Sunday, 7 March 2010
5 Major Differences Between Men's Hiking Boots and Women's Hiking Boots
My wife and I love to go hiking. In fact, we spent our honeymoon in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. But before we ever set foot on a trail, we went out and purchased the most important piece of equipment necessary for weeks of non-stop, hiking; hiking boots.
Even though we would be hiking the same trails, under the same conditions, the basic differences between male and female feet meant we wouldn't be getting the same boots. So what are the differences in our feet that make the construction of mens hiking boots and womens hiking boots so different.
Most obviously, women's feet are shorter and narrower than men's feet. This in itself is expected, since (in general) women are shorter and lighter than men. However, part of this is due to the fact that there is less cartilage between the bones of a woman's foot and her joints and ligaments are softer and more flexible. Also, a woman's heel is proportionally narrower than a man's. Boot manufacturers now compensate for this by either molding a tighter heel box, or adding additional stiff padding to hold the heel snugly in place to reduce sliding.
The effect of the increased flexibility of a woman's foot resulted in two design improvements in the women's boot. First, the more flexible woman's foot requires more support to withstand the continuous stress of hiking. This is generally accomplished by the addition of stiffer mid sole support, such as an insert. The insert is usually molded into the sole in order to retain the traction required for all types of terrain, yet remain flexible enough for a comfortable stride. The second, and possibly more important difference in the mid sole is the enhanced arch support in the woman's boot.
In general, a woman has a higher arch than a man, which needs additional support. However, due to the monthly changes in a woman's hormone levels, specifically estrogen, the arch of her foot actually decreases, since estrogen is a soft tissue relaxant. This relaxation of an already flexible foot causes the shape of a woman's foot to cycle between a relatively high arch and a flat foot. This fluctuation in the arch makes it critical for the mid sole of a woman's boot to have an enhanced (stiffer) arch support.
One manufacturer (Lowa) has taken the difference in foot structure a step further, since it also creates a difference in posture. A man's stance and stride is not as upright as a woman's so Lowa has designed a 2 degree offset into the ankle shaft of their mens hiking boots in order to provide a more balanced stance. Since women have a naturally more upright stance, this offset does not exist in the ankle design of their womens hiking boots.
Understanding the differences between mens hiking boots and womens hiking boots should make it much easier for you to select a proper fitting boot. Just because a womans foot is naturally smaller, do not assume that purchasing a smaller sized mans boot is the way to go. The best option is to try on hiking boots that are specifically designated as women's hiking boots. This immediately tells you that the manufacturer understands the differences between a man's foot and a woman's foot, and has designed their boots to address those differences.
I'm Mark and my wife and I love to go hiking, whether its out in Arizona at the Grand Canyon or up north in Maine at Acadia National Park. But no matter where we go, having properly fitting boots means we never have to stop because of foot fatigue or blisters. If you know a woman who loves the outdoors, but avoids hiking because it hurts her feet, it's probably because she isn't wearing the correct type of boot. For more information and links to the perfect fitting boot, check out Ladies Hiking Boots and Lowa Hiking Boots. Your feet will thank you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rocco
Even though we would be hiking the same trails, under the same conditions, the basic differences between male and female feet meant we wouldn't be getting the same boots. So what are the differences in our feet that make the construction of mens hiking boots and womens hiking boots so different.
Most obviously, women's feet are shorter and narrower than men's feet. This in itself is expected, since (in general) women are shorter and lighter than men. However, part of this is due to the fact that there is less cartilage between the bones of a woman's foot and her joints and ligaments are softer and more flexible. Also, a woman's heel is proportionally narrower than a man's. Boot manufacturers now compensate for this by either molding a tighter heel box, or adding additional stiff padding to hold the heel snugly in place to reduce sliding.
The effect of the increased flexibility of a woman's foot resulted in two design improvements in the women's boot. First, the more flexible woman's foot requires more support to withstand the continuous stress of hiking. This is generally accomplished by the addition of stiffer mid sole support, such as an insert. The insert is usually molded into the sole in order to retain the traction required for all types of terrain, yet remain flexible enough for a comfortable stride. The second, and possibly more important difference in the mid sole is the enhanced arch support in the woman's boot.
In general, a woman has a higher arch than a man, which needs additional support. However, due to the monthly changes in a woman's hormone levels, specifically estrogen, the arch of her foot actually decreases, since estrogen is a soft tissue relaxant. This relaxation of an already flexible foot causes the shape of a woman's foot to cycle between a relatively high arch and a flat foot. This fluctuation in the arch makes it critical for the mid sole of a woman's boot to have an enhanced (stiffer) arch support.
One manufacturer (Lowa) has taken the difference in foot structure a step further, since it also creates a difference in posture. A man's stance and stride is not as upright as a woman's so Lowa has designed a 2 degree offset into the ankle shaft of their mens hiking boots in order to provide a more balanced stance. Since women have a naturally more upright stance, this offset does not exist in the ankle design of their womens hiking boots.
Understanding the differences between mens hiking boots and womens hiking boots should make it much easier for you to select a proper fitting boot. Just because a womans foot is naturally smaller, do not assume that purchasing a smaller sized mans boot is the way to go. The best option is to try on hiking boots that are specifically designated as women's hiking boots. This immediately tells you that the manufacturer understands the differences between a man's foot and a woman's foot, and has designed their boots to address those differences.
I'm Mark and my wife and I love to go hiking, whether its out in Arizona at the Grand Canyon or up north in Maine at Acadia National Park. But no matter where we go, having properly fitting boots means we never have to stop because of foot fatigue or blisters. If you know a woman who loves the outdoors, but avoids hiking because it hurts her feet, it's probably because she isn't wearing the correct type of boot. For more information and links to the perfect fitting boot, check out Ladies Hiking Boots and Lowa Hiking Boots. Your feet will thank you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rocco
Saturday, 6 March 2010
5 great steps to packing a rucksack and hiking
These are some tips that I live by and unfortunately found out the hard way most of the time.
Your pack you must have an extra pair of socks, warm clothes to layer up, hat and gloves, rain gear, food, your emergency kit, 2 water bottles, and your whistle. The water and the rain gear doesn't have to be inside your pack, but everything else needs to be inside to keep it dry. The emergency kit should be wrapped so if everything gets wet this will stay dry. For the summer it should have socks, gloves, hat, long underwear, some kind of freeze dried food or non-perishable food. You should also bring a map, compass, sharp knife, flashlight, batteries, tarp, some sort of fire-starter with matches or lighter.
If you plan on going out in the winter you should bring some extra clothing, hats, mittens, and a parka. Maybe throw in some gaitors as well. You might want to think about bringing snowshoes and ski poles depending on the weather. Just make sure you bring enough warm clothing and extras of everything because in winter things tend to get wet fast. If you can fit a sleeping bag and a pot to heat water in your group someone should bring one just in case someone gets wet and they don't get hypothermia.
If your with a group be sure you know who your with. If you have a beginner obviously your not going to go to the farthest route. If you you do have someone that is slower go at there pace or even have them lead. Don't try to push especially if your only on your way in remember you still have to get out. Don't make poor decisions because it may cause you to get lost or even injured. Always make sure everyone is staying together when there are different junctions, don't let someone fall behind and not know where to go. Keep a good pace so everyone can keep their strength and not wear out quickly. Also remember to have shorter breaks to keep your muscles warmed up.
Be considerate of the land and of those around you. In hiking the people coming back or going down have the right of way, so let them pass and then keep moving.
If you come to a stream try to find rocks or a log to cross, but beware of rotten logs. If its colder outside then there may be some ice buildup also. Way your options and find out what is the best. You may have to walk through the water to get across. If this happens don't cross the water if it's higher than your waist because the current could take you under. Use a stick or a ski pole if you brought one to help you maneuver across the river. You can also hold each others hands to help each other get across. This way if someone falls they have help to get back up to safety. If you want to keep your boots dry you may want to go across in your socks and put your boots back on the other side. Don't go across barefoot you may get injured and need medical attention. If you need to just keep your boots on and cross then take off your socks and dump out the water in your boots when you get across and put back on your dry socks and your on your way.
http://www.outdoor-travels.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Heston
Your pack you must have an extra pair of socks, warm clothes to layer up, hat and gloves, rain gear, food, your emergency kit, 2 water bottles, and your whistle. The water and the rain gear doesn't have to be inside your pack, but everything else needs to be inside to keep it dry. The emergency kit should be wrapped so if everything gets wet this will stay dry. For the summer it should have socks, gloves, hat, long underwear, some kind of freeze dried food or non-perishable food. You should also bring a map, compass, sharp knife, flashlight, batteries, tarp, some sort of fire-starter with matches or lighter.
If you plan on going out in the winter you should bring some extra clothing, hats, mittens, and a parka. Maybe throw in some gaitors as well. You might want to think about bringing snowshoes and ski poles depending on the weather. Just make sure you bring enough warm clothing and extras of everything because in winter things tend to get wet fast. If you can fit a sleeping bag and a pot to heat water in your group someone should bring one just in case someone gets wet and they don't get hypothermia.
If your with a group be sure you know who your with. If you have a beginner obviously your not going to go to the farthest route. If you you do have someone that is slower go at there pace or even have them lead. Don't try to push especially if your only on your way in remember you still have to get out. Don't make poor decisions because it may cause you to get lost or even injured. Always make sure everyone is staying together when there are different junctions, don't let someone fall behind and not know where to go. Keep a good pace so everyone can keep their strength and not wear out quickly. Also remember to have shorter breaks to keep your muscles warmed up.
Be considerate of the land and of those around you. In hiking the people coming back or going down have the right of way, so let them pass and then keep moving.
If you come to a stream try to find rocks or a log to cross, but beware of rotten logs. If its colder outside then there may be some ice buildup also. Way your options and find out what is the best. You may have to walk through the water to get across. If this happens don't cross the water if it's higher than your waist because the current could take you under. Use a stick or a ski pole if you brought one to help you maneuver across the river. You can also hold each others hands to help each other get across. This way if someone falls they have help to get back up to safety. If you want to keep your boots dry you may want to go across in your socks and put your boots back on the other side. Don't go across barefoot you may get injured and need medical attention. If you need to just keep your boots on and cross then take off your socks and dump out the water in your boots when you get across and put back on your dry socks and your on your way.
http://www.outdoor-travels.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Heston
Friday, 5 March 2010
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe While Hiking
If you love the outdoors, hiking is one of the best things you can do to explore the outdoors. Hiking through forests allows you to see things that you can't see from a car; you can even see wildlife up close. The key to hiking, like any type of outdoor recreation, is staying safe.
The first thing that you need to know about staying safe while hiking is making sure that you have the right type of shoe. If you plan to go hiking you will want to wear a quality-hiking boot, it should also fit your foot. You want good hiking boots because they will offer your safety and comfort. No matter how good your boot is though you will want to break it in before you wear them hiking. The best way to break them in is to wear them around the house for about a half hour each day, for 3 or 4 days.
Not only is your boot important for your safety and comfort on a hiking trip, but so is the rest of your footwear. For the best protection you will want to wear two pairs of socks, one pair will not protect your feet as well, the extra pair of socks provides you with more cushion. You also do not want to wear socks that are made from cotton because they will soak up any sweat, which means your socks will be damp all day. Damp socks can cause blisters, but your feet will also stink when you are done.
While hiking you want to carry a backpack. Inside the backpack you want to have a small first aid kit, comes in handy if somebody ends up with a blister. You should also carry food and water in your backpack. When it comes to food, you want to bring along high-energy food, such as protein bars and dried fruits. Snack often as you are hiking because you will be burning a lot more calories than you are used to. With food and water, it is best to carry more than what you think you will need, each person should carry extra food and water, so that the weight is not all with one person.
When you plan on going out hiking, you want to make sure that you tell at least one person where you are going and when you will be back. Make sure you tell them your emergency plans as well, this way if something goes wrong they know where to send help.
Ray Hanley is an author and publisher. Please visit our web site at http://CheapATVWinches.com which helps people find the best Cheap ATV Winches for your off-road ATV.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Hanley
The first thing that you need to know about staying safe while hiking is making sure that you have the right type of shoe. If you plan to go hiking you will want to wear a quality-hiking boot, it should also fit your foot. You want good hiking boots because they will offer your safety and comfort. No matter how good your boot is though you will want to break it in before you wear them hiking. The best way to break them in is to wear them around the house for about a half hour each day, for 3 or 4 days.
Not only is your boot important for your safety and comfort on a hiking trip, but so is the rest of your footwear. For the best protection you will want to wear two pairs of socks, one pair will not protect your feet as well, the extra pair of socks provides you with more cushion. You also do not want to wear socks that are made from cotton because they will soak up any sweat, which means your socks will be damp all day. Damp socks can cause blisters, but your feet will also stink when you are done.
While hiking you want to carry a backpack. Inside the backpack you want to have a small first aid kit, comes in handy if somebody ends up with a blister. You should also carry food and water in your backpack. When it comes to food, you want to bring along high-energy food, such as protein bars and dried fruits. Snack often as you are hiking because you will be burning a lot more calories than you are used to. With food and water, it is best to carry more than what you think you will need, each person should carry extra food and water, so that the weight is not all with one person.
When you plan on going out hiking, you want to make sure that you tell at least one person where you are going and when you will be back. Make sure you tell them your emergency plans as well, this way if something goes wrong they know where to send help.
Ray Hanley is an author and publisher. Please visit our web site at http://CheapATVWinches.com which helps people find the best Cheap ATV Winches for your off-road ATV.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Hanley
Thursday, 4 March 2010
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