Many of us bike riders will at some point be faced with some form of city cycling. Some of us less often, but the chances are. If you ride a bike you will at some point find yourself negotiating a big town or city on two wheels.  But I think it’s more than that isn’t it. I think you should actively seek our riding in a city, it’s a great way of getting around or just a fantastic way of exploring and seeing the sites. But if you’re not feeling too confident, or you just want to brush up on some skills, well here are our top tips for city cycling.

1. Planning your route

Planning your route or at least working out what you want to include on your city ride is a great place to start your journey. If you want to get to work as quickly and safely as you can, you’ll want to avoid crossings and junctions too often, as these will slow you down. A great way to do this would be to follow the bike paths, as these are designed to crossroads, and other forms of transport as little as possible. On the other hand, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you could branch out, maybe do an extra loop, go the less direct way, and explore parts of the city you haven’t seen before. Either way, planning what it is you would like to do. How long you expect it to take you, and roughly where you would like to go will increase your enjoyment as this will avoid any nasty surprises along the way.

2. Staying alert staying safe

Above all else staying alert and staying safe will do more to ensure your enjoyment when riding in the city than anything else. That doesn’t mean your ride has to become a boring risk assessment exercise, it just means keeping your eyes open and scanning for any hazards around you. Not everyone expects to see cyclists in cities, and indeed the infrastructure can throw up. Some expected surprises like raised curbs, barriers, posts, and these can blend into the surroundings, and just appear to come out of nowhere. So, if you stay alert, you’ll better at noticing them. But there are more reasons to be alert, you can also be a danger to others. So watch out for the unexpected, and only ride as fast as you can stop. Exceeding your limit is rarely as fun as you would hope it to be. stick to riding at under 95% of your limit and it will be much more enjoyable. You’ll be in more control, and conscious of what the inputs you make to the bike are doing. This is a great way to learn bike control.

3. Been seen been heard

City cycling is fairly low risk when done correctly, but there are a couple of things that we can do to make it even safer. A good set of lights for a start, and coupled with some reflective clothing, or something reflective on your back, is a great way to draw attention from other road users. In fact, lights on moving limbs are proven to be more effective at doing this. And for when you can’t be seen a bell or a horn is a great way or drawing attention to yourself, because cities are full of blind 90 degree corners, so a quick toot or a ding can alert others to your presence. No one wants to crash or to hurt themselves, or anyone else for that fact do they?  No, I do not want to crash, at all.

4. Fun

So why not add a little fun into your ride. Even the tiniest of curbs can be the perfect Launchpad for a quick jump, and then speed bumps. When you time a bunny hop absolutely perfectly and land on the backside of a speed bump, it can be incredibly rewarding, you’ll even feel like you’ve barely left the ground. You could also use speed and distance judgment, as an exercise in timing. For example, if you want to try and get through every traffic light without stopping, well if you judge it just right you might be able to. Or how about practicing your slow speed, or no speed maneuvers, so learn to track stand, where you balance motionless without touching the ground. Get good at that and you can ride around cities without ever touching the floor.

5. Obey the rules

Now you’d hope that this next one would go without saying, but you do see it from time to time. Some cyclists not obeying the rules, running red lights, or maybe just riding where they shouldn’t. Now we can sympathize with why somebody would think that that might be okay, but we disagree. Please don’t be one of those riders, you’ve got a responsibility to other road users, and particularly your fellow cyclists. Not to mention there could be considerable consequences, for if you don’t follow the rules. So please use your common sense and obey the law.

6. Enjoy your ride

It’s not all doom and gloom though, for me city cycling is still all about one thing. Yep, above all else, enjoy your ride. Going by bike is a fantastic way to explore the city, and a bicycle can take you further, faster, and to places that are otherwise inaccessible, by other means of transport. Yeah, going by bike is also a great way of adding some extra fitness into your cross-city journeys. You can cruise along gently, a bit like we are now, or you could race the traffic light Grand Prix: “Ready, Three, two, one!” Go!

Hopefully, you have found these city cycling tips useful.

Camping has become an increasingly popular way of travel for ordinary families. There are more than 1 million new American families have chosen camping trips every year. No need for mobile phones or alarms, stay away from emails and the Internet, experience waking up to the sounds of birds in the early morning, taste the freshest taste of nature, look up and see the first rays of sunlight through the gaps… to discover and blend into nature, thank nature and this world for giving you the most beautiful view. OK, if you are searching for how to prepare for your first outdoor camping, here are all the tips right for you!

1. Camping site selection

There are various types of camping sites in the United States, some in deep mountains and old forests, some in national parks, and lakes and coasts. The equipment of various facilities at the campsite is also uneven. So when you choose a campsite, you must first clarify these in addition to determining the natural environment you want to explore. For example, parking spaces, drinking water, living pits, picnic tables, barbecue grills, toilets with baths, etc. As a novice, the more complete the facilities, the more convenient, otherwise you may face the embarrassment of digging an aqua toilet! If you want to have a better experience, you must first do your homework. It will be easier for novices to get started, the experience will be better. Many campsites can be booked online. From www.reserveamerica.com or www.recreation.gov, you can search for the detailed information of each camping area that can be booked, including facility introduction, camp map, vacant period and price, etc., which is very convenient. Summer (from June to September) is a hot camping season when the weather is good. Some popular campsites, such as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, and other national parks. may be fully booked early. If you want to go to some popular campsites, you usually have to book two or three months or even six months in advance. But for someone who wants to go camping spur-of-the-moment, you do not need to be discouraged, because, in addition to checking the above two websites to see if there are any temporary cancellation positions available, there are many camping sites that implement “first come, first serve” policy, this has to be checked on the official website of each park, usually the online introduction materials are very complete. Of course, don’t forget to search for other users’ reviews of the camp when searching for information online. After choosing the campsite, you should book it online right away.

2. Must have camping knowledge-equipment

After choosing a campsite, you must choose camping equipment. A campsite with comprehensive facilities will not provide you with any double bed. Campsites are generally equipped as standard: an open space for tents, a picnic table, and a fire with a barbecue grill. Some national park camps also have bear-proof iron boxes to store food. There are public restrooms and sorted garbage bins in the camp. There are also public shower rooms, laundry rooms, and canteens in the camp in good condition. In the camping public space, drinking water dispensers, sockets, and some also have firewood for sale.

. Sleeping bag

The temperature of the sleeping bag must be comfortable, too cold or too hot will make you unable to sleep. National parks generally have a large temperature difference between morning and night, so choose the right sleeping bag according to the temperature. There are two types of sleeping bags in appearance design:

Mummy style: good warmth retention, tightly wrapped from head to toe; poor flexibility, if it is hot, it is difficult to split flexibly.

Envelope type: The warmth is not as good as the mummy type, but it is flexible and can be used as a quilt at home.

The warmth of the sleeping bag determines the quality of your camping. Each sleeping bag has a temperature indicator, which can be selected according to your needs. The climate and conditions of each national park are different. If you go to different national parks to experience camping life, your personal experience is to use a combination of envelope sleeping bag + fleece quilt with a comfortable temperature scale of 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference is different. Can easily hold live.

. Sleeping pad & moisture-proof pad

In addition to sleeping bags, the most important thing is sleeping pads and moisture-proof pads. In the eyes of some experienced camping enthusiasts, these two equipment are no less useful than sleeping bags and are the guarantee of camping quality. A sleeping pad with heat preservation and a moisture-proof pad underneath can sleep more comfortably in a sleeping bag. There are many types of moisture-proof pads, including single-layer, double-layer, physical foaming type moisture-proof pads, and auto-inflating types. Prices, features, and weight are all different. Friends who want to go camping in national parks do not recommend single-layer moisture-proof mats, because national parks are more exposed and the moisture-proof effect of single-layer moisture-proof mats is relatively poor. For beginner campers, we recommend double-layer moisture-proof mats, which are affordable and can meet their needs.

If you are looking for comfortable sleeping, you can choose an egg-nest moisture-proof cushion. The wave-shaped cushion is designed according to ergonomics. If you are worried about sleeping well when you go camping for the first time, you can choose this. But the disadvantage is that it is heavy and cannot be compressed.

. Good tents for you

There are the simplest ones that can only sleep one person, and the huge luxury tents, like a small house. The most basic function of the tent must be keep away from wind and rain. There will be a cool breeze at night in the national park. Therefore, it is not recommended to choose a summer tent with good ventilation. It is easy to exchange the heat inside the tent and it will be colder at night. The weather in the national park in summer is changeable, and rainproof tents are also necessary. The structure of the tent has many options for equipping the party: there are two rooms and one hall, three rooms and one hall structure, like a small villa, it is simply heart-warming! But at the same time, tents take up a lot of space and are complicated to build.

.  Camping lights

You must be equipped with this equipment. The campsite has no street lights. At night, camping lights are your only lighting source. When going to the toilet at night, lights are also necessary. Camping lights are solar-powered and LED rechargeable. When City King was camping, he saw that some foreigners brought lantern-style camping lights, which were very bright. It is recommended that you buy a waterproof and rechargeable LED hanging lamp directly. It is easy to use, sufficient in brightness, and lightweight. A headlight that can be put on your head is added for the first time. The lighting problem when walking is perfectly solved.

. Insect/bear-proof spray

national parks are all in the wild after all. While experiencing ecological balance, of course, you must be prepared for unexpected encounters with various animals. Yellowstone National Park is famous to bear, so carry anti-bear spray pest control is also necessary.

Excluding what the camp provides, we have to prepare ourselves. See what are the necessary equipment for camping.

3. Five camping hacks

4. Where to buy the equipment

Walmart: #1 choice for purchase camping equipment. There is a special area for camping supplies, equipped with all kinds of equipment, inexpensive, very suitable for first-time campers.

REI: A very professional camping goods store, you can buy it online or in the store. The equipment is well equipped and of good quality, quite compelling, and the price is also expensive.

General Store or Sports Store in the park: Some stores in national parks can also buy some supplies, but they are not very complete and only suitable for temporary supplies, so it is recommended to prepare before departure.

A backpack is an essential hiking gear to manage all the staff like food, water, rope, additional clothing, and other materials. Today I want to talk to you about picking a pack. In general, it depends on what you intend to use the pack for, but here I will show you the key factors while choosing the right hiking backpacks.

1. The volume of the pack

To go back one of the first things that should we consider when shopping for a pack is the volume of the pack. So this is how much space you have to fill up with your gear on the inside of the pack, this will really depend on how many days you’re aiming to be out backpacking, how long your trips gonna be, and then how big as far as bulky and heavy your gear is. My best advice for somebody who is currently shopping for a pack just so you know that all of your gear will fit inside is to take all of your gear with you to a store, where they sell packs and practice kind of packing different packs with different volumes to see what works best for you. As a bit of advice, I would say when you go in there and pack all of your stuff in the pack if you think well. So really try to go with what you think will fit your gear kind of perfect and not get something that’s a little bigger, so you have the extra space. I feel like most beginning backpackers aim for the range of 50 liters to 70 liters for up to 5-day trips, which means clothing is going to be a little bit bulkier than women’s, especially if you’re bigger and taller than you know a short slender woman. so you might want to adjust some of that again to your specific gear, but that’s the range that usually works for people when they’re first starting out up to 5 days or. Anything bigger than a 70-liter pack is probably gonna is considered in the expedition pack range, so this is for trips that are going to be potentially a week or longer, and maybe even for people who are doing some winter backpacking.

Reference Volume (Liters) for Activities
15 – 30        Day hikes, school
30 – 50       Overnight (1-2 nights)
45 – 55       Weekend (2-3 nights)
55+               Extended Trips (3+ nights)

2. It’s all about the weight.

When we talk about weight, it’s not just the weight of the pack itself, but also the weight that the pack is designed to carry. It seems that the heavier a pack is itself, the more weight that it can stand to carry. Also, Comfort plays into this. The packs that I carried on the Appalachian Trail which was an osprey or a 50 liter was about three to four pounds as far as the pack itself, but the pact that I carried on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail was only a pound and a half, and they actually make a lighter version of it. I knew that I would be having longer water carry, so I wanted to have more water holding capacity, and I wanted the pack to be able to hold up to carrying those heavyweights and not tear up quickly. It’s important to consider how bulky your gear is, but you have to also consider how heavy that gear inside your pack is. so while an ultralight pack that might have a 55-liter capacity, might carry all of your gear as far as fitting it in there, it might not carry as comfortably. So when you look at ultralight packs, you definitely want to make sure that the gear that you’re carrying inside of it too because it could be really easy to look at a pack weighing go. I’d rather have a pack that weighs a pound and a half instead of 3 or 4 pounds, but it’s important how comfortable you’re gonna be while you’re carrying that weight.

3. The durability of your pack

Are you going to be going through brushy areas where you constantly have briars and twigs snagging at your pack? Are there mesh pockets on the outside that can be damaged easily? Or are you going to be traveling through areas like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail? All the trails that have a lot of traffic and more trail maintenance, where you’re not going to have to worry about that, and a mesh pocket or other more fragile components of the pack would be okay. Just something to consider, it’s also good to consider what material is your pack made from. A lot of lightweight packs today are made out of nylon, the packs that I prefer, and the more ultralight packs are made out of Dyneema now. If The packs were made out of nylon but it was not a waterproof material, I had to make sure to use a pack cover and also line my pack with a compactor bag. Now the pack that I carried was made out of Dyneema, which is pretty much a waterproof material, but I still took extra redundancies to line the pack with a compactor bag, just in case my pack was to get a hole in it. other than the extra redundancy of having a waterproof layer. I think having a pack made out of Dyneema is great because it doesn’t soak up water like my nylon pack tended to, so you don’t have that extra water weight weighing me down after you’ve already been trudging miles in the rain.

4. Is packs frame necessary

You may hear people refer to your packs frame. Most packs either have an external frame, internal frame or they are frameless. external frame packs are really kind of a thing of the past. There are still applications for those if you’re really carrying some heavy loads, but with the newer technology of gear and things just getting more and more lightweight. They’re really not a necessity in everyday normal backpacking. The internal frame pack is more common now in backpacking than any other type of pack, and it’s just what it sounds like the frame is internal, and it kind of hugs to your body inside the pack. There is such a thing as a frameless pack, and this is just a pack that does not have a frame. These are very ultralight packs with folks who are toting only the bare necessities to get by while backpacking, and this is something that people don’t generally start off with. It takes more experience to really learn what you need out there and to carry a load that’s light enough to go in a frameless ultralight pack.

5. Rain cover or waterproof

When selecting a pack rain cover, some packs come with a rain cover if they are not made out of waterproof material. Some packs do not come with them even if they aren’t made out of waterproof material. A rain cover is certainly something that can be useful for repelling water away from your pack, but I would not rely on this as your sole method for waterproofing the gear in your pack. Because I found that even with having the pack cover on water was able to seep through that my pack was generally soaked but the gear stayed dry on the inside, as long as I took other measures to make sure it did not get wet. Overall, when thinking about features that you want on a pack, you would try to find a pack that has the features that you do want and feel like you need or will make life easier while on trial, and then the one that you don’t really need if you can pick a pack that kind of ups out of those features because with added features comes out of weight.

6. Choose a pack fits your specific torso

If you’re walking down the trail with some weight on your back, you need to know that the pack fits your specific torso length. It has more to do with your torso length than your height. In general, your torso length is measured from that bump on your neck where your neck connects with your shoulders, and then to the iliac crests. So if you slide your hands down your ribcage and rest on your hips, if your thumbs are behind you and pointing towards each other, then that imaginary line that’s created there. You want to go from that bump on your neck, down to the center of that imaginary line and that is your torso length. Some packs will fit based on a torso length range, so it’ll be like a small-medium or large depending on your torso length, and others will have an adjustable suspension so it can adjust to fit you more specifically depending on torso links. and some might even have a combination of the two your waist size will also be important because you want the hip belt to fit you properly. so there may again be some sort of range in the pack as far as sizing goes with small, medium, or large or some packs even have an interchangeable belt.

Obviously, not every single person going out hiking wants a lighter backpack or cares to have a lighter backpack. so why should you? well, the start a lighter backpack is easier to carry since whatever you bring on your hiking trip, you then have to haul up mountains for miles and miles on end, it’s more comfortable on your shoulders and joints, and your muscles. Today we’re gonna talk about how to get a lighter backpacking kit and I actually made 8 tips to help you achieve this.

Carrying the less weight, it allows you to do more and see more since you can walk more freely without the pain or the stress of a heavy backpack, and in many ways, it helps to avoid potential injuries that you might see with folks toting a heavier load. I personally have done all of my hikes with a six-pound base weight or a six-pound backpack sometimes even less than that, so although I really enjoy traveling super light now with a really minimal kit. You don’t have to go anywhere near as light as I do, but I do think it’s good to be aware of what you’re carrying and how much you’re carrying and how heavy the things that you’re carrying are. so as you’re going on your shakedown overnight hikes near home, this is the stuff that I would like you to consider. a thru-hike upwards of two thousand miles is much more than a camping trip and in reality, it’s a lot more like a walking trip whew through hikes out there. so we hike day in and day out all in efforts of trying to race the weather north or south, all of this would be made much more difficult with a heavy backpack. so these days most aim for a more lightweight system while hiking something that they can carry, more comfortably while on their walking trip.

1. Start with the gear you already own.

I know it’s tempting to go out and buy new things but the best way to learn and grow is to simply get out there and try things this way you can get a better idea for what you really want when later on. if you do too so choose to go out and buy some new stuff when you do go out with her gear try and take notes on what you would like to be different. maybe there is a different shaped tent that you would prefer, or maybe your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough for instance. 

2. Take out everything you have weigh it and write it all down.

preferably prepare a backpacking checklist and a little kitchen scale. it’s one thing to go out backpacking and know that your kit feels heavy, it’s another thing to know exactly where all that weight is coming from. so with backpack checklist you can move things around and remove things and weigh different things, see how this changes your overall base weight categorizing things.  This way allows you to scrutinize your gear further and oftentimes for free you can lighten your backpacking load.

3. Reevaluate the gear that you brought.

So you’ve got a day here or a day there that you can take off from work. maybe a weekend or a couple of days in a row and you can do a short little overnight trip, take as many of them as possible, and every time you come home, think over your trip and again, reevaluate the things that you brought and do this over and over and over.  The only way you’ll figure any of this stuff out is by doing before hiking. I learned more on those little tiny trips than I ever have on any through-hike I’ve done.

4.  Make a distinction between necessary for survival and the luxury item.

You can decide if that luxury is something that you would even use oftentimes you get out there. and you realize at the end of the day you’re a lot more tired than you thought you would be. and maybe you’re not really gonna read that book that you brought, or carried a fishing pole for 500 miles and only used it once. try and remember while doing this that through hikes are much more of a walking trip than anything else and it’s good to make this distinction, so you know exactly what you can leave behind and not truly suffer for it. this applies to everything in your pack if it isn’t purely for your survival, then at least for this thought exercise let’s consider it a luxury and that it could be left behind without much consequence.

5.  Modify everything to push the limits of what you carry to.

Go through all of your things and see if you can modify them in any way to be lighter. are there any unnecessary features that you could possibly cut off? you’ve probably already seen or heard about people cutting their toothbrushes in half and that’s kind of the idea here. do you really need a full handle toothbrush to brush your teeth or could you do it with a shorter one? same goes for anything else. do you really need all those extra straps that are attached to your backpack? or do you think you could cut them off?  you’re not going to be saving pounds at a time by cutting these things off but every little bit counts. removing a half an ounce here or an ounce there before you know it you’ve done that enough, and you’ve removed an entire pound from your backpack. this is awesome to do because again it’s totally free and you’re actively making the gear you already own lighter in the process.

6.  Find the value in the bare minimum and then add back things.

When people ask me for a shakedown, I make a point to show them what the bare minimum is with the gear they have. the least amount of items that they need to survive or rather the most important items in their entire backpack and then everything else that I’ve taken out from there I let them add back in what they truly want. I do this because I think it’s very important to know just how little you could get away with, and also to hopefully help make that distinction between luxury and survival. so that’s what I’m gonna ask you to do to try and make that distinction and to find the bare minimum of the gear that you own to make two separate piles, the most important items you have and then other items that you just really enjoy, and then to go through that pile of items that you enjoy but don’t truly necessarily need, and add back items from it. you know the stuff that you really love and the stuff that’s really gonna make your trip a lot more fun or more comfortable.

7. Select a good campsite.

Good campsite selection means you can get away with a lot less gear by replacing that gear with knowledge and skills. for instance, you can get away with a much lighter tent if your campsite is really good or that maybe you know the trail you’re hiking has a lot of vegetation to shield you. thus, saving a lot of weight with more minimal shelter.  the same goes for warmth. if you’re constantly setting up in really exposed areas or near water or at the tops of mountains, then you would need a lot more insulation than someone who is being a little bit more choice about where they’re setting up. maybe you have a rock wall or, maybe you have a bunch of trees or a bunch of bushes surrounding you to block the wind. you don’t want to camp on the tops of exposed mountains as generally that’s very windy and cold and also you don’t want to camp in the bottom of valleys since that’s also pretty cold. so I generally look for somewhere right in the middle. doing all of this whenever possible and you’ll be amazed at how little you can carry and, still remain totally comfortable. You don’t need to do each and every one of these things every single day, just try and be choosy be picky about what type of weather you’re experiencing and how you should deal with that. searching online for others that have been successful on them through hikes and comparing their gear choices to your own. or taking notes on the types of things that they used and how that might be helpful.  

8. Don’t pack your fears.

Do a research plan and understand how you can overcome your fears.  All this planning having an ultra-light kit isn’t about just bringing the bare minimum, it’s really about being extra prepared and knowing the conditions you’re gonna face to a very high degree. having experience with your gear and going out on those short little trips so that you know that you are prepared. the more you understand your fear the less frightening it becomes and instead it turns into a strength. I see people carrying too much is clothing it is I imagine the fear of being cold or for a lot of people the fear of being dirty or maybe not knowing what will be warm enough. So studying what others have done before you or possibly using your own experiences out on these short little trips you’re taking is really important.

Heading out for a day hike is a great way to explore nature, and is a great travel experience. If you are planning your first backpack, and you may have searched a lot about what do you bring, how to prepare, and the answer to that question is it really depends on where you are going, what you’re doing, what the weather is like, and what the facilities are like. Here in this review, is all about how you can have a much better backpacking experience by not making some newbie mistakes that I really frequently see on the trail.

1. Choose the right hiking shoes

It is very important to take care of your feet during hiking. When you go to buy some hiking shoes, if you look at the amazon choose the best-reviewed ones and when you get them you may find there is no tread on the bottom at all. However, when you’re out backpacking, you’re probably going to be going up and down rocky mountains so you really need shoes and socks with good tread, that’s super important. They should also be waterproof, and provide good ankle support for you so these are high enough, they’re also great in the water so you can go through puddles rivers mud and it’s no big deal. Try to lace them up really tight because that’ll stop your foot from moving and you won’t get blisters as easily. Blisters are a trip ruiner they’re one, of the biggest reasons why people suffer when they backpack.

2. Don’t pack too much clothing

The number two big mistake I see people making is not going as light as possible. I think a lot of people don’t realize that you really only should bring two pairs of clothes when you go backpacking: one that you hike in and one that you sleep in. It just doesn’t make sense to bring extra pairs of hiking clothes that you are then getting sweaty and disgusting within five minutes, so really trust me, you will really grateful to not have the extra weight, and did not have to pick what they were going to wear each day. Bring enough underwear, but really only bring like two pairs of socks and two shirt situations, I also like to bring some baby wipes that are dried and in a pellet and can be hydrated same with toothpaste just bringing little toothpaste dots rather than a whole entire toothpaste every little way that you can get creative do so because every gram seriously matters when you’re climbing up a mountain with a 50-pound pack on. I do have a backpacking checklist with all of the gear below where you can figure out which things you should be.

3. Getting that Pack lighter

the big number one thing that people really often get wrong is not thinking light when it comes to your food. So when you’re at the grocery store, you really want to be thinking about: can I buy food that can be rehydrated? What most backpacking trails that I’ve been on did have plenty of water available, not in the desert but rather in mountains where there are lakes and streams a glacier runoff, melting snow. So for me, water is usually not a problem if you are backpacking in the desert you’re going to have to carry it. So maybe it’s a moot point but for me, I’m always thinking about how can I bring food that is not already hydrated I really like the organic Mary Jane Farm ones they actually taste really good. I also have got protein, I’ve got fiber I’ve got tomatoes sweet corn red bell peppers, onions garlic herb spices and, citric acid other things to consider. If you’re going to bring peanut butter or some kind of spread which is a really good idea that you don’t want to bring the entire jar, not only are you bringing the weight of either plastic or worse glass jar with you, but you have all this peanut butter that you’re probably honestly not going to eat. The good idea is to bring little individual packets so that you can have different flavors little things to look forward to. I also really like to bring some nuts and fruit for my lunch meals, so that I don’t have to stop and cook anything and they also pack a lot of energy per ounce. Also bringing powdered milk is not that bad you’ve probably had it before without even realizing it. So just have these things in mind when you’re packing your food.

4. Try your pack on in the store with weight in

Another big thing that people don’t always do is try your pack on in the store with weight in it before you buy it. The last thing that you want is to have a pack that doesn’t really fit you right and that is just the recipe for misery. You want a pack that is big enough you, want a pack that truly fits your body. Packs that are designed for female bodies are different than for male bodies. So if you’re going to borrow a backpack from someone just make sure that you try it on with weight in it because it feels way different when it has weight in it versus not. And just make sure that it actually fits you if you go to an outdoor gear store they pretty much always have an expert in the backpacking area who will give you some weight to put in the pack. If you have to order them online, then give yourself plenty of time order a few different kinds so that you can make sure that you test them, and obviously check the return policy on them.

5. Don’t leave gear buying until the last minute

Make sure that you have a planning checklist. For example, some such item as a stove and fuel for your particular trip, you probably need to run all around town trying to find these things and it was actually impossible because for some reason this summer just things are selling out and back-ordered but if you’re reading this with enough lead time, buy your gear now don’t wait until the last minute because a lot of people are trying to get outside and enjoy the wilderness right now.

6. Don’t strap too much stuff to the outside of your pack

Beginner backpackers sometimes like strapping a bunch of stuff to the outside of their pack. This is a big mistake and the reason why this is a problem is if it happens to rain, which even if the forecast says it won’t. You can’t be sure in the mountains they do their own thing if your sleeping bag gets wet and you’re in an area where it’s not going to clear up and dry, and that often puts you in a pretty dangerous position because you can’t get warm. Also, almost every hike I’ve been on has gotten really windy at some point, and I’ve done them all over the world and having something to the outside of your pack will act as a sail, and it might not seem like a big deal but when the wind is really heavy which can absolutely happen in Iceland Patagonia, Alaska, you will just be thrown around like a marionette. So I really recommend a 75-liter backpack, because this can basically hold everything you need for eight to nine days, and I pretty much bring almost exactly the same things even for shorter trips like a sleeping bag and all the gear. So this is a really perfect size for backpacking.

7. Double-check the gear before you go

Do not forget to check the gear before they start their trip. For example, you rented a tent and it had a leak in it, and unfortunately, that’s really hard to detect until you’re out there. Even worse you get caught in snow and rain and you may just get dripped on all night and it is not fun. But if you’re borrowing gear or you’re renting gear, you can at least check the air mattress for leaks you can. Make sure that the sleeping bag that you’re borrowing is rated for the temperatures that you might encounter. And make sure it’s all as light as it can be the colder weather you go. The more expensive it’s going to be to have ultralight gear but it’s so worth it.

8. Leave no trace when hiking

There are a lot of different ways that you can enjoy the wilderness by leaving no trace and there’s a whole website dedicated to this. So the first thing to do to make sure that you’re not leaving a big trace is to avoid social trails. If you see little side paths off of the main trail, maybe to cut out of something or to avoid like a mud puddle. Don’t take those unless the mud puddle is gonna come up to your shins but if you have good shoes like we already talked about that are waterproof, and have decent tread, you’re gonna be fine walking through some mud. Going off-trail just in general is worse for the wilderness than you may think. It can harm the desert definitely meadows these are a lot of vulnerable ecosystems, and stepping on these plants can cause them to not grow back, and then there’s less food for the bees, etc. So have that in mind before you go off-trail. Additionally, never wash anything in a water source. If you’re going to use the bathroom walk at least 200 feet away from the water source bury it and pack out your tissue. Because leaving it out here is just disgusting for other people to come up across and it lasts a lot longer than you think. It’s so easy to just bring a zip log and pack it out. Don’t do any washing in a stream. Don’t wash your dishes in it, collect some water carry it away from the stream, just like you would if you’re going to the bathroom and do your washing there otherwise it all flows down to people who are lower than you and then they’re having to drink your dirty dishwater or whatever you may be washing in there.

I was thinking of many more tips for people as backpack beginners, but, that’s part of the fun is learning, and refining it and figuring out what works better for you. Other people might have totally different advice to, mine this is just what I’ve learned throughout the years. You have to find your own way and, also know that backpacking is just so, much more mental than it is physical, it’s definitely not a competitive sport, so just get out there and enjoy.

You may have used lots of different outdoor gear and clothing, but there is one thing you might have yet to try, the waterproof socks. We’ve all heard of waterproof shoes and boots with gore-tex and other stuff but waterproof socks, that’s just crazy! Actually there’s a handful of brands that make waterproof socks but how do you choose the right one for your outdoor activities? Before you make the right decision, you need to know how waterproof socks works, in which condition you’ll need waterproof socks. Here we will make a full review of waterproof socks function for your reference and give you our expert’s advice. 

Do waterproof socks really work? Well, a pair of high-performance waterproof socks play an essential role in wonderful experienced outdoor activities, for it can keep your toes dry while also prevent a soggy mess after a long days hike, as well as keeping warm but breathable in cold days; not only that, the top waterproof socks will also be key in warding off fungus from growing on your feet.  

Material content that makes socks waterproof 

Waterproof socks usually come with 3 layers of durable construction, including a nylon exterior layer(nylon + rubber), a waterproof membrane, and a wool interior layer(merino wool + nylon), all these make the sock breathable, warm, and durable. You’ll want a pair that ideally have a merino wool lining, such as WATERFLY or  SHOWER PASS. Merino Wool is a very famous world around for its moisture-wicking properties and the ability to keep your feet warm! It’s why the merino sheep is so valued, the wool they produce is used in millions of different types of garments, waterproof socks included. Like the ordinary winter socks, the outside layer of the waterproof sock is soft and smooth, you almost can’t distinguish it with regular socks by touching the surface and its appearance; the middle waterproof membrane is the key layer for waterproof; while the inner layer is soft merino which helps wick away sweat and prevents smells caused by bacteria.

Although waterproof-breathable membranes must make a compromise between waterproofing and breathability. To make a good waterproof sock, many brands must find the right balance between the two. They are porous enough to allow water vapor to escape, but not porous enough to allow water in, keeping your feet nice and dry, away from the elements. Breathability is one of the factors where quality socks set themself apart, with the material selection the drier feet it can be very different from the sweaty feet and damp or wet socks and dry socks. Another feature of many premium quality socks is the resistance to bacteria – some waterproof socks use nasty chemicals (which can be washed out over time) while others use material selection and yarns that are resistant. 

When to use waterproof socks

Not all waterproof shoes that can be helpful for those places where rain or water inevitably creeps in, namely the tongue and lacing points. Plus, gear-makers use many different applications to waterproof footwear. Most eventually wear out fade away over time, And that can quickly lead to wet, cold, unhealthy feet. A waterproof sock can be a nice extra barrier during a variety of outdoor activities. For instance,  winter hiking where post-holing is a serious possibility, waterproof socks can help not only keep feet warm but prevent the water from ice in the shoes, and when you are passing a waterfall during hiking, waterproof socks can be very helpful preventing water. Waterproof socks could also be considered the new bike-packing essential. Most people have used waterproof socks for Cycling and Hiking purposes and found that on really wet and muddy days, they really do help keep feet protected from the elements, whereas if they had just put on a regular pair of socks, the feet would have been screwed. 

When to use waterproof socks

As you can see, if you are the one who likes road running, trail running, hiking, fishing, skating, trekking, or any outdoor activities that you may counteract to the water and muddy,  you should take more care of your own foot. And the waterproof socks are the perfect one for you! Another thing is that a good pair of waterproof socks that won’t chafe you while hiking and end up giving you lots of blisters, so please check out the sizing guides of the various waterproof sock manufacturers and they should be able to point you in the right direction.  

How to wear waterproof socks 

In order to keep your feet dry, when wear waterproof socks make sure to cover the tops of your socks with a waterproof layer (rain pants) during heavy rain or extended activities in light rain.  

Maintenance of waterproof socks 

Because there is a waterproof membrane inside the socks, you may wonder how exactly you be able to wash them and keep them clean and dry for my next use. Well, the answer is super simple! Just follow the wash steps listed below: 

Step 1: Prepare a bowl with soapy water. It’s important to remember just use cold/warm water otherwise the high temperature may damage the integrity of the inside waterproof membrane. 

Step 2: Turn your Waterproof Socks inside out, and hand washes them in the soapy water. If you don’t have soap at hand until the socks are clean. Remember hand wash is better than washing with the machine and won’t damage the product or affect the nature of the waterproof lining. 

Step 3: Turn them inside out again and clean the outside layer as well. Wait for them to dry, and you can turn them inside out when the outside layer is dry to let the insider layer dry faster. Then the are ready to use again! Super simple! 

If you are bored with running on the same old road, why not try a trail running? Every trail has its own unique terrain and challenge. There is no single trail is the same! Running trail not only offers fresh air but also opens up a whole new world for you beyond paved surfaces. Heading to the hills for a slow ramble on your feet rewards a runner with a sense of adventure, the fun of running varied terrain, and views you don’t get on your daily outings through the city.  You may think trail running is similar to running on the roads, well, there are some differences to make note of before you start the trail running. So, how to prepare for a trail running as a beginner? Here I will tell you what you need to know to start trail running, and this article will also summarize 6 basic trail running tips for you to get started trail running.

1. Plan Ahead Before Running

Allow enough time to train your fitness and your skills to a taper period before your event. This will prepare you for the challenge mentally and physically. Many race organizers offer 5k trail races, through to 10ks, half marathons. But as a beginner trail runner, you should just focus on the time amount instead of distance, start easy, and take time to build up your trail running confidence and ability. Try to mimic the conditions and terrain of your training.

2. A Good Place to Trail Running

When planning your first outing, it’s important to notice that trail running usually takes longer than road running does for a similar distance. The rougher terrain will slow down your pace and engage muscles that you may not be used to using, so start slow and don’t commit to a distance that you’re not prepared for. Keep this in mind, you can search for the local roads and trails that good for running. A great introduction to trail running can be found on the local network of gravel roads and dirt trails that many towns and cities have. There are a variety of ways to find new trails and people to run with, looking for a city or state parks in your area, connecting with local running stores, running clubs to help find new places to explore. Be sure to take caution to the trails and ask about the specific nature of the trail, including wild animals, hazards, bathrooms, snakes, and anything you may need to know when running in a new area.

3. Trail Running Basic Gear

When you’re first getting started with trail running, you don’t have to buy a whole new set of running clothes. Considering the trail condition, here are a few new items you may want to look at:

Trail-running Shoes

Shoes are the main gear consideration for trail runners. As a beginner, you may ask what shoes to wear when running on trails? If your first trail running will be on a mellow gravel road it is OK with your road-running shoes, however, it is important to have trail running shoes when you encounter rocks, roots, and slippery mud on a mountain trail.   Trail-running shoes are beefier than road-running shoes and provide more traction, foot protection, and stability. Trail-running shoes fall within three broad categories: 1. Light trail shoes are designed for relatively uniform surfaces, like gravel paths and rolling hills. It provides modest protection from rocks and roots. 2. Rugged trail shoes are designed for running on hiking trails, which can range from a trail engineer’s masterwork to an abandoned miner’s track. Thus, this category covers the broadest spectrum of terrains. 3. Off-trail shoes offer all of the characteristics of rugged-trail shoes, and with the enhancement of materials and structure.

Running Clothes

Running specific clothes are lightweight and designed to move with your body. Your running wear should be made of moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetics, which is very fast to dry. Beware that fair-skinned folks can get skin damage in as little as 15 minutes of the midday sun, so choose sun protection can help to protect your skin from sun rays especially running in summer. (Check more information from our new article about Sun Protective (UPF) Clothing )

Running Socks

wear running socks that are a synthetic blend to help prevent blisters. Choose the style that works best for you and that works for the weather. Materials such as polyester can also be waterproof (ie. WATERFLY waterproof socks) and keep your foot dry.

Other Running Gear

There are a few additional items that aren’t necessarily essential but can make a big difference in the quality and safety of your runs if you bring them along for the ride. The items include Sports watch, Running bag, and Navigation Tools. And you also need to consider the First Aid Kit depends on the time amount and the environments of your trail.

4. Water and Food to Carry on

Always carry additional water and food, even if you think you don’t need them. When running for more than 30 minutes, it’s important to consume water to stay hydrated. A general rule of thumb for fluid consumption during your runs is to drink 4 to 6 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes. There are a few convenient ways to carry fluids on the run such as a handheld bottle(recommend WATERFLY handheld bottle), waist belt with a soft flask, or a running Hydration Vest pack.

5. How to Trail Running

As a beginner for your first trail running, the most important thing is avoiding falling over or tripping when trail running. Most injuries in trail running come from a moment of lost attention, so be aware of the trail as it can change quickly. It is always better to look four to five steps ahead from you, this will allow you to have a better opportunity to pick the best path of the trail to run, and allow your arms to be relaxed and free to move to balance your body. You will find this concentration will leave you not only physically exhausted after the run but mentally exhausted. It allows you to free your mind and focus on that spot four steps ahead. 

Based on, here are some Basic Trail-Running Technique from REI CO.OP’s trail running experts recommendation

1. Use a short stride, especially as compared with road running. Keep your feet underneath you at all times to maintain your balance on variable terrain. Don’t overstride.
2. Keep your eyes down and scan the trail 10 to 15 feet in front of you for obstacles. Try not to stare at your feet.
3. Swing your arms. This helps you to relax your core and keep your balance.
4. Lots of obstacles ahead? Be like a goat and pick the most sure-footed route.

Besides, you should always try to keep your back straight, many people injure themselves when trying to lean too much. when uphill, avoid the temptation to lean forward as this can reduce your ability to breathe effectively. when downhills, avoid leaning backward as this can strain your body and lead to injury.

6. Recovery After Running

The different movements and muscle recruitment in trail running can exhaust your body more than you realize. It requires extra attention during your recovery. You will also have to allow your muscular-skeletal system to adapt to the different movements and forces of trail running.

When making your foray into trail running, “Don’t push at the beginning,” as people say, “Let yourself progress.”

There are many different types of backpacks for all sorts of activities but in general, people choose a particular model based on design. Others look more careful at the price or the storage capacity, but the design still remains one of the most important factors. Speaking of design, a favorite type of backpack are the sling models.

Not everyone enjoys them in particular because they might seem less comfortable than the classic models but they still remain quite popular. There is also a degree of functionality that they offer the backpacks are very easy to put on or get off. They are fairly convenient from this perspective but their storage capacity is limited as they cannot carry too much weight without getting a bit uncomfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

Best Sling Backpack in 2020

As for designs, sling backpacks tend to have a different shape but there are many different variations. There are even some tactical models that look more aggressive. For our list we selected products from all categories. Capacity played a minor part. What counted the most for our selection was design, price and build quality. With no further ado here are the top 10 best sling backpacks in 2020 reviews.

1. Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rambler Sling Pack

Red Rock outdoor sling backpack comes with an interesting design that is a bit less conventional. It actually looks more like a tactical backpack. It has a rectangular shape with a simple shoulder strap that comes with soft padding.The design is fairly rugged and practical. It has multiple exterior pockets and even a water bottle holder. Its interior compartments are fairly decent and can hold a reasonable capacity although it is not large enough to hold a laptop.

2. Waterfly Sling Shoulder Backpack

The Waterfly sling backpack is reasonably affordable and features a practical design. It is a simple model made using high quality polyester that makes it durable. However like any other sling backpack it becomes uncomfortable when loaded with a lot of weight.Looking at its functionality the backpack has a long zipper that goes across it. It has a 10 liter capacity and features 9 interior pouches and a water bottle holder. The backpack can be used to carry small textbooks but it might not offer much room for anything else.

3. OutdoorMaster Sling Bag Backpack

OutdoorMaster offers a great little sling backpack that features an appealing price tag. It is not the most affordable one in our list but it is surely worth looking at. The backpack is made using high durability polyester that also offers a bit of protection against rain.If there is one thing that can be said about the backpack is the fact that it was built to be as comfortable as possible. It also features an anti-theft pocket that can be used to store documents, money and credit cards.

4. Waterfly Packable Shoulder Sling Backpack

Waterfly has a great little sling backpack that might seem more appealing to women rather than men due to its size. Also it is very comfortable to wear which counts as a major plus but it has a smaller capacity. As per the description of the backpack it has a capacity of 10 liters which is decent.What makes it so appealing is the low price tag. The backpack is affordable and well built at the same time. It includes 4 small pouches and one main pouch. It is available in five different colors and can fit a regular tablet.

5. Everest Sling Bag

Everest offers a great sling bag with a simple design and a practical placement of pockets and pouches. The backpack is made entirely out of polyesters. This makes it tear resistant and can protect the interior from rain.

As with other similar models it has a padded shoulder strap and a zipper enclosure. It is fairly lightweight and comfortable to wear even when loaded almost entirely. The model comes in several different colors and with a very decent price tag.

6. Everest Luggage Sporty Hydration Sling Bag

Everest Luggage Sporty Hydration Sling bag is a great option for the ones that need something small for nature outbreaks or long walks. It features a small hydration bag and a rugged construction.Like with other backpacks from Everest the model is made out of 600D polyester which makes it tear resistant and lightweight. It has two main compartments and a comfortable shoulder strap. The only downsize is the fact that it comes in just two different colors.

7. KAVU Rope Sling Bag

KAVU is a relatively smaller brand that some might not be familiar with. However their Rope sling bag has proven to be a great backpack due to its clever design and stylish look. It is a lightweight model made using only polyester and a heavy-duty zipper.

Comfort is also not a problem as the backpack comes with a padded shoulder strap. Storage was simplified a lot due to the use of a long zipper. Also it features two exterior pockets and several interior pouches.

Most runners are aware of the importance of recovery, but it can be difficult to always focus on recovering properly. Recovery after a long run may be one of the most important aspects of training and building mileage safely. The long run wears us down and we are usually spending quite a bit of time on our feet. So let’s talk about how to recover after a long run.

I’ve found that when I’m not training for a race, I don’t always focus on recovery as much as I should. Especially if I am still running pretty regularly. These top 5 important recovery tips for runners are simple but crucial. I am using this as a reminder to focus on my own recovery, and I hope you will do the same!

SHAKE OUT YOUR LEGS & Cool down

The day after your long run is a good time to shake out your legs. Some runners like to do a recovery run, others like to take a rest day. Even if you don’t run try to move around a bit to get the blood flowing. A short walk is a good way to loosen things up the next day, or even later in the day after your long run.

HYDRATE & Nutrition

While nutrition and hydration are important, I don’t think we need to stress over them. Listening to our bodies goes a long way. It’s just important that as we are running and working out that we make sure we are refueling properly. Some reminders are to eat as soon as you can after a workout, include a variety of foods/nutrients in your diet, and take fuel with you on longer runs. 

As for hydration, I think the best way to stay hydrated is to carry a water bottle with you all day. This will keep you drinking all day long and not ending up dehydrated or particularly thirsty. Now that it’s getting warm out it’s also more important to focus on getting some electrolytes before, during, or after a run

STRETCH

We want to have enough range of motion in our bodies to be active, but depending on your activity of choice that ideal range may be different. Dancers and gymnasts need more flexibility than runners, but people who are inactive could benefit from any type of movement. If you are exercising, and doing a range of activities, you can potentially be taking your body through some of those ranges which is good. If you only do one type of physical activity, you many need to think about improving range of motion in areas that are not addressed through that activity.

As runners, we don’t typically take our hips into full flexion (think pulling your knee to your chest). When we sit our hips are flexed at about 90 degrees, which is about how far we will also flex them while running (maybe less depending on form and speed). So it could be beneficial to bring your hips into full flexion a few times a day. This could be by including deep squats into your workout routine, or squatting on the floor while reading blogs. 

GET COMFORTABL

Now that you are hydrated and have eaten something, take a shower and change into something comfortable. Consider wearing compression socks to help your lower legs recover from your run. I like to wear sweats or leggings after a long run so that I feel more relaxed in general. Even if I have plans later in the day I like to spend a few hours wearing something comfortable before changing into regular clothes.

Running on the beach can not only be a peaceful, beautiful running experience, but it can also help make you a stronger runner. The challenges that running presents can also help you learn more about yourself, lessons that can carry over into other areas of your life. Running are aerobic cardiovascular exercises.Such activity sends more nourishing blood to the brain, which can help you think more clearly. It also releases your natural mood-elevating compounds.

Running on sand, especially dry sand, is tougher than running on pavement, so you’ll definitely work harder on the beach. But being able to jump in the water after you’re finished will make it worth your effort. Here are some tips for running on the beach:

Start on Wet Sand&Stick to Flat Ground

If you’re new to beach running, start out on wet, firm sand — it’s much easier to run on than the soft, dry sand. Low tide is a great time to try running on the beach. You can slowly add 2 or 3-minute intervals on the softer sand, with longer recoveries on the wet sand. As you get used to the dry sand, you can start running on it for longer stretches.Avoid running along a beach that’s sloped because it can lead to injuries.¹ It’s also much easier to fall and injure your knees and ankles if you’re running on a banked surface.

Don’t Expect to Run Your Usual Pace

Again, running on the beach is harder than running on the pavement or on a treadmill, so you’ll need to slow down. Don’t overdo it.

Stay Hydrated

To prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, make sure you hydrate properly and have plenty of water available. If there aren’t any water fountains, you’ll need to carry a water bottle. WATERFLY Sports Water Bottle 500ml/650ml/1000ml , It’s leakproof because of its silicone pad and silicone sealing ring. Place it sideways, even upside down, the water will not be going anywhere. Besides, our water bottle flip-top lid can offers you a quick drink, it has a super secure lock and push mechanism, you just need to open the bottle by one-click, then slide your hand into the side strap and start to drink.

Protect Your Skin

Running on the beach usually means that you’re in direct sunlight, so make sure you protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Try to avoid running between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s intensity is at its greatest.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Reef Friendly Sunscreen Spray, Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Have a Pair of Beach Running Shoes

There aren’t specific shoes made for beach running, but you’re better off dedicating a pair of your running shoes for beach runs. That way, you don’t have to bother trying to get all the sand out of your shoes after your runs. They may also get wet, so you don’t want to have to wait for them to dry out before you can run again.

Have an useful running belt

Waterfly’s Running Belt is perfect for those who like to carry lots of fuel for the road. The stretchy pockets can expand to hold gels, your phone, keys, wallet, and more. The elastic belt keeps everything secure, so you don’t have to worry about bouncing when you run. Bring your stuff everywhere you run! You’ll always know its on you and safe!