Backpacking can be a real high when you are prepared for the
trip. However, being halfway up a mountain is not a good time to wish you had
packed a certain item. Being in the fresh open air of nature can raise your
awareness level ten-fold. This is when you consider all of those items that you
wish you had brought along. Here are some great ideas for staying well,
comfortable and able to enjoy the trail even more.
Improving the Sights -
Green Binoculars
Binoculars are a given on any backpacking adventure, but if you
are practicing all the benefits of nature, why not choose a pair that cares
about the environment? You can find sturdy binoculars that are free of lead and arsenic in the optical glass.
Other items to look for are a non-chloride rubber body that is free of inks and
dyes, a compact size, waterproof with fog-free lenses.
Preventing Altitude
Sickness
While climbing up a mountain can sound awesome, the change in
altitude can cause illness known as altitude
sickness. Being in the fresh air does nothing to help when the
inspiratory oxygen pressure diminishes. Symptoms can include headache, nausea,
fever, dehydration and shortness of breath. Always pack ibuprofen and ask your
family physician for recommended medications for high altitude backpacking.
E-Cigs & Vapes
Taking a break while on a trail calls for water, but what about
a few of life's other joys? Some cheap vape mods can satisfy that nicotine
craving without causing you to become winded. The different flavors can also
make that water taste great. There will also be no cigarette butts polluting
Mother Nature and e-cigs and vape
tips can easily be stored in a pocket.
Healthy Snacks
It is also hard to know what type of treats should be taken.
Never pack sweets as they can make you tired. It is best to select snacks that
do not have preservatives, additives or dyes. Homemade jerky, sunflower seeds
or hemp
hearts are full of protein and will give you that extra burst of
energy needed.
How to Avoid Sore Feet
Blisters are a problem for most hikers. Understanding what
causes blisters can help you to prevent a flare-up on your journey. The two
largest contributors of blisters are heat and moisture. Always take a small bottle
of rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs with you. Before putting on your socks
and boots, dab the alcohol between your toes, on heels and the soles of your
feet. Rubbing alcohol keeps feet dry and prevents moisture from gathering.
Also, give your feet a rest at least once a day, maybe on the lunch break.
Remove your boots and socks and shake out any loose pebbles or dirt that has
built up inside.
It is Going to Rain
Trying to plan your backpacking adventure around the weather is
an impossible feat. If you are out for any length of time you are going to
encounter some rain. Packing rain gear can get quite bulky and cumbersome. You
always want to travel as light as possible. So is all of that rain gear really worth the bother?
Fold up 4 or 5 large leaf trash bags and place inside of your jacket pocket.
They will be close enough to access should a downpour occur, and the light
weight will make them unnoticeable while hiking.
Mountain backpacking can be great fun, but the little
annoyances can pile up in a hurry. Sore feet, a rainy day, and altitude
sickness can ruin that great adventure. It only takes a little planning to head
off these problems. And of course, making it to the top is only as worthy as
your ability to sit, gaze and relax with a great pair of binoculars, a tasty
treat and your favorite vape mod.
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