Hiking Poles
I am overweight and a beginner looking to start hiking for fun and fitness. Any ideas on how to get started?
I live in NE Georgia. Should I use poles? How do I buy a pack when I am r...
Hiking Poles
I am overweight and a beginner looking to start hiking for fun and fitness. Any ideas on how to get started?
I live in NE Georgia. Should I use poles? How do I buy a pack when I am really big?
I would like to camp/hike. I have a good lightweight tent and all the camping stuff and enjoy the outdoors. I thought that hiking would be the best step toward my goals, literally!
It might help us answer if we had a little more info....
Do you walk a lot, already? If you haven't been taking walks on a regular basis, I would first begin a walking regime and try to condition your muscles/heart/lungs by just walking down the road before you try hiking.
If you do walk a lot, what kind of hiking are you interested in doing? Are you going to be back-packing to a place where you plan on camping, or are you just going to go on 'day' hikes with maybe a small pack carrying a picnic lunch and extra socks and a jacket, etc. About buying a pack, go to a sporting goods store if you can and ask the sales clerks to advise you. Tell them what you want to use it for and your concerns about finding one that will fit you- don't be embarrassed- you're doing a great thing for yourself by looking after your health and getting to spend time hiking- which is one of my favorite hobbies!
What kind of terrain are you planning on hiking on? I've sometimes used poles when hiking, but mostly for hilly areas where you're climbing up and down a lot. Be sure you have good hiking shoes or boots. (You don't have to get boots- some hiking shoes are much more comfortable and lighter so you can hike farther with less exertion.) Bring at least one extra pair of socks with you, and if possible, another pair of shoes/sandals/or whatever to give your feet a rest from the hiking shoes/boots when you're taking a break from the trail. Always plan for the worst conditions you might encounter on the trail, bringing plenty of water, food and an extra warm clothing layer like a jacket or sweater, a rain poncho, and a small first aid kit. I also carry a knife when I'm hiking- you never know when it will come in handy, even if it's just to open a can because you forgot to bring a can-opener! (I've carried the same heavy-duty Buck knife for over 30 years and it has opened more than one can!) A small GPS unit can be really helpful, too!
I hope this gives you some ideas on how to get started!
Good luck & happy trails!
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Features of Hiking Backpacks
If you know which features you're looking for in a backpack you will know how to choose a hiking backpack that is perfect for your needs.
There are several types of hiking backpacks: the difference is not only in size but also in the features you find in each of these backpacks that make each of them perfect for specific uses.
Hydration Backpacks
Many backpacks have a plastic hydration bag integrated, or have apposite room to carry a water bag with the hole for its attached drinking tube.
Waterproof covers
No backpack is 100% waterproof and this word is often abused: materials, pockets, different shapes and other factors make it rather impossible to make a backpack completely waterproof.
Some backpacks have a waterproof cover that you use to wrap the entire backpack putting it in a waterproof bag.
This may sound an weird solution but will actually make your backpack waterproof during storms.
Shoulder Straps
This part connects the upper part of your body to the backpack. The bigger the backpack, the softer, padded and wider the straps should be.
The straps of most backpacks have a chest belt to keep the backpack tight to your body relieving the stress from your shoulders and from your back.
The hip belt
The main purpose of this belt is to move the weight of the backpack from your shoulders to the lower part of your body distributing the weight on your hips.
Never underestimate the importance of a hip belt, specially during long hikes with loaded packs.
Cords
Every backpack has external cords that are useful to fix additional equipment to the backpack such as hiking poles.
The position of these cords can vary from a pack to the next. Despite it's always possible to find a suitable position for your equipment you might want to check if such cords are positioned where you need them to be.
Internal or External Frames
Today the internal frame is by far the most common one. The frame keeps the pack in shape and helps distribute the loads.
Plastic and aluminium are the materials used to build the frames.
About the Author
Gary Baldry writes articles for Best Hiking Backpacks, a website with thousands of backpacks for sale by multiple online stores and hundreds of different brands.
In this article Gary explains Hiking Backpacks Features.
Tags: backpacking, gear, hiking, hiking poles, hiking poles benefits, hiking poles how to use, hiking poles ratings, hiking poles reviews, hiking poles sale, hiking poles walmart, poles, walking
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