Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment that you will need to choose. The type of hiking shoe that you will need will depend on the type of hiking you are planning, including the type of hiking trail and the distance you plan to cover during your hike.

If you are planning a short hike that involves a flat hiking trail with low exposure to bad weather, a simple hiking shoe will most likely be plenty of foot protection. For a longer hike on a more complicated hiking trail which may include rough terrain and a higher chance of exposure to more severe weather, a rugged hiking shoe would be a better choice.

A good tip when planning to shop for hiking shoes is to go late in the day so your feet are at their largest. Don't forget to bring any inserts that you normally wear in your regular shoes and the same socks that you will be wearing on your hike. This way you can try on several types of hiking shoes and be more confident of a good fit.

Ideally, hiking shoes will be more effective if they fit snugly to your feet. Make sure that your toes aren't cramped and that you have enough room to comfortably move your toes in the tip of the hiking shoes. Lace up the hiking shoes securely and walk around a bit to see how they might perform as your hike progresses. This won't be a definitive test, but it will give you some idea of how your feet might respond during the hike.

When shopping for hiking shoes, be sure to look for comfort and durability. Your feet will thank you.

All About Hiking Food

Hiking food is something you should give thoughtful consideration to, especially if you are planning an extended hike. Your choice of food will determine how much room you need for carrying supplies and how heavy your backpack will be as you hike. You want to plan for foods that are high in nutrition, but won't weigh you down.

Even if you don't think you will be out for very long, it's still a good idea to plan ahead and pack several snacks, just in case. You might end up out longer than you had anticipated and if you get lost on the hiking trail you don't want to be caught with no food or drink until you find your bearings again.

Tuna and crackers or cheese and peanut butter are high in protein and will last longer in your system than other foods. These hiking foods will keep you from feeling draggy and listless due to eating an overly heavy or greasy meal while hiking. Simple energy bars, jerky , granola and dried fruit make good hiking food choices that are portable and don't have special storage requirements.

A favorite hiking food is trail mix. It is a simple combination of several types of cereal, nuts, candy, pretzels and dried fruits. The recipe is similar to Chex party mix and can be altered to fit your individual tastes and preferences. It is easy to storage and makes a nice low maintenance snack. These hiking foods are also high in nourishment value and easily obtained at your local grocery store.

If you are going to be hiking for any length of time, please remember to bring bottled water. Sports drinks are also a good thing to have available, but nothing refreshes or quenches your thirst the same way as water will. Appropriate hiking food and water are definite must have items before you start your hiking journey.

Nude Hiking

Nude hiking is a pastime enjoyed by many adventurous free spirits who want to combine exercize of roaming natural trails with the freedom felt by nudism. It is an experience that makes for an unique set of precautions.

If you think you might like to try nude hiking, please be mindful that others you might encounter on the trail are likely to have varying reactions. Some might be offended, but there are just as many, if not more, who will be curious and amused by your choice.
While it may not be illegal to hike in the nude, it is always a good idea to check to be sure that your nude hiking won't be breaking any local area laws. The last thing you want is to be carted off by law enforcement right in the middle of your hike!

Plan for keeping yourself free from sunburn by bringing a good sunscreen. Areas of your body that aren't used to be exposed for long periods in the sun might end up uncomfortably burned if you don't take care.
Bring along a towel for times when you might want to take a break from your nude hiking to sit and rest on a patch of grass or a nearby boulder. This simple reminder will keep you comfortable during these rest periods. Also, before sitting be sure to check the grass for plants like Poison Oak or Poison Ivy. You certainly wouldn't want to risk an encounter with either of those while enjoying your hike.

Another thing to prepare for is the possibility of insect stings. If you have allergies to bee stings, bring along a first aid kit that includes your bee stung antidote. Be careful and enjoy your surroundings as you make your way along the hiking trail, but don't be surprised if nude hiking becomes your newest and most enjoyable hobby.