The 10 Essentials While in the Backcountry

 

The Ten Essentials, when heading for the woods, are the ten things you need to have with you at all times for safety.  If you're hiking or camping, they're the necessities that belong in your day pack.  If you're on a backpacking trip, you will have them, and if you venture off away from your campsite for exploring, you will take them along for the day.

Everybody tweaks the list a little according to thier needs, but the basics are all there, this is my version. Check out the list, and if there's anything you're missing, start adding supplies so you are ready for the Summer.   The gear you already have can be taken out and examined.  Put new batteries in headlamps and flashlights, inspect everything and make sure it's in good working order for this Summer's adventures. 

1.    Water and Food:  Carry a full Nalgene style bottle along with your hydration system.  A Steri-Pen or purification device is also great to have along for the back country.  Extra bars, granola, etc.

2.    Navigation:  Compass and map, even if you have a GPS.

3.    Clothing:  You should have extra layers for warmth and something for rain.  If you're wearing shorts, take long pants or wear convertible pants. 

4.    Communication device:   Cell phone and/or emergency location device and whistle.

5.    Light:  Headlamp or flashlight (I prefer a headlamp for hands free light).

6.    First Aid Kit:  I have personalized my kit with migraine meds and kid's meds.  Take a small kit, but make sure it has what you need.

7.    Fire:  Matches, fire starter, lighter.

8.    Knife or Multi-tool

9.    Shelter:  An emergency bivy sack, tarp, or blanket.

10.  Sun Protection:  Sun glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hat.


Image Credit:  GuideGunner

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Go Lite this Summer

Are you planning any trips for this Summer?  Or outdoor adventures?  If you like to travel light, and most of us would rather have less to carry, especially with airlines charging so much for luggage.  And if you're headed for the woods, you know that every ounce counts.  Check out GO LITE for some fantastic options in clothing. I've just discovered them, and let me just preface this by telling you I don't think I have never been so excited about travel-outdoorsy clothing.  It's affordable, it's cofortable, and they even list the weight in the clothing descriptions for those that are really conscious of weight for packing. 

Now, what women want to know, are they--flattering?  I've only tried on three pieces so far, but I can answer that with a resounding Yes!  And I'm excited because I find this rare in adventure-wear.  I am not an athletic clothing type, I'm more of an Anthropologie type, and I also like very clean lines and simple cuts.  Yes, I love to get my hands dirty and get out there in the woods, but I want to look cute doing it.  Right?  Don't you?  So much of that type of stuff is cut in an unflattering way, or just looks frumpy and even if no one is going to see me, I still want to feel comfortable and cute out there on the trail.

Also, I have a curvy body type.  I wear an 8 on the bottom and a 10 on top,  Mediums usually do great, sometimes smalls in things like yoga pants, and in athletic clothes, sometimes a large on top.  I don't like my clothes to be tight fitting, I want that comfort but I don't want to look like I raided my man's closet either.  There are little things clothing designers can do to add femininity, subtle things.

Take the Manitou Longsleeve Hiking Top.  The neckline hints at a Mandarin which is not only feminine, but comfortable, it has diagonal lines sewn in on the sides that create a slimming look, and the sleeves come down at a slight point on your hands.  These details are flattering and make you feel like you're not just wearing a boring wicking top.  It also has a reflecting logo on the back and one on the front left side.  Functional, but still cute.  And the cut is generous too.  This is perfect for hiking and backpacking and biking, and comes in a bright orange (the Paprika is brighter in person), which I love for visibility.

The Yunnan Hiking Pant is probably the very first pant in this genre that just fit perfect at first try.  You know it can be frustrating trying on pants like this.  For me, I'm either swimming in them, or to get a length that works, it's too tight everywhere else.  These are the perfect length (I'm 5'5) and they are just right.  They are flattering!  I've had some luck with Patagonia in this area, but overall, I find it very very difficult to find pants appropriate for the outdoors that still look good.  And by appropriate, I mean not cotton, no jeans or any material that will stay wet.  You want wicking material that will dry quickly if you're caught in the rain.  They're also very light.  The photo does not do them justice at all, they are a lower-rise than what it looks in the picture and have a great shape.  You could wear them on the trail and then out to dinner, perfect for traveling and everything else.  I would say they are a Must Have, and I hope that Go Lite keeps this style and offers them in black soon, I want more pairs of these.

And finally, check out this Cayambe Reversible Dress.  You get two dresses in one, it's very flattering, butter soft, and perfect for the suitcase.  I love the ruching at the top and there's a little flounce at the bottom making you feel very feminine.  It's very light, you won't even know it's in your bag.

On top of carrying awesome functional clothing, GoLite is a socially and environmentally conscious company.  They're having a 50% off sale right now, so head over there and see if there's anything that you could use for your Summer adventures.  Find them HERE.

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3 Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are said to be from another world.  They're a symbol of time's illusion and of the afterlife.   Besides all that, they are just so cute and fascinating to watch.  Hummingbird feeders are a high maintenance item that can sometimes hurt or kill the little birds, so they're not recommended by experts.  But, what if you could plant things around your house to attract them?  You can! Obviously, you never want to use any sort of pesticides which can harm both the little birds and the plants--and people. * Make sure children know not to put anything in their mouth that mama hasn't given them as some plants that are okay for animals are not okay for people and even edible plants can have poisonous parts. *

Hummingbirds love red hues and conical, tubular shaped flowers.   They don't really have much of a sense of smell, but look for bright colors and nectar yield.  Here are three plants that attract hummingbirds, but do ask your local nursery for the plants that work best for your area.

Bleeding Heart:  This is a gorgeous shade plant, it likes morning sun only.  It's pest resistant and easy to grow.  These are such cool plants with Dr. Seuss like flowers, they look great in hanging pots.

Foxglove:  These are cone shaped purple flowers that hummingbirds can poke their long noses into.  They grow tall, about 3 feet, and make a nice backdrop for other flowers.

Salvia:  They like sun and partial shade and will take you right into fall with their vibrant purples and blues.  They come in different varieties, all attractive to hummingbirds.


Image Credit:  hharryus

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Sierra Designs Down Booties: Perfect for Camp

You know how at the end of the day when you're cozying up to a campfire and puttering around camp you totally don't want to be wearing hiking boots?  And unless you are in a really warm climate, flip flops (as packable as they are) are too cold.  I've got the perfect camp bootie for you:  the Sierra Designs Pull On Down Bootie. 

Why are they so great?  Because they will keep your feet warm and toasty and not take up much space/weight in your pack at 11 ounces.  Even if you're car camping, the less you have to carry, the better.  For a long time I was using my Acorn Summit Slippers and they were great, though too heavy to consider taking on a backpacking trip, they were fine for car camping.  As they wore out I bemoaned the fact that they're no longer available and wondered if I'd ever find camp slippers I liked again.

The Sierra Booties are actually an improvement because they are more versatile being much more suitable for travel and backpacking.   They're 700 down fill, making them light and warm.  The bottoms have a non skid sole, and the cuffs are fleece lined and adjustable.  They feel so good on tired feet, and they are cushiony, which is revitalizing.  I would not wear them in muddy or wet conditions, you'd wreck the bottoms and down isn't meant for that but if weather is wet, they're still great for inside the tent. You can really drive up your comfort level with minimal effort here.  They're even machine washable (front loader only) for easy care.  I Love these booties!  Find them HERE.

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3 Reasons to Go Hiking with Your Kids

Why get out in the woods with your kids?  Because it plants the seed of loving nature in them that hopefully will last their entire lives.  Reverence for nature enriches your life tremendously, I can't imagine not having that innate need to get outdoors.  It's something I totally take for granted until I hear someone say they're not into it.  What? How could that be?  To each his own, and not everyone has access to the outdoors so easily.  But even if you are a city dweller, it's worth it to make the effort to get out there, especially if you have kids.  Why?

1.  It's bonding.  Sharing time in the natural world creates loving bonds.  Some of the best memories are made outside.  You don't have all the distractions of home, like television, video games and the pressures and chores.  You're in the moment, present with your children.  It's an ideal family activity and a way to create traditions. 

2.  It teaches them at an early age to be comfortable outdoors.  They learn a sense of direction, of competence, it's great for their sense of well being and confidence.  They feel more connected to the world around them, and more protective of the environment.

3.  It's healthy!  Hiking is great exercise, but so fun you don't realize you're getting a great workout at the same time.  Breathing all that fresh air is far superior than what you might find in a gym and it's adventurous to boot. 

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Fragile Earth App great for Earth Day

Fragile Earth is the perfect for Earth Day education.  If you have a classroom, or know anyone that still doubts climate change, check it out.  Based on Harper Collins' Fragile Earth book series, the app beautifully and painfully illustrates what is happening to our planet due to global warming.

Featuring ecological and satellite photographs from the last 100 years, you can see how drastically things have changed in 73 different locations.  You can compare what one location looked like back in the 50's to how it looks now.  Images may be viewed by category and shared via social networking.  I think this interactive learning tool would be very interesting for students.  Available at the promo price of only .99 until April 29, find it HERE.

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Ahnu Montara Hiking Boots

Need a hiking boot for Spring and Summer?  Check out this Montara Boot from Ahnu.  I love how lightweight this boot is without compromising ankle support.  I have weak ankles and really need solid support in that area but at the same time, it's important to me that my feet don't feel like they are in a straight jacket.

Comfort is instant, no break in time here for me at all.  I sized up in these from an 8.5 and it's a perfect fit, they're super comfortable and light weight with good arch support.  They have excellent traction as well.

The lime green accents are fun and I love that these boots come in so many different colors, and not the boring "women colors" like pastels or those mauves and teals and whatnot.  These are good rich colors that are refreshing on the trail and pleasing to the eye. 

From what I understand, the Montara is also a warm boot, so it would be good for winter too, but since it's so light I think it's great for Summer.  It's also a good value, and the charcoal color (my favorite) is on sale right now at Zappos. 

Ahnu gets its name from the Celtic goddess of balance and well being, which I think is cool.   It's loosely translated to Mother Earth.  The company is environmentally and socially minded, and their footwear is designed to get you out the door and into nature.  The Montera boot will inspire you, find it HERE. 

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