Hiking/Camping Part 6 – Food, Fire & Water

West hawk lake biking

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When you are camping or hiking it goes without saying, you’re going to get hungry and thirsty.  We have talked about clothing, shelter and hygiene in past articles; all of which are necessary to maintain our external physical viability, to keep our outsides healthy.  But it really is of little use unless you also fuel the body.  All the activities of camping, hiking, setting up camp, cooking, foraging, fishing, etc require energy.  The human body is one of the most efficient machines on earth.  Converting human energy consumption to that of an automobile it would be like getting 900 miles to the gallon.  But at some point we all need sustenance and hydration; we need food and water.  Hiking and camping have their own sets and degrees of difficulty when it comes to food and water.  In both cases the question of weight and space are an issue and even more so when hiking.  You are not going to be able to bring Martha Stewart’s or Tyler Florence’s kitchen and sub-zero freezer with you. Read more of this post

Hiking/Camping Part 3 – Camp Health & Hygiene

Decomposers The fungi on this tree feed on dea...

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Living outdoors can put a lot of stress on the body and can introduce many types of fungus, bacteria and other disease causing organisms.  While it can be difficult if you are hoofing it through forests and mountain paths it is still important to at least keep clean if not well groomed.  Depending upon where you are hiking and camping the options will differ.  Usually state park camping areas provide  bathrooms/outhouses and many even provide washrooms with showers.  So keeping clean and groomed is not that difficult.  But if you are going more back country than these options are more limited and likely you will be using a hole in the ground and lakes or streams to rinse yourself off.  Regardless of which situation you are in there are some things you are just going to need in your bag of tricks. Read more of this post

Hiking/Camping Part 2 – Hiking/Camp-Wear

Backpacking in the Grand Teton National Park, ...

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Well you can’t wear what you don’t have; I guess that goes without saying. What you wear becomes more important depending upon the circumstances. If you are hiking, backpacking and/or camping what you wear can make the difference between being comfortable and otherwise expiring due to over-heating or hypothermia. Unless you are “camping” out in John Madden’s motor home you are not going to bring a wardrobe or suitcase full of clothes. Generally you want to pack light and if you are backpacking you really want to pack light. Where you are going and when will play an important role to. If its the middle of summer in Missouri your going to want cool simple clothes. However if you are hiking from the deserts of Arizona up into the mountains you are going to need to adjust for almost all four seasons in a short period of time. If you ever find yourself in this 4 season situation, regularly, then these garments will fit the bill for all other single season situations. As I have been researching clothing I have come across the following tips and options.

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