NAC Newsletter 101 - 200

So you just spent a ton on those new boots, but they just don't seem to fit right. In the store they seemed to fit perfectly, but now they are rubbing, or creating pressure on top of your foot, so what gives? Well, don't toss them aside just yet, maybe you just need to lace them a little differently to add or releive pressure in just the right spots. Keep your feet snug and comfortable with these step-by-step directions for common hiking boot lacing techniques. It’s easy to o

Winter is here and temperatures are plummeting. Deep snow surrounds your feet while you push through the trail. So, how do you keep your precious feet warm? If you are hoping to hit the trails this winter, you will need to know how to keep your feet warm while hiking. With treacherous temperatures and feet of snowfall not uncommon in the area, warm boots and warm socks are essential pieces of hiking gear here in Colorado. We’ve got some of the best fall hikes near Colorado Sp

Everything You Need To Know About Getting The Perfect Fit With Those Boots for Hiking The most important piece of hiking gear is what you put on your feet. In the backcountry your feet is your only means of locomotion and therefore, taking care of your feet is of utmost importance. We have looked at how to properly fit and purchase hiking boots in the past, but this is a subject that warrants a reminder. A good pair of hiking boots is the most important piece of gear you’ll n

Even though we took a look at winter hiking tips last week, I decided to post a similar article this week from a different authors perspective. Last week's article was very in depth, and therefore, very long. This week, we have a condensed version. So, once again, lets take a look at Essential Winter Hiking Tips. While hiking is generally a simple activity, it becomes more difficult to hike in winter due to low temperatures and potentially hazardous conditions on the trails.

This week's article is a long one, but a very important one. As Canadians, we don't believe in hiding and sheltering in place just because the weatherman says it might be a little dangerous to play in this cold. Instead, we bundle up with the great knowledge we have taken in over the years and we get out there and do our thing. But just in case you missed out on some of that knowledge, let's go over it again! “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”- hiking is the way to

It's that time of year again, you know what I am talking of, it's the dirty season! The constant snowfalls and melting of said snow leads to some pretty raunchy trail conditions. All that mud and water leaves your boots soaked and caked in mud, not to mention the rest of you, as you have no doubtedly taken a slip and fall or two. So, what's the best way to clean and treat those boots? Well, read on to learn all you need to know about cleaning hiking boots.   No matter where y

Over the last two weeks we looked at how to use snowshoes and when to use the various types of traction devices. So, let's carry on with the theme, today we will jump back to snowshoes, and figure out what size you're going to need. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing your size for the right amount of floatation. The size of snowshoe you need depends on your body weight, the weight of your gear, snow type, and whether you snowshoe on broken-out trails or travel cro

With winter coming, we will soon face many slippery situations. It's time to look at the various forms of traction for hikers. There are a few choices, and it's not always an easy choice. Crampons, Micro-Spikes, Snow Shoes, Skins, and more, there are many choices that all have their pros and cons. Each situation may require a different form of traction. Careful planning ahead of time will ensure your safety and make your trip much more enjoyable. So let's take a look at when

As much as you fight it, winter is coming. Soon the ground will be covered in fresh white powder. As hiker's, we won't let that stop us though, we will push through. Soon that snow will be too deep, and you will be postholing all the way along, which will tire you out fast. It's time to break out the snowshoes! When winter arrives and we start to get snow, I like to get outdoors and go snowshoeing on the local trails near my house. In just a few hours, I can get a great worko

Packing a backpack can be a tricky thing, whether it's for a day trip, or an epic 5 day adventure. Sometimes, it just seems impossible to get everything you think you need into that tiny pack. Other times, you get it all in and realize you can't handle that much weight. And where do you even put it all anyway, what item should go where? Well, packing a backpack is something that takes practice and time. With experience, you will learn what works best for you and where you sho

One thing that is guaranteed in almost all outdoor activities, you will have to carry stuff with you. We do this utilizing backpacks. The world of backpacks is vast, and there is much to know. Walking into your outdoor outfitters to get a simple backpack can turn into a stressful, half day long adventure. So how do you know what backpack is best suited for you? Well, read on dear hiker. Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maint

For many years, I have spoken to my hikers and followers about all the wonderful physical, emotional and psychological effects of being in the outdoors, and more specifically, deep in the forest. Today, we are going to look at an article that breaks it all down, and dives deep into the mental advantages of hiking and camping. So, let's get to it... Conversations about mental health are gradually being destigmatized and it’s high time. With celebrities like Lizzo, Jonathan Van

While on a multi-day trip recently, myself and some of the other hikers began discussing puffy jackets, and the difference between hoods and no hoods. I myself, prefer my sweaters to have no hood, as they will be under my jacket and the hood gets in the way of the jacket and my backpack. But my puffy jacket is mainly used at camp while hanging around the campsite, cooking and eating. A hood is very useful on those colder evenings. Let's take a look at a few pointers from the

As we have been doing quite a bit of indoor rock climbing lately, a lot of climbing discussions have come up. Topics like grip techniques, best ways to train and a few others. One topic that comes up often in my groups, and in climbing areas all together is, how tight should your climbing shoes be. So let's dive in shall we... It's tempting to fit your shoes too tight, but easy to size them too large. Advice for getting it just right. One of your most critical climbing decisi

A problem with your shelter while backpacking can be a very big nuisance, and actually quite dangerous. Many things can go wrong with your tent, but one of the most common problems is a broken or bent tent pole. But never fear, it's not very difficult to repair, and even easier if you have a proper repair kit with you. Check out this week's article on how to repair your tent pole should the need arise. Tent poles are the skeleton of your outdoor shelter, providing structure t

n 2009, I launched Hiking and Backpacking Niagara on Facebook along with a few other Facebook Groups. Eventually, these groups came to be what we know today as Niagara Adventure Club. It was definitely a learning curve. I had to learn how to manage and market the events, basic crowd control, and how to deal with many various personalities and behaviours. I didn't always succeed in every interaction, but I always learned something. I combined my knowledge and experience to car

To continue on with our tent theme, this week, we will look at the logistics of choosing the perfect spot to pitch your tent. And before you ask why, trust me, there is a lot more to it than you think. Choosing the wrong tent site can really mess up your trip, and even leave you without shelter. So, without further adieu, enjoy this week's article. Find the perfect spot to pitch your tent with these tips. So, you’re new to backpacking and scanning the map before your first tr

Last week, we to a look at finding the perfect tent for you. So, now you have your tent, and it's time to set it up. Most tents are pretty straight forward, and after one or two times, you'll be a pro at setting it up. But where should you put it, and what if the weather isn't cooperating. This week, lets take a look at how you should go about pitching your tent. Perfect your camping setup with these tips. So you bought your first tent. Congratulations! No matter how impressi

Tents have come a long way in the past 40 years. When I first got into hiking, all tents were A-Frame canvas tents. Now you have UL, Dome, Freestanding, Inflatable, Nylon, PolySil, and so much more. It's almost to the point where you need a two week class before even thinking about purchasing your first tent. Well, Backpacker.com has a great article to help you with your purchase and the simple repairs you may need to make. Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins

In all the years I have been backpacking and planning trips, I have used many resources to gain the knowledge and experience I now have. However, nothing has been more helpful than little tidbits of advice from the experts in our community. Today, we will take a look at 15 such pieces of advice that myself and many others have found to be very useful. "You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did." This may come as a surprise to you, but Backpacker’s editors w