First, consider the fabric. You should strive for something both lightweight and waterproof. This can be hard to come by, and expensive when you find it. Many tents these days are double-walled in order to protect against the wind and the rain. This is excellent, except that two walls weigh twice as much as one. If you’re traveling in a group, try to separate the pieces of the tent to distribute the weight more evenly.

Consider getting a brightly colored tent. You’re not going hunting, after all, and you need to be able to find your tent again if you step away from it on the trail. You also want to keep out the sun. Make sure, too, that you get good ventilation, protection from insects, and a tent that’s easy to set up. Wind and rain can make tent assembly almost impossible, so you don’t want to make it any more difficult on yourself than you have to.

Finally, consider the internal space of the tent. You need to be able to store your gear, your pack, even your bike inside your tent. That means for every person in your party, you need room for an extra person in the tent. If you’re traveling alone, get a tent for two. If you’re traveling with a friend, get a tent for four.

The right tent can be difficult to find, but it’s essential that you do find it. Aim for lightweight, waterproof, brightly colored, insulating, secure, and easy to set up. And don’t forget to leave room for all of your stuff!

The Original Post is Located Here: Get the Right Tent for the Job

1. Breakneck Ridge Trail: This trail is in New York, and it’s one part of the Appalachian Trail. The highest summit on Breakneck Ridge is 1,260 feet up. There are trails here for both beginners and experienced hikers.

2. Glacier Gorge: Located in the stunning Rocky Mountains National Park, Glacier Gorge has some of the best scenery you’ll find anywhere. There is a wide variety of trails here, for everyone from the expert hiker to the family with three small children. Whether you want easy slopes or serious hikes, Glacier Gorge has got something for you.

3. The Pinnacle: This trail near Hamburg, Pennsylvania, holds one of the highest peaks on the Appalachian Trail. Because of the humid and wet weather conditions of this region, the Pinnacle tends to be too difficult for amateur hikers, but it’s ideal for experienced ones.

4. Mount Whitney: This mountain in California is the highest peak in the United States. Experience is definitely a requirement when it comes to climbing this beautiful terror. The elevation on Mount Whitney reaches an incredible 15,000 feet.

5. Conundrum Hot Springs: Don’t forget delightful Conundrum Hot Springs, located in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado! Here, you’ll find a large number of trails both easy and difficult, all while studying the quiet beauty of hot springs reaching up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, surrounded by the stillness of snow.

These five locations are definitely the best in the country, and they’re among the best in the world. Don’t miss out on them! Especially if you live nearby, grab the family and go for a leisurely hike, or grab your gear and head out for some of the most exhilarating climbs you’ll ever face!

The Original Post is Located Here: The 5 Best Hiking Locations in the USA

If you’re tall and lanky, then chances are, you’ll want the lightest frame possible with short suspension travel. You want something that flows with your size, and a light frame will do just that. If you’re on the short side, then you may still want a light frame, since you don’t want to lug around a bike that’s half your weight, but a medium or long suspension travel is more appropriate.

If you’re in between tall and short, then you’ll need to consider your style of mountain biking to make the right choice. If you’re all about cross-country riding, then you’ll want a larger frame. This allows for a longer wheel base that supplies a lot of speed, although it cuts back on your maneuverability a little. But if you want to experience the cliffs and the rocks and slopes, then you’ll need something a little smaller and a little lighter, so it can handle all the jumps and bumps.

You’ll need to consider your weight, too. Even if you’re tall, a heavy rider shouldn’t use a light bike. That just doesn’t end well. Instead, make sure your bike and all the parts in it will last you a long time, and don’t worry so much about the weight of the bike. Chances are, you can heft it easily enough anyway.

Finally, if you have an unusual body type or abnormal proportions–maybe you’re very tall, or very short, or you have long legs and short arms, or vice versa–you should consider getting a bicycle that has been custom-built just for you. It will definitely cost extra, so make sure it’s absolutely necessary, but the comfort and ease is a fair trade if you do need one.

Having the right size bike can go a long way to making your rides as enjoyable as possible. Make sure that you’re looking in the right places, then buy yourself a mountain bike and get out there to ride!

The Original Post is Located Here: Picking the Right Size for Your Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is great for you. It’s healthy and delightful. It’s the perfect outdoor exercise as it mixes strenuous activity with times of relaxation, countering pumping adrenaline with calming beauty. You get fresh air, beautiful views, and everything you need to have a healthy outdoor lifestyle. That’s great for everyone, but it’s especially great for those of us who need to exercise. I know that I always fine treadmills and bike machines in gyms to be terribly boring, so introducing the outdoors provides a beauty and an interest that I can’t deny.

You should know that there are three popular styles of mountain biking. There’s downhill mountain biking, which is the most action-packed style. You need a resilient bike, protective shoes, a strong helmet, and probably, lots of pads. Traveling down a hillside–or mountainside–at high speed can be a thrilling, if dangerous, activity. There’s also free riding, which is a little more relaxed, but involves a lot of up and down on hills and mountains, so you’ll need a lighter bicycle. It can be a lot more strenuous activity for a good, short-term ride. Finally, there’s cross-country, which is all about endurance and perseverance. For this, you’ll need a balance of resilience and light weight in your bike.

All forms of mountain biking take endurance, stamina, and the willingness to pick yourself up, get back on the bike, and keep riding, in spite of any scuffs, scrapes, or bruises you might pick up along the way. Mountain biking is very healthy and shows off the beauty of the countryside. Don’t miss it because it takes a while to get good at.

The Original Post is Located Here: Mountain Biking for Beginners

First, you need to buy a bike. Surprised? Of course not. But what kind of bike? If you’re particularly frugal, you might say, “The cheapest one!” Don’t. Cheap bikes are cheap for a reason. They won’t last you very long, and if a bike breaks at the wrong moment on a mountain, it can be very unsafe. Don’t worry about spending thousands and thousands of dollars on it, though, because you can get a quality mountain bike for a reasonable price. Just don’t aim too low.

Next, you need to make sure that it has quality tires. You wouldn’t buy a car with cheap, easily worn tires on it, would you? Well, you shouldn’t. So don’t buy a bike like that, either. You should get good, all-around mountain biking tires, at least until you figure out what style of mountain biking you prefer. If you already know, of course, make sure that your tires will work for that style.

You definitely have to get a helmet, too. For safety, it’s important that you always, always, always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle. You should also consider purchasing and wearing quality pads on your knees and elbows, at least. If you’re mountain biking, especially if you’re new at it, you’re probably going to fall down a few times, especially on steep slopes, surrounded by rocks and trees. It’s not just a flat street up there.

If you get these things, you’ll be ready to go. If you’ve already got them, great! You can get out there and start riding your mountain bike right away. Good luck!

The Original Post is Located Here: How to Get into Mountain Biking

First, make sure you know the trail. Most trails have maps that are easily available. If you’re planning on blazing your own trail through a state or national park, most of those should have maps available, too. Regardless, you should also consider getting a GPS device with terrain maps and more, so that you can keep track of any ravines or other dangers along your path.

Second, choose the time of your hike and how far you intend to hike wisely. Consider seasonal weather along the trail; if it is often below freezing, or very rainy, you may want to choose another time of year. And if you want to hike a long trail, be aware that you don’t have to do it all at once. Feel free to take your time and build up to it. Make your goals realistic, so you only try to go as far as you can. Trying to go too far can result in exhausting yourself before reaching camp or home.

Beware of the dangers on the trail. Be fully prepared for inclement weather, because even in good seasons, there can be bad days. Be prepared for the cold, too, since many mountains are much cooler than the low lands around them. Take steep inclines very carefully. Be aware of all dangerous wildlife, both animals and insects, and prepare yourself to deal with them if you encounter them.

Finally, make sure you get all the proper equipment. Water, food, and first aid are your primary concerns. Ensure you have appropriate clothing for the altitude and the weather. You especially want to get the right boots for the occasion; these should be supportive and strong, and they should fit perfectly (there are few things quite as unpleasant as nasty blisters on a long hike). A map, a compass, and a GPS device are good safety equipment, too.

When you go hiking, always be prepared. It’s an amazing hobby, but it can be dangerous if you’re careless.

The Original Post is Located Here: How to Prepare for a Hike

If you’re going to go out hiking or hop on a mountain bike and ride, then you need proper footwear. It can be painful, even dangerous, to use footwear that isn’t ready for what you’re going to throw at it on the trails. Here are a few tips to help you make sure that you’ve got shoes that will do the job.

Whether you’re walking the trails or riding them, you need good insulation. It can get awfully cold at high altitudes, and if you’re going anywhere near a mountain, then chances are it will be cooler than your living room. You need shoes that will insulate your feet and protect them from chill and frostbite, which can be extremely hazardous to your health.

You also need to make sure that your outsole is up to the job. When hiking, it’s good to get a strong rubber outsole to maximize your grip, along with some dug-in cleats for extra traction. Those same cleats that protect your foot on the trail can protect it on the pedals of your bike, too, especially if you’re a downhill mountain biker. You need strong shoes that have good traction to control your bicycle, but they also need to protect your foot in case of an accident.

Waterproofing is especially important for hiking shoes. Gore-Tex is a fantastic way to make your shoes or boots waterproof, and it’s available in a lot of different hiking boots. Even when riding a mountain bike, it’s always best to take extra precautions against the possibility of rain. No matter how good your insulation is, if it lets your feet get wet, then chances are, they’ll be freezing in no time. Waterproof shoes are always ideal for outdoor activities.

Having the right shoes for the job is always important. This is especially true when biking and hiking, because your feet are your way of getting home. You don’t want blisters, frostbite, or broken toes slowing you down.

The Original Post is Located Here: Mountain Bikes & Hiking Trails Require the Right Shoes

If you know someone who loves hiking or mountain biking, perhaps you’ve asked them, “What’s so great about mountains?” Or perhaps you’re curious, because you’re interested in outdoor exercise, but you’re not sure it’s as beneficial as people claim. If any of this sounds like you, then read these tips on why mountains are such wonderful places to go and to exercise.

Mountains are fresh. The air on a mountain is fresh. You’re often surrounded by trees and plants, producing an oxygen-rich environment. You get away from the cities and the pollution, the smoke and smog, and you find a clean, clear, crisp countryside to catch your breath. Mountains are places of environmental delight, and it’s rare to find fresher air than you can find while hiking or riding a mountain bike on the trails and among the trees.

Mountains are strenuous. Between steep inclines and gentle slopes, you can always find a workout that puts your muscles to the test. It pumps you full of adrenaline and reminds you that you’re alive. Whether you hike up the foothills or ride on the cliff’s edge all the way to the top, you’re definitely going to find some exercise to challenge you, strengthen you, and help you to get healthier every time.

Last, but definitely not least, mountains are beautiful. You can escape from the daily humdrum life of the office and the commute and the city lights, and you can get out into the wilderness, far away and above civilization. There, you’ll find the beauty of the sky, the clouds, the trees, and at night, the stars. And, as many hikers and mountain bikers can tell you, few things are as beautiful as a sunrise from a mountaintop.

So what’s so great about mountains? Fresh air, great exercise, beautiful views… Just about everything.

The Original Post is Located Here: What Is So Great about Mountains?

If you’re into mountain biking, then you probably know a lot of great places to ride. If you’re a beginner, though, you’re probably still learning. If you want to know about a few more places, take a look at this great list we’ve compiled. There are some great locations here, from all over the world!

Australia is full of great places to ride a mountain bike. If you live in Australia already, or you’re not far away, or maybe you’re just a dedicated enthusiast, then travel down under and check these places out. There’s a place in Austinmer, New South Wales, and the Wombat State Forest in Gisborne, Victoria. For you adrenaline junkies, there’s the infamous Willing Hill, which is perfect for downhill mountain biking. Victoria also has the You Yangs, which is 40 kilometers west of Melbourne. There are about 50 kilometers of trails in the You Yangs designed specifically for mountain bikers. It’s great!

In the USA, of course, there are some spectacular trails in Fruita, Colorado, which is great for both mountain biking and hiking. There’s also the Slickrock Trail in Utah. These are some of the best trails in the world, but if you’re in the US, then you’re also not too far from beautiful Rossland, in Canada. Rossland is Canada’s mountaing biking capital, and it has some amazing trails for both experts and beginners.

But these places are all the greatest places in the world to go. Especially if you’re a beginner, you should just check out the local parks, hills, and small mountains near your home. You don’t have to travel a long way to have a great experience, and there are plenty of smaller parks that aren’t so famous with a lot of trails to ride.

Mountain biking is everywhere, so don’t feel like you have to travel. But if you’ve seen your area, and you want to travel, consider some of these incredible locations as destinations.

The Original Post is Located Here: Fantastic Mountain Biking Locations

Most of us know that we need to exercise more. But whether we need to exercise more, or we just want to exercise more, sometimes we have trouble picking the most entertaining, the most exciting kind of exercise. If you want two new options to choose from, options that offer fresh air, beautiful views, and plenty of healthy exercise, consider hiking and mountain biking.

Hiking and mountain biking are both great ways to get exercise in the great outdoors. Maybe your doctor told you that you needed to exercise more, or maybe you decided for yourself to lose a few extra pounds. Maybe it has nothing to do with weight; perhaps your spouse or significant other wants to undertake activities outdoors with you. Whatever the reason for your interest in outdoor exercise, hiking and biking are two fantastic selections.

Of course, most people worry about hiking and mountain biking. They don’t want to be dangling over a cliff, and I don’t blame them! But neither hiking nor mountain biking has to be that dangerous. Consider hiking or riding a bicycle through a park, whether that’s a local park, a state park, or a national park. They’re all around you, and they have fields, woods, hills, and more that are both safe and strenuous for your exercise. If you’re most interested in hiking, you could even go to the beach for good exercise and fresh air, and that’s practically a vacation!

Make sure, though, to check the official routes and regulations when it comes to government parks. This is especially true for you cyclists. You never want to break any of the rules associated with a state or national park. If you are allowed to venture off the trails, make sure you’re aware of the area. You don’t want to run into any bears, cliffs, or other dangers.

If you need outdoor exercise, or if you want some fresh air, biking and hiking are great alternatives to that boring treadmill at the gym. So get out there and exercise! It’s good for you!

The Original Post is Located Here: Biking & Hiking Are Great & Healthy Activities