LED Flashlights: Being Prepared For A Winter Hiking Adventure
Winter hiking can be a tranquil even surreal experience when done properly. The peace of walking through cold and wintry scenes captured in the outdoors is considered by many to be a great way to spend a day. Additional precautions are needed when hiking in the winter, however, as winter weather can create a number of issues not typically a problem in the summer. It is important to protect yourself from both colder temperatures and potential winter hazards this time of year. Making sure that you have the right equipment for your hike and taking extra time planning so that you can avoid many potentially dangerous situations are important to winter hiking safety.
Essential Equipment
Proper equipment is a winter hiking essential. Your biggest priorities are going to be making sure that you have light and warmth when you need it, as well as food and water to keep you from becoming dehydrated or hungry. A basic multipurpose tool or a pocket knife is important for any hiking situation. A small first aid kit is too. LED flashlights are the smartest choice for a light source. They use very little energy (batteries) and therefore will last much longer than a standard light. Pack both thermal blankets and chemical heat packs to ensure that you and your companions will be able to stay warm enough if caught out in unexpected bad weather. If you?ll be camping during your hike, invest in a sleeping bag that?s designed to keep you warm in low temperatures. Make sure that you pack all of the necessary equipment that you would bring in warmer weather, and be sure that you put an extra emphasis on safety and first aid.
Careful Planning
When you?re planning your hiking trip, take extra time to plan out your route. Do your research and see if you can find out about any safety advisories in the area where you want to hike, and adjust your equipment list as needed to accommodate for any special circumstances that you might encounter based on these warnings. If you?re planning a multi-day hiking trip, you might want to have an LED flashlight that has a lantern function as well so that you can illuminate larger areas with it. Begin watching weather reports several days in advance of when your trip is planned for so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Once your plan is set, make sure you notify two to three people of your expected route and plans for return so they can alert the proper authorities if you do not return as scheduled.
Being Mindful of Temperature
Temperatures often drop quickly during the winter, and it can be very easy to underestimate the effects of these temperature shifts. You must also be mindful of the amount of sweat that your body can produce even in cold weather, as it can not only lead to you having wet clothes and skin in cold weather but you can also be in danger of dehydration. Quickly dropping temperatures can increase your likelihood of becoming sick and can also put you at risk for hypothermia. Because of this, in addition to any blankets or heat packs that you bring, it?s important that you dress appropriately for the projected temperatures on the day or days that you?ll be hiking. Dress in layers and bring extra shirts, jackets, pants, or other clothing that can be added with relative ease if necessary.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Coast Portland, an outdoor equipment retailer specializing in sports knives and LED light equipment. You are invited to visit our site and read more at http://www.coastportland.com/
Make Money Today
Start Earning a Full Time Income Working at Home From Your Computer!
Visitors to Your Website
Start Getting Your Web Traffic Like The Big Dogs Do!
Lose Fat Fast
Lose 9 Pounds Every 11 Days with the Idiot Proof Diet. Guaranteed!
The Net's #1 Virus Killer
Try NoAdware FREE. Remove Harmful Adware, Spyware, Trojans, Dialers and Worms. Download Today!
Parental Solutions
Is Your "Out of Control" Teen Driving You Crazy? We Can Help!
Your Computer is Infected
I Guarantee it! Let us Prove it to You Absolutely FREE.
Related Articles:
I Guide Club Announces that it Will be Exhibiting its Full Suite of Outdoor Guide Online Search Engine Services in the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's
I Guide Club, the membership only outdoor guides directory specializing in hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting and climbing guides search announced today that sign ups for membership from the outdoor guides community is has been spectacular and the feedback from the outdoor guides community has been nothing but positive.
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Albuquerque, New Mexico Welcoming the Martinez Family Home
On the final day of the weeklong extreme makeover project in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ty Pennington, his design team and Atreus building crew, and volunteers of Albuquerque welcomed the Martinez Family home to their new house
Nascar Gear – The Essentials for a Day at the Race Track
Real Nascar fans attend at least one race a year, and usually more. To make the racing experience a fun one, there are certain items you will need to take along with you.
Cheap Camping Gear
Camping for the first time can turn into a wonderful experience, or it can become a nightmare. It mainly depends on the equipment you use. Purchasing and using cheap camping gear has its benefits as well as some downfalls.
New Belgium Urban Assault Ride Series Kicks off in Seattle -- Beer, Bikes, and Big Wheels are Coming to town on May 18th
Adventure Fit Inc. announced today that the Urban Assault Ride will kick off the 2008 series in Seattle, Washington. The Urban Assault Ride is a funky bike scavenger hunt that sends two-person teams riding to checkpoints around town to complete crazy obstacle courses at each stop.
IPA SBRB Study: Transportation Companies In Gear for Healthy 2007 Start; Owners, Operators "Most" Optimistic About Business Prospects
Forecast for higher revenues to be challenged by concerns about energy and fuel costs as well as health care expenses, taxes and costs for materials.
Buying Outdoor Adventure Gear Online
When it comes to buying outdoor gear online you could spend hours trying to find the best price on the right item. Fortunately, it is getting easier. Companies like, Altrec, Moosejaw, Campsaver, Rockcreek and Proboardshop have made finding the right piece of equipment much easier. In addition to a full line of men and women's outdoor clothing these sites offer a vast selection of hard to find accessory items. Items like GPS navigation systems, first aid and safety equipment stoves and lanterns, outdoors food items and much more. Each of these online retailers also offers specialty items for different sports such as climbing gear, altimeters for skydiving, kayak and whitewater equipment, trekking poles, sleeping bags and tents for campin...
Outdoor Living on Your Deck or Patio
Building a wooden deck onto the back of your home or in your backyard or adding a patio adds value to your house and gives you another space for living and entertaining. A deck or patio is a wonderful place to host a party or to have a few friends over to relax with drinks. It increases the amount of livable space of your home by allowing you to move some of your indoor activities outside. Many people spend most of their summers outdoors on their decks and patios.
Extreme Mind Body Spirit Makeover Conference
The Extreme Mind Body Spirit Makeover Conference, to be held May 3, 2008, at the Del Mar Hilton in Del Mar, California, will feature noted speakers who will reveal to you the power you have within to heal yourself!
Technical-Gear Sports Sunglasses Announces Top Sports Goggles and Gear for 2007
Technical-Gear Sports Sunglasses spent the year finding the best sports goggles and other gear for consumers. The company is proud to release the company's top picks for 2007, allowing consumers to get the most from purchases.
ShopBarbara.com Introduces Her New Self Named Chic and Affordable Clothing Line
ShopBarbara clothing is affordable yet chic with runway inspired looks at prices everyone can afford. With her finger on the pulse of fashion, ShopBarbara has always offered high quality merchandise that is up to the minute fashion forward.
Qualities That Make Leather A Top Rated Clothing Material
Leather is one of the few materials that actually get better and more luxurious with age. Leather is one of if not the most durable material available. Even better, it is a breeze to care for and it is all natural. Because of its ability to breathe, leather will not pick up the surrounding temperature whether that is cold or hot. As you wear your leather clothing, it will get more comfortable as is gets softer and takes on the shape that is natural to you.
Having Fun Making Arrows and Practice Archery While Camping
Next time when you go out camping, try to play with archery. It is fun-filled activity and can give you great way for entertainment and sense of accomplishment.
Buy Cotton, Kill a Chipmunk: Great Benefits of Using Organic Cotton Baby Clothes
A lot of people have said that if you would like to get rid of chipmunks, the best thing to do would be to soak some cotton balls in bacon fat and place them in areas where chipmunks go. They would try to eat, but would not be able to digest, causing them to die. This is not a very humane way of controlling a chipmunk problem, but then again some people are bent on getting rid of them.
Hiking Clubs: Great Way To Meet Hiking Companions
If you are a beginner interested in hiking there is no better way to start than to join a club. Not only will you learn from other people?s experience but you will learn about the best sites locally and you will meet people who would share several tips you wouldn?t know otherwise. You may also develop new hiking companions. This is particularly useful for a person new in town or stay at home moms.