hikingafter40

Rambo and I used to debate over the important things: Thundercats versus Little House on the Prairie.  They both came on TV at 4:00, and this was the only time slot of the day when our Mom didn't have a program she was watching because she was making dinner.  Rambo, being older and much bigger, would always win the battle, but I still fought it every day. Fast forward 35 years. Neither of us watch TV.  But, the banter has never died.  It's how we roll. In the backpacking community, debates happen all the time.  To Bear Bag or Not; that is the question.  Trail runners versus boots?  Tent or hammock?  Brain, no brain?  Trekking pole versus sticks?  NOBO versus SOBO?  Is a Flip Flop a legitimate thru hike?  Aqua blazing ~  Yes or No? Every blaze or yellow blazing? Approach trail in Springer?  Can you give yourself your own trail name? I've been crowd sourcing ideas forever, and I definitely ask questions with ...

This weekend, I scheduled a MeetUp for new backpackers.  It was also the first time I have been backpacking in about 25 years.  Though I car camp from April til October, I've not had the chance to go backpacking since I began my career. 8 people signed up for the trip.  1 person attended: Kevin.  Raised in India, he and his wife have never camped, and he never saw even a "live" tent until he set up his own on Saturday.  He was amazing, though, and really took to it.  It was hard to tell if he enjoyed the experience, though, because his pack was really heavy and hurting his hips.  This is due, I think, to all the extra stuff he bought at REI that he didn't really need.  Since everything was new, it had all the packaging with it, as well, which adds weight. Friday night, I scheduled a beginning backpacking class with REI which they also opened to their customers.  Even though their job is to sell stuff, the teacher, John, did an excellent ...

This is what I typically wear on a short hike (less than 3 miles).  

Bucket List: Hike the Grand Canyon There is a phrase used in hiking that some people love and some people hate. Hike Your Own Hike Sometimes referred to as HYOH, the phrase pretty much means do your hike the way you want it.  On a trail like the AT or the PCT, you will meet up with people who are experts about everything, but at the end of your day, it's your own hike you are hiking, so own it. This phrase really applies to all hiking.  You don't have to be a thru hiker, section hiker, flip flop hiker, or master hiker to embrace the sentiment.  Just hike your own hike.  Just keep in mind that hiking YOUR hike doesn't mean you get to dictate how others hike THEIR hike .  So, what's your hiking style? Purpose Everyone sets out with a hiking purpose.  Some people want to hike for fitness.  Others want to hike for the nature.  Some just don't want to sit home.  For me, hiking is about getting away from technology.  I use techn...

Ribbon Snake, NJ Your hike is planned, and you are ready to hit the trail.  Here are some quick tips to make sure the hike is amazing.  If you are planning your first hike, check out my post on planning i t.  If you are wondering what to wear hiking, check out my post on clothing . Other Tips: Anti-Chafe Balm ~ for short hikes, I've never needed this, BUT for longer hikes, rub this goodness all over your feet and under and between your hooters or man parts.  You will be thankful.  The best kind that I've found is Bodyglide at REI (it's cheaper at REI than Target).  Rub that all over yourself.  Be liberal.  You can buy more. Noise Makers ~ Bears and snakes and bobcats are just as (if not more) afraid of you as you are of them.  Have something on your pack that makes a little noise, little bells or clanky things.  They have much better hearing than we do, so they will hear it and they will stay away.  Always carry a whist...