Spring is the season to hit the trails and scope out existing or new hideaways. I use this time to find new camping spots, fishing holes, and stay on the look out for any new/existing hunting areas.
During this time vegetation is just beginning to bloom and visibility of what winter may or may have not changed or altered the landscape can be seen.
This in mind, when venturing to known areas you should be aware that the landscape may have changed, such as downed trees, fallen rocks, downed man made structures, and the change in the physical features of lakes and rivers. If you are searching for a hunting spot keep an eye out for both the type of game that you are going to be hunting and also the supply of food that is in the area to feed them; this knowledge can be invaluable to a hunter. Likewise if you are a fisherman take one day and walk by your fishing holes and check for the changes, especially if your into fly fishing where the winter can dramatically change the rivers physical features.
When scoping out the landscape I would suggest bringing a pair of binoculars and a digital camera. Binoculars are great to look ahead so that you don't have to cover certain distances that are unneeded by foot. A digital camera is great for those who want to take a (real) picture of the land area. Maps are great, but real time up to the date photos will give the best information of an area that most maps on a computer can give.
Some other ideas to think of when scoping out your new or existing spot is to bring something to mark the area such as chalk, colored string, or anything else that can help you find your way back when the vegetation is in full bloom, or when you get your way back this fall. Certain landmarks such as the largest tree, tree that is a weird shape, a large rock (or rock formation), anything that may be unusual for the landscape that sticks out. Please do not use anything that will harm habitat.
Cheers!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Monday, I touched on what type of clothing I like to wear and what other clothes to pack. I always dress so that you will not sweat under your clothes. I tend to always recommend long pants and long sleeve top, either being a jacket, fleece, or long sleeve shirt appropriate for the weather and terrain that you will be encountering. I like wearing long sleeves in ALL weather, because long clothes protect from branches, twigs, insects, and to help regulate body temperature to name a few.
When I was in the Military and I went out to the field besides my weapon and water I never left without my poncho and poncho liner. How did this come about you may ask? When I was in basic training the Drill Sargent gave everyone in my platoon the option to purchase a poncho (woobie) for our first night mission. Out of 50 men I think 5 purchased one, I was not one of them. That night was the second coldest night of my life. Eventually, the guys that did purchase a poncho liner did wind up sharing (I think we fit between 5-10 under one poncho), if you left the warmth of the poncho for any reason, good luck reclaiming your spot! The amount of warmth the poncho gives is unbelievable. Need less to say everyone bought one the next time we were given the chance.
Back on topic shall we?
The poncho liner can be used as shelter from the wind and the sun. Poncho liners have tie downs which can be used to tie on to branches, bushes, or anything else you can come up with to make a sturdy shelter. I've read about Rangers going through phases and going to sleep soaking wet, wrapping themselves in a poncho liner and coming out dry, because the liner traps in the body heat and lets the moisture escape. I've never tried it, but in extreme circumstances I would use it as a last resort. I also recommend purchasing a waterproof bag to put all your clothes in so that if it rains or your fall into water, your clothes will stay dry. A waterproof bag can also be used as a flotation device in the water (as long as the bag is sealed correctly.)
Next, I recommend a waterproof flashlight. These flashlights will run $10-$25, there are more expensive lights, so how much you spend is up to you; I just make sure that the light source is halogen. Halogen lights last thousands of hours and are very dependable. Packing an extra set of batteries would be a good idea too. Waterproof matches are also a smart idea.
A first aid kit is a smart idea when heading out to the backwoods. First Aid kits come in many shape and sizes and should be targeted for the environment being entered. That said a basic first aid kit will run $15-$30. I like to make sure there are tape, adhesive bandages, absorbent compress dressing, hydro-cortisone ointment packets, scissors, and antibiotic ointment packets, to name a few. If you have any medical conditions or at risk of certain health issues, these should be included into into your kit. Many kits come in a hard plastic cases, I will at times put the items in a waterproof bag so that space in my traveling pack (back pack) would be used efficiently.
I like to pack is a hatchet with a blunt end. Yes, knives are great, but if I were to choose between knife and a hatchet it would be a hatchet. Hatchets, are good for chopping, cleaning animals, building, pounding, protection, to name a few.
Lastly, don't for get to pack a hat (appropriate to the weather) and sunglasses. A hat will both keep the heat of your body in and protect your face from the sun and other weather elements. Sun glasses are great too. Sun glasses protect your eyes from the sun (obvious), dust particles, insects, and the wind.
There are many types and configurations of clothing and gear that a person uses for the outdoors, but that is up to the individual(s). This post is what I would recommend as a good first step to be prepared for your outing. I'd love to hear what you think. Do you need anything explained more thoroughly? Did I miss something? Please chime in!
Unplug and get out doors!
When I was in the Military and I went out to the field besides my weapon and water I never left without my poncho and poncho liner. How did this come about you may ask? When I was in basic training the Drill Sargent gave everyone in my platoon the option to purchase a poncho (woobie) for our first night mission. Out of 50 men I think 5 purchased one, I was not one of them. That night was the second coldest night of my life. Eventually, the guys that did purchase a poncho liner did wind up sharing (I think we fit between 5-10 under one poncho), if you left the warmth of the poncho for any reason, good luck reclaiming your spot! The amount of warmth the poncho gives is unbelievable. Need less to say everyone bought one the next time we were given the chance.
Back on topic shall we?
The poncho liner can be used as shelter from the wind and the sun. Poncho liners have tie downs which can be used to tie on to branches, bushes, or anything else you can come up with to make a sturdy shelter. I've read about Rangers going through phases and going to sleep soaking wet, wrapping themselves in a poncho liner and coming out dry, because the liner traps in the body heat and lets the moisture escape. I've never tried it, but in extreme circumstances I would use it as a last resort. I also recommend purchasing a waterproof bag to put all your clothes in so that if it rains or your fall into water, your clothes will stay dry. A waterproof bag can also be used as a flotation device in the water (as long as the bag is sealed correctly.)
Next, I recommend a waterproof flashlight. These flashlights will run $10-$25, there are more expensive lights, so how much you spend is up to you; I just make sure that the light source is halogen. Halogen lights last thousands of hours and are very dependable. Packing an extra set of batteries would be a good idea too. Waterproof matches are also a smart idea.
A first aid kit is a smart idea when heading out to the backwoods. First Aid kits come in many shape and sizes and should be targeted for the environment being entered. That said a basic first aid kit will run $15-$30. I like to make sure there are tape, adhesive bandages, absorbent compress dressing, hydro-cortisone ointment packets, scissors, and antibiotic ointment packets, to name a few. If you have any medical conditions or at risk of certain health issues, these should be included into into your kit. Many kits come in a hard plastic cases, I will at times put the items in a waterproof bag so that space in my traveling pack (back pack) would be used efficiently.
I like to pack is a hatchet with a blunt end. Yes, knives are great, but if I were to choose between knife and a hatchet it would be a hatchet. Hatchets, are good for chopping, cleaning animals, building, pounding, protection, to name a few.
Lastly, don't for get to pack a hat (appropriate to the weather) and sunglasses. A hat will both keep the heat of your body in and protect your face from the sun and other weather elements. Sun glasses are great too. Sun glasses protect your eyes from the sun (obvious), dust particles, insects, and the wind.
There are many types and configurations of clothing and gear that a person uses for the outdoors, but that is up to the individual(s). This post is what I would recommend as a good first step to be prepared for your outing. I'd love to hear what you think. Do you need anything explained more thoroughly? Did I miss something? Please chime in!
Unplug and get out doors!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Today, I want to talk about what type of food that should be considered when going out for a hike. When considering what foods to bring on a hike, consider bring foods that have carbohydrates, electrolytes, decent amount of calories, protein, and some fat. These are examples of energy fuel needed for long strainus activity to keep the body going. If we consider our own body weight and the weight of equipment and gear (including clothes), our bodies are moving 30 pounds or more on top of our regular body weight!
Here's an example of a meal I would pack: (1)peanut putter and Jelly sandwich on white bread (don't skimp on the peanut butter) (2) banana (3) 3 hard boiled eggs (4) orange (5) peanuts (6) Prime Sports Fuel Drink from Gatorade (7) King Size Snickers candy bar. A person can't go wrong with more food, but at a minimum I would recommend a similar meal. Energy foods that will keep you going and keep you feeling full at the same time.
I also like to bring a bag of sunflower seeds, gum, and beef Jerky to eat during my actual movement. The seeds give me salt and nutrients. Jerky will gives me protein. Gum is motivational and keeps saliva flowing.
If you become an outdoors guru person like me you will want to look into purchasing Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) when hitting the the trails and off the beaten path. The benefits of MREs are the:
(1) practicality of them, they don't need cooling and they take up little room (2) MREs can last years which is great for future adventures and for emergency preparedness in general (3) One full meal MRE can give up to a whole days worth of daily value in nutrients and caloric (4000 plus calories)intake for an active person (4) Most of them are delicious
Long term MRE's are a smart practical investment into preparedness. Two MREs are usually the recommended to pack when heading out on a daily hike. Tomorrow I will go over what type of clothing to wear and to pack.
Here's an example of a meal I would pack: (1)peanut putter and Jelly sandwich on white bread (don't skimp on the peanut butter) (2) banana (3) 3 hard boiled eggs (4) orange (5) peanuts (6) Prime Sports Fuel Drink from Gatorade (7) King Size Snickers candy bar. A person can't go wrong with more food, but at a minimum I would recommend a similar meal. Energy foods that will keep you going and keep you feeling full at the same time.
I also like to bring a bag of sunflower seeds, gum, and beef Jerky to eat during my actual movement. The seeds give me salt and nutrients. Jerky will gives me protein. Gum is motivational and keeps saliva flowing.
If you become an outdoors guru person like me you will want to look into purchasing Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) when hitting the the trails and off the beaten path. The benefits of MREs are the:
(1) practicality of them, they don't need cooling and they take up little room (2) MREs can last years which is great for future adventures and for emergency preparedness in general (3) One full meal MRE can give up to a whole days worth of daily value in nutrients and caloric (4000 plus calories)intake for an active person (4) Most of them are delicious
Long term MRE's are a smart practical investment into preparedness. Two MREs are usually the recommended to pack when heading out on a daily hike. Tomorrow I will go over what type of clothing to wear and to pack.
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