Hiking is any outdoor walking activity - usually along trails and across unmarked wild country.
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0answers
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Sustainable systems for carrying out human waste
I am looking for sustainable alternatives for carrying out human waste. WAG bags, though convenient, sadly have to end up in land-fills. I am looking for a system where the non-biodegrading components ...
2
votes
1answer
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Is the lookout safe?
We've all been on hikes that pass close by a good lookout. A rock or ledge sticking out with a good view. Sometimes these are heavily maintained by park rangers, but often not.
If I'm on a trail ...
2
votes
3answers
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Rifugio (Mountain Hut) trek in Austria
I'm interested in combining a three to five day "rifugio" based trek in southern Austria with a visit to Vienna.
In other words, I'd like to be able to fly in to somewhere nearby - Vienna, Salzburg, ...
2
votes
1answer
16 views
How do I find a less crowded trail in the southeast on the 4th?
In addition to "longest walk possible" are there any good guidelines for finding trails/areas in the southeast that are typically less crowded on holiday such as the 4th? State parks here become ...
2
votes
3answers
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Identifying named peaks from the summit of a north-american peak
Is there a good resource for quickly identifying peaks that are visible on the summit of a north-american peak?
Currently I use a topographical map and painstakingly identify each individual peak. I ...
2
votes
2answers
58 views
Memorial Day Backpacking in the Northwest
I've been set on getting my feet wet with backpacking this year. I did my first overnight trip along Thunder Creek a couples weeks ago, and was hoping to do a 3-day trip for Memorial Day weekend.
My ...
5
votes
1answer
48 views
What do you do for sun allergy?
My wife gets itchy hives if you stays out under the hot sun for too long. They go away within a day but is uncomfortable.
I am wondering if anyone else who loves the outdoors experiences this and ...
3
votes
1answer
75 views
5-hour loop hike near Boulder, Colorado
I'll have the good part of a Saturday to enjoy in Boulder, Colorado on 18 May. What is a suitable area for a day, loop hike close to the city? My criterion for "close" is that the start of the trail ...
19
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4answers
1k views
FiveFingers or hiking boots?
I have been wearing vibram fivefingers exclusively for three years now. I day hike in them, I exercise in them, I go to to work with them, I hit the beach and swim in them. I have tried wearing ...
2
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0answers
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What are the most recommended guide/maps to bring on a PCT thru-hike?
Among the amalgam of guidebooks and maps for the Pacific Crest Trail, which guidebooks and/or maps are be the best contenders to bring on the trail?
Guthook 2010 review recommends Halfmile maps ...
10
votes
2answers
135 views
Trekking in the himalayan region
Which are the better trekking routes in the himalayan region?
Also, how safe are the routes?
If any of you guys have been around in the region, I would like to know your personal experiences as ...
6
votes
3answers
91 views
Advice for first Grand Canyon Hike for Eastern Hikers
My friend wants to do an overnight on the grand canyon this summer. We are experienced hikers in pretty good shape. However we've NEVER hiked out west, much less the Grand Canyon. What are the key ...
16
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5answers
2k views
How much water should be carried while hiking in the desert?
I live in the Arizona desert, and during the summer, despite my best intentions, I always seem to end up doing some hiking in the summer heat.
What is a good formula to figure out how much water I ...
3
votes
1answer
48 views
How do you get the right shape on trim-to-fit insoles?
My hiking shoes starting having problems with the insoles, so I got replacements. However the replacements I have are "Trim to fit."
How do I get the proper shape so that I don't end up with any ...
8
votes
2answers
591 views
Thinking about a road trip out West
My wife and I are thinking of taking a road trip from northwest Ohio to "out west" - Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, etc. I've never been farther west than Indiana, so it's a whole new ...
4
votes
1answer
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What is water resistant down and how is it made?
Water resistant down has interesting properties which make it appealing for outdoor applications. However, it is not widely available and seems to be only offered in certain fill powers.
How is the ...
5
votes
1answer
95 views
What are the advantages of a double sleeping bag?
In the context of a long hike (AT, PCT, CDT, LT, etc.):
What are the advantages and disadvantages of double sleeping bags over two individual sleeping bags? How do they compare to single sleeping ...
3
votes
1answer
89 views
How do I Plan a Hiking Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
I need some help planning a a hiking trip to CO. I have been on a couple of hiking trips and have grown up going into the mountains with my family but I have never been the one to plan a trip. I'm ...
5
votes
1answer
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6 day trek in Nepal Himalaya
What are some easy/moderate hikes in the Nepal Himalayas that do not span more than 6 days of walking? I looked at Jomsom trek but it is 8 days. I am looking for a trek that offers nice scenic beauty ...
5
votes
2answers
68 views
What do unusual waymarks in France mean?
I recognize the official system for French waymarks of Grand Randonees and local paths like shown here:
but I've also seen large white rectangles with a horizontal red line in the middle. They are ...
8
votes
3answers
121 views
How should I remove a leech?
Once a leech is attached, what is the proper way to remove it?
(I'm assuming that the method would generic for all leeches, but if there are special kinds, please note that).
35
votes
9answers
1k views
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
Last summer I spent 15 days hiking with my boyfriend, in Sarek National Park, where there are no places to restock with more food.
The food issue was a major part of the pre-planning, as weight was ...
16
votes
6answers
2k views
How to keep water cold in hot weather?
When doing outdoor sports like hiking or biking I'll always take a lot of cold water with me. I love to drink cold water and I feel more refreshed compared to drinking warm or not-so-cold water. But ...
8
votes
2answers
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Logs & Rocks - Step on or over?
Growing up we were always taught to never step straight over a rock or log because it is a good way to step on or startle a snake that you cannot see. However, on a lot of hiking forums I see it ...
4
votes
4answers
782 views
What is this knee pain when going downhill?
I can hike uphill practically all day. However as very soon after I start a descent, pain builds on the outside of my knee. What is causing this and can I do anything to prevent/mitigate it (other ...
6
votes
3answers
90 views
What should I look for in hiking binoculars
I'd like a pair of binoculars for hiking. I don't have a specific use other than for looking off of overlooks, at animals, etc. What are the important things to look for in a good set of binoculars? ...
2
votes
1answer
30 views
What are the key sites to see on a short trip through Oregon?
My husband and I are planning to drive from Kansas City, through Nevada (stop and see the arches) then to the top of California (to see the redwoods), see a few waterfalls in Oregon, travel throught ...
3
votes
1answer
41 views
Trekking Pole vs Nordic Walking Pole
I am taking up hiking again on weekends, and also trying to do more walking to get out of the house of an evening.
I regularly see people doing Nordic Walking in my neighbourhood, and I also see the ...
6
votes
3answers
76 views
Can I use a garbage bag to approximate pack size
I am planning my first multi-day hike. I haven't selected a pack yet. I do not know which size pack I need. I see that packs are rated in liters. That got me thinking since some white garbage bags are ...
8
votes
3answers
176 views
How far is a reasonable distance for someone to hike on their first trip?
How far is a reasonable distance for someone to hike on their first trip?
I understand this depends on a lot of variables, such as the person's fitness, the route they are planning to do, etc, but ...
9
votes
2answers
157 views
Experiences hiking with a baby: backpacks
I'm a keen hiker, in South Africa. Or, I was...
But then our delightful darling daughter was born 7 months ago, and my hiking hobby got replaced with a new hobby.
Anyway, my wife and I are very keen ...
6
votes
2answers
95 views
Experiences hiking with a baby: diapers
So, I recently posted a question on hiking with a baby - my wife and I used to hike a fair amount, and we would like to get cracking again soon, but with our 7-month daughter.
I'm currently trying to ...
5
votes
4answers
112 views
When do small waterfalls get significant freezing
We went out this weekend to try and catch a frozen waterfall such as the one. We had a great trip but it was clearly a misguided venture at our current tempuratures.
At what temperature would we ...
6
votes
0answers
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How can I physically prepare for high altitude hiking? [duplicate]
I intend to go to Tibet in August. I play badminton,tabletennis or volleyball every week and my fitness is decent. But I have not been exposed to high altitudes like in Tibet (16000 ft; 4900 m). How ...
5
votes
2answers
126 views
Is there special eiquette for hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) during AT Season
Is there any special etiquette or "good things to know" for hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) during AT, or peak, season (for that section)?
0
votes
0answers
57 views
Which are the best trekking shoes out there? [closed]
I recently went on a trek on the foothills of the himalayas. "Har ki doon" specifically. I used a Quechua shoe for this trek. Although this did keep my feet warm and dry, the comfort level left much ...
5
votes
1answer
70 views
Interactive online map of long-distance / marked trails against best freely available topographic map background
I've recently learned about the U.S. national trails system, apparently akin to the European long-distance paths. I found an (incomplete?) table of U.S. national trails and a rather poorly layed out ...
4
votes
0answers
58 views
How to find a secluded cabin to rent [closed]
How can I find a nice, secluded cabin to rent, somewhere in the U.S. wilderness? This almost seems like a word of mouth kind of endeavor, asking friends and friends of friends if they own or know of ...
7
votes
2answers
89 views
Are roads in Iceland closed to hikers outside the winter?
In a couple of years I hope to cross Iceland east to west through the centre. I understand the the roads in central Iceland are only open in the summer. Is that for vehicles only or for walking as ...
3
votes
2answers
62 views
Do rescue services use avalanche transceivers in the UK?
If mountain rescue teams in the UK were searching for a walker or climbing caught in an avalanche, would they start with a transceiver search? given that transceivers are infrequently carried by ...
9
votes
1answer
124 views
May hiking in Eastern California
In May this year (6–8 May) I will have a workshop in Mammoth Lakes, California. I would like to do some hiking in addition to this workshop (roughly one week). I have never been to the United States, ...
13
votes
3answers
120 views
Good resources for information about hiking trails near Boston
I'm a Hiker who recently moved to Boston, MA. I'm interested in hiking within a 2 hour drive of the city, and I really would love alpine hiking (above the tree line), on trails that are 4 to 8 miles.
...
7
votes
1answer
299 views
One-day hike around Prague
I'm planning on visiting Prague and I was wondering if there are any nice one-day (two-day tops) hikes that I could do around there.
It doesn't have to be in the mountains, although that would be ...
0
votes
1answer
62 views
What are a few backpacking foods that have the calories yet are lightweight? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
A list of suitable foods for a long hike
I normally carry brown rice, oatmeal, instant potatoes, ...
14
votes
2answers
171 views
Is there a definitive list of the tallest mountains in the world that require little or no mountaineering experience?
I was wondering if there is a list of the tallest mountains in the world where you can walk or scramble up to the summit? As opposed to using even basic rope skills?
17
votes
5answers
345 views
Barefoot Backpacking: Liquid Boots?
Yes, you read it right:
Is there something that works like epoxy or natural tar that I can apply to the most delicate impact points of my feet (balls and heel) that will form a very durable bond, and ...
7
votes
3answers
95 views
Packing delicate equipment for a hike
I always try to avoid taking much delicate on a hike, but sometimes it either can't be helped or I decide I want to take it anyway (camera would be the prime example!)
How can I best pack such ...
19
votes
7answers
790 views
What are the downsides to sleeping in a hammock on a multi-day hike?
I've read that hammocks are a very light way to travel through the wilderness. You just need the hammock, a cover, and a light sleeping bag, but there must be disadvantages compared to taking a tent ...
3
votes
4answers
219 views
Hiking popularity in North America vs. Europe
From browsing this site, I have learned that US national parks and wilderness areas have restrictions and that campsites need reservations, sometimes months in advance. I've never seen anything like ...
2
votes
2answers
42 views
Long distance hiking trail markings in North America or parts thereof
In many European countries, dedicated long-distance hiking trails are marked with a white-red marking, like in the photograph below:
Source: Wikimedia Commons.
I've seen this in at least The ...
