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Informative Articles

A Brief History of the Baseball Glove
Baseball has long been praised as America's favorite pastime. Baseball gloves have been used for nearly as long as the baseball game has existed are a very integral part of the sport. The first baseball gloves were used in the 1870s and are very...

Airsoft Guns
Do you hate guns & everything about them? Well I once did till I discovered Airsoft guns. They looked real and felt real I was scared. I thought I was dangerous. However they were perfectly safe and helped people become aware of gun safety without...

Press Release

U.S.A Olympic Athletes Set to Beat the Heat in Athens

U.S.A athletes at Olympics to use cooling vests to beat the hot Athens sun, and gain an edge on the competition. August 4, 2004 -- The Athens Summer Olympics is set to be the hottest on record...

What to Look For When Buying Athletic Shoes
You've finally had to throw out those cross-trainers. They've been your companions through miles of workouts and it breaks your heart to have to dump them. It's been so long since you've had to purchase a new pair, you don't know where to begin. ...

Whey Protein-Can it Help You?
Are you interested in taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects? If you are interested in better health and improved physical...

 
Get the Most Out of Your Hike

Hiking is one of life’s great joys. Fresh air, nature, exercise and good friends. It’s difficult to imagine anything better – if you’re prepared. When you’re not prepared properly, it’s difficult to imagine anything worse. If you hike a few hundred yards around your neighborhood or a few hundred miles around the backcountry, use these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your hiking experience.

#1: Plan your trip. You can plan too little but it’s tough to plan too much.
#2: Get in Shape. Put yourself in the best possible position to enjoy your sport.
#3: Check the weather forecast. Any weather different than you expect can turn a good hike into a not-so-good hike.
#4: Dress for success. Layer your clothing and be very sure of your footwear.
#5: Have the essentials. Your planning will help with this. Take only what is essential and get the lightest gear you can afford – especially for longer hikes.
#6: Plan to be out longer than you think. If you think three hours, plan for six. Four days, plan for a week.
#7: Prepare for the worst. Know first-aid and CPR.
#8: Use of food and water. It’s okay to ration food, but don’t ration water. If you


are thirsty, drink. Decision making skills drop drastically when you are dehydrated.
#9: Slow down. If you are hiking only for exercise, you’re missing the best part. Nature is all around, slow down and pay attention. You’ll be rewarded many times over.
#10: Take a friend along. Like most things in life, sharing your hiking passion with someone you care about is awesome.

There are literally thousands of great places to hike in North America and dozens of quality websites to learn more about the sport. Check out our on-line education center or connect with a local hiking club for hikes in your area – but in any case it is up to you and only you to get the most out of your hikes.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!


About the Author
Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir.” (800) 316-9055.

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