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Take a Hike and Take These 10 Things

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:00:34 -0700

Hiking is not only a fun way to spend time with friends and family in the Summer, but you'll burn 355 calories each hour. Before you head out on the trail, you'll need some gear, so check out these hiking essentials.

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Get Physical: Leaf Peep While You Hike

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise with your honey, all while enjoying the gorgeous views of autumn leaves. It's a great form of exercise since you're working your muscles and breathing heavy. Plus, if the trail is steep, you get to use your arms as well, so it works your upper body too.

If you don't live in an area that gets brilliant foliage, then you and your honey should try to go leaf peeping -photographing and viewing the fall foliage- somewhere else. Check out this list of the Top 100 Trails in North America. The list shows trails in just about every state, which means you're sure to find one near you (or near where you'll be visiting).

Be sure to pack extra layers since it can get chilly and windy towards the summit. Wear hiking boots that protect your ankles, and have sturdy soles since the ground can get really slippery in the fall. Of course don't forget snacks, water, and a camera too, since the views are spectacular once you reach the top.

Fit's Tips: Does trekking it back downhill hurt your knees? Check out these great tips for protecting your knees while hiking downhill.

5 Things: Happy Hiking Feet

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Autumn is my favorite time to go for a hike. I always try to take a trip somewhere to catch some mountain views of colorful foliage. I pack some food, plenty of water, and some extra layers and head out early so I can get to the summit by noon for lunch.

This kind of hike takes about five hours, and it can wreak havoc on your poor feet. Here are some tips to keep your trotters pain free.

Buy hiking boots that cover your ankle. This will keep your ankle stable and prevent it from turning or twisting. Also make sure they fit properly and have a rugged sole that will grip on wet and uneven terrain. Break in your new hiking boots with shorter hikes before committing to a day-long hike.

Give yourself a pedicure before your hike. What I mean is to make sure your toenails are cut short and square. Long toenails can bruise or cut into the skin.
Wear wicking socks to prevent your sweaty feet from staying moist and causing blisters.
Pack band-aids or moleskin pads in your lumbar pack just in case you feel a blister forming.
Rest your feet. When taking breaks for water or lunch, take off your boots and socks and let your tootsies air out. You can also elevate them to help reduce swelling.

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Isis Zip Neck Fleece

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Even though the Chicago Marathon was marred by scorching temperatures, I am still thinking about layering for cooler weather. You want extra layers that will keep you warm without adding unnecessary bulk to your frame.

Check out the Ella Zip Neck from Isis. Don't they just scream fall? I love the gorgeous and soothing colors this fleece pullover comes in.

Since it's designed by Isis, you know that it's made to fit a woman's body and her active lifestyle. The 9" zipper can be pulled all the way up to keep your neck and chest warm, and it can be pulled down to cool you off. It's made of microfleece, so it's warm but not too bulky. It can be easily tied around your waist or stuffed in a pack to save when you need it.

This fleece is soft and cozy enough to wear alone, but can also be layered over a tank top or baselayer. Once winter comes, you can also use it as an extra layer under your coat. I love the feminine contoured fit and it's only $65. Order it from Isis.

Get in Gear: Shock-Absorbing Hiking Poles

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I went hiking this weekend up a trail named Hell's Brook. I learned the name after arriving at the trail head. If I had had that knowledge ahead of time, I would have known to bring along my hiking poles.

I'm liking these from REI called Traverse Shock Trekking Poles. They're only $79 for the pair, when others can run you almost $200 for just one.

What makes these poles so different? To find out read more

These are spring-loaded, so when you're trekking down a steep trail, they bounce a little as you put weight on them, which absorbs shock. This means your hands and wrists won't have that repeated jarring vibration you get with regular rigid poles, which helps prevent thumb and general hand pain.

When you're going up hill, these poles have a locking mechanism to make them rigid (without the bounce), for more stable climbing. You can also choose the length you want, so you can make them shorter on the way up and longer on the way down. The maximum length is 57", but these poles can compact to 27" for easy storage. Another great thing about these poles is that they're made of aluminum, so they're durable and lightweight - only 19.7 oz for the pair.

Hiking is such an awesome activity to do in the fall, and hiking poles will make your experience so much safer and easier on your knees and lower back. Plus they spread the workout around so your upper body gets into the action, not just your legs. Poles also enable you to conquer tougher and steeper trails. Upward, ho!

Get in Gear: Mountainsmith Earth-Friendly Lumbar Pack

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I'm a huge fan of lumbar packs because they're so comfy on your lower back. Since they sit on your hips rather than your shoulders, you won't have to worry about getting a sweaty back while you're hiking, running, or biking with them. Plus they're big enough to hold a day's worth of gear, and the gentle pressure on your tail bone feels incredibly supportive.

Mountainsmith makes great lumbar packs, like the Dart, but a few of their models are now being made with recycled materials. Each of their lumbar packs is made using between 12 and 13 plastic bottles.

This is the Tour Lumbar Pack and it's the perfect size for a day hike or other outing. It can hold two 32 oz water bottles on the outside for easy access. There's a main zippered compartment that can hold big stuff like binoculars, a camera, or a long sleeve shirt. There's also a front zippered pocket for smaller stuff like snacks or your cell phone. See the yellow bungee cord on the front? It can be used to hold an extra layer like a rain jacket, fleece, or long-sleeve shirt.

Want to hear more about it and see how much it costs? Then read more

You can clip the cushioned straps around your waist, but it also has a removable padded shoulder strap you can use in case your load is a bit heavier. I also love the compression straps that you can cinch tightly to keep everything in your pack secure. I use this pack every time I go for a hike.

Everything about it is comfortable and convenient, and now that it's made with recycled materials, you can feel good about supporting a company that's helping to keep our world beautiful. You can order it for $69.95 in Cobalt (shown), Heritage Red, or Black.

Fall Hiking Tip: Wear Layers

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:30:00 -0700

In the Fall, getting a head start on a morning hike is one of my favorite things. The air is still crisp from the cool evening before, and I love to catch glimpses of the leaves beginning to change colors.

One thing to remember though is you've got to wear layers. Even though it's chilly when you start out, as soon as you get trekking up that mountain, you'll heat up fast. Make sure you have on a tank top under a long sleeve shirt. My favorite to wear is a lightweight Capilene baselayer from Patagonia. It'll give you added warmth if you're cold, and as soon as you warm up and start sweating, it'll wick moisture away from your skin. Then when you get really hot, you can peel this long sleeve off, and either tie it around your waist or shove it in your pack.

Depending on how high you are hiking up, you also want to bring a windbreaker or windproof layer. Even though you may be sweating all the way up, it can be surprisingly windy and cold at the pinnacle. You've worked really hard hiking to the top, so you want to be able to stay and enjoy it without freezing your buns off. I always like to pack my camera, a water bottle, and a LARABAR so I can snap some pics and have a snack.

Fit's Tips: Be sure to wear a pair of wicking socks too. You want to pull moisture away from your sweaty feet to prevent blisters.

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P.L.O.W. - Birds in Flight

FitSugar — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Part of the reason I love to be outside is because of the astounding wildlife I get to observe, especially birds. The end of the summer is a great time to catch glimpses of all types of birds getting ready to migrate to warmer places. I love bringing binoculars along when I hike so if a hawk or some geese fly overhead, I can get a closer look.

This play list is in honor or those gorgeous winged creatures. When I look up and see them, I think about what it must be like to soar overhead and gaze down at our beautiful earth. It makes me feel small in a way, and it reminds me to appreciate the important things in life.

"Blackbird" - Sarah McLachlan, 2:20
"And Your Bird Can Sing" - The Beatles, 2:01
"I'm like a Bird" - Nellie Furtado, 4:06
"Bye Bye Blackbird" - Ray Charles, 3:30
"Little Bird" - Annie Lennox, 4:37
"Rockin' Robin" - Jackson 5, 2:33
"Broken Wings" - Rick Springfield, 4:06
"Noah's Dove" - 10,000 Maniacs, 4:31
"I Saw a Bird Flyaway" - Dar Williams, 2:51
"Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd, 9:09
"Winter's Come and Gone" - Gillian Welch, 2:14
"Redtail Hawk" - Joules Graves, 3:53

Total PLOW = 44:52

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Get in Gear: Binoculars for Your Hike

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

If you love exercising outside, I'm sure part of the reason is because you love being immersed in nature. There are so many smells, vibrant colors, and amazing things to see, that it inspires me to stay out longer.

Once the cooler weather starts to set in, I love to go hiking because there's a ton of wildlife to see. It's also a great workout because even though you are just walking, if you are going uphill it works your muscles and gets your heart rate up too.

Just in case I hear a woodpecker or catch a hawk flying overhead, I always bring a pair of binoculars so I can get a closer look. You can end up spending over $500 on a really nice pair, but if you're like me, you want something that's small, lightweight, and not that high tech. That's why I love these Nikon Travelite V 12 x 25 Binoculars ($129.95).

Want to hear more about them? Then read more

These are great for hiking since they only weigh about 9 oz. The all metal body is covered with a durable black rubber armor that adds shock resistance (in case you accidentally drop it). The rubber also makes it easier to grip if your hands are sweaty or slippery from rain. Plus the design is ergonomically correct, making it more comfortable to hold if you're looking at something for a long time.

Another thing I love is that the lenses are made with Arsenic-free Eco Glass, which is earth-friendly, and lighter in weight than traditional leaded glass. The magnification is 12x and when you're 1,000 yards away from something, you can see a range of 220 ft from left to right. It comes with lens caps, a strap and a carrying case to keep it protected. Order your pair from REI.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Patagonia Lightweight Fleece

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

September is here and whether you like it or not, the weather is starting to cool off. I'm a little sad that warm weather is dwindling away, but I am psyched to spend more time outside. The cooler weather of autumn makes exercising outside much more pleasant and safe, since you don't have to worry as much about overheating. You do need to wear extra layers though.

Every outdoorswoman needs to have a great fleece. I love this one from Patagonia - the Lightweight R4 Jacketa, because it's simple yet practical.

It's not too big and bulky, so it won't get in the way when you move. Plus the best part is that this fleece is windproof, so you'll stay extra warm. I also like the fact that the shoulders are seamless, so if you are wearing a backpack, the seams won't dig into you. Pockets are a necessity and this jacket has three - 2 hand pockets, and 1 on your chest.

I know that $200 may seem kind of pricey, but remember that even though this jacket is lightweight, it'll still keep you as warm as thicker fleeces because it's windproof. Plus it's a great jacket to layer underneath a hardshell or down jacket for the winter. It's also 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. Order it from Patagonia in Aquatic Blue, Poppy Fields (both shown), Black, and Safety Green.