Getting good sleep in the backcountry can be challenging, and a lousy night of rest does not make hiking enjoyable the next day. Here are a few tips to help you get better zzz’s. Find a Comfortable Camp Site. Take your time scouting a flat, rock-free spot and clear away any sticks and pine cones before pitching your tent. If you are sensitive to light, try to avoid areas with a direct view of the night sky. The light from a gibbous or full moon can be bright enough to keep you awake. Open areas can be windy. Pitching your tent […]
Have you ever gone hiking with an edgy friend who is always on the lookout for snakes on the sides of the trail? When discussing your previous weekend backpacking trip with your co-workers, how many times have you heard, “Aren’t you worried about snakes?” You should be cautious, but not worried about venomous snakes. Here’s why. Your Odds of a Snake Bite It is no surprise that many people fear interaction with snakes when most of the images presented to us about snakes through books, stories, and TV is a negative one. Modern sensationalistic documentaries would lead an uninformed person […]
Ginger is a pungent rhizome (the underground part of the stem) of the tropical herbaceous plant Zingiber officinale, which is botanically related to turmeric. Like turmeric, ginger is rich in many active and beneficial compounds. While it is best known for soothing an upset stomach, ginger also acts as a mild stimulant that promotes circulation and alleviates pain. Additionally, ginger has blood-thinning properties, which can help prevent internal blood clots. Whether you consume ginger fresh or powdered as a spice, it offers numerous healing benefits. It’s no wonder that ginger is such a powerful food. Ginger Health Benefits Pain Relief The […]
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 […]
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, […]