Mar 15 2013

Trail Flashlight

Why a Flashlight on the Trail?

A flashlight may be the most undervalued yet often invaluable item to include with your trail gear. Although I don’t pack a flashlight on every trail trip, I’ve been extremely fortunate to always have a flashlight when I truly needed it on the trail. Here are some real-life examples of when I’ve needed a flashlight on the trail:

camping flashlight

Dorcy flashlight for trail

  • Trail tunnels – On both the Route of the Hiawatha Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath Trail, a flashlight is a must for the extremely long tunnels. (Although I just heard that the C & O trail tunnel is currently closed.)
  • Night riding – Never recommended, night-time bicycle rides are sometimes a necessity. Once on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in Pennsylvania, I ended up riding for two hours after sunset. It wasn’t fun, but I’m glad I had both a handlebar-mounted light and a headlamp.
  • Trailhead camping – Despite my preference for hotels and bed & breakfasts, I occasionally pitch a tent before or after a multi-day trail ride or hike. In those instances, it’s nice to have some lighting for both the tent and for nocturnal wanderings.

Flashlight Recommendation

I recently had the good fortune to test the Metal Gear XL-M Extreme 618 Lumen LED Flashlight by Dorcy. Now that is one bright flashlight. I wish my bike-mounted lights were that bright. It would come in handy on my morning coffee sojourns.

Dorcy flashlights are not only bright, but they’re also quite durable and efficient. Dorcy carries a complete line of flashlights for all your home, trail and camping needs. Some of my favorite Dorcy products include their LED Camping Backpack Flashlight, their Submersible Lantern Series and their LED Headlamps.

I highly recommend that you have some type of flashlight available every time you venture out on the trail. You never know when you’re going to need one, and you’re better safe than sorry. Not only are flashlights great for seeing things in the dark, they’re also great for being seen. Fortunately, when you’re on the trail, you don’t have to worry about being struck by a car, but it’s still nice to be visible.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/15/trail-flashlight/

Mar 08 2013

Grand Trunk Hooded Neck Pillow

hooded neck pillow

Grand Trunk Travel Pillow

Travel Pillow Extraordinaire

When you’re on a long flight and yearning for some shut-eye, you have three essential needs:

  • neck support
  • a light shield
  • a sound muffler

The Grand Trunk Hooded Neck Pillow provides all three of these needs. It is a traveler’s best friend.

Superior Neck Support

neck pillow

Use as a regular neck pillow.

You know those memory foam mattresses that magically conform to your body shape? That’s what’s in the Grand Trunk Travel Pillow. It is incredibly soft yet extremely supportive for those long plane, bus or train trips. Unlike the blow-up type of pillows, the Grand Trunk pillow cradles your neck and head allowing you to get a good nap even on the bumpiest of rides.

Privacy Hood

“Why didn’t I think of that?” You’ll be asking yourself. The built-in hood that comes with the Grand Trunk Travel Pillow is surprisingly convenient. It gives you your own little personal private space so you can rest peacefully without distracting lights and sound to keep you awake. Heck, it’s even great for blocking out that annoying chatterbox sitting next to you on the plane. And the drawstring that comes with the pillow allows you to scrunch the hood snugly around the top of your head so as to give you the privacy you

hooded travel pillow

… or with the hood.

deserve.

Active Travelers Rejoice

So when you are going on your next active travel tour, whether it’s a bike trip, ski tour, snowshoe trek, or canoe adventure, pack along a Grand Trunk Travel Pillow so you’re all rested up for the big adventure that awaits you at your destination.

Article by Trailsnet staff

Public Relations by Deep Creek PR Disclosure of Material Connection: I received [product name] for free from [name of product company] as coordinated by [Deep Creek Public Relations]<- Hyperlink to: http://deepcreekpr.com/ in consideration for review publication.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/08/grand-trunk-hooded-neck-pillow/

Mar 07 2013

Ireland’s Best Treks And Walks

A Guide To Ireland’s Best Treks And Walks

Ireland, the green and pleasant land that it is, is the perfect place for walking and trekking enthusiasts and there are numerous wonderful places to take a trip to if you want to get out and about.

Ireland’s sparse population density and beautiful scenery combine to ensure that there are rural walks galore. Whether it’s a day walk or a two week walking holiday you’d prefer, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at some of the best.

Kerry Way

hiker reaches a fork in the trail

Walk this Way in Ireland.

This is one of the most popular walking treks in the country and understandably so as the area is stunning. The area takes in droving paths, as well as the Iveragh Peninsula and there is much sub-tropical plants and fauna to note and it makes for an interesting ecosphere. The area also hosts a number of great historical sights too, including the home of Irish revolutionary Daniel O’Connell.

Connemara Way

This walking trek is quite short at just under 50 miles and starts at Oughterard and stretches to West Port in Mayo. Connemara is one of the most rustic and also the quietest areas of the country and takes in some of the area’s most amazing scenery. From bog lands, shadowed by quartz peaks, to the beautiful coast line, this is a wonderful walk for those wanting to get to grips with Ireland – however they will also have to take account of the rainfall.

Dingle Way

This is one of the longer national routes in Ireland and stretches for 112 miles. The walk is however worth it if you have the fitness and includes a 1200 feet descent across the shoulder of the Brandon Mountain, along the side of Slieve Mish, which is positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean. The area is filled with Celtic history and the remnants of Ireland’s rich past. From Beehive huts to Megalitic tombs, the area is wealthy in culture. It’s also far into the Gulf Stream and so white sandy beaches and all sorts of tropical fauna and flora are everywhere.

Wicklow Way

This walk is situated in the east of the country, not far from Dublin and is around 83miles long. The trail includes the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the beautiful Glendalough – a beautiful early Christian settlement. The area of Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and is filled with lush greenery and beautiful valleys – well worth the walk.

Antrim Hills Way

This walk is situated in Northern Ireland and is a short one of just over 20 miles. It’s a moss filled, sheep grazing trek that will take you across old roads in fields and along the Antrim coastline taking in the Giant’s Causeway, the seabird colony at Rathlin Island and a number of other amazing sights along the way.

Ireland offers so much as a walking destination, so pack your shoes and your rain coat and take a trip.

Cormac Reynolds has written numerous articles on Ireland and elsewhere. He is a lover of walking and the countryside and writes this article for www.dubaishortstay.com/

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/07/irelands-best-treks-and-walks/

Mar 04 2013

Avoiding Injuries While Barefoot Running On Trails

We continue our Trail Safety & Trail comfort series on Trailsnet.com with:

Avoiding Injuries While Barefoot Running On Trails

Studies show that up to 80% of runners suffer injuries that keep them off the trails for a month or more, so it’s no surprise that preventing injuries is a popular topic in the running community. Runners look for better techniques, better stretches and even better shoes to reduce the time spent nursing an injury. Some runners want to try running barefoot because it seems more natural, but others have heard it can help reduce stress on the feet and legs. It’s important to beware, however, that many injuries occur to barefoot runners, too.

Running Shoes

boys running on trails

trail running

The most important thing to remember about getting started running without traditional shoes is to introduce running barefoot or in minimal shoes gradually. Running with minimal footwear encourages a safer midfoot or forefoot landing pattern, but can cause stress fractures or Achilles tendon injuries in people who are accustomed to striking their heel first. These injuries can be prevented by not making a sudden change to barefoot styles, rather adding distance and speed slowly. Plantar fasciitis is also common for runners who don’t gradually go from traditional shoes to minimal footwear.

There is a tendency to feel like there shouldn’t be a difference in your abilities just because you changed shoes, and if you can run 10 miles of trails in traditional shoes today, then you should be able to run 10 miles in barefoot running shoes tomorrow. This approach stems from a lack of understanding about the differences and the advantages of running barefoot.

Barefoot Running

In fact, those new to barefoot running and concerned about injuries probably shouldn’t be on trails at all. Barefoot trail running requires the body to react instinctively in several ways that do not fully develop without several months of barefoot running on flat surfaces.

As you become accustomed to running on asphalt or concrete trails in a barefoot running shoe, you will step on small pebbles and other items that require you to shift your weight quickly to the other foot. This skill is used extensively in trail running, where almost every stride involves the foot landing on an uneven surface.

Trail Running

When trail running, a runner has to visualize the trail in front of him and where his feet need to land. Are there obstacles you will need to clear? Is there rough terrain to avoid? Preparing yourself for a difference in gait with every step is necessary in trail running, no matter what shoes you are wearing. Most runners do this automatically, but it is more difficult barefoot because your stride length and foot placement vary from what you are accustomed to in traditional shoes. These skills will also come naturally as you spend more and more time in your barefoot running shoe.

Once you are ready to begin training barefoot on trails, it is best to begin with barefoot trail walking. From there, slowly mix in short bursts of jogging. Resist the urge of your usual speed or distance. Instead, continue adding speed and distance slowly and methodically until you are running your usual trails barefoot.

Author bio:

Golden Harper is a previous all American runner who founded Altra Zero Drop Footwear, a company run by passionate individuals committed to helping running enthusiasts achieve their dreams through biomechanically proper footwear. You can check the company’s updates and their latest in their blog.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/04/avoiding-injuries-while-barefoot-running-on-trails/

Mar 01 2013

Protecting Yourself from Pests While On the Trail

Trail Pests

Pests come in all shapes & sizes.

Flying Pest

Pests are obnoxious interlopers that can be difficult to eradicate in any home; but what can you do to prevent them when you’re not in your home but in theirs?  Camping, hiking or other outdoor explorations put you right in contact with many pests, from mosquitoes to ticks, bed bugs, ants and raccoons—even to large furry pests known to many campers as bears.  So how do you protect yourself and your home (as some of these pests might tag along for an unwanted invitation) from pests while out in the wilderness?

How to Dress on the Trail

The first step you can take to prevent pests from setting up their own camp is to protect your body from them.  This can be done in several ways; the first is to dress for protection.  While it might not always be the most stylish, high socks, pants and long sleeves help prevent a lot of pests from hitching a ride on your limbs.  This is especially crucial if you’re hiking or camping in areas with tall grass as that’s where many of these pests like to hang out and make an easy transition to your ankles.  You can also use screens and netting to prevent mosquitoes from biting your face and neck.  Depending on the region and weather, it might not always be an option to cover yourself from head to toe in clothes or netting; in those cases, sprays and other repellents are your only defense.

Are Insect Repellents Safe?

Insect repellents, in oils, lotions or sprays, can be great defenses against pests—clothing is still the best—however, some of these repellents, like DDT, have very hazardous effects on people and should be used in moderation.  Because of the toxins inherent to these insect repellents, it might be a good idea to investigate in some natural bug repellents, many of which can be made from ingredients in your home.  Ingesting apple cider vinegar, B vitamins and lots of garlic on a daily basis has been said to help repel mosquitoes as your body creates an odor they find unpleasant—but that offense might also include people in your camping party.  You can find several recipes for herbal remedies online or try making your own out of some essential oils, vinegar, vegetable oil and aloe.  Add anywhere from 10-12 drops of the scent for each ounce of aloe and two ounces of vegetable oil; rub onto your exposed skin, especially the back of the neck and the wrists.  An alternative spray can be made out of scent and a quarter-cup apple cider vinegar.  Some of the most effective scents include lavender, peppermint, rose and lemon—which reproduces the scent found in Citronella candles.  Smoke is also a very effective bug repellant, making roaring campfires not only fun but functional.

Avoiding Pests While on the Trail

Of course, one of the best ways to defend yourself from these trail pests is to know where they tend to live and how best to avoid them.  Ticks and bed bugs love tall grasses and dense forests—they love to hide in dark, hairy places on your body too, like inside the folds of your ears, armpits and other places with dense hair.  Mosquitoes, and most other pests, love stagnant or standing water and can lay their nests shortly after rainfall.  That said: avoid pitching your tent in these two areas if and when possible.  You can also try to use the breeze to your advantage as it makes it harder for flying insects to land on your skin and food.

Campsite Etiquette

Keeping your campsite clean and your food protected is another useful way to prevent unwanted pests, especially of the larger variety.  Rodents, raccoons and bears—as well as ants and flies—are highly sensitive and attracted to human food and will love nothing more than to tear into your food stores.  By keeping food zipped up and sealed you can prevent their aromas from alerting local critters; if you’re in an area where bears are present you should also consider tying up your food away from camp high up in a tree.  Keeping the food away from your campsite means that if bears do happen to stumble upon your pack, they won’t be feeding where you’re sleeping.

Remember, you’re in their territory.  The best way to protect yourself from pests is simply by enforcing a barrier between your world and theirs: either with clothes, scents, chemicals or by physical location.  With that in the back of your head, the rest of the time can be spent enjoying the outdoors.

About the author: Karen Miller writes and blogs for Terminix Pest Control Offers.  Karen enjoys spending time with her family and going for day hikes when she can find free time away from work and writing.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/01/protecting-yourself-from-pests-while-on-the-trail/

Feb 24 2013

Best Snowshoe Trail

Best Trails Worldwide

This post begins a series of Trailsnet articles in which we try to determine the best trails in the world. We’ll start with snowshoe trails in this post and later feature bike trails, cross-country ski trails, hiking trails, running trails, Trikke Trails and more. At the end of each article, you will be encouraged to share your favorite trails. Then we’ll compile them all and start the polling process in late 2013 and into 2014.

couple enjoys snowshoeing on trail

best snowshoe trail

Favorite Snowshoe Trails

I don’t know about where you are, but I’m looking out my window at a wintry wonderland right now. The Coal Creek Trail, behind my house, is covered in snow and, soon, I’ll don my snowshoes and plow trail in the fresh powder.

Although the trail behind my house may not be the best snowshoeing trail in the world, it’s certainly convenient. But this blog-post isn’t about the most convenient trail in the world. It’s about the world’s greatest snowshoe trail. If you’re waiting for me to tell you what it is, you’re going to have to wait until next November. I won’t even compile the list of possible snowshoe trails until at least October. In fact, that’s where you come in. I need your help in coming up with the list of potential winners.

What is Your Favorite Trail for Snowshoeing?

Please leave a comment below with the name (& general location – state, province, town, county – whatever) of your perfect snowshoe trail. This is your chance to promote a hometown favorite trail, hidden gem trail or nationally recognized mega-trail. Just the trail name and location would be fine or, better yet, share a little bit of information about the trail. Feel free to send a link of this blog-post to your friends so they can nominate their favorite trail also.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/02/24/best-snowshoe-trail/