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Hiking Boots – An Introduction And Overview

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or completely new to the trails you can get ugg boots for men. There are as many kinds of hiking boots as there are hikers. The specific things to consider when choosing your hiking boots will depend on the kinds of hiking you are planning to do. In this article, I will classify hiking boots (or hiking footwear) into four main types, corresponding to four main types of hiking.

The four types of hiking boots that we will discuss are:

1. Hiking shoes and sandals. For short walks in the outdoors, for knocking around in camp, and for use during easy interludes in an otherwise serious hike.

2. Day-hiking boots. For moderate hiking, such as day hikes or short hikes in very rough country.

3. Backpacking boots. For more serious hiking, like multi-day backpacking expeditions.

4. Mountaineering boots. For the most serious hiking, mountain climbing, and ice climbing.

There is some overlap, of course, and a good deal of mixing.

Most people who use anything beyond hiking shoes also use something in one of the lower categories. For instance, when I go camping, I bring both my day-hiking boots for the all-day hikes and my hiking shoes for the less-serious treks with the grandchildren. As another example, I often see ice climbers arriving at Arethusa Falls wearing day-hiking boots, then switching to mountaineering boots for the actual climb.

For the most part, it will be okay to buy a more serious hiking boot than you need. One exception is that if you really don’t need mountaineering boots, you would probably find them uncomfortably heavy on a little day hike. Don’t go too far upscale. Even the additional cost of buying “more boot than you need” might actually work out to be a savings in the long run, because a better quality boot will likely last longer.

Now, let’s talk about the general concerns and considerations that go into choosing a pair of hiking boots.

Keep in mind that the purpose of footwear is to protect your feet. This amounts to four specific purposes:

1. Warmth, in season

2. Protection from rough surfaces and sharp objects

3. Traction

4. Keeping your feet dry

That’s about it.

Most of what you read about “support” is overblown. If you give your feet and ankles a lot of “support,” the natural support system becomes weak from underutilization. Unless you have some particular weakness in your ankles, whether innate or from an injury, you don’t necessarily need ankle support. Let the muscles and ligaments of your feet and ankles do what they were designed to do, and you will have all the “support” you need.

On the other hand, you do need arch support. Why? Because your feet were designed to walk on a natural, yielding surface that conforms itself to the shape of your feet. When you strap a stiff, unyielding shoe sole to the bottom of your foot, your arches are unduly stressed. You need the bottom of the boot to conform to the shape of the bottom of your foot, and to stay that way as you walk. That’s arch support.

What about men’s versus women’s hiking boots? The only real difference is in proportions. For a given length of foot, a woman’s foot is generally narrower than a man’s and has higher arches. Women’s hiking boots are designed accordingly. If you’re a man with narrow feet and/or high arches, don’t be afraid to look at “women’s” hiking boots, or if you’re a woman with low arches and/or wide feet, the hiking cops won’t give you a ticket for wearing “men’s” hiking boots. Get the hiking boots that fit your feet.

Don’t forget socks. You’ll need warm socks, more than one pair in winter, so make sure your hiking boots allow room for them. When you go shopping for hiking boots, bring the type of socks you intend to wear on hikes, so you can check the fit of the boots with the socks on.

Look for good quality, and expect to pay for it. If you’re looking for fashion and the latest trends, you’ll pay a premium for that, too. What I look for is usually last year’s good quality, so I get the quality I want without paying for the style that I don’t care about.

Here’s a quick guideline to set your expectations about the costs: Expect to pay much more for your hiking boots than for your backpack. The appropriate boots for a given type of hiking will probably cost 1.5 to two times as much as the appropriate backpack. If you are planning to do only one-day hikes with a forty-dollar daypack, you will be well served to look at sixty-dollar day-hiking boots. But if you’re planning to through-hike the Appalachian Trail, you’ll want at least a hundred-dollar expedition backpack and you should be looking seriously at paying $150 or more for your hiking boots.

There are complex engineering trade-offs in hiking boots. Light weight is good. Sturdy is good. Long wearing properties are good. Traction and gripping power is good. Inexpensive is good. But sturdy boots are heavy. Hiking boots with good traction wear quickly. And of those four properties – light weight, sturdiness, long wearing, and good traction – only light weight comes cheaply. So all hiking boots represent compromises among these four qualities.

That’s the big picture with hiking boots. Pick the right type of boot for the type of hiking you’ll be doing, pick the balance you want between weight and sturdiness, and pick the right fit. Then hit the trail!

Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Chuck_Bonner/184207

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The Best Car Polish, Waxes And Car Carpet Cleaning Agents by Autoshine

Autoshine is an Auckland based car care and carnauba wax products manufacturer that has secured a prestigious position in the Auto Care Market of New Zealand, for over 20years. This brand has included a wide range of products, from car washes, polishes, restorers, fragrances to specific solvents for specific car parts, like brakes, tires and so on. What makes this manufacturer different is their penchant for innovation, not by using never before heard chemicals, but their leaning towards formulating largely eco-friendly products that are not only high on performance, but also protective for your car parts and paint.

Car Cleaners And Washes By Autoshine

While finding strong cleaners are not a hard task, it’s often seen that with continued use, the paint becomes lackluster and loses its shine. Sometimes certain harsh cleaners are basically formulated with detergent which is not a good idea.

Nowadays, waterless car washes are a fad. This is a spray cleaner, composed of lubricants, surfactants and pH builders, it ideally removes sticky grime and dirt off your car, however it’s not enough powerful to do the same with your paint surface. However, contrary to popular belief, this is not the fact that waterless car washes do not require water at all, you better soak a microfiber towel for best usage. What it does is replace the need for hose and bucket washing at large.

At Autoshine, you can even get specific products for specific purposes, and parts for car cleaning and detailing, including the Smog Buster 101A, a powerful concentrate based on Alkaline Salt, for cleaning alloy parts wheels, bull bars and trays. The 105A multipurpose cleaner from the Autoshine Quick n’ Easy range, is ideal for cleaning coated mag wheels, or the Liquid Extracta Carpet Shampoo, that takes the responsibility for car carpet cleaning, can also be used as a pre-spray.

Finding The Best Car Polish For Restoring Your Paintwork

You can definitely search, but it’s hardest to “FIND” the “Best Car Polish“, without streamlining the kind of car paint you have, and also, the kind of climate you live in. So don’t take the short route, and give it some time and understanding to search according to the ideal products for your car. Check the components of the products before buying.

AutoShine’s Wet Look Polish, is a star performer in this criteria. It’s a creamy blend of fine Carnauba Wax and durable polymer that reacts equally with all kinds of paintwork, whether its lacquer based paints, or modern waterborne enamels and urethane paints. It achieves a high gloss, and is even applicable on highly oxidized paint.

A Final Word Of Advice

Cars are expensive, but more importantly, they are precious. So be more vigilant when buying car care products for DIY grooming. Try not to get it done with shampoo or detergents they are not meant for metals, or the paint.

Travel Tips – Top Ten Beach Picnic Spots

Shark Island is so called because of its shape, not for a dangerous population of sharks haunting its waters but it is good for Sydney picnic spots. America’s best spots for beach picnics vary from dramatic rocky cliffs to tropical aqua lagoons, but they all have one thing in common – they’re absolutely perfect for seaside ‘al fresco’ dining. Pack up your picnic basket, sunscreen and flip-flops and take a trip to these amazing spots for the best outdoor meal of your life!

Siesta Key, Florida – This barrier island off the coast of Sarasota is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Long a favorite vacation destination of natives, this island is blessed with warm waters, cool breezes and an incredible variety of animal life. Observe the pelicans, egrets, ibis, storks, cranes, dolphins and manatees as you take in your picnic meal. The beach also has concession stands, volleyball courts, a softball field and a playground.

Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts – This family-friendly beach lies along the 30-mile Cape Cod National Seashore, and is accessible by foot, bike, or car. Eroding glacial cliffs provide a dramatic view, along with the crashing waves and occasional seals. If you’re not so fond of sand, you can sit on the grassy green hills above the shore and enjoy the sight of the royal-blue waters.

Ka’anapali, Hawaii – Multiple sandbars provide a cool, serene spot to set up the lounge chairs and enjoy some snacks while the waves undulate gently at your feet. This beach is located on Maui’s sunnier, drier side and has some of the best swimming spots in the state.

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina – Take a scenic ferry ride from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the beautiful Ocracoke Island, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This island was the favorite anchorage of the famous pirate Blackbeard, who died in a channel off the shore. Feed seagulls, take a leisurely stroll around the village or visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of America’s oldest.

East Hampton Main Beach, New York – Although the Hamptons are known for rows of multi-million-dollar mansions, upscale boutiques and restaurants, East Hampton Beach has retained its charming, small town feel – no small feat considering it’s an extension of Brooklyn and Queens. This beautiful beach is the perfect coastal picnic spot for Manhattanites who need a break from all the hustle and bustle.

Ocean City, Maryland – If fun for the whole family is what you’re after, Ocean City is the perfect beach picnic destination. There’s so much to do, you’ll have a really hard time making a decision! The oceanfront boardwalk, swimming, surfing, flying kites, jet skiing and windsurfing are just a few of the pursuits you can take up while visiting.

Cannon Beach, Oregon – Take an afternoon to free yourself from your usual hectic pace and enjoy this quaint seaside village, located 80 miles west of Portland. Comb the beach for seashells, ride a three-wheeler on the sand or take in the incredible sights. This beach’s main attraction is ‘Haystack Rock’, said to be the world’s third largest free-standing monolith.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The largest of Delaware’s seaside resorts, Rehoboth Beach features a gorgeous, gleaming sandy shore, a 1 mile boardwalk, a variety of outdoor activities and plenty of perfect picnic spots. Stop by one of their plentiful casual seafood restaurants for some delicious take-out, and enjoy it while lounging peacefully in the sun.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida – The winner of many ‘Best Beach’ awards, this beach may well be the most perfect on the mainland. Located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s panhandle, this state park features miles of sparkling white sugar sand, high dunes and sand pine scrub. It is a perfect example of the beauty of Florida’s ‘Great Northwest’, and provides plenty of opportunity for bird watching – over 240 species have been spotted in the park. During warm summer nights, sea turtles can be seen making their way up the beach to nest.

Hamoa Beach, Hawaii – This area has been called the most perfect beach in the world. It is truly a breathtaking tropical paradise – the crystalline turquoise waters, palm trees and white sand will make you wish you could stay there forever. Picnic facilities abound in this area, or you can settle down on a soft comfy picnic blanket and take in the sights and smells of this blissful place.

Stephanie Gottschalk writes the blogs ‘Picnic Fun – Tips and Recipes’ (http://www.picnictips.com) and ‘The Joy of Water Fountains’ ([http://www.waterfountainguide.com]) for Specialty Living Inc., an Asheville, North Carolina-based company that aims to share their love of people, nature and life through high quality water fountains and outdoor living products.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Gottschalk/35687

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