Because I frequently go on walking holidays in both Europe and North America I have noticed a difference in the way hiking trails are constructed on both continents. There are always exceptions to what I have listed below but these differences do alter the overall hiking experience:
Five ways the European trails are different:
In Europe you will find a network connecting trails while in North America you tend to have long distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail; Pacific Crest Trail; and Trans Canada Trail with a few connectors or side trails
In England you can stop for a cup of tea high on a mountain in the Lake District. In the Alps of Germany or Switzerland there will be a café at the top of the mountain. In North America you rarely have tea rooms or cafés except in a few of the very popular National Parks such as Banff with a lot of day hikers.
Many of the North American trails pass mostly through National, State or Provincial Parks even the long distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail. An therefore these trails tend to be in forested areas. In places such as England public footpaths in use for centuries are not uncommon.
North American trails have blazes on trees with little or no directional signage. While in Europe there are often directional signs are most intersections with blazes on posts or maybe even none as you are just following the trail.
In North American hiking trails usually consist of a dirt path with plenty of wooden bridges, boardwalks and stairs and other support structures along the routes. While frequently this is to stop erosion in areas where there is a high number of hikers other times it is this to make it easier for hiking. On the European continent walking trails are more likely (not always) to be wider and may have a gravel base.
If you need some suggestions for where to hike take a look at Classic Hikes of the World: 23 Breathtaking Treks
These differences in hiking trails just make the experience even more interesting.
Filed under Walking Routes by on Mar 23rd, 2010. Comment. 
If your snowshoe trail just takes you across the surface of a lake you will fine the traditional wooden snowshoes work fine. However, most winter hikers will be tackling a trail in the wilderness and will require the right snowshoe equipment such as the MSR Denali Classic
What to look for when purchasing your snowshoe equipment.
The Frame
You want a snowshoe frame that is made of aluminum, very hollow and light. While you snowshoe you must frequently lift your feet (higher than when hiking) and this can be tiring with heavy snowshoes after a long day on the trail. The size of your snowshoe equipment will depend on your weight and the type of typical snow conditions during your winter hiking.
Decking
The decking is attached to the frame and is like a floatation device keeping you above the deep snow. Often decking is made of plastic, however consider coated nylon as it is lighter and will last longer.
Crampon
A crampon is a sharp piece of metal underneath the snowshoe that pivots and digs into the snow when climbing a hill permitting an easy ascent, essential on mixed terrain. The placement and size of the crampon needed to be considered depending on the type of conditions where you snowshoe.
Binding
The snowshoe equipment binding attaches to your boot. Two popular types include simple strap which is easy to replace and the snowboard ratchet system. Some snowshoe models also have a raised heel bar which keeps your snowshoe from sliding off, as the binding strap has a habit of doing.
Carrying Bag
Wrap your snowshoes in a storage bag, otherwise the crampons have the potential to slice open and damage car seats.
The prices of snowshoe equipment are based on the strength and lightness of the frame along with the binding and crampon system. What many hikers new do is rent snowshoes for their first few winter hikes to see what equipment works best for them.
Wait; do not head down the trail yet. You also need to pack a pair of expedition or trekking poles to help with your balance.
A winter hike on a pair of snowshoes is a wonderful experience with the right equipment.
MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe – FREE poles
Price: $199.93
Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes bring modular performance toyour winter backcountry adventures. Based on our proven Denalisnowshoes, they feature the same modular flotation, superior tractionfor go-anywhere reliability and include Televator heel lifters as well as a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability.\n\n* Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.\n\n* Steep Terrain Performance: Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.\n\n* Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.\n\n* Versatile: Add 6″ Evo flotation tails (sold separately) to meet changing conditions and pack weight.\n\n* Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.\nWeight: 4 lbs\n\n***flotation tails sold separately
Brand: MSR
Originally posted 2010-01-05 12:47:59.
Filed under Hiking gear by on Mar 23rd, 2010. Comment.
In the U.S. over 60 million households have one or more pets. Dogs are a member of the family too and they love walking and hiking with you.
There are 7 important things to be considered when dog hiking:
Tip 1 Your Dogs First Hike
Like anyone else some dogs are better suited to a hike along the trail than others. Ask yourself can the dog handle the hike you are planning; the terrain, distance, pace. Start by taking your dog on long walks in local parks and keep increasing the distance until you feel they are ready for the hike. Many dogs are overweight and can take a bit of conditioning to get in shape.
Tip 2 Keep Your Dog Under Control
Your dog needs to be trained; no barking or jumping on other hikers, mountain bikers or horses you may meet along the trail. They must be able to respond to your voice commands if you see some wildlife or even a squirrel. Depending on the hiking trail and dog you may need to keep your dog leashed.
Tip 3 Your Dogs Safety
Take your dog to a vet for a physical and make sure their rabies inoculation is current. Also ensure they are wearing their ID tag on their collar during the hike. Some people have a microchip inserted by the vet so their dog can be found very easily. A great option is to have your dog wear a brightly coloured garment so that you can easily spot then in the woods, see Sun Protective Rashguard Shirtfor Dogs
Tip 4 Pick up after your Dog
Bring lots of plastic bags and keep the hiking trail clean by scooping up after your dog.
Tip 5 Hydration
Be sure to carry lots of water, and water your dog often as they are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion than we are. Dogs do not have sweat glands and pant to disperse body heat. If your dog is panting unusually rapidly or has a bright red tongue they may be suffering from heat exhaustion. Do not permit your dog to drink from streams or lakes along the trail as the water may content microscopic contaminants. Also if hiking in cold weather be sure they wear a coat.
Tip 5 Along the hiking trail
Before dog hiking make sure as part of your conditioning you toughen up the paws. The pads of your dog’s foot can get sore or bled if not used to hiking. Also have any awareness of dangerous wildlife and plants along the trail. Animals such as coyotes have been known to bait and ambush lose dogs and you don’t want you dog chasing a bear either. Respect any “no dogs allowed” signs you see along the hiking trail.
Tip 6 Take a Toy
Bring along a familiar toy or ball. Some dogs like the new scents and sights they discover along the trail while other may be nervous. You can comfort your dog by packing their favourite plaything. Pack are available for dogs, see Outward Hound Urban Adventure Dog Backpack
Tip 7 First Aid
Take a first aid kit and be familiar with its use for cuts and any other emergencies that may come up.
By following these 7 tips for dog hiking you both should have a fun filled walk.
Hiking With Your Dog: Happy Trails: What You Really Need to Know When Taking Your Dog Hiking or Backpacking
Price: $11.0
Pages: 112, Edition: 3rd, Paperback, Mountain N ‘Air Books
Hiking with Dogs, 2nd: Becoming a Wilderness-Wise Dog Owner (Kestrel)
Price: $8.95
Pages: 96, Edition: 2nd, Paperback, Falcon
Originally posted 2009-10-20 06:13:59.
Filed under Best Walking Holidays by on Mar 30th, 2010. Comment.
