Find a giant furry spider nestled in your backpacking gear? It is Spring and spiders are coming out of hiding to eat and breed. Before you dig out your backpacking gear from the closet or garage, you might want to know how to identify what spiders are harmful. You can probably tell the difference between a Black Widow and a common Daddy Longlegs spider. However, can you distinguish a Brown Recluse from a Common House Spider? Depending on where you live, this infographic by Pest Control Experts shows how to recognize common house spiders that are common to the United States. Familiarize […]
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Backpacking involves a long, steady aerobic workout with fitness benefits that rival those of other, more intense, higher-impact activities. Although backpacking is a non-competitive recreational activity with a low chance of burnout, the constant climbing and descending can lead to cramping and injury. While most people blame a lack of bananas (potassium), the reality is more complex. Besides the overuse of these muscles, leg cramping is exacerbated by inadequate eccentric contraction strength, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance from sweating, and insufficient carbohydrate intake. Here are the primary culprits behind those trail-side spasms: Common Causes of Leg Cramps When Hiking When you are backpacking, […]
If you hike with your dog in the U.S., you know how frustrating it can be to find a dog-friendly destination. Many national parks do not allow dogs on trails, and state parks vary by state. Some U.S. states allow dogs on state-managed lands, while others, such as California, mainly prohibit dogs. This is why we’ve put together these useful resources to help you find tail-friendly hiking and travel spots. What should I bring for my dog on the trail? Collar & Leash (with ID tag and license) Towel to keep in the car to wipe off muddy paws Water […]
Most people think hiking season commences in the spring and concludes after the summer, however, fall and winter are some of the best seasons to visit the trails – especially the national parks. The trails are less crowded than in the summer, which means you can take photos of scenery instead of tourists. Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider the “off-season” as prime hiking time. 1. Fewer Crowds Fewer people on the trails mean you can hike at your own pace. There is less chance of stepping on the heels of a hiker in front of you or […]
Peak performance on the trail requires food that nourishes and strengthens you. Some tips on how to find it.