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Get in Gear: Must Have Gadget for Hiking

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Seriously, sometimes I think I am MacGyver. Especially when I am out in the woods on a hike but the truth is that while I love the occasional hike in the woods (or along the coastline) I am no outdoorsy guru.

That being said, I like to feel prepared at all times, especially when playing in the great outdoors. Many day hikes may not require the AdventurePlus ($20.00), but it never hurts to be prepared, now does it? This one little gadget includes a compass, a mirror, a magnifying glass, a whistle, a thermometer, a flashlight and a tiny little compartment to keep things (like matches) dry. Buy it online from Highgear.com.

Hiking will be even more fun now that you're prepared to take on any situation so you can concentrate on getting that heart rate going. Now all you need is a good trail to explore -- Check out this listing of free trails.

What's the Deal with Rogaining?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Recently I have been hearing a lot about people who are really into rogaining. I am relatively unfamiliar with this sport so I thought I'd look into it and you know what? It sounds like fun, especially since I dream about being on The Amazing Race!

Rogaining, once a sport practiced only in Austrailia, is gaining popularity worldwide. Basically rogaining is for teams (2-5 members) to go running or hiking cross-country, who have to navigate to controlled locations using only a map, compass and a watch. Most rogaines are 24-hour events (though some can be less) where the object is to score points by finding checkpoints located in the rogaine area within the race time. If you're wondering why people would want to do such a game? Well teamwork, endurance, competition and an appreciation of the natural environment are to be gained from rogaining. Plus it's generally open to all levels, so families can do it together. Since rogaining does not require specialized equipment, and the navigation is not particularly tricky, even novices can do well enough to feel proud of themselves at the end of the day.

To find a rogaining event near you, and for more information on the sport, visit the American Bushwhacking Club online.

Get in Gear: Trekking Poles

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:00:00 -0800

When you're hiking up or down a steep trail, it would be nice to have "Go Go Gadget Extendo-Arms." Try this on for size.
Trekking Poles or Walking Sticks will help keep your balance, help you maneuver through tricky trails, and reduce stress on your back, knees, legs, and feet. Plus, your poles can serve other purposes like pushing aside spider webs and brush - very important to me.

Trekking poles now come in combinations with other cool gadgets. The Kaito hiking pole is not only light weight but comes with a compass and a thermometer attached, for the low price of $24.95.

Or if you like finding your own natural wooden walking stick on the trail, you can attach this Gorillapod to it and voilà- instant tripod for your digital camera. They attach to anything so you can get a sweet shot anywhere you want.

See you on the trail.