With Tropical Storm Edouardo drenching Houston, I got to thinking about how often rain can ruin fun family vacations. Whether you plan on hiking in the Adirondacks or riding the rapids in Tennessee, rain can put a halt to your plans and leave you staring through the windows of your hotel room until it's time to catch a plane back home.

Of course, every rain storm isn't as torrential as Tropical Storm Edouardo, and as my mother and I drove to San Antonio to visit family this afternoon, we brainstormed ways to keep the fun in your vacation regardless of the weather.

Hiking in the Rain

Just because the sky is leaking doesn't mean you can't go on that nature hike you were planning. Watch the weather forecast to make sure there isn't any thunder or lightening in the vicinity, then gear up for a hike in the rain.

You'll need sensible shoes that won't easily slip on mud or exposed rock, such as the Scarpa Barun GTX hiking boots. The Gore-Tex lining will make sure your socks and feet don't get wet, and the tread will keep you safe from falls.

Additionally, make sure you wear a rain slicker that will keep the rain out of your eyes and protect you should the weather turn ugly while you're climbing the side of a mountain or roaming deep in a forest. A padded lining with plenty of pockets will be perfect, and don't forget extra batteries for the flash lights.

Camping in the Rain

You don't have to seek out more cozy lodgings if the weather turns foul--a great tent and plenty of food that doesn't need to be cooked will suffice even in the wilderness. Make sure that your tent doesn't have any leaks before you start to pitch, and make sure to head indoors if you see lightening or hear thunder close by.

Games in the Rain

Visiting a state or national park during inclement weather can be almost as fun as when the skies are clear and blue. Send your family on a wet-weather scavenger hunt or take a jog through the trails in the rain. Again, as long as there isn't any thunder or lightening, you'll find that the rain is actually invigorating.

Rain doesn't have to spoil your next outdoor vacation. Just make sure you're geared for any type of weather with coats, sensible shoes and luggage that won't ruin if it gets soaked heading for the car.

When you're bored with the usual hiking trails and cross country treks, maybe it's time to hit the mountains! Mountain climbing is a great way to explore the great outdoors, breathe in the fresh mountain air and see life from a new perspective - literally. Still, the only way you'll reach the top is with the right survival gear, and selecting the right mountain climbing boots is an essential step in the right direction.

Mountain climbing boots are usually designed with Thinsulate materials, Gore-Tex and durable rubber to keep your feet well-protected on a rigorous route. Finding the right fit and making sure you pick the right type of shoes will keep you trekking on without stress, and also reduce your risk of injury.

If you're ready to freshen up your outdoor sports agenda and find yourself heading to the mountains, be sure to follow these tips when selecting a pair of mountain climbing boots:

The Heavier the Better

Heavy boots are ideal for mountaineering activities because they help balance out your weight and keep you grounded en route. Look for heavy materials that combine steel, rubber and heavy plastics so you can carry some extra weight in your lower body and maintain balance on even the steepest slopes.

Go For the High-Cut Style

High cut boots provide extra ankle and lower leg support, and can also withstand colder temperatures if you're heading to a snowy mountaintop. Look for styles that provide extra cushioning in the heel and back of the ankles, but make sure you can flex your ankles slightly as you bend, squat or stoop in these boots.

Stick with Waterproof Lining
Waterproof liningmeans you don't have to worry about snow, rain or sleet as you hike and climb your way to the top of the mountain. Waterproof lining such as Gore-Tex can prevent water from soaking into your socks and also help your feet 'breathe' as they sit snugly in those boots. Waterproof lining can be found in the toe area of most quality mountain climbing boots.

Opt for Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather(vs. split-grain leather) is best for more rugged routes, and can withstand extreme temperatures and ward off moisture. Full-grain leather styles are tough; make sure you've given yourself time to 'break in' to these types of mountain climbing boots so you can practice your balancing act on even the toughest trails.

Look for Hidden Support

If you're planning on conquering a multi-route trail that involves mountain climbing, hiking and cross country trekking, you may need some extra support to stabilize the ankles and feet, and prevent shock injuries as you engage in different types of movements. Mountain climbing boots made with steel inserts and flexible plates can provide extra support when you're tackling different types of terrain.

The style and cut of quality mountain climbing boots do take time to get used to, so it's best to practice different stances and maneuvers before you head off on your route. Mountain climbing boots need to be durable, but also provide comfort and protection on those challenging trails. Make use of these tips when you're looking for your ideal pair and enjoy the rough terrain on your mountain climbing venture!

Ever since humans learned to walk, some form of shoe has been essential. Initially, it was a lot about basic protection from the elements. Shoes made from animal skins were developed at first and through the centuries, other types of shoes have been made, incorporating a variety of methods and materials. In more modern times, the discovery of human-made materials have advanced the manufacture of shoes.

Hiking as Recreation

As people began to have more leisure time, and as it became possible to wander farther from home, hiking became more and more popular. Now it is not uncommon to see people enjoying hiking - at different levels of difficulty – for recreation. One of my favorite activities is hiking, and I'm not alone.

Millions of people every year use hiking as a way to connect with nature. I think this is especially true as we become an increasingly urban society. There is definitely a strong desire to get back to our roots in nature. And through the change in the status of hiking, the evolution of hiking shoes has taken place. Originally, people thought of hiking footwear in terms of boots. Bulky, padding-stuffed, stiff boots. These boots were thickly insulated in order to keep in warmth. Additionally, they were large. I look at pictures of my dad's first pair of hiking boots and I can hardly believe how clunky they were. And you had to break them in. If you didn't - well, hiking just didn't maintain the moniker of "recreational activity."

From Hiking Boots to Hiking Shoes

As technology pervades every aspect of life, hiking boots have necessarily been affected. Like microchips and consumer electronics, hiking boots have shrunk in size.

Today's hiking boot is really more of a hiking shoe. The modern hiking shoe, as we know it, started evolving during the 1980s. Nike decided to take on the challenge of casual hikers. Until this point, hiking boots were reserved mainly for the hard core outdoorspeople. But what about those who liked to go for the occasional hike? Many of them didn't want expensive and over-done hiking boots. So, Nike designed a trail shoe that was meant for light hiking.

Now, there are many companies that make hiking shoes. And these hiking shoes have taken advantage of technology to become smaller and sleeker,hile at the same time becoming sturdier. Technological advances have allowed for things like Gore-Tex, which helps protect the feet from water, as well as advances that have led to cushioning in hiking shoes, allowing for a more comfortable hike. And some hiking shoes are made with special technology that lets the shoe to change shape along with the foot. Advances in chemistry have led to more durable materials and research has led to tread that grips better than ever.And you can't forget the technology that has led to breathable mesh materials that add to comfort while maintaining needed insulating effects.

Thanks to technology, we have more choices than ever for when we decide to commune with nature, and we need the proper footwear to do so.

One of the most interesting technology advances in the realm of fabrics and textiles is Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex fabric is fairly amazing. It is meant to be breathable and waterproof at the same time. Gore-Tex is used in a variety of products - from ski gloves to waders to coats to shoes. Indeed, Gore-Tex is very popular in hiking shoes and boots. This is due to the fact that it can help keep your feet dry in a variety of situations.

The Technology Behind Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a revolutionary fabric with proprietary technology.However, there are some basics as to how it works. Gore-Tex is comprised of three layers: an outer fabric, a Gore-Tex membrane and an inner liner. Each of these layers contributes to the qualities of a windproof and waterproof fabric that is ideal for outdoor use. The secret, as you may guess, is in the Gore-Tex membrane. Yes, the outer fabric and the inner liner are durable and breathable (they have to be in order to keep Gore-Tex from becoming unduly uncomfortable), but the
Gore-Tex membrane is made on a microscopic level.

Using technology that allows for things to be constructed on a micro level, the membrane consists of pores. The Gore-Tex Web site points out that each pore used in the membrane is 20,000 times smaller than a water drop. One thing that Gore-Tex can't save you from, though, is what happens when you get to a point where the water does get in. I learned this the hard way. When I was hiking, I had to wade into water that went half way up my calf.

Now the Gore-Tex in my hiking shoes kept my toes dry, but there wasn't a "seal" to keep the water from getting in through the tops of my shoes. And, the water did seep down from the top. The main downside is that once water gets in, it stays in for a while.

Gore-Tex Shoes vs. Non-Gore-Tex Shoes

Even with that one drawback, I still really like Gore-Tex shoes (and I got some Gore-Tex-lined snow boots recently as well). They protect my feet from most instances of getting wet, and the insulation keeps them warm. The fabric is breathable, so it doesn't trap too much sweat in my shoe. And, even when I am wading in water, my feet don't get nearly as wet as they did when I had hiking shoes without the Gore-Tex.

There are other waterproof shoes that don't use Gore-Tex. However, many of them don't have the same technology that allows for a breathable fabric. A lot of the time you either get the breathability of mesh - and wet feet - or you have to give up the breathability to keep your feet dry. And if it's hot, giving up that breathability can eventually lead to uncomfortable feet as the sweat is trapped by your waterproof hiking shoes. Gore-Tex is by no means perfect. Water can find its way in, and the fabric isn't as breathable as mesh. But Gore-Tex does combine the best of both worlds, allowing for a shoe that is reasonably comfortable.

Hiking and backpacking are great ways to traverse the country and explore nature's gifts, but making sure you have the right survival gear for the journey can make that trip even more worthwhile.

Hiking boots are a necessary investment, the only way you can head off on those trails without getting injured, sore or getting tired early on in the trip. Since you want the perfect balance of durability, support and comfort, you'll need a selection strategy to track down your ideal pair. Consider these tips for choosing a high quality hiking boot that will get you through even the most challenging trails and adventures with ease:

1. Wear the right socks: If you're heading off to a rainy or snowy climate, you'll probably wear thick, athletic socks during the trip. This means your hiking boots might be a size larger than usual, so make sure you're trying on the shoes with the same socks you'll be sporting on your travels. Choosing the right socks is another priority - make sure the socks aren't a cotton blend that will quickly soak up moisture; you'll want a pair that can provide plenty of cushioning and keep your toes dry during the trip.

2. Shop for your most challenging terrain: If you're a mountaineering enthusiast or enjoy trekking up steep cliffs and rocky roads, choose the most durable boots that can stand up to the challenge. In this case, you'll want to find boots that can provide extra support and protect your feet from the elements.

3. Go for the leather: Hiking boots can be made with several different types of materials, but leather continues to be one of the most durable and versatile materials available. Leather can keep moisture at bay, is flexible enough to conform to your feet during the steepest climbs, and can trap in heat in colder climates with ease.

4. Leave room for extra padding: Even with the right socks, you might develop a blister or need some extra ankle support during a tough trail. Make sure the hiking boots offer some 'breathing room,' so you can add inserts or bandages without compromising on comfort.

5. Don't compromise on quality: Investing in the correctpair of hiking boots can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Avoid making a selection based solely on price; you need a pair of boots with Gore-Tex lining, the perfect fit, and high quality leather to get you through your adventure*.*

6. Break them in!: When you've made the final selection, taking the boots for a test drive can help you get comfortable with the feel and fit, and help your legs and feet adjust to the new shape. Wearing the boots for day-to-day activities can help you develop the right posture and balance, so you don't stumble as soon as you set foot on the trail. Roughing it in the great outdoors offers plenty of thrills and adventures, but choosing the right gear can make or break the experience.