Northwest Hiking

It’s day four of camping, you have two left and a shower and clean hands has eluded you for the preceding ones.  Grimy and dirty, you crawl and grovel back to your tent half expecting the nearest mental institute to be there to take you away–wearing latex gloves and bio suits, of course.  If only that coveted shower were possible. . .if only you remembered to bring the biodegradable camp soap.  Six layers of dirt can practically be peeled off, revealing to your horror clean, pink, and healthy skin!  But all is in vain, because the layers build, and soon, the smell of a showerless human being permeates the night air.  As you fall into slumbers you realize that there has to be more than this…  Somewhere out there, clean exists.

Although the scenario might be a stretch, there is truth to the realization of sanitation.  However hard as it is to keep clean during camping, there are some things in life that are essential.  Sanitation is one of them!  Dirty hands are a breeding ground for bacteria, and no one likes greasy hair.  Biodegradable soap is an easy way to keep clean, and while out in the woods camping, works well.

One of the best brands is Coleman Biodegradable Soap.  This works well on practically anything: “hands, face, hair, clothes and dishes.”  For your camping sanitation, it is definitely a route you want to consider.

While out camping or hiking, showering (as previously discussed) is one of the most important aspects of care you can treat yourself to.  There is nothing like the feeling of a shower and of being clean, rather than being grimy and sweaty after a long day of hiking.  Although not appropriate at all times, such as in the winter (unless you like winter camping) or for those who don’t mind a day without, there are some options for those who wish to stay clean while enjoying the great outdoors.

Solar Showers: These work amazing and can have your water heated in a matter of 30 minutes.  Not only great because they’re compact, they also offer you a more portable option than a bigger portable shower tent.  But remember, you need sun for these to work.

Propane Showers:  If you are staying stationary, this is definitely your best option.  A small propane tank attached to water heating device offers you the hottest water you can get without going home to your tub.

Streams:  Yes, these work just fine!  Cold?  Maybe…  A little conspicuous?  Most definitely…  But roughin’ it?  You bet!  If you are camping in a secluded spot and head off the trail a bit, you can get flowing water and a cool way to keep clean.  By all means, find a waterfall and you’ve got the best water pressure around.  Remember to use biodegradable soap meant to be put in nature’s plumping systems.

Three viable options for camping and hiking with hygiene.  For some of us (guilty as charged) showering can be a hassle while out camping, so to go a couple days without isn’t a big deal.  But after a while, even the toughest fall eventually, and these are perfect options to consider whenever that is.  Keep this article bookmarked for spring when you head out (or winter for winter camping with a propane shower), and you are good to go.  Happy trails!

Although you wouldn’t normally think of it, hygiene kits are extremely important when you are out hiking or camping.  Not only for your personal protection and well being in a health sense, staying clean raises morale and keeps you and others around you happy.  In future articles, we’ll explain more about the various aspects of this, but for now, here are some things to keep in mind.

• Showering:  Showering, in addition to helping you feel better, helps wash off sweat and dirt that can harbor bacteria.  If you get a cut and don’t clean it out properly, this sweat and dirt can help start an infection.
• Toothbrush/paste:  No one likes a sour taste in their mouth, and although not many people would go anywhere without their toothpaste and brush, it is one thing to be sure to add to your list.
• Toilet paper: No-brainer here!  It’s better than using leaves, right?
• Deodorant:  Put it on before your hike of strenuous activity.  Just because you are working hard doesn’t mean you have to smell like it.

We’ll start with a few of those basic items of concern, and go more in depth later.  For now, remember to be safe, hike safe, and have fun!

With the official winter season just around the corner, there is one additional item which I highly suggest carrying in the winter time in your survival kit.  Sunscreen is essential in the winter as well as the summer when sunburn can occur very quickly.  Although some prefer to do without, if you are stranded, hiking for an extended period of time, or just notice that you are starting to sunburn, then this is a good option.

Always carry sunscreen that is above 35 SPF in the winter.  The snow reflects light harshly, so you’ll burn very easily without proper and adequate coverage.  A good sunscreen with 35+ SPF will suffice just fine and keep you hiking and surviving if needed.

Remember, prevention is the best cure, and winter camping or hiking is no exception.  Be safe, take care, and have fun this cold outdoors season!

As part of a two part series, the first of which is general information on the area itself, the focus will be on the White Bluffs area near the Hanford Reach region.  This area is located just outside of Richland, WA.  Although about 35 miles from the city, 10 of which are on gravel roads, the hiking is fantastic and the views are amazing!

With both hiking and phenomenal mountain biking, the White Bluff areas offer outdoor enthusiasts a unique way to get out and enjoy nature.  With the trails being moderate to most strenuous, you’ll want to be pretty serious before trekking the several hundred feet vertical in just over a couple hundred feet on some of the trails before tackling those bad boys.  Nonetheless, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it is a stroll along the river, or a brisk hike to the top.

 To be continued. . .

A rugged boot, Herman Survivor Footwear left very little wanting in the design of the Settler model boot.  Not only is it comfortable and easy to break-in, it also performs decently under moderate conditions.  For the average hiker who doesn’t need a light weight hiking boot, this will do the trick.  Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:  Break in time is short, under a month if worn consistently.  The boot is extremely comfortable and can be worn for extended periods of time with no problems.  The boot is a working boot, but doubles easily as a hiking boot.

Cons:  Durability is lower than most expensive hiking boots, and the sole tends to wear down if worn daily over the course of 7-8 months.  If you wear tennis shoes and just wear these hiking and working, expect a life span of about 1 1/2 years depending on wear and tear.  They are also heavy compared to hiking boots, so expect to build some extra muscle to wear these around.

Final Verdict:  2.5/5 stars

The boot isn’t going to compare to a backpacking shoe, but for average hikes, will perform perfectly fine.  Buy depending on need only, and make sure you get what you truly want for your skill level.

More Information

Whether you are going on a short hike, or plan to be gone all day, you should always consider taking snacks with you.  These serve several purposes by giving you both energy and food in a survival situation where you might be delayed in getting back to home.  Sometimes, smaller snacks will do, but other times, it may be necessary to choose a snack that has more substance to it.  Here are some ideas for snacks at just about any level:

• Power Bars:   These give you carbs and sugars to keep fueling your body.
• Fruit: This will provide you with a very fast and usable energy.  Fruit breaks down and is converted to energy fast.
• Nuts: An all around good source energy, but does take time to breakdown.
• Trail Mix:  A good blend of fast digesting fruit and slow digesting nuts, etc.

Again, choose a snack that fits what you need and how you hike.  In the end, you will notice a huge increase in how effectively you hike and maintain stamina.  Happy hiking!

Unfortunately, eye problems are a big deal on the trail.  I remember trying to climb trees and getting bark dust in my eye on a hiking trip.  Luckily, I had my brother there to carefully remove the pieces of bark, but had I not, I would have been in trouble.  Now, there are a few things I carry with me whenever I hike to take care of these problems:

• A mirror:  Just a mini one, but I have used it many times.
• An eye cleaner solution, like what you use for contacts.
• Tissue: To help remove dust when needed.

Although not by any means a comprehensive list, these will definitely help you a lot when you do need to take care of your eyes on the trails.

It’s November, and average temperatures are going to be getting colder and colder the next few days.  Remember to start dressing in layers as a necessity and packing your cold weather emergency blankets and survival gear.  This includes elements to start fire, signal in rainy or snowy conditions (flares), and stay dry (survival bags).

As well as being prepared, don’t be afraid to go out and experience nature even in the cold.  Dressed appropriately, winter hiking outings can be some of the most fun experiences.  Not only can you walk in the snow or snowshoe, you also have the opportunity to view your favorite places with a completely different perspective.

If you enjoy summer hiking, you’ll most likely like winter time, too.  Don’t be afraid to get out there and have some good, cold fun.  Be safe, hike smart, stay prepared!

Although it goes without saying, us hikers can be a bunch of over zealous enthusiasts when it comes to our hobby.  Although exploring new territory is fun, one thing to remember is that it is never okay in any circumstance, for anyone, at any time to ever trespass illegally.  It is the right of others and of yourself to have property and to control it.  That goes for land that you don’t own, too.  Here are some tips to keep in mind to help find out if the land is private or not:

• Watch for signs:  If you find a sign, try to locate the property boundary and stay out if it says no trespassing!
• Take a look at maps:  If you take a look at wilderness area maps and national forest maps, you’ll know where the boundary is and where not to go.
• Hike on open public lands:  It can be fun, but watch out for private property bordering it, since it often does.

In general, be courteous and cautious where you hike to ensure you are being respectful of other people’s property.  Happy hiking!