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Showing posts with label Hiking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hiking. Show all posts

How To Make Your Winter Hiking More Exciting !

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Winter hiking and snow paddling

I don't know about you, but for me, hiking is boring ☹️ 

That's why, this winter I decided to combine hiking with another new and exciting outdoor activity - land paddling !

Never heard of land paddling 🤔 ?

Instead of me trying to explain it to you, just watch the video below ⬇️ and if it got your interested to learn more, check out this blog - www.LandPaddlingUSA.COM

Tips On Visiting Mt Rainier National Park From Sunrise

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Tips On Visiting Mt Rainier National Park From Sunrise

Planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park from Sunrise side ? Looking for detailed info, and the best hikes ? 

In this blog post we'll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Mt Rainier National Park from Sunrise side !

But first things first... 

Should you visit Sunrise or Paradise ?

While the final decision will be entirely up to you, our main reasons for visiting Sunrise were hiking, and  stargazing !

At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park, and the best place in the park for stargazing, and getting "up close and personal" with the Mountain !

On clear summer days, Sunrise provides breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Emmons glacier, vibrant wildflower meadows. Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range such as Mount Adams. These views and an excellent trail system make Sunrise the second most visited location in the park.

Time To Visit

Unlike Paradise, Sunrise is only open for a short period of time. The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October. Check the road status before setting out.

The road leading to Sunrise ranks among the most beautiful drives in the country !

BUT...

The road to Sunrise ( HWY 410 ) is a two lane road which gets congested in the summer ( and especially on the weekends ! ), so be prepared for a slow ride !

TIP:

When is the best time to visit Sunrise ? 
I'd say during the week, early in the morning ( before 10am ), but even then, chances are you'll encounter traffic... 

Also don't forget to top off your gas tank in Enumclaw or Clearwater as there are no gas stations in the park...

Once at the park entrance, get ready to shell out $15 for the entrance fee ( make sure to bring a debit or credit card as when we were there, they didn't accept cash...)

Camping

As I've mentioned above, Sunrise is very popular all summer long ! Which makes camping at the park a big problem !
Unless you book a camping spot days ( or sometimes weeks ! ) ahead, chances of finding a camping spot at the only campground ( White River campground ) are pretty slim...

TIP:

Even though "officially", sleeping in your car is not allowed, we spent a night in our car with no problem parked not far away from the visitor center/bathrooms... 

They also have designated parking for overnight backpackers... 
But... 
You'll need a wilderness permit which is a pain in the ass to get ( requests must be made at least one week (7 days) in advance of the desired trip start date ).

So, if you're up for a challenge, you can just leave your car away from the visitor center, and hike a few hundred feet up the trail system, and break your camp for the night ! 

Food/Shopping

There is a small gift shop at the visitor center where you can buy drinks, and snacks, but otherwise there is nowhere to shop at Sunrise... So bring everything you'll need with you if you're planning to stay longer than a day...

Hiking

Hiking is probably the main reason most people visit Mt Rainier National Park !

And, in my personal opinion, choosing between Sunrise or Paradise, I'd go with the first one !

Why ?

Because even if you're not into hiking, Sunrise offers the best opportunity to see Mt Rainier in its best view ! No matter where you're at Sunrise, the mountain is right there in your face ! 

And if that's not enough, getting "up and close" by hiking is the best way to experience the mountain !

So, what is the best hike at Mt Rainier Sunrise ?

While a lot depends on your physical ability, time, weather, and your personal preferences...

IF :

- you're in good shape
- have at least 2-3 hours
- the weather is nice and sunny
- you have all the necessary gear

And MOST IMPORTANT - if you want to get as close to the top of  Mt Rainier as possible !!

We recommend to hike to Burroughs Mt ( 1st or/and 2nd ) !!

Even though this hike is designated as "strenuous", in reality, it's very doable even for kids as young as 8-10 !

You can find more info/maps about the Burroughs Mt hike on Mt Rainier official website /Google...

But, in reality, the trail is very well maintained, marked, and, with the amount of people every day, it's pretty much impossible to get lost !

Check out the video below where our first break we took at 1st Burroughs Mt ( where they have the best bench you'll ever seat on !! ), and the second at the end of the trail with Mt Rainier is teasing you to get to the very top !! ( but DON'T... unless you have all the necessary gear, and experience hiking on snow ! )




Essential Hiking Gear To Bring:

I cannot stress enough the importance of being ready for the environment !
The weather at Mt Rainier is very unpredictable !

No matter how hot, and sunny it might be during the beginning of your hike, it all can change in the blink of an eye !

Make sure to bring a (rain) jacket with you ( or at least a hoodie/sweatshirt )...

Bring plenty of water, and snacks...

Most important - bring sunscreen, and lip balm ( the air in the higher elevations is very thin which dries out your skin much faster ! )  

Other Hikes At Sunrise 

Paradise Lake Hike at Sunrise Mt Rainier National Park

Our 2nd best would be a hike to Sunrise/Paradise/Clover/Hidden Lakes ( especially if you're planning a backpacking trip ! ).

Why ?

It's very convenient ( next to Sunrise Point observation lookout ), it's relatively short ( to Sunrise/Clover Lakes ), and "relatively" easy ( it's all downhill from the parking lot ).

Also, it's a cool hike if you like fishing ! 

Hike To Sunrise/Paradise/Clover/Hidden Lakes at Sunrise


3rd choice ( VERY ambitious, and adventurous ! ) - Wonderland Trail 

Hiking/backpacking the entire length of Wonderland Trail has been on my Bucket List for years !
But if you're short on time ( or your Bucket List goal is becoming less and less important... like mine ), you can opt in for a short(er) hike of a portion of Wonderland Trail !

And Sunrise offers better/easier opportunities to access Wonderland Trail ( comparing to Paradise )...

Best Hiking Trails at Sunrise Mt Rainier National Park


Other Things To Do At Sunrise

Honestly, other than hiking there isn't much to do...

As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, our other main reason to visit Mt Rainier at Sunrise was stargazing...

The view from the north looking south to Mount Rainier will give you a great look at the Milky Way over Mount Rainier (if the clouds cooperate).

TIP:

When planning your trip check the National Weather Service site to gauge how clear the skies are going to be during your visit. 

Once or twice a summer there are star parties at the Sunrise lot as well. Check the park website for current events and times.

From our research, the best time to see shooting stars, and meteor showers is August...

Also, please be considerate of other stargazers and photographers. Try to limit the use of flashlights and your vehicle lights once you park your car. Be hyper aware of headlights. Nothing ruins night vision faster.

You don't need a super expensive equipment to enjoy this amazing experience !
We used 80mm Gskyer Telescope, and it worked out just fine !

Picnicking

Even though I don't consider this to be an "activity", there are tons of people who visit a national park just for that 😥

There is a designated picnicking area behind the visitor center with tables, and grills, but it's quite a walk from the parking lot, and the views are not great...

In conclusion...

With close-up views of the massive Emmons Glacier, and hundreds of acres of meadows bursting with wildflowers, Sunrise rivals the more popular Paradise when it comes to scenic splendor. 

Situated in the park’s drier northeastern corner thanks to Mount Rainier’s rain-shadow effect, Sunrise as the name suggests is also one of the first places in the park to capture morning’s early light.

There is really no better feeling than waking up, and having a cup of coffee in the presence of this Nature Beauty !!


Mt Rainier Sunrise ExtraHyperActive Coffe Mug

Backpacking & Camping At Talapus Lake

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Talapus Lake located near North Bend, WA, and it's a perfect destination for beginner backpackers !

BUT...

In the summer, this hiking trail is heavily trafficked, and limited number of designated camping spots by the lake, makes this trip hard to plan...

In this post I want to share a few tips that I wish I knew before planning the trip...

Best Tip :

If possible, try to go mid-week... Head out late in the afternoon ( about 3-4 pm )... By that time, most day hikers are gone, and there are more chances to snatch a nice camping spot by the lake ! 

Second Best :

We found designated camping spots only at Talapus Lake, but nothing around Olallie Lake ( which was our second choice )

Driving/directions :

Close to Seattle ( about an hour drive ), and easy to find... Even though the last mile or so is dirt road, it's wide enough, and potholes are drivable even for sedans...

Parking :

Another reason to plan your trip mid-week is it's hard to find parking on a busy summer weekend ( often, you'd have to park half a mile away from the trailhead )

Fees :

You'll need a Discovery Pass AND to pay additional $5 Northwest Forest Pass ( the letter you can just pay cash at the trailhead, or buy beforehand at local REI )

The hike :

The trail is very well maintained, and marked making it impossible to get lost... The trail ascends gently making it perfect for kids, dogs, and first time backpackers... 

It took us about 2 hours to get from the trailhead to the lake ( making one stop at Olallie Lake for a quick picture, and another stop to hydrate ), and less than 2 hours on the way back...

>>>IMPORTANT<<<

Camping at the lake :

Lake camping is on "first come first serve" basis...

We were lucky to snatch a decent spot by the lake... There are only 4-5 designated camping spots around the lake... If you're not that lucky, you'll might have to share a spot with others, or camp someplace else away from the lake... 

Camp fires are not allowed ( but doubt anybody will say anything if you start a small one "to keep bugs away" )...

The lake is pretty small, and acoustics is superb... so try to keep it quiet to respect others around you...

At night, the moon shines super bright, so you might bring your sleeping mask ( and maybe a pair of earplugs to get a good night sleep ).

Gear To Bring :

It's an easy hike/backpacking trip, so you won't need much !

Water is definitely one things you won't have to worry about ( bring a water filter, or a stove to boil water ).

A bug spray is definitely a must ! I'd also recommend to bring a mosquito face net ( worked great for us ! ).

With many trees all around, it would make a great "hammock camping" destination ( if you've never tried before ) !

If you can fit it in your backpack, bring a float/mattress to relax on the lake...

Love fishing ?

Despite of how small Talapus Lake is, it offers great fishing ! The lake has mainly small wild rainbow trout, but it's fun to catch and release !

Wildlife :

Because of its popularity, wildlife is used to people, and feel quite comfortable ( sometimes kinda demanding :)) begging for food... Even though you're not suppose to feed them, we shared a few nuts with a few chipmunks...

DON'T LEAVE FOOD lying around cause those furry thieves will get get into your backpack/tent !

And definitely don't leave food in the open for the night to avoid attracting bigger "visitors"... 

All in all, this is a perfect "introduction to backpacking" trip for people of all ages, and physical abilities !

How To Become Salomon Ambassador ?

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Salomon Ambassador Program

A you a fan of the Salomon brand ? Love downhill/cross country skiing, snowboarding, hiking, trail running, or adventure travel in general ?

Then YOU can become a Salomon brand ambassador/social media influencer !

Make Money While You Sleep With Therm-a-Rest Affiliate Program

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Whether you're an avid hiker, backpacker, camper, or an adventurer in general, you know that getting comfortable night time sleep is important for you.

 Therm-a-Rest Affiliate Program
Amazon Images

And if you've ever slept on one of Therm-a-Rest's self inflating sleeping pads, you know that Thern-a-Rest is all about comfort !

Why focus on comfort ?

Hiking Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point

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Located within less than 45 min away from Seattle, Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point hike is a "must" for any outdoor adventurer visiting Seattle !

Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point hike

Even if you're short on time, this hike ( time to the trailhead from Seattle plus the hike itself ) will take you only half of the day !

The trail is snow free, and accessible year round, but is best enjoyed on a nice sunny day ! But even on an average Seattle rainy day, the tree coverage will provide protection from wind and rain.

REI Co-op Quarter Dome Air Hammock For Hiking, Backpacking, & Camping

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REI Quarter Dome Air Review


If you loved REI's Quarter Dome tent, you'll love REI Co-op Quarter Dome Air Hammock !

A minimalist alternative to a tent, the REI Quarter Dome Air hammock packs light, sets up easy and provides a structured, open sleeping area up off the ground with a stowable bug net for protection.
This 1-person new backcountry hammock from REI combines elements of both tent and traditional hammock design.

The Flaming Geyser State Park

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Flaming Geyser State Park


The first time I heard about the Flaming Geyser Park was from "The Washington Atlas and Gazetteers". It stated that park's most unique geological feature was its "geysers" (methane seeps). I immediately wanted to find out more about it.

Would You Pay $500 For A Camping Chair ?

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In theory, camping should be a very inexpensive activity since you are literally sleeping on the ground. But as with everything in modern day society, the simpler it appears the more expensive it actually is. Most people see the activity of loading up their SUV with a mountain of camping gear ( just so they'd spend a night or two in the woods ) as the highlight of their camping trip.

Plus, ( some ) camping gear nowadays is getting ridiculously expensive !

Like this carbon fiber camp chair from GCI Outdoor for merley ... $500 (!!!)

 GCI CF Lounger camp chair



Exploring And Hiking In Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA

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As I wrote in my previous post, Tacoma’s waterfront, from Schuster pkwy to Ruston Way is considered to be Tacoma’s version of Seattle’s Alki Beach. This place is very popular among fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy jogging, biking, longboarding, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, boating, or just want to go on a nice sunny motorcycle ride, Tacoma waterfront is the place to go all year round!

More Than Just A Sleeping Bag

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I've had my North Face sleeping bag for about 3 years now, and I'm still pretty happy with it. When I was shopping for a sleeping bag, I had no idea about temperature ratings, goose vs. synthetic fill, weight, shape...I just went with the cheapest I could find.

Sleeping bag technology has come a long way from the days of cowboy bedrolls. These days, there are a number of high-tech materials and designs available to keep you warm and comfortable during the coldest outings. But for some people these are not the only characteristics they are looking for....


ChumBuddy is 7 feet tall sleeping bag shaped as a shark, hand sewn and is filled with 30 pounds of soft fill designed " to make sharks more cuddly ". May be not practical, but might be a good present for one of your surfing buddies...

Autumn In Leavenworth, Wa

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The City of Leavenworth is one of the greatest tourist destinations in our state. The "Bavarian Village" is perhaps best known for its incredible year-round schedule of outdoor activities and events. No wonder that this town has been chosen by National Geographic as being one of the "50 Next Best Places" to live & play.

Hiking/Backpacking The Enchantments, WA :Take A Vertial Tour

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The Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness includes craggy peaks and ridges, deep glacial valleys, granite walls and forests that are picture perfect and ready to enchant visitors — especially in autumn.

Trips into the Enchantment Wilderness Area can range from overnight to multiple days. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all overnight campers must obtain a permit if visiting from June 15 through October 15.

Visit Garden Of The Gods In Colorado Springs,CO

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Southwest is a beautiful place for an adventure traveler to explore ! It is one of the most geographically diverse regions in the United States that contains more than its fair share of natural wonders: Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, and Monument Valley are just a few of the most famous natural attractions that draw people from all over the world.

But if you travel around Southwest for long enough, you'll see a lot of similarities : same red rocks, adobe structures, bluffs and mesas, deserts, and flatlands.

At least that's what I saw during my visit to Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs.

Hike The Manitou Incline In Manitou Springs, CO

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Home to more 14ers than any other state in US, Colorado boasts some of the most amazing hiking, climbing and backpacking trips in the country.

But during my extensive travels, I haven't done a hike as unique, challenging, and beautiful as the Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs, CO.

The once railroad track now consists of approximately 2,744 steps made entirely of railroad ties! Although it’s only one mile in length, the ascension averages a 41% incline (68% at its highest) and a 2,000 foot climb in elevation! That’s a lot of stairs! That’s even more than the Empire State Building!

Needless to say, this hike isn't for the faint of heart, or heights. The Manitou Incline is considered one of the highest sets of stairs in the world! This trail is rated Extreme. It's nothing less than a staircase up a mountain. 

They say you haven't experienced Colorado if you haven't climbed a 14er.

My original plan was to take the famous Cog Train to the top of one of the most beautiful 14er in Colorado - Pikes Peak.

Explore Ape Caves At Mt. St Helens National Volcanic Monument

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At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted and blew down or scorched 230 square miles of forest. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In a few moments this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.

The eruption is considered to be the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States
In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.

Visitor centers along highway 504 tell the story and provide stunning crater views. Trails let visitors explore the rebirth or access areas slower to recover.

Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument is within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Numerous viewpoints and miles of trails have been created for you to explore by car and foot. During the summer Forest Interpreters lead a wide range of activities, from short walks to amphitheater presentations, to help you understand and enjoy this area.

Have You Visited Yellowstone National Park ?

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I had a great opportunity to visit Yellowstone NP during my road trip around US a couple years ago. Unfortunately, due to lack of time I didn't have a chance to explore this amazing park the way I wanted.

 I call Yellowstone NP " - "all American experience". And it's not only because it's one of the places in our country every American must see, it's also because it's very "convenient" to visit it. You can see/visit all major interest points/landmarks almost without leaving your car. Just drive to the next viewing point, get out of your car, walk a few steps, snap a few pictures, and you're done !

 Only for me, it's not the way to explore a new place. I want to immerse myself into the environment, and the best way to do it is through activities like hiking, backpacking, or camping.

 Next time, I plan to visit Yellowstone in winter ( everything looks better when covered with snow ), and to explore the park on skis or snowshoes.

 

 

ExtraHyperActive Bucket List : Hike Preikestolen ( Also Known As Pulpit Rock ) In Norway

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The Most Breathtaking Picture Of Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen in Norway  is the most famous tourist attraction in the Stavanger region. The mountain plateau hangs 604 meters above sea level, and a destination that simply must be experienced. You follow a well marked trail from the Preikestolen Fjellstue through different mountain landscapes. The plateau is approximately 25 x 25 metres, flat and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Lysefjord and surrounding mountains !

I've added this hike/destination to my Bucket List ! Have you ?

Testing Ahnu Hiking/Backpacking Boots On Mt Si

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Mount Si, the monolith looming over Interstate 90 at North Bend, is Northwest icon, Washington state's most popular hiking trail, and the proven training ground for anybody getting ready to summit Mt Rainier.


But whether you dream of summiting Rainier, skiing Mt Adams, trad climbing Mt Shuksan, or hiking/backpacking the Wonderland Trail, Mt Si is the place to test yourself and your gear.

As I mentioned in my previous post, choosing a pair of good hiking boots can be the difference between a memorable experience and a miserable misadventure.

Recently, on a typical PNW winter day, I put my pair of Ahnu's Coburn hiking boots to a grueling test through dirt, mud, puddles and snow of Mt Si's 4-mile hike with about 3500 ft elevation gain.


Having summited both Rainier and Shuksan, and thru-hiked the 18 miles  Enchantments Traverse (aka the Death March), I knew exactly what I was looking for in hiking/backpacking boots.

Without getting too technical, I'll just focus on a few specs that were especially important to me :

Whether you are a hard core thru-hiker or a casual weekend warrior ( like me ), the Ahnu's Coburn hiking boots are light, breathable, waterproof, and will work great in all weather conditions and on any terrain.

My feet get easily cold. Keeping them dry and warm ( but not overheated ) is extremely important to me. After hiking for 3 hours in mud, puddles, and snow, at the end, my feet remained warm and (relatively) dry.

Leather boots tend to be on a heavy side. Same goes for synthetic ones once they get wet, adding weight and slowing you down. And we all know that a pound on the feet is like eight on your back. Even on the way back, the Coburn boots were as light as at the beginning of the hike.

Whether you are going on a leisure hike on a relatively flat trail, or  scrambling over piles of rock, the taller ankle height is a welcome feature for hikers who are looking for greater ankle support without having to upgrade to much bigger, stiffer, heavier boots.

Non-marking, slip resistant lugs provide the ultimate grip and traction. I was especially blown away by this feature ! In winter, the upper part of Mt Si's trail is (almost always) covered with snow requiring hikers to use either spikes or snowshoes. The boots' aggressive tread was amazing at gripping both wet rocks and snow. One of my knees is messed up, and I'm always concerned about slipping/sliding on the way down, even with extra effort (on my part) it was hard for me to make these boots slide.



All in all, the boots answered all the questions asked  when it comes to choosing a great pair of hiking/backpacking boots.

Now, the last question left unanswered - " How long will they last ? "



Hiking 101: How To Choose Your First Pair Of Hiking Boots

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                                               Men's Coburn Hiking/Backpacking Boots 

Since proper fitting boots are arguably the most important item that any hiker needs, it is very important that you invest in a good pair that fit your feet well.

When I started "hiking" , I had no idea how critical a pair of good hiking boots could be, and how they would determine the quality and comfort of my time while out on the trail !

As a matter of fact, my very first time hiking one of our most famous hiking trails, Mt Si, I thought I would get away with wearing just my running shoes... in winter ! Needless to say, I was miserable...

After trying out a few pairs ( from expensive Vasque and North Face to low cost Hi-Tec and extremely cheap Walmart's brands ), I decide to look for some in-depth professional advice on how to choose the best pair of hiking boots for my future outdoor adventures.

Below I will pinpoint a few common tips on how to choose the right hiking/backpacking boots, but keep in mind that all of us have different feet… some are wide, some are narrow, some have high arches, others have low. Therefore, the best thing you can do is figure out what brand works best for you and then stick with it!

When it comes to selecting the shoe for you, forget about looks, numerical sizes, flashy features, or even what your friends recommend (unless their feet are identical to yours). The issues you should consider are: what type of hiker you are, comfort, durability, stability, weight, warmth, and water resistance.

When choosing your first pair of hiking boots, ask yourself these questions:

What Type Of Hiker Are You ?

Will the boots be used mainly on dry summer days in light terrain and low vegetation? Or will they be used on long and difficult ascents up the world’s rocky mountains? Perhaps something in-between?

- Which Material/ Boot Fabric ?

Would it be leather? Synthetic?   A common question among potential hiking boot buyers is whether to get a pair of boots that are made of real leather, or a pair made of synthetic fabric.

- Which Boot-Cut and Weight ?

Typically, hiking boots are categorized according to one of three boot-cut categories : 1- Low-Cut / Lightweight Men’s Hiking Boots; 2- Mid-Cut / Medium Weight ; 3 - High-Cut / Heavy Weight

- What About That Vibram Soles ?

Another important factor when buying a pair of  hiking boots is the sole. Depending on the type of terrain that will be explored, the hiking boots need a good grip. Even gradual slopes can become slippery when it rains. As a rule of thumb, the softer the rubber sole is, the better grip it offers. However, a softer rubber sole also means that it is less durable over time; it simply wears out more quickly as the rubber is repeatedly torn against uneven surfaces.

As a general rule of thumb, it may be worth spending a little extra on quality, considering the unpredictable nature of the outdoors.

The right hiking footwear will carry you far, fast and comfortably. It should be as light and comfortable as possible for the type of hiking you're doing, while also keeping your feet dry, warm, and well-protected.

Not all brands or models are created equal. Recently, Ahnu footwear has been generous enough to provide me with the Men's Coburn hiking/backpacking boots. Specifically designed for hiking/backpacking, wet and dry weather conditions, these mid-height hiking boots are equipped with a breathable eVent® waterproof bootie, wicking away moisture for optimal foot comfort.

I haven't gone hiking for a long time, and can't wait to give these bad boys a fair try !


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