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.

When you go hiking you need to have the right equipment to finish your expedition safely. The gear that you select needs to be appropriate for the weather, terrain, difficulty of the trail and your experience level.

Selecting a Hiking Boot

There are several ways you can select a hiking boot . However, a good rule of thumb is to select a boot that is designed for the type of hiking you plan on doing. Casual hikers, for example, that only tackle low level trails can get by with the lightweight, hiking boots . These boots weigh in around a pound a piece and look like a cross between a hiking boot and a running shoe . The drawback of this type of boot is that they aren’t as waterproof as better hiking boots are, and they don’t provide your feet and ankles with the stability needed to handle heavy backpacks or extra rough terrain.

The next level of hiking boot is the middleweight hiking boot . This boot typically weighs more than two pounds a piece. These boots are for the average hiker and backpacker. They are great for weekend adventures during the summer months. However, if you plan on an extended backpacking trip, if you plan on exploring extreme environments or if you plan a trip during inclimate weather, then you may want to upgrade your hiking boots.

The top of the line hiking boots are the heavy clompers . These boots weigh in at over five pounds a piece. These boots are designed for hard core backpackers and trekkers. They will provide your feet and ankles with the support that they need, they will keep your feet dry and warm and they will provide you with the traction and versatility that you need for your adventure. They also accommodate strap crampons.

High Altitude Hiking Gear

When you travel into high altitudes there are several pieces of equipment that you are going to need in addition to a great pair of hiking boots. First you will need warmer hiking wear. Weather in high altitudes is colder than you may expect and weather conditions can change rapidly. To stay warm you will need a great jacket, think layers, gloves, a hat and warm thermal underwear . You will also need a great pair of goggle style sunglasses to protect your eyes from solar radiation and the cold. You may also want to bring oxygen with you if you plan on going really high, as well as a GPS locator in case you get lost and need to be rescued. Finally, you can bring with you strap crampons, ice cleats, snow shoes and ski equipment with you to handle snowy and/or icy terrain.

Recreational Hiking Gear

If you are just a recreational hiker then you can experiment with the type of gear that you bring with you on your hiking adventures. Generally a short hiking trip will only require a good pair of hiking boots, a walking stick and a canteen of water. If you are hiking in warm or hot weather then you will also want to wear a hat, wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 and a carb rich snack. On the other hand, if you plan a hiking trip during cold weather then you will want to also bring appropriate clothing, ice cleats or snow shoes, matches in a waterproof container, a plastic garbage bag and extra food and water.

All Hikers

No matter what type of hiking adventure you want to go on, it is always a good idea to bring a friend with you. They can be your most valuable piece of hiking gear that you can have. After all if you get injured you have someone to help you out of the backcountry, or someone to go for help. A cell phone is another valuable piece of hiking equipment to bring with you. If you get reception in the area you are hiking you can call for help or update people on where you are and when you plan on returning home. This is very important to do, especially if you change your original plans.

If you and your family prefer the smell of freshly cut grass to the scent of room-service breakfast in the morning, fancy hotels just might not cut it for your vacations. Outdoorsy types would rather hike , bike and climb than visit museums and other tourist attractions, and thankfully, the U.S. is chocked full of great vacations for those who prefer the great outdoors.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, for example, is one of the most popular destinations. Conceived and built in the ’20s and ’30s, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail winds sinuously from Maine to Georgia over 2,175 miles of beautiful scenery. Mile markers posted along the footpath tell hikers how far they’ve come and how far they have to go, and many families choose to visit a new leg of the trail every year until they’ve covered it all.

This incredible path was designed and cleared by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to maintaining the hiking trails in the U.S. According to the National Park Service, more than 4 million people visit the Appalachian National Scenic Trail each year, and more than two thirds of the U.S. population are within a day’s drive of a portion of the trail.

If you’re looking into prime outdoor vacations, this is definitely one of the first spots you should consider, particularly because it can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Most of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is not difficult to traverse-there are very few steep hills-and the path is dutifully maintained by the ATC. Furthermore, you can punctuate your vacation with pauses in various cities and towns along your hike, exploring historical areas and learning what this country has to offer.

The best time to plan vacations at the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is during the late spring, when all of the state parks through which the trail cuts are in bloom and none are closed. Camping parks are available for outdoorsy types who want to pause for the night and sleep under the stars, though there are also hotels and hostels if you don’t feel like roughing it overnight.

Families with children should start their vacations in the southernmost tip of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, because this is the easiest leg of the path. Low hills and gentle valleys keep the hike interesting, but there aren’t any major elevation changes that might wear out little legs or cause difficulty breathing. Plus, hikers have the opportunity to see Springer Mountain, Neels Gap and Vogel State Park, all of which offer breathtaking views.

However, outdoorsy types who like a challenge on their vacations might prefer the Pennsylvania leg of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This section is punctuated by tall, rocky ridges and treacherous gaps that make hiking more invigorating for the experienced hiker. Historical sites abound in this area, which provides relief from the monotony of hiking, and there are plenty of cool streams in which to dip your feet before you carry on.

All in all, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is one of the most beautiful footpaths in the country, and it certainly gets points for length. Although you won’t be able to see all-or even half-on one vacation, the outdoorsy type will think he has died and gone to heaven.

As my family and I sit here planning our next camping trip, all I can do is laugh, remembering our first camping experience years ago. We were so unprepared. What happened is pretty hilarious now, but at the time it wasn’t all that funny.

You see, we really had no clue what we would need, but we sure thought we did. It’s a good thing our accompanying friends had a few things we were lacking. Unfortunately, we did have to leave the campsite for the rest of the items, which would not have been as simple if we hadn’t had friends with us or if we had chosen a more remote location. It’s obvious that a tent is needed for camping, unless a cabin or camper is being used. However, what wasn’t so obvious to us during our first camping trip was to bring extra stakes and tie downs.

Sometimes what comes with the tent just won’t cut it, as we found out when one section of our tent sagged no matter what we did. Borrowing a friend’s extra stake and tie down solved the problem.

Another item we mistakenly left out was sunscreen. At the time, we were not very good at wearing sunscreen to begin with, so it’s no surprise we forgot that, but on a camping trip sunscreen is essential. Being outdoors all day without protection from the sun is not good for the skin at all. I’ve even heard that putting it in the hair can help prevent sun streaks and split ends. Luckily, our friends had some extra sunscreen we could use.

Thicker, longer socks was something we hadn’t considered at all for our camping trip list. This was one of the items we had to leave the camp site for. Since we were camping in an area that could have contained ticks, we really should have had better socks on, as well as packed additional ones. Thankfully we were not too far outside of town, so it was fairly easy to pick up some appropriate socks.

In addition to the items above, there were several more items we forgot during that trip. Because of that experience, we now know exactly what to bring, so I guess it was good for a lesson. Some of the items on our main camping trip supply list are: tent and extra stakes and tie downs, tarp, hammer, pillow/sleeping bag/extra blanket/air mattress/sheets for each person, air pump, air mattress repair kit, compass and map for each person, folding chair for each person, folding table, fishing poles/bait/line/bucket, lots of water (some for drinking, some for cleaning), cooking source, cookware, utensils, knives, food, fire source, trash bags, plastic tablecloth, dish soap, foil, tissue, paper towels, dishes and silverware, plastic bin for dish-washing, personal care items, clothing for all weather types, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and various other items, depending on the camping trip.

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.

Is there anything more relaxing than a long hike? Whether you’re hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Colorado Rockies or somewhere in between, your stress levels will be greatly reduced. The only thing that may be a bit stressful is finding snacks and meals that will keep you energized during a long hike. Many hikers choose beef jerky, nuts and fruit. But, what if you want food that seems more like a meal and snacks that are a bit more flavorful?

When it comes to snacks for your hike, there are several easy recipes available. If you have a backpack that has a cooler compartment, you could package the ingredients to prepare an easy yogurt parfait recipe. This recipe provides protein, calcium, antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber. In other words, it’s the perfect recipe to keep you from tiring out on a long hike.

Keep On Hiking Yogurt Parfait:8 ounce container of fat-free vanilla yogurt, ¼ cup fresh blueberries, ¼ cup fresh raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute, ½ cup granola.

Before going on your hike, place the berries into a sealable container and sprinkle with the sugar/sugar substitute. Next, pour the granola into a zip top bag and place everything into the cooler compartment of your backpack. Don’t forget to pack a tall glass to prepare your parfait in, and a plastic spoon. When you get ready to enjoy your parfait, layer the ingredients into the glass and enjoy. Preparing this recipe during the hike will prevent the granola from getting soggy.

When it comes time for lunch, you need a recipe that will provide you with a variety of different vitamins and minerals. One recipe that can provide what you need to finish a long hike is a chicken and pasta salad. This recipe is easy to prepare and is loaded with protein, fiber and light flavors that won’t weigh you down on a long hike.

Hike Another Mile Chicken Pasta Salad: 1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta (any shape is fine)<br>3 ounces of seasoned, cooked, and chopped chicken breast (add your favorite flavors), ¼ cup chopped bell pepper, ¼ cup grape tomatoes, 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Cracked black pepper to taste, Sea salt to taste.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken, whole wheat pasta, bell pepper and tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine the chives, olive oil, lemon juice, cracked pepper and salt. Gently combine the two mixtures, package in a sealable container and place in the cooler compartment of your backpack.

A hike doesn’t have to consist of boring snacks. You also don’t have to prepare a complicated recipe. Instead, prepare a recipe that can be thrown together minutes before heading off to your favorite hiking location. After all, your time should be spent enjoying the hike, rather than slaving over a recipe. And, while they may be easy, these recipes are still impressive enough to invite a special someone to hike along with you.

Mount Rainier is spectacular. This combination of two trails is a must do.

We’ve hiked much of the United States and some of Canada. How can I pick just one favorite hike? Should I pick the close-encounter-with-the-grizzly-bear hike? Should I pick the most beautiful hike? Should I pick one with ladders? Should I pick the one on which we got lost? I chose the hike about which I’m writing based on what I like best in a hike – variety of sights and terrain.

Mount Rainier National Park has close to 236,000 acres. The mountain is an active volcano with a range in elevation from 1,610 feet to 14,41 feet above sea level. One of the hikes we did in this must see National Park was recommended by a ranger. We intended to only do the first part of the hike called the Comet Falls Trail, which is 3.8 miles round trip with an elevation of 900 feet. The suggested hike time is three hours. However once we were on the trail we were told by several people that we must go on to the Van Trump hike to Trump Park. We did and though we were exhausted I highly recommend that you continue.

This will make the hike about a 2,000 foot elevation gain and take about five hours. Most people it seems don’t hike to Trump Park because they aren’t aware that there is much more to see. Let’s start from the beginning – You’ll find the trailhead for Comet Falls four miles east on the road heading toward Paradise. Although the

Their Web site notes that the parking is limited, and that there is no more parkingc so have an alternative hike in mind, don’tgive up so fast!

If you find that the parking area is full drive about a quarter of a mile and you’ll see a small parking area on the opposite side of the street. If you drive a bit farther you’ll find more places to park. You might get lucky like we did and get a ride back to our car after our hike by people who got a space at the trail head. This trail is strenuous – perhaps the most strenuous we have done, though not the most dangerous. It’s a safe trail. You won’t have ledges on which to walk or look down to hundreds of feet of air. During our hike to Comet Falls we had the falls on our left much of the time. There were some challenging rocks over which we had to climb; some large branches; and very steep inclines and declines some of which were on pebbles and dirt thus slippery from the mist. The forest kept changing from thick trees to open grass; from shade to sun. The wildflowers were gorgeous. There were patches of them along the way.

One mistake I think some people make is to think that the top of Christine Falls while very pretty is Comet Falls and it is not. You must keep walking to reach Comet Falls. The top of Comet Falls is gorgeous. You’ll know it because there is a flat piece of rock that allows you to get very close to the falls and the mist. If it’s warm you’ll enjoy the moisture. Until you find this landing you haven’t reached the top of Comet Falls! After enjoying a refreshing shower in the mist we were energized to continue up the gruesomely difficult though well maintained trail.

The trail was quite steep. You’ll find large, high granite steps. There were some boulders that at my 5-feet-4-inches tall I had to sit on to get down them and needed a little help to get up the rocks. You are going to see a sign that says “maintained path is ended.” Please keep going. It is very safe and you are not breaking any laws. You will be treated to Van Trump Park and views that are unbelievable. I was a bit concerned that we were sitting on wildflowers but a Ranger who was coming back said it was fine for us to be sitting down.

The area is quite remote so in spite of signs that tell you not to step off the path because you’ll kill the flowers you can enjoy this area. I did try to be careful to sit where there was grass rather than flowers. It’s a wonderful place to have lunch or a snack. By then you’ll need something to eat and drink. Make sure you brink lots of both. Although we stopped in this area, Van Trump Park, a family and a Marine (and the Ranger who was coming back) continued walking. The more you walk the closer you will come to Mount Rainier You will at this point feel as if you can touch Mount Rainier. It was truly one of the most memorable and
spiritual experiences I’ve had.

Other information culled from : http://www.nps.gov/archive/mora/trail/comet.htm

There are no specific areas for camping but with a permit you can backpack overnight. Check the Web site for weather conditions. The day we were there it was beautiful though be prepared to walk in snow. Fires are not allowed nor are pets.Water must be treated before drinking. Have fun! Please take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

Sources: www.nps.gov/archive/mora/trail/comet.htm