pricier, but really cool, is this little purifier from MSR that literally zaps viruses and micro organisms.

No matter the system you decide to use, there are some key considerations to take when selecting a water source:

•           Find the cleanest water possible

•           Avoid water with large particles as they will quickly clog your filter

•           Try straining water beforehand with a pre filter or a bandana

•           If you must use dirty water, let it sit to settle out particles

•           Treat filters with care, a crack could render it useless

When setting out on a hike or backpacking trip, it is important to plan ahead. It is always a good idea to pack more water than you think you will need.

Come back next Thursday when we explore the world of hiking fashion.

Parks and Recreation Month Kick-off

It’s July and time to kick off National Recreation and Parks month with AccuTerra by putting on the sunscreen and getting outdoors! For the past twenty-five years, this exciting season has been sponsored by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) with the mission of advancing “parks, recreation, and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.”

This year’s theme is “Celebrate, Advocate, and Recreate.” The NRPA is doing their part by reminding decision makers of how important parks and recreation are to Americans. And you can do your part by taking advantage of all AccuTerra has to offer in our nation’s National Parks.

Doesn’t matter if you’re in Yellowstone or Carlsbad Caverns, AccuTerra’s high-resolution maps can guide you and your family to some of the most unique landscapes this country has to offer. For example, did you know that you can see the longest cave system in the world in Mammoth Cave National Park, or volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Not only does getting outdoors help you experience something new, it can also help you relieve stress, exercise, socialize and have fun. So whether you’re a novice hiker or an expert, here are some useful resources to help you take advantage of National Recreation and Parks Month.

• National Parks and National Park Trails http://bit.ly/96pgm4
• Hiking Do’s and Don’ts http://bit.ly/9XhWR6
• General Hiking Tips from L.L. Bean http://bit.ly/aFUFLi



Trail Tip Thursday: First Aid

We have long heard the expression, “safety first” and while recreational hiking is not generally considered a dangerous activity, the age-old saying still very much applies. If you find yourself in a serious situation, it is always best to be well prepared. The most common issues hikers face are often the result of unpreparedness or weather. And of course, there are always those small annoyances, like blisters, that can easily ruin your day.

Making sure your pack is properly stocked is the first step in preparing for and avoiding serious situations. It is always a good idea to carry along a small first aid kit, even if you are only heading out on a day hike. Atwater-Carey offers a great variety of first aid kits that are perfect for a day trip and equipped enough for a longer journey.  We recommend any of these kits from the light and dry line. For those hikers looking to make a fashion statement, fanny packs are great for carrying first aid kits if you do not wish to carry a backpack.

Should one of your fellow hikers encounter an injury on the trail there are certain considerations you need to take before helping them. To avoid hurting yourself, it is always important to assess the situation before helping an injured person. And remember, remain calm at all times as this can go a long way in controlling the situation.

Some serious health situations you may face include heat related illness; sprains or strains; cuts and scrapes. It is important to recognize these injuries and understand what to do.

Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion: Caused by excess heat, these cramps are not serious and they are brief, but can be very painful. You should move to a shaded area and drink cool beverages. Heat exhaustion is also caused by excess heat build-up and is marked by dehydration, fatigue, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and hyperventilation. It is important to get out of the heat quickly and drink cool beverages. If the heat exhaustion is bad enough, you may need to bathe in cool water.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a very serious condition and could become fatal. In this instance the body is unable to control its temperature. Symptoms include hot and dry skin, severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, disorientation, fatigue, seizures, or loss of consciousness. It is crucial to cool the body by bathing them in cool water or applying ice packs.

Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness occurs most frequently in people who are not used to high altitudes and travel quickly over 8,000 feet. Because oxygen is thinner at high altitudes, people often do not get the amount of oxygen they need. They may begin to get headaches, feel dizzy, nauseas, or have a loss of appetite. Some people say altitude sickness is like having a hangover, without the fun from the night before. If you suspect you are suffering from altitude sickness, the best possible solution is to move down to a lower altitude. Your body will slowly adjust to altitude, so if you take it easy and let your body acclimate, you should be fine in a day or so. In the case of severe altitude sickness, it is important to seek medical attention as you may need an oxygen treatment.

Sprains/Strains: Sprains and strains are sometimes difficult to differentiate from a broken bone, so it is important to treat them with care. The limb should be immobilized to prevent further injury. Raise the limb to drain excess fluid and reduce swelling. Ice or cool compresses should also be applied to help in reducing swelling as well as numbing the area and reducing pain. Lastly, apply compression and support by wrapping with bandages or athletic tape.

Large Cuts: Should someone in your party suffer a large cut, it is important to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Elevate the wound slightly above the heart and apply pressure with an absorbent cloth straight on the wound.  If blood soaks through the cloth, do not remove it, but continue to apply additional cloths. Once the bleeding stops, rinse the wound. Large wounds are highly prone to infection, so proper cleaning in crucial. In the case of a gaping wound, gently press the wound together and apply thin strips of duct tape or another adhesive to hold the wound together. Apply a sterile dressing with antibiotic ointment and secure in place.

Blisters: Sure blisters aren’t life threatening, but they really hurt. Inevitably, most hikers will encounter blisters here and there. Initially, clean the blister with an antiseptic wipe. Sanitize a needle or safety pin with a flame or antiseptic. Gently pop the blister and drain any fluids. Do not remove the skin that covers the blister. Place moleskin or some other type of blister bandage and secure in place with adhesive

Before heading out, be sure to review first aid procedures with your friends and family before embarking on your adventure. Keep your first aid kit in an easily accessible place; never at the bottom of your pack.  Stay safe on your next hike by preparing before you head out.

Join us next week for Trail Tips Thursday where we will discuss the many ways to purify water in the wild.

Thursday’s Are About To Become a Whole Lot Better

Here at AccuTerra, we love the outdoors and want to share our passion with you.  Every Thursday we will be posting a new Trail Tips post with suggestions to help you better enjoy the time you spend in the great outdoors. Whether you are an avid hiker, camper, backpacker or anything in between we hope you enjoy this series of tips and tricks. Please join in the conversation and share your own comments and ideas.

Nothing Is Sweeter Than Map Candy

With great weather across the United States, who needs another reason to get outside? AccuTerra has something for you to sweeten the deal…

For a limited time, the all-you-can-hike Map Candy App from Accuterra is being offered at a lower price of $2.99. Covering over 220,000 miles of trails, thousands of trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Map Candy gives every hiker who wants the freedom to download when and what they want with additional charges. All of Intermap’s AccuTerra branded maps can be downloaded for the price of one app.

We wish you an amazing weekend from everyone here at AccuTerra!

Happy Memorial Day From AccuTerra!

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decorations Day commemorates all the U.S. soldiers who have died in military service. Memorial Day Weekend has become a iconic weekend to pull out the grill, grab your friends and family, and celebrate the beginning of summer.

According to AAA, 32.5 million Americans will travel this weekend and if it was up to us, we hope it is somewhere outdoors. To prove to you how technology and the outdoors make the perfect combination, you can check us out on Denver’s Channel 7 on Friday, June 6th at 10:00 p.m. MT, as we talk with Jaclyn Allen about everything the AccuTerra GPS App has to offer.