Leki Trekking Poles Review

If you hike a lot, chances are you've either come across others using trekking poles on their hike or you may utilize them yourself. I'll admit, when I first saw others using them, I thought- How dorky! Who would want to use ski poles to hike- haven't they ever heard of hiking sticks?! But as I hiked more and more, I started to see the advantages of using trekking poles.

They provide better footing, transfer some of the weight off your back, are easier on your knees and can aid in hiking over slippery or steep trail.

When my husband bought me my Leki trekking poles for my graduation present, I was excited to finally try them out. When I did, I was astounded I did not want them sooner! I felt like I was flying down the trail with those poles! My husband commented that I hike much faster and more confidently than I ever did before. Now, I won't go anywhere without them :-).

LEKI Luau Trekking Poles - Women's

These beauties are the best thing since sliced bread (ok, maybe just the best thing since hiking poles came out). What I love about my pair is that they are tailored to women (complete with a cool luau design). They are easy to close and adjust and sturdy (they don't ever collapse on me). Best of all? LIFETIME warranty. Meaning if you ever do manage to break these suckers, Leki will replace them for you free of charge!

My husband paid over a hundred dollars for my poles, but right now they are on sale at amazon.com for only $70! That's like over 40% off the original price. I am a little mad mine cost so much more, but that's what happens when new and exciting gear comes out.

Click here to snag this amazing deal!

Boy Dies In Death Valley National Park

Many times, our technology can give the false illusion of safety. Increasing numbers of people have started to rely on GPS units in the back-country and for navigation. Although this can be a handy tool, basic map and compass skills are still a vital and necessary asset for survival.

This Fox News article, covers the recent death of an 11 year old boy who died from dehydration in Death Valley National Park. The story quotes:

An 11-year-old boy died in the intense heat of Death Valley National Park after he and his mother became stranded in one of the world's most inhospitable areas and survived for several days on bottled water, Pop-Tarts and cheese sandwiches, authorities said Friday.

Alicia Sanchez, 28, was found severely dehydrated and remained hospitalized in Las Vegas a day after being found with her dog, her dead son and a Jeep Cherokee buried up to its axles in sand.

She told rescuers in California's San Bernardino County that her son Carlos died Wednesday, days after she fixed a flat tire and continued into Death Valley, relying on directions from a GPS device in the vehicle.

The story goes on to say that

"A GPS does not replace a map, a compass, checking in at the visitor center and letting people know where you're going to be," Pennington said.

He said searchers mistakenly looked late Wednesday for Sanchez in campgrounds in the Panamint Mountains, based on family members' reports that she planned to camp in free sites and visit the Scotty's Castle attraction in the far northeast corner of the vast national park.

This story illustrates how vital it is to take precautions while traveling in the back-country. Always let someone know your itinerary and check in with officials before starting out. Always carry a map and a compass. You never know what will happen in the back-country wilderness. Do not rely on technology to save you. Rely on yourself.

Be prepared and give the wilderness the respect it deserves. To read about how you can hone your back-country skills if you become lost, click here. We've had some close calls ourselves.

Marmot Mica Jacket Review

Rain gear is an essential item for the backpacker. Although there tends to be quite a bit of opinion regarding what is the best option for rain gear, there is no doubt that it plays a pivotal role for the hiker who is trudging through the wet forests of the eastern US. Key considerations when choosing rain gear are weight and breathe-ability. Many lightweight backpackers often find a hard time finding a nice medium of both.

Enter the new Marmot Mica Jacket. A wonderful melting of breathable waterproof fabric that's completely lightweight. And it's not just lightweight- it's comfortable. The softness of the jacket makes it easy to wear even if only a slight drizzle interrupts your hike.

Not convinced? How about a video showing off it's greatest assets? The Webtogs video review of the Marmot Mica Jacket (for men) gives you a short and informative high-quality overview of the jacket from a hiker's point of view. You'll get to see this jacket in motion as a member of the Webtogs team explains the specs in detail.

Highlights of the Marmot Mica Jacket:

• Lightweight (bulkiness cut down through use of waterproof seaming)
• Breathable (constructed of MemBrain Strata fabric)
• Adjustable (velcro cuff, elastic draw cords)
• Zippered pockets

The woman's version is similar, but it is known as the Marmot Crystalline Jacket, although the basic specs are the same. This jacket definitely stands up on the list of high quality rain gear. It's tough and it's rough and it will get you through any type of rain from downpour to drizzle, keeping you dry and comfortable along the way. And weighing in at only 7 oz., it's a lightweight and ultra-light backpacker's best bet.

Although buying quality gear can be more expensive, it's certainly worth it in the long run. When you're climbing the Appalachian Mountains and are caught in a downpour, you'll see what I mean. You can't put a price on dryness in the back-country! As I've said before- "Good gear is gear that you can count on even in the worst of times".

To read Cincinnati Hiker's Berghaus hiking boot review, click here. To watch more videos produced by Webtogs, click here.

Storing Hiking and Backpacking Gear Effectively

Whenever I get ready for another hike or another backpacking trip, I seem to scurry around like a mouse for an hour or two, gathering all my gear and checking off my list, afraid of forgetting something. After our last backpacking trip, however, we have devised a simple system to make getting ready for trips easier and smoother. And the less time it takes to get ready, the more time spent hiking or on the trail!

Hang a "Master List" in the closet that holds your gear.

We decided to print ours out and laminate it, that way we can cross off things we have with a marker and wipe it clean for next time. This is a great time saver, since we don't have to hunt down where the list is- it's already there! Make a checklist for day hikes and backpacking trips and categorize them by seasons. Since hiking in the winter requires additional gear, have a separate list for it.

RePack each backpack at the end of each trip, leaving out only food, water, toiletries and clothing.

This saves a huge amount of time. Wash everything that needs to be immediately after each trip and repack. Make a separate list of items that belong in the pack permanently. Make sure to leave out items like sleeping bags so that they don't loose their fill, especially if they are down. Now all you need to do for the next trip is grab and go!

Sort through gear at the end of every trip and re-evaluate.

Determine at the end of each trip, when your memory is the freshest, whether you needed or used a particular item. If it's not one of the 10 essentials and you don't use it, toss it. This helps to bring down over-all pack weight over time. Make a list of items that need replacing and repairing as well, such as first aid items that were used or a broken tent zipper. If you don't do it now, chances are you will forget and have trouble during your next trip.

These system has worked out great so far, and I cannot imagine going back to my former scurrying!

Do you have a system/strategy when it comes to storing gear for the next trip? Share in the comments below!

My Review of Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad - Regular

REI

This Therm-a-Rest brings together a perfect harmony of light weight, cushioning and durability for the ultimate in sleeping bliss, night after night.

Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad - Regular

Wonderful Cushion

Chiliman Cincinnati, OH 7/29/2009

 

4 5

Gift: No

Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Inflate, Non Slip, Comfortable, Durable Design

Cons: Bulky Roll Up

Best Uses: Weekend Trips, Car Camping, Backpacking, Extended Trips

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

The trail pro provides comfort without sacrificing weight. I actually feel like I am on a bed when laying on it. Before buying it, I tested it out on hard concrete floor with various items underneath to simulate sticks and rocks, and I didn't feel a thing.

Although it does not come with its own stuff sack, I've found this isn't really necessary. You can easily purchase a cheap sack for it. I simply stuff mine in my backpack.

Sleepless nights in the back-country have kept me from going out more often, but now that I have the trail pro, I will be hitting the trail more often!

All in all, worth the weight, worth the price.

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60 Hikes in 60 Miles: Cincinnati - Review

Finally, a Cincinnati hiking guidebook that brings together the best hikes less than an hour's drive away. Tammy York teamed up with the series 60 Hike in 60 Miles to produce one of the area's most long awaited reads. Here's my review on the book.


Tammy York does a good job of gathering information about some of the area's more obscure trails. Another great thing about this book is that she does not solely fill it with one or two mile treks like many other metro focused hiking books. Instead, you'll find walks and hikes anywhere from 13 miles to the occasional 1 (albeit a good one mile!). Many of the hikes I have personally not heard of, and so for this very reason this book is a great buy for any local hiker.

Downsides? The author is more of a leisurely hiker than an avid outdoors woman. And so her description of the trails and the hikes reflect this. Don't pay much attention to her difficulty rating if you backpack regularly or like a diverse terrain. Also be sure to double check driving times and distances. I don't think she uses the downtown metro area as a starting point for many of her hikes (for example, there was a hike in Ft. Thomas that was described as being 30 minutes away. As a resident of the town, I can assert that this is incorrect for it is merely a 5 minute drive from downtown). Don't expect to find any backpacking trails in this book either.

Aside from its shortfalls, 60 Hikes in 60 Miles is still a good read or at least a handy book to have for quick reference if you're searching for hiking trails near Cincinnati.

Explore the National Parks with Experienced Guides

If you've been looking for the best guide to the national parks, look no further. Team KANGA seeks to empower and guide more individuals and families toward adventure in American's National Parks while cultivating a love for the outdoors. Their guides are the most exclusive and comprehensive of any DVDs covering the National Parks. With a focus on hiking and adventure within the parks, they offer a unique perspective on trip planning.

What makes these guides worth considering? Experience. Team KANGA not only produces the guides, but they are also out testing the trails, researching issues and seeking out the best wilderness adventure experience. You won't find that anywhere else. Team KANGA also prides itself on being the most up to date National Parks DVD, meaning you'll get insight on current issues and conditions.

The best part? They're affordable. Ringing up at just under $10, Team KANGA's DVDs are perfect for recession budgets.

To purchase their top selling exclusive Smoky Mountains National Park DVD Guide, click here.