• Torso Fit Range: 14.5″ – 18.5″ / 37 – 47 cm
• Volume: 4500 in³ (74 Liter)
• Weight: 5lb / 2.2kg
• Packed Size: 32″ x 13″ x 12″ / 81x33x30cm
• Suspension: Adjustable with Cloud lock II Suspension

Tried and true, the Women’s Coyote is a fully-featured load hauler, ideal for extended trips into the backcountry. Cloud Lock II adjustable suspension and dual Light Beam aluminum stays give this pack outstanding support for heavy loads while adjusting easily for a custom fit. You’ll find it easy to load with the top loading design; however, you won’t have any issues finding what you need with the front-panel access and zippered side pockets. Hydration and snacks won’t be an issue either with its hydration compatible design and hip belt pockets for small items. And for quick day hikes away from camp, the Coyote’s lid converts into a handy lumbar pack. The women’s specific Coyote is designed to be fully adjustable to fit your torso length and carry a heavy load, providing unmatched stability and comfort on the trail which results in a trusted pack for all your expeditions. The Light Beam(tm) dual aluminum stays are connected to the hip belt providing direct load transfer which can be

List Price: $ 199.95

Price: $ 147.95

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Kelty Women’s Coyote 75 Internal Frame Backpack, Purple, 14.5-18.5-Inch is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Rugged high-denier honeycomb ripstop with reinforced corners and seams. Built in rainfly included with each pack.
• Internal 10-liter sleeping bag compartment
• Includes high-visibility 20-liter yellow dry bag with integrated carry handle
• Front and side compression straps secure tent poles or skis and keep pack tight when jumping or running
• Four drip holes drain water fast when you submerge your pack

Load this pack up with a change of clothes and shoes, food, sleeping bag, tent, poles, ice axe, mini cook stove, and more, yet pack still rides tight and comfortable so you can run and jump without fear of losing anything. PVC/PET dry bag fits inside or hangs from loop to protect keys and valuables in wet or muddy conditions. This low-profile pack has a comfort harness, padded shoulders and back, four adjustment points and is hydration-ready fitting up to a 2.5-liter bladder (not included).

List Price: $ 129.99

Price: $ 65.80

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TETON Sports Canyon 2100 Canyoneering Internal Frame Backpack (25.5″x 13″x 11.5″, Orange) is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Large, front-load main compartment. Slide-access hydration compartment with shoulder strap hose jacket, holds a 2-liter reservoir. SLIDELOCK reservoir has a wide opening to make it easier to fill, add ice and clean
• Insulated water tube cover prevents water from freezing in the tube. Hinged front pocket holds a helmet.
• Front zippered pocket holds bicycle tools, accessories or media player. Vapel mesh adjustable backpack straps
• Tuck-away, adjustable waist belt secures the pack Reflective loop holds bike LED blinker.
• Size: 17.0″ x 11.0″ x 5.25″ Capacity: 600.0 cubic-Inch Weight: 1.51 lbs. Materials: Grid-Weave Duralite, Shiny Mini-Waffle Weave

• Large, front-load main compartment.
• Slide-access hydration compartment with shoulder strap hose jacket, holds a 2-liter reservoir.
• SLIDELOCK reservoir has a wide opening to make it easier to fill, add ice and clean.
• Insulated water tube cover prevents water from freezing in the tube.
• Hinged front pocket holds a helmet.
• Front zippered pocket holds bicycle tools, accessories or media player.
• Vapel mesh adjustable backpack straps.
• Tuck-away, adjustable waist belt secures the pack
• Reflective loop holds bike LED blinker.

List Price: $ 90.00

Price: $ 44.90

Related Hydration Pack Products

High Sierra Quickshot 70 Hydration Pack (Amazon, 17x 11x 5.25-Inch) is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Soft flannel liner for extra warmth and comfort
• Two-sided zipper guards prevent snags; two-way zipper allows you to unzip the bag from the bottom up to allow increased airflow
• Integrated, adjustable mummy-style hood
• Shoulder baffle and a full length zipper draft tube keep warmth in and cold out
• 90 inches long x 39 inches wide; 7 lbs.

Tired of squeezing into little bags? Try the Celsius XXL. At 90″ X 39″ it’s an oversize bag great for any size person. Filled with SuperLoft Elite 4-channel hollow fiber insulation to keep the cold out, the Celsius XXL bag comes with all the bells and whistles of a more expensive bag: shoulder and zipper baffles, adjustable mummy hood, interior storage pocket, and an oxford nylon compression sack to pack it away when not in use. The internal storage pocket is sized for keys, wallet, watch and other valuables. Two bags zip together with left and right side zippers. See www.tetonsports.com FAQ section for info on choosing left or right zippers and zipping together. The bag is temperature rated to -18°C / 0°F which means it will be warm for all but extreme-winter camping.

List Price: $ 109.99

Price: $ 58.19

Related Camping Sleeping Bag Products

TETON Sports Celsius XXL -18 Degree C / 0 Degree F Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag (90″x 39″, Grey, Right Zip) is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Rainfly only. Tent sold separately.
• Get better airflow by cracking your windows, even in the rain
• More protection from the rain
• Only Fits the 14 ft. X 8 ft. 8-Person Coleman® Instant Tents – Tent sold separately. Does not fit the 14×10 ft. 8-Person tent.

This rainfly accessory is specifically for Coleman 8-person Instant Tents. This rainfly includes steel stakes, a storage bag and offers more protection from the rain. Coleman Instant Tent Buying Guide Coleman 4-Person Instant Tent Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent Coleman 14×8 Foot 8-Person Instant Tent Coleman 14×10 Foot 8-Person Instant Tent Footprint 8′ x 7′ 10′ x 9′ 14′ x 8′ 14′ x 10′ Center Height 4′ 11″ 5′ 11″ 6′ 4″ 6′ 5″ Doors 1 1 1 2 Sleeps 4 6 8 8 Inner Tent Polyster Taffeta 150D Polyster Taffeta 150D Polyster Taffeta 150D Polyster Taffeta 150D Polyester Mesh 68D Polyester Mesh 68D Polyester Mesh 68D Polyester Mesh 68D Floor Polythylene 1000D Polythylene 1000D Polythylene 1000D Polythylene 1000D Poles 16-mm and 20-mm steel 16-mm and 20-mm steel 16-mm, 20-mm and 22-mm steel 16-mm, 20-mm and 22-mm steel Rainfly Rainfly for Coleman 4-Person Instant Tent Rainfly for Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent Rainfly for Coleman 14X8 Foot 8-Person Instant Tent

List Price: $ 44.99

Price: $ 44.99

Related Tent Products

Coleman Rainfly for Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Large main compartment holds a 2-liter water reservoir. Easy-access reservoir opening is easy to fill and accepts most brands of water filters. Hands-free reservoir pressure valve.
• Insulated water tube cover prevents water from freezing in the tube. Tuck-away mesh sport flap is hidden in a zippered pocket and holds a helmet.
• Zippered front accessory pocket holds bicycle tools, accessories, or CD/MP3 player. Mesh front pocket and monster hook
• Vapel mesh Airflow padded back wicks moisture. Vapel mesh Airflow adjustable shoulder straps. Adjustable waist belt secures the pack. Adjustable waist belt secures the pack. Reflective loop holds a bike LED blinker
• Size: 17.25″ x 9.0″ x 2.0″ Capacity: 138.0 cubic-Inch Weight: 2.17 lbs. Materials: Waffle Weave

A generous water capacity is just the start with our versatile Soaker 70 pack. It not only holds a 2-liter water reservoir in its large main compartment for hands-free hydration, Soaker 70 also brings you a hinged front pocket that perfect for stowing your helmet, another pocket for an MP3 player or bike tools, and lots of other extras to keep you pedaling strong anywhere you are.

List Price: $ 80.00

Price:

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High Sierra Soaker 70 Hydration Pack (Black, 17.25x 9x 2-Inch) is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Great for cold-weather sleeping: keeps you comfortable down to 25°F with 38oz. of Coletherm insulation
• Mummy-style sleeping bag, 32″ x 82″, fits most people up to 6’2″
• Double-batt, offset quilt construction eliminates potential cold spots
• Semi-sculpted hood surrounds head with warmth
• Box-foot silhouette gives feet extra wiggle room

The Coleman Taos Extreme-Weather Mummy Bag is a great choice for cold-weather sleeping. Featuring 38 ounces of Coletherm insulation, the Taos keeps you comfortable down to 25°F. The double-batt, offset quilt construction eliminates potential cold spots, while the bag’s semi-sculpted hood surrounds your head with warmth. The full-length draft tube locks out chilly drafts, while a 2-way zipper provides maximum ventilation when you want it. The Taos bag is designed with a box-foot silhouette to give your feet extra wiggle room. Stuff sack included. Commercial machine washable. 5-year limited warranty.Stay warm and comfortable on a chilly fall evening with the Coleman Taos mummy sleeping bag. The Taos, which offers a temperature rating down to 25 degrees F, is filled with 38 ounces of Coletherm insulation. This allows for a greater loft–a measure of the amount of space the insulation occupies and the amount of air the insulation can trap. The bag also offers several other features to fig

List Price: $ 52.99

Price: $ 39.98

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Coleman Taos Extreme-Weather Mummy Bag is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

1.) Shop for a good quality backpack. A hiker can forget his map, compass, flashlight, and knife but he can never leave without his backpack. Invest on a quality backpack that fits you. “Fit” meaning, when you wear it, you are comfortable with it. Thick shoulder straps and extra padding can increase the level of comfort when carrying the backpack on a long hike so choose one bearing these features. Crucial to the selection of backpack is the size. Choose one that can carry everything you need for most of your future hiking trips.

2.) Take the appropriate gear. Your survival when you are in hiking and backpacking trip depends on the right gear you bring. Pack clothes that are suitable for every possible weather condition in the area. Expect the worst. A sunny day hike can turn into wet, muddy, and slippery one so your clothes should be appropriate for any sudden weather change. Invest on a pair of quality hiking boots. If you are planning for serious hiking and backpacking, a tough, heavy and waterproof pair of hiking boots is a must. If this will be your first time, shop for the right gear and prepare yourself physically.

3.) Plan your trip carefully. The secret to great hiking and backpacking trip is planning. Plan your trip early. If you have to make some reservations, do it months in advance.

4.) Bring a friend. It is not advisable to hike and backpack alone so tell your plan to a friend and bring him with you.

5.) Tell someone about your trip. Another friend, a relative or someone back at camp should be aware of your whereabouts during your hike. Inform him about your route and your expected time of return.

6.) Bring communication device. Bring a cellular phone, a two-way radio or a satellite phone if it’s available. This way, you can call for help in case something wrong happens.

7.) Check the weather forecast. Although weatherman is often inaccurate, it pays to listen to them. This way, you know what to expect when you are out there on the woods.

8.) Stay away from wildlife at all times. Even if you are hiking and backpacking on a suburban location, there is a possibility that you encounter wild animals. If you do, keep your distance from them. Back away slowly. Don’t run.

9.) Bring your portable stove. Most parks prohibit hikers and campers from making fire using woods so make sure that you bring your own portable stove to cook your food.

10.) Stay close to your things. There are still crooks even you are out on the woods so make sure you keep an eye on your things all the time. Do not bring any valuable items like wallet and jewelry. Avoid showing off your new gear to anyone.

11.) Bring enough food and water. Energy bars are recommended when you go hiking and backpacking. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Bring other foods at your preference. Bring enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your trip. Stay away from waters from lake, river, and creek. They may look clean and fresh but they can make you ill.

12.) Bring insect repellant lotion, hat, camera, toiletries, raingear, navigational devices (GPS, map, and compass), first-aid kit, binoculars, etc.

Going for Hiking and Backpacking Trip? is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

If you are anywhere near Alaska, you might probably have thought of what excitement you would be facing once you step its land. It’s like nowhere else, truly a unique spot for hikers. It simply has everything.

If you are a mountain hiker, there are good trails for you. If you love struggling through snow, well what you would expect, it’s Alaska!

Hailed as one of the best states for harboring great hiking spots, Alaska is sure to impress you with its land mass. It runs 2300 miles from east to west and 1400 miles from north to south. In between, you are sure to find a haven for you.

There are mountain trails for all sorts of hikers, from novices to veterans. And the state promises you some of the best sceneries America has starting from alpine passes up to more popular Alaskan tundra.

Alaska offers one of the most excellent showcases of wildlife. And despite of occasional rain showers, Alaska hiking would still astonish you with its mystically beautiful misty mountains.

Here are some of the most popular Alaska hiking spots for every level of hikers:

Anchorage Hiking and Chugach Mountains
Hikers who also love skiing and mountain biking will find Anchorage a great place to travel. It offers miles of mountain trail both multi-use trails and paved trails. Among the most popular sites in South-Central Alaska are the Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest.

If you prefer forest bushwhacking, the best recommendable area near Anchorage is the Kenai Peninsula where trails from snow-clad mountains towards meadows and sub-alpine lakes are excellent.

Seward Hiking
Typically accessed by boat and with the only road-accessible area through Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park offer great trails for hikers and the more adventurous souls of cross country skiers. There are noted major crevasses found on topographic maps that should be avoided. In case of troubles and many unforeseen incidences, the most easily accessible headquarter is found outside Seward, a four-hour drive from Anchorage. Seward also have popular destination for backpack hikers complete with untouched trails and outlets offering services for camping, hiking and fishing gears.

Denali National Park
If you are after wildlife sanctuaries, maybe Denali National Park is the right place for you. It is popular for cross-country travel, heli hiking, backcountry and flightseeing. Much like its first discoveries a few years back, Denali National Park offers unexplored terrains. There are also Denali Park Hiking Trips just outside the entrance of the park for sampling the backcountry

There are also quite a lot of bears in this part of the country and it is most advisable that you learn the hazards and safety techniques to keep you from being vulnerable to attacks.

Chena State Recreation Area
Choosing Fairbanks or areas anywhere near it would satisfy you with developed trails for extended backpacking and day hiking among geological oddities such as protruding granite towers. You are also offered with forest country for hikers, paddling areas for canoeists and solid granite treks for mountain climbers.

There are simply a lot that Alaska hiking has got to offer. The vast area has wide varieties of trails for any type of souls. Rangers are always at hand to help you with the travel and park headquarters are strategically placed to give optimum services to travelers.

So What’s Exciting With Alaska Hiking is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

You can. There are many effective medicinal plants. Some are also dangerous, of course, just like synthetic medicines can be. I won’t discuss those here. This is a quick guide to a few safe plant medicines.

Plants For Pain Relief

Fill the bottom of a cup with shredded willow bark, and make a cup of tea with it. Let it steep for a few minutes before you drink it. The active ingredient is salicin, closely related to salacylic acid, which is used to make aspirin. You can also try chewing on a few balsam poplar buds.

Antiseptic Plants

Sap from “blisters” on balsam firs is a strong antiseptic. Pop the blisters on the trunks of young trees, and the sap will ooze out. You can spread it over cuts and small wounds to prevent infection. It is very sticky, however, and it will be difficult to wash off (at least it smells nice).

The crushed leaves of Saint John’s Wort can be used as an antiseptic dressing as well. I once put a wad of the mashed leaves on a nasty gash in my foot, replacing it occasionally, and the cut healed faster than I’ve ever seen a cut heal. St. Johnswort has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

Medicinal Plants For Diarrhea

You can drink tea made from the roots of blackberries and their relatives to stop diarrhea. Just fill the bottom of the cup with the cleaned and shredded roots and pour boiling water over them. Let the mix steep for five minutes before drinking.

Oak bark and other barks containing tannin are also effective. I have also used the twigs to stop diarrhea when I was backpacking in Mexico. Make tea with a spoonful of the bark or chopped-up twigs. Tannins can be hard on the kidneys, so drink just one cup of tea, or use oak only if you don’t have other options.

Skin Medications

You can relieve the itch from insect bites, sunburn, or plant poisoning rashes by applying a poultice of jewelweed (Impatiens biflora). I have seen a poison ivy rash cleared up overnight using the juice from jewelweed. It is also said to work on sunburn as well as aloe vera.

Make a tea of witch hazel leaves (Hamamelis virginiana), and you can use it for relief from insect bites, and sunburn. Witch Hazel used to be a common astringent that women used as a “tightening” face wash.

There are hundreds of wild medicinal plants that could be useful to hikers and backpackers. You don’t need to become an expert to benefit from them. Just learn to identify and use a few of the most widespread and safest ones.

Medicinal Plants That Backpackers Should Know is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

Now that you are planning to conquer the mountains yourself, you might be thinking that you could do as our forefathers have done. You could attempt but there’s no guarantee of success. The skills man has long ago are quite forgotten now. The good thing though is that these are being complemented with his inventions to equal, or even surpass the skills versus gadgets.

So the top 5 in your list of essential equipment for hiking are as follows:

Hiking boots- You can go barefooted if you want but of course that would mean prior preparation to condition your feet and perhaps lesser work. Top these with the lack of comfort for those who are not used to it.

So when choosing hiking boots you must decide on how you would put them in to use. Choose hiking boots in relation to the type of hiking you would be doing. There are various types that could cater even your specific needs.

Mostly for beginning hikers, the choice of hiking boots are trekking boots. These are designed specially for moderate off trail and are likely to be lightweight since manufacturers know that this type would be used for several terrains on short distances.

Long distance hiking boots however are normally used by expert hikers. Other hiking boots are engineered depending on the loads of your backpack or the terrain that the hiking boots will suffer.

Backpacks- What good would it be to travel without a backpack, well that’s practically unimaginable. The main thing with backpacks is that they must support the weight you intend to carry behind you while giving you additional comforts. But backpacks go beyond to helping push you on steep trails.

Hiking accessories- Hiking gears vary anywhere from cooking utensils to more sophisticated devices such as night vision. Be sure to bring only those that you need most while providing you multiple purposes. Heavy accessories with too little uses should be put out of your list.

Hiking map- Unless you want to get lost, you should always be brining with you a hiking map to help you find the way in and out of the trail.

GPS for hiking- With modernity comes the ease of work. If you want to get better positioning and less hassle on finding trails then you must also bring with you a GPS device. However, for people who want to experience the real stuff of hiking and camping, it is recommendable that you leave this gear out of your list. Or, reserve it for more crucial conditions only. That is to say, you can bring it with you and never use it or bring it with you and rely on its benefits.

Remember though that all your choices of equipments used for hiking should increase your capacity, with more uses as compared with all others and should make you both enjoy your hiking experiences while gaining some to improve your skills. There are other things that you should consider bringing and the above five examples are just some of the most crucial things you can never leave out.

Top Five Essentials – Equipment Used for Hiking is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

Plan ahead your Colorado hiking- Unlike other hiking areas, Colorado hiking is quite vulnerable to snow conditions. Unless you are after the snow trails, then you are in the right place for snow adventures otherwise you don’t want to be driving right at the trail head only to find out that the snow has already covered the trail up to the summit.

Now, if you don’t want to be facing this unwanted scenario then you should check out when is the best season to hike Colorado for a regular hike.

Also take into consideration the altitude of your hike. The higher the altitude of the trail, the longer the snow lingers. The lower the altitude, the easier for the snow to melt.

Now you should plan to hike the lower altitude during the first months of the year and the end months. During mid-summer, plan to take the higher altitudes. This would also help condition your body to better adapt to the temperature and the pressure of altitudes.

Determine the items you need in your backpack- Of course, hiking requires backpacking especially during longer tours. In your bag you should find several must-haves such food packages, clothing that are well-adapted to the terrain, first-aid kit, lighting paraphernalia, cooking utensils along with other items that would help you get through a hassle-free Colorado hiking tour.

You must also have with you a good pair of hiking boots depending on the terrain’s level of difficulty, a hiking staff, several pairs of hiking socks and other hiking gears.

Budget your time and work- Your best bets are decent estimates of the Colorado hiking trails. If you intended to hike for several days straight, it would be better to cover as much distance as possible with the least possible discontentment and the greatest possible enjoyment of the hiking tour. You could only gauge the tentative days and hours you would be consuming in a specific trail so you can have a better vision of how to approach your tour.

Certain factors affect your budgeting of time such as your supplies, the distance you want to cover, rest periods, your own physical condition, the difficulty of terrain, the elevation and your pace of movement.

Going above the timberline- If you have plans to go beyond the timberline then you should plan your Colorado hiking adventure more. During summers especially around the mid-afternoons, Colorado hiking may be a bit unpleasant due to summer thunderstorm. By all means, electric storms must be avoided. Even if you are not hiking above the timberline, you still must plan your Colorado hiking in a way that you would not get caught with these storms.

However, even with good planning sometimes things still go wrong. In case you find yourself in the middle of a flat terrain and the thunderstorms roll in, you still could save yourself from potential thunderstruck by sitting or crouching underneath rock crops.

These are only three guidelines for your Colorado hiking yet the impacts they have on your trip are immeasurably advantageous. In the end, Colorado hiking and other hikes you will have are determined by careful preparation.

A Guideline for Colorado Hiking is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Bladder Volume: 68 oz (2 liter)
• Storage Volume: 570 cubic inches
• Dobby Diamond Ripstop Construction
• Drip Free Dual Action Bite Valve
• Features: full rain shield with velcro fastener

2 Liter Hydration Pack System Bladder Volume: 68 oz (2 liter) Storage Volume: 570 cubic inches Dobby Diamond Ripstop Construction Features: full rain shield with velcro fastener * 7 organizational pockets * drip free dual action bite valve * adjustable waist and sternum strap * 2 supplemental bottle compartments * neoprene phone/mp3 holder * interior key clip * earphone access * reflective taping * bungee cargo holder * padded ventilated back panel * active suspension harness * button hole bladder support * webbed compression straps

List Price: $ 29.99

Price: $ 39.99

Ledge Jem Hydration Pack System (Blue) is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

Perhaps you’re pulling a travel trailer. Much too “luxe” for you, you say. You’re a real man and all you need is a sleeping bag and a tent.

Choosing a tent for camping is the first task for any camping trip. What type of weather conditions are you expecting? Always be prepared for the worst, rain, wind, and cold. There are three season and four season tents available.

Four season tents are heavier than three season tents. They tend to have more poles than three season tents to help them withstand wind and snow fall. Of course, most of us are fair weather campers. A three season tent will be fine for us. So, now, what style of tent do you want?

What style of tent you want may depend on how much backpacking you’re going to do.

If you’re a pack backer you’ll want to keep your load as light as possible. A tarp tent may be the one for you, or if you’re camping in summer a lightweight warm weather tent may work.

If you’re the type of camper who likes to “rough it” at a drive up base camp area then the weight of a tent will not be an issue for you. You will probably be more concerned with how many people will be sharing your tent. A two man tent will most likely be uncomfortable for two large adults and all their gear.

Those with camping experience say that you’ll want to look for at least 30 square feet of floor space per person. They say that you should divide the number of people a tent says is it’s capacity by 2. If you’re traveling with young children you definitely want to look into a larger model of tent. You’ll want a large area inside your tent, especially as you may experience some inclement weather and have the children inside the tent for long periods of time. It would be nice if they had an area to play their board games.

Before you spend your hard earned money on a tent go to your neighborhood camping store where you can actually see the tents set up. Walk around in it. Lie in it. Stand up straight in it. Make sure that the tent you choose will meet all your camping requirements before you get to your campsite.

Camping Tents is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

We can go on huge cruise ships and explore the beauty of the seas or we can vacation in a cabin tucked away in the mountains. It is even possible and reasonable to go on an African safari for your next vacation.

I know, an African safari seems a little too exotic and certainly too expensive for a typical family trip. And you are right in that an African safari is not a typical way to spend a week or two as a family, but it certainly is becoming a more viable option as travel becomes easier and more reasonable.

Admit it. There is at least a little bit of you that has always desired to take an African safari, to explore some of the world’s wildest and most unknown places. I believe that you should start to make plans for an African safari if only because you want to. Don’t let yourself get stressed out with all of the details that seem unrealistic. Instead, allow yourself to commit to planning a trip simply because it is something that would make your life richer and more full.

There are many ways to start planning an African safari.

You can always make a visit to your travel agent, if you have one, and allow them to help you begin making the dream of an African safari a reality. You can also utilize various travel and trip planning magazines that often give details and tips about how to go about planning and then enjoying great vacations like an African safari.

And don’t forget the incredible resource that you have in the internet. With a few hours of searching I’m confident that you can begin to make real progress on planning the trip of your dreams.

Consider taking your African safari with a group of friends or with members of your extended family.

Turn your dream trip into something that you can enjoy with the people you love most. Many times there are group discount rates for just about every aspect of a trip: the airfare, the hotel, and even the African safari itself. So for this trip, the more the merrier.

If going on an African safari is something you dream about, why not make steps toward making the dream happen. Apply for a passport if you do not have one and begin setting aside money now even if your trip is still a few years away. Your African safari will be well worth all of the time and planning it takes
to make it happen.

Take An African Safari is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

What’s In Your Hiking Pack? As an outdoor enthusiast, you have complete control over what you carry or what stays in the car – such as a cell phone, do you carry one? I wouldn’t dare go in the backcountry without all of the items listed below as “Highly Recommend.”

What’s In My Hiking Pack? Here is my list split into two categories with the weight of each item in ounces:

Highly Recommend:

Cell Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9), Flashlight (4), Food – Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3), Map & Compass (4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror (1), Spare Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2), Water, Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24), Whistle (1). Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not including water.

Nice to Have: Bandana (1), Binoculars (12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4), Emergency Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10), Hand warmers (1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm (1), Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder (8), Road Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet Paper (1), Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2).

Total weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces.

The total weight of my hiking pack not counting water, is 10 pounds 14 ounces.

My pack has a shoulder harness system that takes the weight off of my lower back and distributes it evenly across my shoulders and upper back. I hardly notice my pack when I’m wearing it. One last point, if you carry something – make sure you know how to use it.

We’ve all heard quotes about being prepared, such as “Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur and “Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.” – Euripides.

I suggest carrying a well thought out pack is a good habit and a good outdoor life-skill. One day it may save a family member, an outdoor companion or even you.

Plan ahead before you venture into our backcountry, even if you plan to be gone only an hour or two. It makes good sense. With just this small amount of planning you’ll get the most out of your backcountry experiences.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

What’s In Your Hiking Backpack? is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

If not done properly, that’s a lot of wear and tear on our natural resources. Responsible recreation ensures future outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as you have. Without a recreation code of ethics, our backcountry would become a thing of the past. Here are some universally agreed upon keys for having a good time – the right way.

-Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

If you carry it in, carry it out. This will eliminate litter.

-Protect water sources from contamination. Use bio-degradable soap, or try hot water soap-less dishwashing, bathing and clothes washing. When using soap (even bio-degradable) and toothpaste, dispose of the wastewater at least 100 feet away from natural water sources, well or faucet water sources.

-Be a good neighbor

- control your noise and your pets. Always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and away from public swimming areas. Barking and not cleaning up after pets leads to many complaints from other outdoor enthusiasts. Do not leave pets unattended.

-Be respectful of the natural environment

- keep the trees and shrubs alive and growing.
Nails and wires should not be used on trees because they can cause serious damage to trees. Burn damage will permanently scar or kill a tree.

-When hiking or biking, stay on designated trails. This keeps damage to vegetation and erosion in one place.

-Before leaving your campsite, clean your fire pit and your campsite. Make it as clean as you would want it if you were arriving that day. The next user will appreciate it.

Leave-No-Trace, www.lnt.org, offers the following Principles for Outdoor Ethics:

Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Travel and recreate with minimum impact, Respect the environment and the rights of others, Educate yourself

- plan and prepare before you go, Allow for future use of the outdoors

- leave it better than you found it and Discover the rewards of responsible recreation.

Responsible recreation means having the common sense and the courtesy to enjoy the backcountry without spoiling someone else’s experience.

Most outdoor enthusiasts understand this very well and spend a good deal of their time restoring, enhancing and conserving our backcountry. Have a good time when you’re outdoors and share these keys with your friends.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

The gear of all gears – the number one, most important item on your list is backpack. When shopping for one, consider the size. It is imperative that the size of your backpack can carry everything you need for the trip. Your backpack is your closet, your toolbox, your car trunk, your cupboard, and your pantry all at the same time. Look for a backpack with thick shoulder straps for better comfort and less strain on your shoulder. Also, consider a backpack with extra padding for support. Belt straps that go around the waist and chest can help you with weight and stability. Popular brand of backpacks include: Arc’Teryx, Gregory, CamelBak, The North Face, Osprey, Deuter, Granite Gear, Mountainsmith, Marmot, and Mountain Hardwear. Price ranges from $50 up to $500. If you are planning for a serious hiking, don’t focus the price and get the most durable one.

Another hiking gear you should invest your money on is a pair for quality and durable hiking shoes. You can get mountaineering boots, backpacking boots, hiking boots, trail shoes, approach shoes, trail running shoes, climbing shoes, water shoes, or casual shoes. Select from different brands including Lowa, Merrell, Montrail, Inov8, La Sportiva, Asolo, Scarpa, Vasque, Keen and Chaco. The price of a good pair of hiking shoes range from $50 to as much as $400. Tip: Break your new shoes in before you use them at the hike.

Do not forget the proper clothing and outwear. Outerwear provides maximum protection against rain, sun, and cold. They should provide maximum comfort too. Try to invest on good hiking jackets, pants, and shirts. Recommended brands include: Arc’Teryx, Mountain Hardwear, MontBell, Marmot, The North Face, Icebreaker, GoLite, Patagonia, JanSport, and Ex Officio. Start with one set of clothing and outerwear and shop more if you want to do some serious hiking.

Sleeping bags and pads are important if you are planning to stay outdoor all night. Choose one that can fit you and can protect you from cold temperature and will keep you dry during rainy nights. Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Therm-A-Rest, Marmot, MontBell, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Kelty, Big Agnes, Sierra Designs, and EMS are some brands that manufacture sleeping bags and pads.

Navigational tools like GPS will keep you on track while you are out on the woods. Try Garmin, Silva, Suunto, Highgear, Brunton, Magellan, Polar, Nike, Timex, and Lowrance for your selection of navigational tool. Do not forget to learn how to read compass and map if GPS is unavailable

One very important thing to take note of is the image you are projecting to other hikers while wearing or carrying these gears. It is advisable not to use your new gears all at once for the reason that you will look like an amateur trying to impress others that you have expensive gears. New gears are also hot to the eyes of crooks. The point is: try to stay on low profile. Act like you have been hiking before. This way, you have a great chance of going home will all your gears with you.

Get Up and Go Out, Shop for Hiking Gear! is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

Hiking is a physically demanding outdoor activity. And when we say physical, we mean moving more muscles than you usually do for a prolonged period of time, which, when the body is not prepared may result to injury. Thus, it is very important that you recognize first what you can and cannot do. Choose a hike that your body can handle. Know how long can you walk and how long can you stay outdoor. Hiking and camping should be a fun experience. Do not spoil it by trying to conquer a terrain you cannot handle.

Tell a friend

Think of this: If you will go to a hiking or camping trip alone, who will take your pictures behind great view? Who will tell you that your hiking shoes are untied? Seriously, hiking or camping alone is unsafe. Ask a friend to come with you – a friend who does not mind to get his hands dirty, who has an experience with difficult terrain, who has some accidents and missteps, and who has been in a bad situation before. Do not attempt to hike and camp. Discuss your plan with a friend and make sure that you both understand it before you go.

Check the weather

We all know the weather forecast is often inaccurate. Nonetheless, you have to listen to what the weatherman says before you even try to pack your bag and head outdoor. Remember that a sunny day could turn into a life threatening storm in an hour. And a clear terrain can be turned into a muddy one on a 10-minute pour.

It may not or may not happen, but you have to anticipate the worst possible situation. Better come out well-prepared and well-protected. Do not forget to bring raingear and appropriate clothing when you go hiking or camping. Always keep in touch with the nature and don’t just go marvel them with your mouth open. Be aware of the changes in the cloud pattern. Be conscious with the air temperature.

Check the terrain

Any hiking and camping park has a detailed topographic map so that, a rookie like you will understand well the terrain before actually going there. Going on a 5-mile trek? Don’t forget to check on the elevation. Both the distance of the hike and elevation of the ground will tell you how difficult the trip is. Learn to read the map with a compass and start planning your hike and where are the good places to take your rest. Using your map, prepare for an emergency plan. Make sure that the map is current. Terrain changes every time so better get an updated one on your hand.

Check on Permits

You may be already aware of the permit requirements issued by wilderness areas and national parks. Some these are free of change while others are very expensive. Make sure that you check on permits of your hiking and camping location.

Tell another friend

Do not forget to tell to another friend back at home where you are going. This is like telling someone about your trip, when you go abroad. Detailed information about your start time, exact route, end time, and times in between should be disclosed to your friend so that if something goes out of the plan, they will know where to find you .

Things to Look into Before Going to Hiking and Camping Trips is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear

• Air Director Back Panel and a redesigned Antidote reservoir compartment with Quicklink system
• Independent Suspension Shoulder Harness.
• Organizer pocket for bike essentials.
• Easy acces MP3 pocket with weather resistant zipper.
• Quick access overflow storage with dual compression straps.

The original narrow gauge pack for 3+ hours of mountain bike action.

List Price: $ 100.00

Price: $ 89.95

Camelbak Men’s Lobo Hydration Pack (100-Ounce/200 Cubic-Inch, Skydiver Blue)

• Air Director Back Panel and a redesigned Antidote reservoir compartment with Quicklink system
• Gel pocket on shoulder harness
• Slider Sternum strap and removable waist belt.
• Organizer pocket for bike essentials
• External Fill 100 oz.Antidote reservoir

The sleek hydration pack for 3+hours of mountain biking with essential gear.

List Price: $ 85.00

Price: $ 49.97

Camelbak M.U.L.E. 100 oz Hydration Pack, Chili Pepper/Charcoal is a post from: Hiking Backpacks and Outdoor Gear