Everestee 98

Getting out of the Grand Canyon along the South Kaibab Trail is a difficult undertaking. You need to gain 4,780 feet in 6.3 miles. That kind of an effort is not to be had for the asking. You will be well served by a serious conditioning program before you make the trek. Here is how I did it. I began to get ready in January for an October trip. There is a football stadium and track at the local college that allows the public to use the facility. I started going up and down the stadium stairs, 62 stairs and a 45-foot elevation gain, twice a week, working up to 20 flights. Once a week I would also take a 6-mile hike in the foothills outside of town that had 1,000 feet of overall elevation gain...

Cape Scott Provincial Park is relatively flat, with a good trail system.  Hiking trails within the park lead off to the Cape Scott Light Station, Hansen's Lagoon, and to a several outstanding beaches.  The addition in 2008 of the North Coast Trail has opened up a number of other spectacular beaches, shoreline features, and upland ecosystems that are hardly seen anywhere else in the world.  Getting through this new trail is difficult, however, adding a new challenging hike to British Columbia's coastal hiking network.  Several features make the trail difficult and the travel relatively slow.  Much of the trail is fraught with condition dependent spots, each spot depending on whether it is...

Each year millions of outdoor enthusiasts travel to the mountains for an adventure. Whether it be backpacking, skiing, mountain climbing, hunting or other activities, traveling to high altitudes, for some, has its drawbacks. Many people who come to the mountains in pursuit of adventure often times are coming from significantly lower elevations. This great difference in elevation may leave some people feeling uncomfortable. For those unaccustomed to elevation increases it can be downright shocking to their bodies. The higher we climb above sea level, the less oxygen the air contains. For people who usually operate below 5000 feet, their bodies aren't used to working in so little oxygen. People may...

For my 26th birthday this year, we decided to re-acquaint ourselves with nature and take on the Linville Gorge in western NC. Chad and I started stocking up on camping gear in July and did not stop until October (we could stock REI at this point.) We got everything from water purifiers to bear bells and even a camping knife that could double as a spear if need be. We were set. We even called the District Ranger (828) 652-2144 to make sure that we did not need a permit and also to let them know we were going to be there. Chad had programmed the GPS with the 7 mile hike we ambitiously mapped out and I had the old-fashioned map just in case. Here are some things we packed with us that came in handy and...

Being in the backcountry for extended periods of time requires a lot of thought and planning for all aspects of the trip. One area that can be a real headache, and can make or break an expedition, is food planning. You need to have food that satisfies a number of different sometime conflicting requirements. It needs to be light, reasonably priced, easy to prepare, long lasting, able to withstand being crammed into a backpack, have the right combination of carbs, protein, fats, and it has to taste good. That's a power of things to get right and can make for a lot of head scratching. As well as all of the above you need to be able to work out exact amounts of food to take. Ideally you want to take...

The British came to India in 1808 for starting the "Great Trigonometric Survey" in order to find out the name and geographic location of the tallest mountains in the world. They began in southern regions of India, and the teams which came for survey slowly proceeded towards northern regions of India using elephantine 1,100 lb transits (which required 12 men for carrying each of them) for calculating the heights in a perfect way. They were able to reach the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains during 1830. Nepal was reluctant to permit British people to get into their country since they were suspicious about the political hostility and potential appropriation by them. So, the British were constrained...

Mountaineering is tough. It's both physically and mentally demanding, but nevertheless it's still an activity that people of all ages enjoy. In this article I'm going to examine some factors you should consider when deciding whether or not you're ready to start climbing mountains. It may be the case that you've already done a lot of backpacking, climbed many hills in your time, and may even advanced onto rock climbing, but mountaineering is considerably tougher than all of these activities. There are many additional skills you need to acquire before taking on any serious mountaineering expeditions. For example, you need to be fully comfortable with reading maps, using compasses, and navigating your...

Scrambling Equipment 1. Scrambling Rope: A subject of much debate and really the decision comes down to personal choice. The key decision lies in choosing: Single ropes are designed to be used by themselves and are tested/certified accordingly. In the good old days single ropes were thick (10.5-11.0 mm) and heavy, but these days you can get single ropes with a diameter of 8.9 - 9.2mm. Maximum safety, but expect to pay a premium for these cutting edge ropes. 10.0 mm single ropes are generally a lot cheaper, but you pay a weight penalty. Dry ropes are always useful in the mountains - they don't absorb so much water, hence stay lighter, and dry faster.b. Rope Length: Anything between 30m and 50m goes...

Britain's Telegraph newspaper recently carried the remarkable tale of a 50-year-old man who slipped while walking in the hills in England in foul weather. Although the walk was not an especially demanding one, he happened to be out in one of the snowiest winters that Europe has seen in decades. A blizzard descended and he could not see more than a few feet in front of his face. Blinded by the blizzard he stepped right off the edge of the mountain and started tumbling down towards injury or possibly even his death. As luck would have it he had recently bought an ice axe for use the following summer climbing Mont Blanc in the Alps. Although he did normally use one, he had brought it with him on this...

The Whistler Corridor is terrific hiking territory because there is such a diverse collection of great trails from which to choose. The Crater Rim Loop certainly fit's the bill. This area north of Squamish is a fascinating one. It is part of the Whistler Interpretive Forest of which there are three in the Squamish area. These areas have been cut over a few years ago. A cut over is an area that has had its trees cut down and the logs removed. In reality, there isn't really any area of old growth forest remaining anywhere in the lower mainland. All the forests have been logged at least once and more often than not, twice. Trees grow fast in British Columbia. This hike covers a multitude of trails. You...

Walking sticks are a great tool for people who are getting around in the outdoors. These products provide many great benefits to hikers and other assorted explorers, which will have great benefits to health and to the general comfort of a hike. Irish walking sticks in particular are a smart choice for any hiker. These products have been used for decades in a variety of settings - medical, leisure, and hiking - to give people the greatest comfort when out for a stroll. These products are so wonderful that you'll want one for just daily walking, but hikers especially should consider purchasing a model for their adventures. Ireland is known for its wonderful hills and hiking, so it's no wonder why this...

Backpacking is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and spend time with those closest to you. But we weren't all raised in the Boy Scouts, and even fewer of us are Eagle Scouts born and bread for the great outdoors. For the first-time, novice backpacker, daydreaming about your adventure is one thing, actually planning it and getting yourself out there is a different ball game. Without proper preparation, your glorious adventure could turn in to a difficult, strenuous, regrettable mess. However, with a little bit of planning and foresight, you will be geared up and ready for a unique experience that is really unlike anything else. In this day and age of constant work, expanding...

Avalanches are one of those natural occurrences that only Mother Nature knows when and where they're going to occur. Even with modern technology it's still impossible to know exactly when or where one is going to occur. For mountain climbers this is a major concern and they are wise to be mindful of them; avalanches kill many each year. The physics of how and why an avalanche occurs is complex. Layers of rock and feet of snow are stacked and held together by the weight of each other. Many variables can lead to the adjustment of this bond and the forces of gravity can lead to the catastrophe. While it's hard to predict when and where an avalanche will take place, there are times of higher...

You'll find it in history and geography textbooks. You'll see it in travel websites and magazines, and maybe even in a painting hung on the wall of a diner or restaurant. As one of the world's 7 wonders, Mount Everest is known to be the highest mountain on Earth, with a summit of approximately 8,848 meters above sea level. It is found in the Himalayan range on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal and Tibet, China and is known by many other names such as Sagarmatha, Qomolangma, and Chomolungma. Despite it being the highest mountain on the planet many experienced and well-renowned climbers have made it to the mountain's peak, claiming that being in Mount Everest is definitely being on top of...

It was millions of years ago that man stopped hopping around on all fours and stood upright to walk. The hiking that was done then doesn't really differ much from what we do today. It is impossible to actually give a date when the first distant relative of ours went on the first hike. Man has walked upright for millions of years. During most of those years, the only way to get from point A to point B was to hike there. So, you might as well say the story of hiking begins back in this prehistoric time. The problem is that, today, hiking is considered the sport of walking when you do not have to walk. Although you might say that children walking to school are taking a little hike, we do not consider...

For many years of my life, I was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years of my Scouting experience, I have had the opportunity to go on many outdoor activities, such as campouts, hikes, river rafting trips, and others. One a few occasions, we actually climbed some of the mountains in the Pacific Northwest. During these trips, I learned a great deal about myself and others. Most importantly, I learned something about accomplishment - it is no small task to climb a mountain. As I look back on those experiences later in life, I see that those lessons learned while climbing mountains are the lessons we all need to learn to reach our dreams and to overcome our personal challenges. Begin...

Hiking up a slippery mountain trail in winter not only takes physical effort, but a certain amount of mental commitment as well. Having faith in your gear is critical to success, whether success is measured by competing in an uphill race or just safely walking up the hill with the dog. I know that choosing the right mini-crampon for your needs can be a little confusing; it was for me! Here are some facts about three major brands, and my humble recommendation. STABILicers Original This was my first pair of mini-crampons. They have a full Vibram sole with replaceable steel cleats. These perform best in icy, hard conditions because of the full sole. The Velcro hook and loop strap system works well but...

Cargo nets have so many uses that it would fill a book. They are used both by the military, and by ships for securing heavy loads, as well as for regular people who want to keep items like groceries secure in the back of a truck or SUV. In some cases, they are even used in vehicles to separate pets from other passengers, in order to prevent driver distractions and possible accidents. These are strong, durable and because they are netting, a driver's rear vision isn't blocked. The military has also been using cargo nets for decades in their training exercises. Because of the different applications of nets, they are used for climbing, traversing over open spans, and many other uses. They were also...

If you are a beginner at backpacking and have never really done it before you should be aware of one or two things before you go out on the trail. To be able to really enjoy backpacking you need to have some knowledge about it as it will help you to successfully plan your trips, be safe and above all, have a great time. But, as with all other hobbies or activities you need to learn all about it first before you take it on. One of the best things you can do when it comes to learning all about backpacking is to read up on it. There are great backpacking magazines and books around to learn from and there are many forums online where you can ask questions and get great answers from the experts...

Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level in the world borders on Tibet, Nepal and China in the Asian Himalaya range. It received its first official English name of "Everest" in 1865. Mount Everest attracts climbers from all parts of the world and of all sporting levels from the novice to the seasoned mountaineer and anyone that is willing to pay the price asked for by professional mountaineers to help them have a successful climb. Although the mountain does not pose a climbing problem on the standard route, there is inherent danger on some of the other points. There is also the problem of certain illnesses that can be contracted by the climber such as altitude sickness. There are also...

Mt Mera is the highest of the "trekking peaks" in Nepal. These are mountains that are designated for climbing by people who may not have extensive technical climbing experience. Moreover, in a bid to encourage tourism the government charges a far lower fee for permits to climb these mountains than it does for some of the higher and more famous peaks such as Mt Everest. Make no mistake, however, that these mountains are easy. Mt Mera rises about 6,500 meters above sea level. At this altitude the air is thin and the risk of altitude sickness is high. Moreover at this altitude the weather is cold and unpredictable so climbers need to ensure that they are properly equipped and in peak physical condition...

Bouldering, though using much of the same skills and techniques as climbing, is truly a sport of its own. Routes are usually designed low to the ground and instead of using ropes for safety, climbers are spotted by a partner. Climbers manoeuvre over large boulders that are often found at the base of crags. Originally climbing over these boulders provided a means of warming up for a longer climb, but it has since developed into a sport in its own right. Bouldering routes or problems, as they are most often called, are graded according to difficulty levels, and over the years, several grading systems have emerged. V Grades This was the very first grading system developed for bouldering. Grades in this...

Typically, hand strength is tested using a piece of equipment called a hand dynamometer. There are numerous styles and types of dynamometers but they are all designed basically the same. The trigger of the device is squeezed with maximum effort and held for five seconds. Results are determined from the best of several tests after allowing a minimum of at least 15 seconds recovery time between each attempt. Improvement is measured by comparing results of previous test to current tests. Assuming that ongoing training is practised between tests, improvements should register on the dynamometer. The validity of test results obtained using dynamometers is sometimes questioned as there are various...

One of the greatest feelings when you go rock climbing is getting a route that is a challenge for you and just pushing through and climbing it on your first try. We call this onsight climbing and it is one of the hardest things to do in rock climbing. Becoming a good onsight climber involves a lot of hard work and practice. Let me give you some tips that I know will allow you to become better onsight climber. 1. Become more patient. Patience in rock climbing is very important, especially when onsighting a route. You don't want to rush things because that is how you can make a mistake. A lot of times if you rush you will mess up a sequence or miss a crucial foothold and these tiny mistakes can cause...

Hiking is one of the world's most popular pastimes; however, what do you need to be a hiker, well some elevated slope is a strong start, but what about your clothes? You want to stay comfortable and protected while out on the trail. What types of clothes should a hiker wear, let's take a look and find out. If you are hiking on a regular basis then you should not limit yourself to just one outfit, the weather should play a key influence on what style of clothing you should wear. A great tip for all hikers would be to wear layered clothing, which is essentially layers of clothing, this way you can always change clothes quickly and simply, which in turn allows for maximum comfort. If you want to avoid...

Out in the real world weak hands are not related to a strong person, a crushing grip is what people think a strong person should possess. There are many who can lift hundreds of pounds but their grip is not what it could be. If they included grip strength training in their routines they would be able to add more poundage. Are weak hands the missing link in your strength. If you are not lifting the amount of weight you think you should, try strengthening your hands and forearms. If you are using wrist wraps or straps, stop using them. You might lift less weight without them but your grip will improve with the work your hands will do, then later you should lift more than you previously did. If you are...

Exploring nature is a fascinating journey to do. Climbing mountains, or exploring caves gives us unforgettable moments. But to keep it safe, we need to take care and prepare well. Planning and preparing the trip carefully has proven to save lives of those who endure their adventure. When we planned to climb a mountain keep in mind, that there's no room for a mistake. Climbing a mountain is dangerous, especially for those who don't wear proper gears. One of the most important gear in mountain climbing are mountaineering boots. Mountaineering boots are made of stiff material such as hard leather, plastic, or even Kevlar. The used of stiff materials and its height design are meant to gave your feet...

Finger strength exercises are an important element of rock climbing training. Traditionally, climbers use hang board or fingerboard workouts to develop finger strength and endurance, but injuries are common with these training tools if they are misused. Plus, many climbers also want exercises and workouts that they can do to improve finger strength by using other types of equipment. Weights that most climbers already have to use in their other workouts can also be used in a few ways to build finger strength. Here are a few examples: The Farmers Walk This exercise is named for its similarity to a farmer carrying two heavy buckets in each hand, similar to how they would carry buckets of milk or slop...

El Cajon Mountain has often been described as "Often seen, rarely climbed". This is true because, the mountain trail is hard to find and the weather there is hot, due to very little vegetation and greenery and El Cajun is surrounded by private property which makes the ordeal even harder, incase you end up trespassing. Although once you reach the top, the view is absolutely worth the trouble. In order to Hike to the top of the El Cajon Mountain, you need to take the I-8 out on the east side of San Diego, following it for a total of 16 miles. When you reach El Cajon, take highway number 67, north, and after around about 6.5 miles in that direction you go on to Willow. Go 10 miles towards east and...

Those who like to travel light in the wilderness are always looking for the lightest backpacking food they can take. Of course, light doesn't mean crackers or other things that have little weight for their volume. When hiking you need calories above all, so the lightest foods are those that provide the most calories for the weight. Here are some to consider, as well as two other ways to cut the weight of the meals you carry with you. Nuts And Seeds By far, one of the healthiest and most calorie-packed foods you can take with you are nuts and seeds. Mixed nuts, for example, typically have 170 calories per ounce, as well as the protein and amino acids you need. Sunflower seeds are similar (a bit lower...

Backpacking is a fun and refreshing activity that can be fun for the whole family! You may be near the Mountains or in your back yard! No matter where you are it can be a great experience. You may be a photographer, a nature love, or just trying to get away from busy hectic city life for a while! Backpacking is a hobby (sport) that can be awesome for anyone! There is no greater place to get connected to earth more than taking an inspiring hike in the hills! My favorite place to hike is the Smoky Mountains! There are places to hike in every state and it is pretty easy to find info on-line these days! I have a directory full of Alabama Hiking Trails on my Alabama Rock Company site (down below)! Not...

The act of climbing is a highly demanding, physically draining sport that requires a great deal from you and your body to be successful at. If you spend the time necessary to become a serious, well trained climber, you will no doubt feel it in due course. Too many climbers assume that the brunt of their risk comes in the form of death or severe injury - but there are plenty of smaller, more immediate health risks to consider. Musculo-Skeletal Disorders When you climb over long periods of time, in an intense setting, you can start to develop MSDs such as tendentious, arthritis, carpal tunnel, and tarsal tunnel. Any one of these disorders can cause you to become temporarily disabled to the point of...

Part Two - Food Planning The next step is to create an overall concept of your food program and then to enter the data within a structure that will work for you. To make a comprehensive food program is a lot of work and time. However after you have done all that work, you have a functional and efficient way to work out your food requirements: - Number of people - Number of days - what to pack for each ration period - How much the food for each day will weigh - How many calories,carbs etc are in each the food for each day - How much you have to buy on your big shopping day at the supermarket, and, very importantly - How much all this is going to set you back. Here is how we plan our food.1...