On the trail - June 5, 2011

Proposed Title: Comforts on the Trail

Some of you out there have been patiently waiting for some good tips on how to make hiking an activity that you actually enjoy. This version of my column is for you.

Since man walks upright on two feet, let’s start with the footwear you hike in. If you are hiking a flat, dirt path in Illinois, you can wear gym shoes. If you are hiking a steep, rocky trail in the mountains of Colorado, you better opt for hiking shoes or boots. Note to self, stepping on rocks with a soft soled shoe can be painful. Your ankle bones can also get pinned between rocks on the trail and this is not good either when you are wearing the wrong footwear.

Hiking boots don’t have to be like tanks if you are not carrying a heavy load. Lighter boots can actually help prevent foot fatigue and increase your agility on the trail. Think of it as dancing with the mountain and your hiking boots are your ballet slippers. For those of you with bad knees, try zigzagging down the trail on your descents to help alleviate stress on your knees. So, if you have the right footwear, you now need the right socks.

Hot, scratchy wool socks are not the best option for hiking in the summer because hot, sweating feet just don’t stink, they create blisters. Blisters are a hiker’s worst nightmare. They are caused by footwear that is moving around and rubbing on your feet. When your feet get too hot, they sweat and your skin becomes soft. The sweat creates a lubricant and your shoes begin to rub. The trick is to wear a thin liner sock that wicks the moisture away from your feet and into an outer layer of sock. This moisture then evaporates out of your boots thus keeping your feet cool and dry.

A good tip when hiking near cold streams on hot days is to stop, take off your shoes and socks, and soak your feet in the freezing water. This trick helps toughen up the skin on your feet and prevent blisters.

Let’s now talk about overheating on the trial. Hiking uphill in the mountains can be strenuous. You are huffing and puffing and dehydrating yourself with each step you take. You need to drink liquids before you are thirsty. Think of it as fuel, like gas for your car, and fill up before you go on that road trip across the desert.

When you wear a daypack filled with all your goodies, including your water, you tend to sweat on your back. Try slinging your daypack over your shoulder and alternating from side to side from time to time. The cool air on your back is refreshing.

And speaking of refreshing, carry a bandana on hot days and dip it into a cold stream. Then ring it out and tie it around your neck. I guarantee refreshment, at least until the bandana dries.

Finally, your energy supply is another important factor contributing to your enjoyment of hiking. Bring along some treats to munch on as you hike. A mixture of raisins, M&M’s, nuts, and any combination thereof can keep you moving along the trail until it is time for lunch.

Lunch can be fancy or as simple as a peanut butter and honey sandwich on whole grain bread. Either way, plan ahead and pack a lunch that you can look forward to as a reward for all your effort on the trail.