Summer Hiking

Philon of Byzantium in 150 BC developed a ration pill for his soldiers. This pill was the size of an olive and consisted of. sesame seeds, honey, opium, poppy and squill (a root plant). These pills provided protein (sesame), hydrocarbons (honey). alleviated pain from hunger and discomfort (opium), and a general tonic (squill). Most likely white squill which acts as an expectorant, diuretic and cough remedy (large doses of squill cause severe vomiting). Active soldiers were given two pills daily, one at 8 am and one at 4 pm.

The Art of Hiking

• . Plan your trip on a map and indicate rest points and your destination for the day. This destination should have shelter for the group. If not, you should plan to arrive early enough to pitch camp. The route should be chosen so that everyone can muster the required energy to have a pleasant trip. Have an alternative plan in case of an emergency. Leave your itinerary with a responsible person and indicate when you will check back.

• Have a checklist of all items required for the trip. These should include a first aid kit and other emergency material specific to the area, e.g.extra water in a dry area. Make sure that some individuals do not overpack.

• . Start slowly so that your body gets warmed up, your feet get coordinated, your shoes are well adjusted, and your backpack is comfortable and well balanced.

• Wear comfortable and loose clothing. Have sufficient head cover. Make sure that you have the right clothing for the trip and upcoming weather.

• Pace your trip and do not rush.

• Stop periodically remove your pack, stretch, swing your arms and check your progress on the map. If you see that you are falling behind on your trip because of difficulties in the terrain or a slow individual revise your destination for the day. Consider returning to the base camp if there are any critical problems or your ultimate destination cannot be reached at the required time. Remember if you are having difficulties at the start of long trip things will probably get worse.

• Walk in a zig-zag up steep slopes. This will minimize your effort and you will be able to walk further and have less strained muscles the next day. To know more see the link.

• When going uphill, check your footing, first place your right foot keeping your weight on your left foot. When the right foot is well and securely placed, transfer your weight to the right foot and move uphill.

• When going downhill, tighten the shoulder straps on your pack because if the pack shifts it might destabilize you. Check your boots making sure that the laces are tight enough so that your toes do not touch the front of the boot. If adjustment is difficult you might want to wear an extra pair of socks.

Acclimatization for a Long Difficult Hike

You must be physically and mentally conditioned to participate in a long difficult hike.

• Different types of terrain and climate require different acclimatization procedures. If a major mountain hike is planned high-altitude acclimatization of 10 to 14 days is required.

• Any psychological fears of individual members of the group have to be considered. These fears can be of animals, insects, height, cold, or isolation.

• Walking Rhythm

• During the hike, avoid delays that keep the group standing. Delays can increase fatigue and cause legs to stiffen, making it more difficult to resume the walk.

• Maintain a steady rate of walking too rapid or too slow a rate induces fatigue. • Ensure that any stragglers to the rear of the receive a full break time.

• All members of the group should be of more or less equal stamina so that the stronger of the group do not have to slow their stride for the slow.

• Adequate water at rest stops.

Individual Carrying Load

Make sure that the individual carrying load is kept at a minimum - but should include the basic survival equipment. An in shape male might be able to carry up to 72 pounds. These load weights include all clothing and equipment that are worn and carried. The primary consideration is not how much you can carry, but how much you can carry and still enjoy your trip.

Halts

In hot weather start your hike early and end early to rest and have time to prepare for the next day's activities. Midday heat can require a long daylight halt or consider night travel. Under normal conditions, a 15-minute halt provides rest after the first 45 minutes of travel. Following the first half, a 10-minute halt for every 50 minutes of travel. You should remove or loosen your gear and sit or lie down with your feet elevated for optimum relaxation. If you want the best hiking hat then visit our website.

Accordion Effect

An accordion effect in single file travel is caused by changes in the rate of travel and most often occurs as lead members of the column ascend or descend terrain or pass through rougher terrain on the route. A change in the rate of march increases as it passes down the column so that the rear members must either double time to maintain the distance or be left far behind. Thus, a minor change of rate at the head of the column becomes magnified by the time it reaches the tail of the column. The best method for reducing the accordion effect is for lead members to slow their rate of travel after passing obstacles to permitting rearward elements to best hammock tentors.com/best-hammock-tents-camping-reviewed/>best hammock tent review.