Hiking Gear
By Kathryn Whittaker, Fri Dec 9th

More and more people today enjoy the simple, wholesome fun ofhiking. Hiking is an affordable, yet healthy and emotionallyrewarding way to spend a vacation or a long weekend - and youdon't need to visit a travel agent.

Experienced hikers will always tell you that every detailmatters when you pack hiking gear, especially tents and campingstoves. The right hiking gear and clothing, a properly andergonomically packed backpack, positive mood and good fitness -all these elements play an equally important role in the successof any hiking trip.

Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear.The right footwear will serve you longer and take you fartherand safer than any training shoes or sneakers will. You can weara cheaper pair of pants or an old t-shirt, but a good reliablepair of hiking shoes or boots should be as expensive as you canafford.

Many people consider their jackets as another important clothingitem for a hiker, especially in the colder periods of the year.A hiking jacket can be a true lifesaver if you choose well. AGore-Tex top layer will shield you from cold, wet, and windyweather. Many hiking jacket manufacturers use a layeringapproach in their jackets, so that an outer shell layer becomesnot insulation, but goes over insulating clothing. Underneath aGore-Tex layer your can wear a lightweight and even trendyfleece jacket, which you can use in warmer months and for othersporting activities too.

Hiking tents are a must if you plan to camp in mountain regionsin all three hiking seasons - spring, summer, and fall. Hikingtents can be used for protection from storms, winds, smallanimals and insects. Along with a tent pack a sleeping bag andan

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insulating ground pad which also brings warmth as well asironing out bumpy ground.

A lightweight, dependable backpacking stove is much easier touse than campfires which are often prohibited in certain areas.A stove manufactured by such trustworthy brands asPrimus and Coleman are basically a fuel container and a firefaucet with burner grates. These grates can collapse for compactstorage. More expensive models even have electronic ignition soyou won't need matches or lighter. Although it is always a goodidea to pack matches anyway in case of ignition failure. Anotherversion of a stove is a storm cooker which basicallyconsists of a spirit burner with windshield and handle and a potor pan for cooking. These stoves are lightweight because youdon't need a propane container, but are sufficient for one ortwo people only.

The newest models of stoves are environmentallyfriendly, odor-free, and very accommodating. To cook and eattake a pot, spoon, and a cup. To start the stove, if youdon't have an ignition feature, lighters are more reliable thanmatches. Take more fuel than you initially planned - campingstoves "eat" more fuel in cold weather.

To fully enjoy your hiking trip you must prepare beforehand.Even a small mistake in selecting your hiking equipment mayresult in an injury or at the least in discomfort and a negativeexperience. Check and fire up your stove while still athome and double check your hiking gear and equipment using ahiking checklist before you head out.

About the author:Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of differenttopics. For more information on and Hiking please visithttp://www.camping-hiking-guide.com and for additional Campingand Hiking articles please visithttp://www.camping-hiking-guide.com/campinghiking-articles/.