Reducing pack weight starts with minimizing gear and replacing heavier gear with lighter materials. Ultralight backpackers know all the different methods to reduce excess weight to achieve a lighter pack. But backpackers often narrow their focus to reducing only carrying weight, and what you carry on your torso is not the only thing that matters. The weight of your feet, particularly your shoes, significantly impacts your energy expenditure and sense of load. The U.S. Army has research to support this fact: The weight on the feet is disproportionately more exhausting than the weight carried on the torso.[1] The rule of thumb […]
Dates not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also replenish you with energy nearly instantly after eating, making them an excellent snack for hikers.
Do your trail foods include iron? Iron plays a vital role in your hiking performance. Foremost, it is necessary to deliver oxygen to your muscles. Getting enough iron in your trail diet will also keep your immune system strong and prevent fatigue. Here we discuss strategies you can use to boost your iron levels. Iron is, by mass, the most common element on Earth. It is formed via fusion in stars, comprising almost all of the earth’s core and the planets in the Solar System. It is an essential mineral for both animals and plants. In plants, it plays a […]
We’re bombarded with information telling us what to do to live a long and healthy life — often from companies trying to sell a product. Here’s a small set of habits that we’ve been doing for years and cost little to nothing to implement. Try one out and see what a difference it makes in your energy and outlook. 1. Transport Yourself by Human Power In North America, most people consider cycling, walking, and running as only for recreation or professional sport. Ironically, we drive to the gym to pedal a stationary bike or drive to a park to go […]
Although lightning is a common and spectacular weather phenomenon, its power is extraordinary. I was reminded of its awesome power when a storm suddenly formed while hiking the summit of the Mount Mitchell mountain range. Fortunately, I swiftly descended to lower ground and took cover before the cloudburst was unleashed. Within minutes of descending, the jagged bolts rapidly lit up the sky. Tragically, we later learned that a fellow backpacker was struck and killed by lightning that same day. The following week, a 20′ tree branch collapsed in a strike, narrowly missing my head by a few seconds. These close […]