FitSugar

Get in Gear: Kelty Day Pack

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Hiking is one of those outdoor sports that's great for late summer and early fall, when warm weather begins to cool. When you go for a hike, it's a great idea to go with someone who has trekked the trail or mountain you're planning to hike. You need some durable hiking boots and some wicking socks to go with them.

You're also going to need a comfortable pack to hold your water and gear. Check out this Kelty Range Daypack. Like the name suggests, this pack has a whole range of uses. There's a roomy, padded main compartment that features an interior sleeve that can be used to carry a hydration reservoir (like one from Platypus), a journal or laptop.

Want to hear more? Then read more

There's also a pocket for your iPod or MP3 player with an exit hole for your headphone cords, if you like to hike and listen to tunes. There's also a front zippered pocket you can use to hold your cellphone, camera, snacks, a long sleeve shirt, a lightweight raincoat, a first-aid kit, or whatever. You can also use the 2 mesh side pockets to hold stuff for easy access.

If you're carrying a heavy load, there's a removable waistbelt and adjustable sternum strap to cinch the pack to your body for added comfort and stability. I know when I'm hiking up a mountain, I get really hot, and this pack features air-mesh padded shoulder straps and a padded no-sweat backpanel with venting channels to help keep your back dry.

You can order this versatile Kelty Day Pack from REI.com for $70. It comes in denim/navy (as shown) and caramel/brown. It's the perfect size for any day outing.

Backpacking: The Essentials

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

If you love to camp, you'll love backpacking. Basically instead of packing all your stuff in your car and driving to your campsite, and enjoying nature with people all around you, you pack all your gear into a backpack and hike to a remote and way more private location. No neighboring campers playing acoustic versions of their favorite Metallica tunes until the wee hours of the morning.

I would start off slowly and just do an overnight trip. There is a lot less food and water to pack if you are only going for an overnight. I tell you though, chances are high you are going to love it and start planning longer and longer trips. Serious backpackers go for weeks at a time.

Before heading out, it's a good idea to get a book on the basics of backpacking like Backpacking: One Step at a Time ($18.05). It'll give you life-saving tips on how to enjoy yourself in the wilderness, and how to have the least impact on the environment.

Having good gear is essential and you'll need lightweight hiking boots (sneakers are not sturdy enough when you're carrying extra weight on your back), and a good sized backpack. Since you're carrying all your stuff, you want to carry only what you NEED, and you want to get lightweight versions of everything. You'll need a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You'll also need enough food for your trip as well as layers of clothes - warm stuff because it can get cold at night.

Want to see what I pack? Then read more

Source

What to Pack for a Day Hike

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:01:18 -0700

I love to get an early start in the morning when I am planning an all day hike up and down a mountain. The air is cooler in the morning and there are less people on the trail. Since I plan to be out for at least 4 hours, maybe even 8 hours if I am feeling really ambitious, I need more than just water in my day pack.

I made this widget - it's a list of day hike essentials. Check it out.

You can create your own Fit List and then Build Your Own Widget to share on TeamSugar.

Fit's Tips: I always pack my lunch and snacks in a plastic grocery bag and when I'm done, I use the bag for my trash and any I find on the trail.

Get In Gear: Mountainsmith Dart

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

I am so psyched for the warm weather so I can go trail running and hiking. What's a girl to do when she gets thirsty though? I hate carrying a huge pack just so I can have my water bottle, but now I don't need to. Check out the Mountainsmith Dart.

It's a lumbar back, so it fits snug against your lower back, but it's lightweight (3 oz), so it won't cause any strain. The waistband is adjustable, and there's also a little zippered pouch so you can keep your LARABARs, cell phone and digital camera safe and sound.

The best part is that it comes with a 20 oz water bottle, and it's tilted sideways for easy removal. Not only that, but Blush Pink is just one of the colors you can choose since the Dart also comes in Cobalt, Evergreen, Green Mist, Lime, Lotus Blue, Powder Blue, and Rio Red. Buy it through the Rock Creek website for $15.95.

Get in Gear: The Sugar Pack

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:00:00 -0800

If you are into doing anything outdoors, you've got to have a Camelbak. It's an easy way to make sure you've always got your water with you.

Sometimes when you're out for the day, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or whatever, it's annoying to have to stop all the time to get your water bottle out of your backpack.

Using the Camelbak keeps your water much more accessible so you are apt to drink as much water as you need.

It's a pack that has a reservoir pouch that holds the water. And there's a little tube that goes from there all the way up to your shoulder. To get the water out, you bite down on the end and suck - it's like a big straw - it's so easy.

But won't my water freeze? Nope. Camelbak makes insulated packs like this one so your water is protected from the cold. It's called the Sugar pack. You know I love that!!!

For $70, it holds 70 oz of water and has extra storage space for important things like snacks, a camera, your cell phone, and extra layers. What a brilliant idea.

Get in Gear: Trail Tracker Sport Pack

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of fanny packs. However sometimes when exercising, I find them acceptable. Still not fashionable, but acceptable. Wearing one while dancing around at Disneyland, totally unacceptable.

As far as fanny packs go, this Sportline Trail Tracker Sport Pack ($20) is as functional and sporty as they come. Not only does it have an over-sized media pocket with integrated music port and internal iPod holder, but it also has a built in pedometer. What's more? It's reflective so ~~everyone will know you're wearing a fanny pack~~ cars will see you during your evening and early morning runs.

Six-Pack Surgery?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

With the invention and creativity of cosmetic surgery, if there's something about your body that you don't like, and if you have the money and the guts to go under the knife, you can get almost anything done. Body modification isn't just about breast implants and nose jobs anymore. You can get calf implants, butt implants, and guys are even getting pectoral implants. I guess I didn't realize that men are also feeling the pressures of society's standards to look good.

I just came across a new kind of surgery that blew me away. Six-pack surgery. More professionally known as abdominal etching, this procedure will turn your pudgy belly into a washboard. It's a kind of precision liposuction, where the doctor sucks fat from your belly, revealing the abdominal muscles that lie underneath. At first, when I saw the name of this procedure, I thought they carved out or put little implants in your belly to make it look like you have a 6-pack, but that's not the case. You actually have to have the muscular definition, either naturally or from working out.

How much does it cost to get six-pack abs? To find out read more

Abdominal etching costs between $4,000 and $6,000 and is only recommended for certain patients. If you have too much or too little fat on your belly, it won't turn out as well (an inch or two of pinchable belly fat is the key here).

This procedure has actually been around for decades, but it can take a really long time to get the desired look, so not many people go for it. The surgery takes only about an hour or two, but a patient can feel pain for days, and swelling can persist for weeks or even months. You may also experience complications such as bleeding, infection, or a build-up of fluid known as seroma (that can be drained with a needle).

No thanks. I think I'll stick to good old-fashioned cardio to burn fat and crunches to strengthen and tone my abs. Exercising not only makes me feel good, but when I work hard for my results, I also feel proud and confident.

Source

Moldable Moji Ice Packs

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:34:54 -0700

We all do what we can to prevent injuries, but if you're an active person, sometimes you can't avoid it. Chronic back and knee pain are the most common ailments. If you've seen a doctor or physical therapist, they probably recommended you ice your boo-boo regularly. Common flat ice packs can be annoying to use though, since they're slippery and don't stay where you need them to. If this is an issue for you, check out these moldable fabric ice packs from Moji.

They have ones for your back ($99) and knees ($85). They stay cold for the recommended 20 minutes, and because you can get a snug fit, the compression can also offer support and extra relief from pain. The pack is made of soft fabric that can sit next to your skin without causing stinging or irritation, so you can wear these packs under your clothes if you want to. They may be expensive, but isn't your comfort priceless?

Get in Gear: Kelty Dog Pack for Hiking

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

Spring weather makes me want to go for a long hike with the entire family, and that means our dog, Bonnie, comes along, too. It's important to pack water, snacks, and extra layers for everyone, but since my daughters are young, they get tired carrying anything for too long. So I've been thinking about putting Bonnie to work. Check out this Kelty Chuck Wagon Dog Pack (medium, $50).

I so want this pack, since I have other packs (you know the ones for humans) made by Kelty and love them. They're well made, not too expensive, and really durable. This pack is great for dogs weighing 35 to 65 pounds, with a girth of 22 to 35 inches. The zippered compartments allow Bonnie to help carry the stuff we need, and she can even carry food and water for herself. I love that it's bright red, so we'll be able to see her easily in the woods. Depending on the size of your pooch, they also make this pack in small ($45) and large ($55).

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.