Author: William David

The mountains! The backcountry! They are glorious….aren’t they? Perhaps you’ve heard of the fun, the inspiration, and even “the high” associated with hiking and now you’re planning on hitting the trails. Congratulations! Hiking truly does combine enjoyable physical activity, views that are often breathtaking, and that unique sense of inspiration that only nature can provide. It’s great you’re off to the hike! Just remember that like most new hobbies there are a few things of which beginners should take note. 10 THINGS BEGINNER HIKERS FORGET Check the Weather First-Aid Kit Water Wearing Synthetic Materials “Breaking in” Footwear Right Attitude Designated Trail Maps Traveling in a Group High-Quality Sleeping Bags and Outdoor Gear Staying in Good Physical Shape WHO IS CONSIDERED A BEGINNER HIKER? If you have been on less than five…

Water can really weigh you down if you carry too much of it when you don’t need to. I used to do this all of the time, first as a day hiker and then later as a backpacker. The main ways to carry and transport waters are water bladders (Camelbak, Platypus) or water bottles (Nalgene, reuse bottle). There are hikers that swear by bladders, and others by water bottles. Some bring both. In the end, it’s all personal preference through experience. As a day hiker, I used to carry 3 or 4 liters of water for a long summer hike, even though I was surrounded by water sources in the mountains where I hiked. I hadn’t learned to use a water filter yet, and would often turn back when my water started to run out rather than…

Surviving in the wild isn’t easy, and even though the most important tool you take with you is your knowledge, you will need a few tools. What I mean by “need” is the average person cannot survive properly without these essentials. Can you walk out and survive a few weeks in the woods without anything? Yes, maybe, but why take a chance? I have spent hundreds of hours in the wilderness and I love to pack light. Everything I carry is essential and even though I may change some of these items, depending on “how long I plan to survive in the wilderness” and “where I plan on surviving in the wilderness,” these are the basic items I always take. Knife – Taking a knife with you is always essential. If you…

Few things can ruin a hike faster than a daypack malfunction. Maybe you’ve never been there, but I have, and I’ll always remember having to carry all my gear back to camp in my two hands because the bottom completely ripped out of my pack. A great way to ensure that never happens to you is to invest in a quality daypack. However, it can be challenging to make a decision when you’re staring at well over 100 different packs, all of which claim to be the best. This Montem Diadema Hiking Daypack review may help you narrow your search and decide if this is a good choice for your needs. BEFORE YOU BUY A DAYPACK One of the easiest ways to narrow down the field is to consider what you need…

A high-quality daypack is a must for everyone from casual outdoorsmen and women to experienced hikers. Today’s packs are so durable and useful, that the one you’re in the market to purchase right now may be the last one you ever need. With that in mind, this Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L daypack review may help to steer you in the right direction as you search for your next pack. BEFORE YOU SHOP One thing you’ll quickly notice is that there are hundreds of different options on the market, and a large number of those bags are all high quality and will get the job done. Before you can find the perfect bag for yourself, there are a few critical features to consider that will help you decide what you want…