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Seven things to bring to a day hike

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Seven things to bring to a day hike Jim Feldkamp. More and more people are getting into hiking as it offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. It challenges individuals to overcome their doubts and face obstacles head-on. Going on any hike requires planning and preparation. Be sure to bring these items during a trip. Image source: openfit.com Image source: reddit.com A sturdy backpack makes sure that the spine isn’t doing all the carrying. Go for lightweight ones, yet made of quality materials, and can carry different kinds of hiking necessities. For a day hike in normal weather conditions, a 30-pound backpack will do the job. A pair of outdoor shoes or sandals is a must-have, too. Nature can be tricky, and earing the right footwear can prevent one from slipping and tripping while hiking. Jim Feldkamp . Insect repellants should be in every hiker’s backpack. Mountains are habitats for insects, and it’s best to be safe than sorry. Sun

Responsible travel: Three ways to minimize waste while on the road

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Travel is good for the soul. But an influx of tourists may not always benefit the environment. Some of the world's most popular attractions are deteriorating due to the negligence of visitors. To make the most out of their adventure, travelers must be responsible as they journey and enjoy new places. Here are three ways to reduce waste while on the road. Jim Feldkamp. Image source: Pexels.com Image source: Inquirer.com  Avoid single-use plastic. Want to enjoy snacks while in transit or sightseeing? Avoid litter by storing food and drinks in reusable containers. When shopping, bring reusable bags to prevent plastic clutter. Instead of single-use packaging for toiletries, go for travel-sized storage solutions that can be used for the next trips. Jim Feldkamp . Go paperless. Paper waste can also harm the environment. Instead of printing all our forms, tickets, reservation slips, receipts, travel documents, and other necessary files, store all of these i

A few more rules for national park visitors

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Rules in national parks are in place for a myriad of reasons. They help protect the park, the trees, and wildlife. These guidelines also serve to protect visitors, especially in areas that need to be traversed with caution. Image source: Pexels.com Image source: Pexels.com Here are a few more rules every visitor should follow. Jim Feldkamp . Always get park authority permission before starting a campfire. Many parks have assigned areas for campfires. Others do not have for specific reasons. Asking park rangers if it’s safe to start a campfire is an important rule since not doing so may very well lead to disaster. Many forest fires were started by people carelessly starting campfires. Jim Feldkamp . Do not feed the wildlife. When wildlife receives food from anywhere other than their usual sources, it can have negative results on their ecosystem. Park visitors should know just how fragile a wildlife ecosystem can be and that the slightest change may have

Why hiking is a great (and healthy) outdoor activity

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The benefits of hiking -- Jim Feldkamp Hiking may entail simply strolling along the neighborhood walkways and visiting parks or taking a long walk in the countryside, by the beach, or through the mountains. It’s essentially walking for recreational and exercise purposes, but it can prove crucial as well in maintaining one’s holistic health. Jim Feldkamp. Image source: kluchit.com Image source: visitncsmokies.com People often think of hiking as a way to commune more with nature, an escape of sorts to the great outdoors. But it’s also a great way to work out even as one forgets the many hassles of everyday city life. People need not be super-conscious of the many health benefits of hiking as it is fun and relaxing by default. Nonetheless, it helps to know that this outdoor activity is great for adults hoping to improve both their physical and mental health. Jim Feldkamp . When one hikes regularly, cardio-respiratory fitness is fostered. The hearts and lungs becom

The best cameras for the aspiring nature photographer

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Nature Photography Cameras Jim Feldkamp Any nature photographer should look for high-resolution cameras that offer more megapixels and feature good dynamic range. This is because you need to capture both the fine details of landscapes and cope with high-contrast scenes like those during a sunset or dawn. Image source: imaging-resource.com Image source: trustedreviews.com Most beginning nature photographers should therefore stick to either digital SLRs and the now more popular mirrorless cameras. Sure, cellphone technology has vastly improved the cameras of our phones, but the serious nature photographer shouldn’t settle. After all, you’d need a variety of filters, interchangeable lenses, and accessories to truly capture those glorious outdoor sceneries. Hereunder is a shortlist of cameras to go for. Nikon D850 This full-frame camera’s huge 45.7 MP resolution is almost unbeatable. It likewise comes with a slew of features such as a tilting touchscreen monitor, 4

Travel light: Packing tips for a hiking trip

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Only bring the essentials -- Jim Feldkamp Hiking enthusiasts can attest that when exploring new trails, injuries can happen. And one of the reasons for injuries is how heavy the belongings hikers carry during their trip. Many hikers tend to overpack and end up with a sore back. When going for a hike, it is important to travel light to avoid any injuries or other problems along the way. Below are some tips that can cost hikers less pain and weight on their next hiking trip. Image source: Mnn.com  Image source: Express.co.uk 1. Think lightweight -- Jim Feldkamp When it comes to backpack, tent, jacket, clothes, and even toiletries, going lightweight is the key. These days, many brands offer lighter alternatives to the usually bulky equipment hikers bring. But before buying anything that's marketed as "lightweight" or "ultralight," be sure to check the material. Check the quality of fabrics and metals to ensure that the stuff won'

Travel light: Packing tips for your next hiking trip

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Welcome to my blog, fellow hiking enthusiast! My name is Jim Feldkamp. In my years of exploring new trails, I've gone through many injuries and challenges. To be honest, I usually end up enduring the trip with a sore back because aside from my personal belongings, I also bring my photography equipment. But I've learned my lesson. These days I only bring the necessities. If you tend to overpack, let me share with you some tips that will cost you less pain and weight on your next hiking trip. Image source: Express.co.uk Image source: Mnn.com  1. Go lightweight When it comes to your backpack, tent, jacket, clothes, and even toiletries, I suggest going lightweight with your choices. These days, many brands offer lighter alternatives to the usually bulky equipment we bring when we hike. But before buying anything that's marketed as "lightweight" or "ultralight", be sure to check the material. Check the quality of fabrics and metals