Archive for the ‘Gear’ Category

Choosing Kayaking Gear: A Basic Breakdown

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

If you’re new to the sport of paddling, selecting the appropriate kayaking gear may seem like a daunting task. By starting with some basic equipment, you can easily build upon this foundation and customize it to suit your preferences as you kayaking-tripbecome more experienced.

Dressed for the Occasion
Obviously, you have to be prepared to get a bit wet. In anticipation of this, look for clothing that is water resistant, dries quickly, and has wicking qualities. In addition, consider the environment where you will be kayaking, it is a good idea to dress for the water temperature, not just the conditions outside. Obviously, if you are headed for colder climates, dressing in layers may be a good idea.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Another important choice is your footwear selection. Choose footwear that will dry quickly, either water shoes or sandals. Also, remember, depending on the surrounding terrain you may need shoes that offer a significant amount of protection.

Safety First
The single most important piece of equipment in you arsenal is your personal flotation device. Life jackets, or PFDs, are manufactured specifically for paddling sports, so be sure to look for one of these as they will make maneuvering within the kayak much easier. Look for a proper and comfortable fit, so that you will feel relaxed during your adventure. Never remove your device, it is too risky. Also, be sure that whatever life jacket you select meets the Coast Guard’s safety standards.

Paddle On
Of course, you will need a paddle to get started as well. Paddles come in so many shaped and sizes, you can certainly find one that will fit your individual characteristics. Consider the size of your hands when evaluating the grip and your height when selecting the paddle length. Depending on the length of your kayaking trips, you may want to take into account the paddle’s width. The longer your excursion, the more the paddle’s weight till wear on your shoulders.

Skirting It
A spray skirt is the last piece of gear you may want to add to your initial collection. Covering your lap, the skirt will prevent excessive water from infiltrating a sit-inside kayak, as well as offering protection from the elements. Generally made of nylon or neoprene, the best choice of material is dependent on the conditions where you will be paddling.

Though first-timers can likely rent most of the equipment required for a day trip, as you become more invested in the sport, purchasing your own gear makes sense. These basic items will get you started, and as your experience level increases and your trips become more adventurous, you can add to your collection.

If you’d like to give kayaking a try, Just Roughin’ It offers kayaking trips at both Canyon Lake and Bartlett Lake. These are both inexpensive, fun trips and everything you need is supplied.

Tips On Packing Your Backpack

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Well Organized Backpacks at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

While hiking in Paria Canyon this weekend, I came across a group of backpackers that were moving along rather slowly and just from looking at them I could immediately figure out part of the reason they were slow.

Two of the three members of the group had backpacks that were hanging backwards and to one side. In other words, the packs weren’t balanced and I’m sure they were off balance trying to carry these packs. This got me thinking that this would be a good time to give everyone out there some tips on properly packing a pack to avoid lugging around awkward loads like those guys were.

The following tips are generalized in the interest of keeping this post short. These tips are also meant for internal frame packs with either one or two compartments in the main portion of the pack. Only some of the tips will apply if you are using an external frame pack or ultralight pack.

  • Organize everything you are going to pack in one area so that you can prioritize whats goes into the pack first and in order after that.
  • Pack items that you won’t need right away at the bottom of the pack. This would be any item that you won’t need until you reach camp such as tent, sleeping bag, and extra changes of clothing.
  • Pack the things you will need frequently towards the top of your pack’s main compartment. Your first aid kit is a good example of what goes on top.
  • Use the outer pockets and top pocket of your pack for your easy access items that you will need on the trail such as sunscreen, snacks etc.
  • Pack heavier items near the bottom of your pack and along your back and pack lighter items towards the top of your pack or away from your back.
  • As you are packing, try to distribute the weight of items so that the pack is evenly balanced from side to side.
  • If your pack has a separate sleeping bag compartment, stuff your extra changes of clothing ( under wear, socks, etc) into the spaces not used up by your sleeping bag. Many times there is space in that compartment that goes unused so fill it up.
  • Slide your tent poles and stakes vertically in the pack along your back.

Overall, the goal of packing the pack is to have what you frequently need be easily accessible while at the same time having the weight of the pack lower and closer to you so that the weight of the items in the pack aren’t pulling you backwards.

It may take some packing and repacking until you get the backpack to feel balanced and not top heavy but once get the system down, you can avoid an aching back like the guys I saw in Paria Canyon. I wished I had taken a photo so I can show you what not to do. Maybe that would be a good Photo Friday topic one day, “How Not to Pack a Backpack”.

Ten Hiking Essentials - and then some

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Ten Hiking EssentialsThe Ten Essentials is a list of items hiking professionals and authorities urge all hikers to carry with them on any hike into the back country - whether you are out for just a few hours or several days at a time.

The Ten Essentials were first promoted in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a non-profit, outdoor recreation and awareness group in Seattle, WA and is the third largest of its kind in the United States.  The essentials given here is just the first part of a series of blogs coming soon to a computer screen near year.  We will discuss each item’s importance and include updated information since so much has changed since the 1930’s.

Regardless, having these ten items can save your life.  Remember, even the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.

1.  Map/GPS - just remember that a GPS takes batteries and can malfunction.  Maps are now printed on tear and waterproof paper so are still your best bet.  Just be sure you know how to read it!

2.  Compass/GPS

3.  Sunglasses and Sunscreen

4.  Extra Food and Water

5.  Extra Clothing - i.e. layers for a possible unexpected overnight stay

6.  Headlamp/Flashlight

7.  First Aid Kit

8.  Fire Starter

9.  Matches

10.  Knife

And then some includes…

  • Water treatment device or method
  • Repair kit - i.e. Duct Tape
  • Signaling devices such as mirror, whistle, satellite phone, etc.
  • Plastic tarp and rope for shelter
  • And…don’t forget the tubing in case you need to give yourself an enema vis-a-vis Bear Grylls.

The plan is to add to this series bi-weekly but as said earlier, even the best laid plans…

Going Backpacking? Don’t Forget Your Bandanna(s)

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Bandanas for backpackingThere are many essentials you must remember to bring when you are hiking or backpacking, but none are as versatile as the bandanna.  Here is a list of the many uses for a bandanna for your next hiking or backpacking trip, but first, a little background on the bandanna just in case you need a topic for conversation at your next happy hour.

The bandanna is a type of large, colorful kerchief that is usually worn around the head and has a paisley pattern.  A kerchief is from the French couvre-chef that means “cover the head.”  The kerchief is worn around the head or neck for protective or decorative purposes and its popularity varies by culture and religion.  A handkerchief is a smaller version of the kerchief, like a napkin made of cloth and can be used as a way to clear the nostrils (i.e. as a snot rag), wipe away sweat or to flirt with a potential suitor - remember when you were interested in that cute boy in your class and you would drop your hanky as a means to flirt?  Me neither, but I guess that depends on how old you are.  It can also be used to cover your mouth and nose to avoid foul odors, like your fellow hikers.

So after much ado, here are the many uses for a bandanna on a hiking or backpacking trip.  By the way, just a few (2-4) will suffice and will keep your packs much lighter.

  • washcloth, dish rag, hand towel, napkin
  • snot rag
  • place mat
  • emergency coffee filter
  • pre-filter when purifying silty water
  • pot holder
  • cover food to keep bugs out
  • head wear (do-rag, hat, headband or hair tie)
  • to wipe away sweat
  • wear a wet one around your neck to stay cool
  • first aid sling, bandage, eye patch or for splinting  (some people will say tourniquet, I don’t promote anyone without the proper training to ever use a tourniquet)
  • to clean glass or camera lenses
  • emergency toilet paper
  • to just tie stuff
  • to cover your mouth and nose to block the elements such as dust or offensive smells
  • not essential to hiking or backpacking, bandannas can also be used for origami

I have also seen bandannas used as trail markers and belts.  I do not suggest using them as trail markers since that is like leaving trash on the trail and is not “Leave No Trace.”  They work well as a belt if you have a few to tie together, but can be bulky and uncomfortable under the hip-belt of your backpack.  A friend uses shoe strings - much lighter and quite fashionable.

If you can think of any other uses, would love to hear about them!

 

Send Me
Dirt-e-mail

Keep the adventure going!
Sign up to receive bi-monthly e-mail updates on the latest happenings, newly added tours, outdoors tips and more.
 

Tell Someone to
Go Take a Hike

Good things are meant to be shared!
Tell a friend or family member about the adventures that await you.
 

Photo Gallery

Much better than Aunt Selma and Aunt Patty's vacation slide shows, but not as good as being there. Click here...
 
Bookmark: