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, 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!

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.

Today, I want to talk about one of the most important things, if not the most important things that every outdoors person should have with them, water.  I mentioned on Monday that the average man should drink about 3L of water daily and women should drink about 2.2 L daily with an non rigorous lifestyle according to the Mayo Clinic.  I'm by no means a doctor and I always recommend speaking to your doctor regarding your health because everyone is different.  This in mind I will be relating the following thoughts towards a person who is to be considered healthy and able to do physical activity.

First, before I decide to do any rigorous outdoor activities I always will drink the recommended daily amount of water to make sure I'm well hydrated before taking part in activities, usually 24-48 hours before I take my first step on the trail.  This will help me conserve the water I bring with me and make the water go a lot longer way.

Dehydration is a real thing.  We usually associate dehydration with warm/hot weather.  This is not the case.  Dehydration in the winter is equally a real thing, maybe even more as Dr. Kenefick explains:

The body is about two-thirds water, and when the total water level drops by only a few percent, we can become dehydrated. Kenefick says fluid deficits of 3 to 8 percent of body mass have been reported in individuals working in cold environments, and dehydration is a major problem with exercise in the cold.

Yet the loss of fluid from our bodies, which triggers thirst in warmer weather, does not elicit the same response when the temperatures dip. It's not simply because we don't feel hot, Kenefick says. His recent study, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, shows that cold actually alters thirst sensation.

"Fluid balance in our bodies often relies on the stimulation of thirst, resulting in voluntary fluid intake, as well as the kidneys conserving or excreting water," Kenefick says. "This process is mediated by fluid-regulating hormones such as plasma Argentine vasopressin (AVP)."Read more: http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/hydration-during-winter-sports-just-as-essential#ixzz2zYMOaAC8

 Usually as a rule of thumb when I'm on a continuous walk in weather 70 degrees or below I will drink a mouth full of water every 30 minutes.  I try to not gulp or chug water even if I'm not thirsty.  If I see myself craving water, this is the first sign of possible dehydration.  I would recommend resting for one half hour to an hour.  During your rest I recommend sipping on water every 5 minutes.  I sip because I do not want to shock my body and not have the water completely absorb in my body and just pea it out.  There are many people who take a side wither the temperature of water matters.  Personally, I've found that by sipping water it dose not matter.  Though if I were to chose water at room temperature makes most sense to me.  My thought is, if my body is already warning me of dehydration, my body dose not need ice cold water to send an eternal shock throughout my body at the same time.  In the summer my winter hydration approach changes slightly.  I usually will drink every 15 minutes to compensate for my body working against the  higher temperatures.  If I do feel lightheaded or dehydrated I make sure to shelter myself from the sun to let my body recuperate.

 When I go hiking or do a similar activity I try to bring enough water to last me a full 24 hour day.  I use these numbers somewhat loosely, because everyone's physical shape is different.  Men should have 5L worth of water in the winter and 6L in the summer.  Women should have 4L in the winter and 5L in the summer.  I would not encourage less than these numbers.   In fact I would add an extra L to be on the safe side.  If you are looking for the conversion of L to pounds it is 1L= 2.2 pounds.

The best way to stow and carry water on a hike is a camelback.  I suggest a 70 oz.(1.98L) camelback, this can run $60 and up.  The number one thing about using a camelback is filling it ONLY with WATER.  Filling the camelback system with Gatorade or other fluids will ruin the system.  There is also the option of purchasing a Camelback backpack, this can be convenient because it is useful as a backpack and useful as storage of a another back up fluid system.  The backpack systems cant range from $80-$150 for a good one.  The backpack system is nice because buying separately a camelback and a back pack can feel real awkward (save your receipt if you purchase both a camelback and a back pack in case you will have to return them.)
 
The next way to carry water is by canteen.  Canteens vary in size, color, and purpose.  The most common are 1 and 2 quart sizes (1q is just less than 1L.)  Canteens can be attached to a camelback backpack system or more efficiently to a Military pistol belt or a canteen system belt.  I would configure my water as follows for a man: 1 Camelback 70oz. backpack, 2-2qt Canteens that will be placed on my pistol belt on my hips and 2-1qt canteens that will sit between my 2qt canteens and my kidneys, with my backpack system centered in my back splitting the difference  of of the 1qt canteens.  This will give me approximately 8L, if I were to not to use the 2-1qt canteens I would be carrying about 6L. How you personalize your water system is up to you.  The rule of thumb is to carry most attached weight to your body so that the weight is being supported by your legs and not your back. 

When going out for the weekend you should not take the weather forecast on your smartphone for granted.  I would even say not to put all your confidence in what the meteorologist reports.  Drastic changes of weather usually can happen in between the change of one season and into the next.  I usually will look at a seven day forecast on Monday to get an IDEA of what the weather will be like around the area I'm planning to venture out to.  I will usually make a decision about a day out from my trip.  I will also look ahead one or two days to get an idea of what the weather is like just in case I have to stay outside for a night or two longer than I would expect. 

 

Another factor to consider when heading out towards your destination is what type of terrain you will  be encountering.  Will the terrain be flat, marshy, dry, rocky, uneven, hilly, icy, mountainous, dense forest, a valley, to name some of the most common.  Knowing this will help prepare you with what type of clothes and gear that you will be needed.  If you are hiking near a real mountainous range you should know that mountains can create their own weather, this is usually not part of any forecast.  While hiking in a valley temperature can change instantly.  I've seen temperatures drop twenty degrees in a snap.  Usually with falling temperatures in valleys you tend to get strong cross-winds that can go from no wind to forty-five mile per hour cross winds, or more.  During the spring the sun is not as high as it would be in the summer so it will usually stay cooler longer and their will be less direct sunlight than if you were outdoors in July versus April or May.

 

When I'm at home planning out my venture I like to have a map of the place or places one year or newer where I'm going to be going.  I tend to want to know what is around within a ten mile radius from my start point and from my end point.  I like to look for are roads (main paved and dirt trails), buildings (residence, business, and forestry services), and what type of terrain (mountains, rivers, hills, valleys, lakes, ponds, and other such features) on the map.  This can all be obtained from a terrain map, though a geographical map is useful too.  Once you have a map I recommend waterproofing/weatherproofing it.  There are many different ways to do this.  (1) Laminate your map. This is good if you are going to keep it in your backpack because usually it is more difficult to fold.  I would recommend laminating your map one half inch sides all around.  (2)  Purchase a waterproof map case that you can purchase at a store.  I would look for something that I can use a laminated marker to write on so that if I need to take notes before or during my venture I can. (3) Put your map in a Ziplock gallon bag.  This is cheap and efficient, but you will be unable to write on the bag and take notes on when compared to likes of if you were to use a laminated surface. 

I would also recommend  purchasing a compass if you know how to use one.  I will go through land navigation and the use of a compass at a later date for those who wish to learn how.  Most times a map is all you really need if you are traveling 6 mile or less.  I would recommend a compass when traveling beyond 6 miles, especially if you are going some where new for the first time.

Tomorrow I will talk about water consumption, why water is important and the different ways to carry and transport it with you. 

 

Adventure on!

Spring is in full swing and nature is coming to life in all its beauty.  The unfortunate few are still watching the snow and ice melt and are slowly seeing specs of green and all colors of the rainbow begin to awaken.  During this time of year I like to just venture off on trails and do some stress less hiking through trails while planning out future hikes, camping spots, hunting, and fishing holes for the up coming seasons. The reason I like doing these kinds of hikes is that (1) The weather is usually not miserable and the gear that is needed during the spring is lighter than the gear used in the winter depending on where you live.  (2)A great reason to hit the trails early is that vegetation is not lush, which makes for better maneuverability and give you the ability to scope out future places you may want to go when the vegetation comes back. There is usually just enough green either on the ground or close by trees and bushes that will give me an idea of how thick vegetation will be during the peak of summer. (3) The information of possible dangers that may be present are the most visible at this time. (4) I will answer any questions and bring up anything that happens between now and the end of May.
The next four weeks I will tackle each of the above and prepare you for an awesome spring and up coming summer!

(1) The weather is usually not miserable and the gear that is needed during the spring is lighter than the gear used in the winter depending on where you live.


First off if there is still snow on the ground and the terrain will keep you knee deep in snow I would highly recommend giving your venture one or two weeks before going out. 
If there is one thing I've learned is that it is better to be over prepared than under prepared.  Though it says spring on the calendar, mother nature does things at her own pace, so be prepared for changing weather.  The meteorologist is not always correct!  Some hikes are obvious others are not, nonetheless I would always recommend bring a laminated map of the area in which you are to embark.  I prefer a laminated map because you can use laminated markers for notes while having the option to highlight important land marks. Another cheap way to water proof your map is a gallon Ziploc freezer bag.  If you know how to use a compass this is a plus, but is not needed. 

Next to a map I make sure I have plenty of water on me.  A common question is how much water should I bring?  According to the Mayo Clinic the average man needs 3L and women needs 2.2L of water a day.  I would recommend 5L for a man and 4L for a woman at least, you must take into account the amount of physical activity that you will go through and the possibility if something goes wrong that you have enough for almost two days.  Canteens are usually attached to your pistol belt or a canteen belt kit.  Types of water storage I prefer are 2-4 canteens (Depends on the volume) and a Camelback. These types of storage are great because canteens sit on your waist and the camelpack on your center upper back, this weight distribution shifts the weight to the center of your bodies gravity where your legs and not your back dose all the work.  I also will drink the recommendation of water to be hydrated 24 hours before I even go on my hike.  This will leave me drinking less water on my hike.

After water I recommend bringing at least one self made meal along per person.  I also recommend packing peanuts, fruit, and vegetables.  When I'm on a long hike I like to bring sunflower seeds, gum, salt tablets, and maybe an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat.)
The next necessity is either a hatchet or a knife, or both.  If I had to choose between carrying a  hatchet or knife I would choose a hatchet, due to its upside for survival qualities.

I always get the question, "how do I dress when hitting the outdoors?"  My answer is always the same, "dress so that you will not sweat under your clothes."  Then you pack cooler and warmer layers in your backpack or butt-pack.  In addition I recommend packing a poncho (for warmth) and a poncho liner (stay dry) in case you get rained on or you have to shelter yourself from heavy moisture (rain, sleet, snow).  It is possible to use your poncho and poncho liner to pitch up a shelter and to also shade yourself from the beating sun.
Other gear I would recommend is a waterproof flashlight, waterproof matches and a first aid kit.  The weight of water will equal (5L or 11lbs for a male and a female 3L about 5lbs.) The rest of the gear will weight in about another 10 pounds or less; that leaves us with about 15-20 pounds of basic gear to cover most bases.
Through the week I will go into more detail, stay tuned and please share your experiences and ask questions!

Content will begin on Monday 12am PST.  Thanks for your interest and patients!