Amputee Outdoors

 Adaptive Outdoor Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts!
 

Ever had a conversation with someone and realized you’re both using the same word, but defining it differently? This has happened to me a few times when talking about hiking, backpacking, and camping. This blog post isn’t going to be the definitive definition for those words, in fact, it might cause a few arguments, but here goes anyway. Hiking The word "hike" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "hican," which means "to walk" or "to move quickly." It is thought to be related to the Old Norse word "hikja," which has the same meaning. The word "hike" first appeared in the English language in the early 16th century, and it was originally used to refer to a quick, energetic walk. Over time, the meaning of the word "hike" has evolved to refer to a long walk or journey, particularly one taken in a natural setting such as the countryside or mountains. Today, the word "hike" is commonly used to refer to a long, leisurely walk or trek, often undertaken for enjoyment or exercise. For some, if the trail is under a mile and there’s little elevation gain, it’s a ‘nature walk’ and not a hike. For others, any stroll in nature counts as a hike. So, there’s some subjectivity to the word. Going a little further into the rabbit hole of definitions, some folks will use the word 'hike' to mean any trek that includes an overnight stay, and 'day hike' for those trekking adventures where you return home at the end of the day. Backpacking The word "backpacking" is a combination of the words "back" and "packing," which literally means "carrying a pack on the back." This term originated in the early 20th century, and it was first used to refer to the act of carrying a pack on one's back while hiking or traveling. The use of the word "backpacking" to refer specifically to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s. At this time, the term was used to refer to a style of outdoor recreation that involved carrying a backpack and camping in the wilderness for extended periods of time. Today, the word "backpacking" is commonly used to refer to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, in which the participants carry all of their equipment and supplies in a backpack. Again, there’s some subjectivity here. Many of us call any walk in nature where you return that day, a hike or day hike. If you spend at least one night out, you were backpacking. And there's the definition of 'hiker' as opposed to 'backpacker'. A backpacker spends at least one night out in nature, a hiker returns to the trailhead at the end of the day. Camping The word "camping" is derived from the Old French word "camp," which means "field" or "open space." The word "camp" originated from the Latin word "campus," which means "field" or "open land." The use of the word "camping" to refer specifically to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century. At this time, the term was used to refer to the act of setting up a temporary shelter or dwelling in a natural setting, such as a field or forest. Today, the word "camping" is commonly used to refer to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, in which the participants set up a temporary shelter and spend time in a natural setting. It is also used to refer to the act of staying in a campground or other type of outdoor accommodation. Here’s where things get interesting. There’s car camping, where you drive to the location and set up your tent/hammock/lean-to within a few yards of your car. Going a step further you have camping where you stay in a pre-built structure. Leaving civilization behind, there’s backpack camping where you carry everything and set up a shelter you bring with you for the night. Finally, there’s bushwhacking where you build a shelter using the materials found in the environment you’re in. I don’t think it matters too much what we call our outdoor adventures. A rose would still smell as sweet by any other name and nature will still be grand regardless of how we experience it.

After you’ve been hiking and come home exhausted, have you also noticed you feel good? This is because hiking in nature is good for your mind and emotions. You also get an excellent physical workout too, so that’s a bonus. The benefits of hiking and being in nature are so great that some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, Depression Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of physical well-being. This isn’t just the opinion of your crazy, tree-hugging friends. A study in 2018 showed that “…walking through forest areas decreased the negative moods of “depression-dejection”, “tension-anxiety”, “anger-hostility”, “fatigue”, and “confusion” and improved the participants’ positive mood of “vigor” compared with walking through city areas.” Got that? Hiking in nature is better than walking through town. Find some trees to walk amongst. Be More Creative Want to be more creative? Then take a hike. Hiking in nature removes us from the information-dense, high-impact, 5-second attention span world many of us live in. A peer-reviewed study in 2012 found that “…the corresponding disconnection from multi-media and technology, increases performance on a creativity, problem-solving task by a full 50% in a group of naive hikers.” That’s naïve hikers, newbies. If you’re a regular hiker you’re already operating at a higher level of creativity than your non-hiking co-workers. Stay Sharp as You Age Worried about losing your mental edge as you age? Hiking can help your brain stay sharp and functioning as you age according to the American Academy of Neurology. In their 2018 study, they found that physical exercise was associated, “with improved cognitive performance in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.” A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found, “Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment.” I’m 59 and plan on hiking until I drop. Stay Sane Hiking can help save you from mental illness. That’s a bold statement, but there is data to show it’s true. A study in 2015 showed that “Participants who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment.” The opportunity to relax our minds, and just enjoy the natural world is something we don’t get to experience a lot in our modern world. ADHD When I was a kid, I was called fidgety and unruly so my parents would kick me outside and tell me to go play in the forest near where we lived. Turns out they were helping me with my undiagnosed ADHD. In a study published in 2004 by the National Library of Medicine, it was found that “Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children across a wide range of individual, residential, and case characteristics.” Seems our parents and grandparents knew where we needed to be.In nature.

First of all, let me come clean and tell you I solo hike a lot. 95% of my hikes are solitary. Aside from the reasons below, I have one very crucial reason for hiking alone, I record my hikes for YouTube, (Check out my channel, Amputee Outdoors). I will stop frequently and spend several minutes setting up my tripod, framing the shot, shooting the sequence 2-3 times, etc. I’ve found that most people get really tired of my doing that very quickly. Aside from my particular example, there are lots of good reasons to hike alone, several reasons you shouldn’t, and a few where it’s risky. Let’s start with the good. The Good Setting your own pace. As mentioned above, I have a specific reason for hiking an extra hour or so. This is also true for a lot of other folks. You may have a pace that is slower or faster than others. You may like to take frequent breaks. Viewpoints that others may think are so-so, you may think to deserve a longer look. When it's just you, there’s no worrying about annoying anyone by slowing them down or making them feel like they are the slow ones. Peace and quiet. For many folks, the absence of conversation is a highly sought-after joy. The chance to just walk along a trail and let your mind wander, with no one asking you questions, talking about work, the kids, the budget, etc., is a wonderful thing. It’s sort of like meditating but you’re getting a workout. Logistics. I don’t know about you, but if I’m hiking with others, I find myself worrying if they’ve brought enough food and water. I’ll pack along extra just in case and that’s extra weight. There’s also the problem of meeting at the trailhead at a designated time and you’re running late (or they are) and there’s no cell phone reception in the mountains to let them know. Confidence building. You’ve planned, practiced, and packed the right gear for the environment and weather. A few challenges came your way and you, all by yourself, were able to overcome them. The feeling of accomplishment and confidence that comes from that fills the soul. Changing your trail. There’s been plenty of times when I’ve been hiking along, found a crossing trail, checked it out on the map, and decided to take a detour. No need to discuss and agree with anyone else. You may find yourself on a trail and for you, the conditions indicate it’s time to turn back. That’s your decision, no need to feel like you need to continue on because your hiking buddies feel like they can. Wasting time. There’s been plenty of trails where I’ve stopped for a while and played around with different ways to set up my hammock and rainfly. Or practiced fire starting. Whatever I want. I’m just playing about with no concern for how long I might take to do it. The Bad It can get lonely. For those that are more social, solo hiking is a bit of a strain. Having no one to talk with is unsettling and when you do find someone on the trail to talk with, you might find yourself overdoing it. Sitting around a campfire, drinking a beer, and eating freeze-dried food all by yourself can be pretty dull. Having friends sitting around that campfire with you is a lot more fun. You have to carry more. Hiking and backpacking with a group means that gear can be spread across two or more backpacks. If it’s just you, you’re carrying the whole tent, all the food, the water filtration system, the bear barrel, etc. No one to share the joy with. The bonding experience of hiking up to a peak and marveling at the view with your friends is like no other. It’s a shared memory that you and your friends will treasure forever. Not going to get that all by yourself. Your friends can reality-check you. I’ve fallen victim to the “I can do this” thinking once or twice and really wish I’d had a friend with me to provide a more reasoned opinion. With a group of friends on a trail you have a mix of experiences and skills that can provide insight into a situation that you alone might not have. It’s all on you. You’re setting up the tent, building the fire, rigging up the bear bag, filtering the water, cooking the food, chopping the wood, etc. Just you. Dividing that work among friends gets it all done sooner and you all move onto the camaraderie being out in nature together brings. The Ugly No one to help you if you’re injured or sick. This is the worst-case scenario. You’ve cut your hand, broken a leg, drank some unfiltered water, whatever the case is, there’s no one to help you. Knowing this is a possibility, as a solo hiker, you have to take it into consideration. Plan for this. This will mean that your First Aid kit is a little larger than if you were with others. It also means that you must be honest about your abilities and limitations and by doing so, prevent problems. Is that stream flowing fast? Don’t cross it. Is it getting late? Set up camp now, it’s going to take longer by yourself. Is the trail steeper and muddier/icier than you planned? Time to turn back. Help! I’m lost! Even the most experienced hikers can get lost and one person alone in the woods is vulnerable. Don’t let those shows on the Discovery channel tell you otherwise! You have fewer resources, collective knowledge, and experience. Combine being lost with an injury and you’re very close to being on the news for the wrong reasons. Again, prevention is the key to making this problem not happen. A map, compass, and navigation app on your phone or a dedicated GPS device should be part of your gear every time you hit the trail. Check your map or navigation app frequently. On many trails, I will check my location at every junction, stream crossing, or landmark just to confirm I’m where I’m supposed to be. Whether you are solo hiking or with friends, preparation is key. Know where you’re going, and what the conditions will be like, review recent hiking reports, check your gear for wear and tear, make sure you’re taking the right gear for the conditions and environment, and most importantly, know yourself.

What is it about hiking and camping in the snow we enjoy so much? The pristine beauty of the snowy forest? The crispness of the air? The intense quiet? Or is it a blend of everything we love about nature, experienced in a different and challenging environment? In any case, for those of us that love a moderate hike through a snowy forest and campsites a-plenty, Ollalie Lake on the western slopes of the Cascade mountains in Washington is a great choice. I camped there recently, (you can find the video on my YouTube channel, Amputee Outdoors) and found myself running through ideas of how I could make a career hiking professionally so I could do it more often. The hike starts at the Pratt Lake trailhead and along the way you have the opportunity to go for Granite mountain, Talapus Lake, Ollalie Lake or Pratt Lake. There is a danger of avalanches on the trail to Granite mountain, so I suggest forgoing that hike until later in spring. The roughly 4-mile trail to Ollalie Lake was clear and well-traveled, making it easy to follow. The elevation gain is moderate, you’ll gain about 2,500 feet to an elevation of 3,880 feet, and although you are below the usual 4,000-foot limitation on campfires, no campfires are allowed near the lake. I put my crampons on at the trailhead as the trail started with a slippery mix of slush, snow, and ice. The trail didn’t require snowshoes, but after about two miles, if you step off the trail, you’ll need snowshoes to keep from post-holing. As an amputee, hiking is a challenge, even with my Ossur Cheetah Xplore which is made for high-activity level K4s like myself. Hiking in the snow, and carrying close to 40 lbs gear in my backpack, requires a lot of effort. A lot of calories are burned, and body heat increases accordingly. I found myself taking a layer off about the first mile and had to stop often to catch my breath and give my biological leg a rest. Even with that challenge, I arrived at Ollalie Lake a little before lunch with plenty of energy to set up my rainfly. Once that was done it was time to get out the Esbit camping stove my son got for me. It’s a great little stove, lightweight, fuel is really cheap, measurements are on the inside of the pot instead of the outside, pour spout and silicon-covered handles. I’m not being reimbursed for singing its praises, it’s just a really good camp stove. In the video I posted, there’s a little trick I use to light it without having to put the lighter to the fuel. Lunch was a simple recipe of chicken flavoured ramen noodles and chick chunks out of a foil bag. Four-star camping meal. 😊 Once I’d warmed myself up with some hot soup it was time to set up the hammock. For this hammock camping adventure, I deviated from the usual straps I use and instead opted for 6-foot straps with 15 feet of Dyneema line attached to each strap. Dyneema cordage is amazingly strong and light, so it makes a good option for hammock whoopie slings. I was concerned that a whoopie sling would freeze up in the night so instead, I rigged up my hammock using a trucker's hitch to pull the hammock taut. It worked well and by using slippery knots I was able to undo everything the next day very quickly. The sun descended to the edges of the mountains and with it the temperature. In the fading light, I boiled up some water and added that to a package of Mountain House Beef Stew. To keep the food warm and keep my fingers from burning on the hot bag, I put the Mountain House bag inside a Reflectix pouch I made just for this purpose. I’m sure others who have camped in the winter will agree with me when I confidently state that hot meals while camping in the snow somehow taste better and are more satisfying. You feel the warmth more, and the flavours and smells are stronger. Like I usually do when camping, I hit the sack early. For winter hammock camping my setup is designed to provide insulation and flexibility. The hammock is surrounded by my Flying Tent underquilt, between the underquilt and the hammock I have a Reflectix pad. In the hammock, I have my Geertop four-season sleeping bag and inside that a sleeping bag liner. For my foot, an extra merino wool sock and then my snow jacket draped over the end of the sleeping bag. For extra warmth, I filled a Nalgene bottle, (this is the only situation where I bother with those heavy bottles) with hot water and put it between my legs. This warms the blood flowing up the large veins in my thighs going back to my heart and helping warm my whole body. Occasionally in the night a clump of snow would fall off a tree and hit the rainfly hard enough to wake me, but being cozy and swaddled in my hammock as I was, I quickly drifted off back to sleep. I slept later than I expected. Normally I’m up at first light when I camp but in this case, I didn’t wake up until about 8 am. Being nice and warm, I just lay in my hammock until I felt hungry and only then decided to get up. In the night another few inches of snow had fallen, smoothing out all the sharp edges of the footprints I’d made the day before. Breakfast consisted of hot porridge and even hotter coffee. Again, made all the more satisfying and tasty sitting in a hammock next to an alpine lake in a forest. I could have sat around for a few more hours just enjoying the snow falling and the view of the frozen and snow-covered lake surrounded by mountains. Knowing how my wife worries about my solo camping, I made the difficult decision to break camp and start the journey down the mountain to the trailhead. In the summer months, I plan to do this hike again and camp aside Ollalie Lake so I can enjoy its beauty from another perspective. Happy hiking and camping, see you out there!

There’s lots of advice on what to take on a hike, and I strongly recommend reviewing that advice from time to time even if you’re an experienced hiker. For this article, we’re going to look at some things you can skip. Guns Don’t get me wrong, I’m a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, but honestly, unless you’re hiking in grizzly country or hiking off-trail into mountain lion country, and you’re carrying a weapon with a caliber sufficient to make the animal notice it’s been shot, it’s just extra weight. I’ve seen several guys with their 10mm Glock in a chest or hip holster on a trail that’s so busy, most animals avoid it like I try to avoid rush hour freeways. Perhaps they are thinking animals aren’t the problem, the people are. Have you talked with folks on the trail? They are some of the most non-threatening, easy-going, folks you’re going to meet. Now, there are nature trails near some cities where people have been attacked, so there are exceptions to this one, but other than that, save some weight, attach bells to your backpack, and bring along some bear spray. In a pinch, it works on humans too. Makeup and Perfume I know for many, the reason to go on a hike is to find the perfect scenic spot and take a load of photos for social media. Looking good is important. I get it. On every hike, I spend an extra hour or two just shooting videos for my YouTube channel, Amputee Outdoors. Nonetheless, makeup and perfume have strong scents that can attract unwanted attention from bugs, bees, wasps, rodents, and even bears. And for those that like to put on a little extra cologne or perfume, the smell can ruin the outdoor experience for folks. Impress your subscribers and followers with your natural good looks and authentic self. Large Bottles of Soda Have you ever been on a trail and suddenly heard a belch that seemed to last minutes? You can bet that person is regretting bringing along that two-liter bottle of soda that’s been in their backpack for the last hour. It’s been bounced up a down, and the sun has brought it up to a nice 80F. They opened it up only for it to go full Mt. St. Helens on them, and then taste awful at near body temperature. And of course, they’ve drunk a load of it because they’re thirsty and found a mile later that they don’t feel so good. Bring along two of those tall one-liter bottles filled with water. If you want flavour or some electrolytes, buy one of those little bottles of electrolyte concentrates, and add that to your water. School/Work Backpacks There have been lots of times back at the trailhead after a hike when I’ve watched folks take off their backpack and rub their shoulders complaining about the pain. That’s going to happen when you hike up a mountain with a backpack designed to be worn for about half an hour. Do yourself a favour, scour the secondhand shops, Craigs List, or Amazon, and find a hiking backpack. One with a waist strap and sternum strap. Together they will keep the pack from moving around straining your shoulders and the waist strap will help put more of the load on your hips. I recommend a pack with a padded waist belt and some form of internal frame to stiffen the pack and reduce the pull on your should even more. Lots of Food You should always bring a little more food than you plan to eat, just in case. This doesn’t mean that you need to bring a 12-inch Subway sandwich, an apple, two Snickers bars, ½ pound of trail mix, one pack of beef jerky, and last night’s leftovers. Now, if you’re planning to hike up to some alpine meadow with a romantic picnic lunch to create a moment you and your special someone will remember forever, (don’t laugh, I’ve seen it done and yes, it was very sweet), go for it. Otherwise, keep your food to something that won’t get smushed or melted, that you can snack on over the course of the day, and that will provide you with calories and protein. Rambo Knives and Survival Tools It’s a powerful temptation, (especially for us men folk) when we see those tacticool survival tools and big elk skinning knives. And I do have some of those tools, they come in handy when I’m doing a little bush crafting. But for a day hike? Sort of like carrying a gun, lots of weight with no benefit. I’ve done a review of one of those 15 in 1 survival tools and honestly, only about four or five of the items in the kit will ever go on a hike with me and I had those tools in my kit already. If you have the Ten Essentials, you’re going to be fine. Wrong Footwear This isn't about trail runners, folks that wear trail running shoes know their trails and aren't foolish enough to try and run up slippery, rocky, muddy trails in the mountains. This is about the folks that wear jogging shoes, Keds with no laces, Doc Martins with two-inch soles, slip-ons, etc. I've seen so many folks enjoying their day until they've slipped in the mud and taken a fall, twisted an ankle, stopped every 50 feet to massage their arches, made their calves burn from the extra weight, or ruin a pair of expensive Nikes. If you're just doing day hikes, do yourself a favour and buy a pair of mid-ankle hiking boots from a local department store. You'll be happier for it. This list of what not to bring is just for day hikes, for an overnighter the list of what not to bring is even longer. Maybe I’ll get to that list another time. For now, enjoy the great outdoors, and see you out there!

Now, this may seem like the dumbest thing to do for those that don't frequently hike in the rain. Which is probably everyone not on the western side of the Cascade mountains in Washington and Oregon. Nonetheless, hiking in the rain can be one of the best times to go hiking. Note: being properly prepared helps. Waterproof boots, jackets, and hats are requirements. :) Let's get my four reasons I like to hike in the rain... Enjoying the beauty and freshness of nature. Rain can make everything look more vibrant and alive, from the green leaves to the colorful flowers. The air is also cleaner and cooler, and you can breathe in the refreshing scent of wet earth. You may also encounter some wildlife that is more active in rainy weather, such as frogs, snails, and birds. Having a more peaceful and quiet hike. Rain can deter other hikers from hitting the trails, so you can have more space and solitude to yourself. You can also enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops falling on your jacket and through the branches, which can calm your mind and relax your body. Challenging yourself and improving your skills. Hiking in the rain can be more difficult than hiking in dry weather, as you have to deal with slippery terrain, muddy paths, reduced visibility, and wet gear. However, this can also make your hike more exciting and adventurous. You can test your endurance, balance, navigation, and problem-solving skills as you face these obstacles. You can also learn how to prepare for rainy hikes by choosing the right clothing, footwear, backpacks, etc. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Hiking in the rain can make you feel proud of yourself for overcoming your fears or doubts and completing your hike despite unfavorable conditions. You can also appreciate the contrast between the wet outdoors and the warm indoors when you return to your car or home. You may feel more grateful for having a dry place to rest after a long day of hiking. These are just some of the reasons why I like to hike in the rain. Of course, hiking in any weather has its pros and cons, and it's important to be safe and responsible when hiking in rainy conditions. But if you're looking for a new way to enjoy hiking, you may want to give it a try! #hiking #hike #pnw #hikingintherain #amputeeoutdoors #pacificnorthwest #raining

For some, this is a non-issue. "Who cares so long as you have water?", they ask. For others, this subject prompts derisive looks to outright mockery and destroyed friendships. OK, I exaggerate slightly with that last one, but you get the idea. Before jumping into this controversy, I'll come clean and tell you I'm in the Smart camp. I even have a video comparing Nalgene to Smart Water bottles (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWmqIrPFoEo). However, I have purchased one of those kits that enables you to use your Smart Bottle like a Water Bladder. So it's not necessarily an either/or situation. (Bonus section below the pros and cons) It's difficult to say which type of hydration system is the "best" for hiking, as it can vary depending on individual preferences and the hiking conditions or situation. All three options - a Nalgene bottle, a Water Bladder, and a Smart water bottle - have their own pros and cons. Let's go into those pros and cons, shall we? Nalgene Water Bottles: Pros Nalgene Water Bottles: Cons Water Bladder Pros Water Bladder Cons Smart Water Pros: Smart Water Cons: Bonus: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission for any purchases made. Thank you. Nalgene Water Bottles Pros Durability: Nalgene water bottles are made of tough, BPA-free plastic that can withstand rugged outdoor conditions, including drops, impacts, and rough handling. They are less likely to crack or break, making them highly durable for outdoor adventures. Large capacity: Nalgene water bottles typically have a large capacity of up to 32 ounces (or more), allowing you to carry a significant amount of water, reducing the need for frequent refills during hikes or backpacking trips. This can be especially useful in areas with limited water sources. Wide mouth design: Nalgene bottles usually have a wide mouth design, making them easy to fill, drink from, and clean. This can be beneficial when you need to refill your bottle from a stream or a water source with limited access. Versatility: Nalgene water bottles are versatile and can be used for more than just water. They can also store other liquids like hot beverages, soups, or cold beverages, making them suitable for various outdoor activities and meal options. Nalgene Water Bottles Cons Weight: Nalgene bottles can be relatively heavy compared to other lightweight water bottle options available in the market. When backpacking, every ounce counts, and the weight of multiple Nalgene bottles can add up, potentially increasing the overall pack weight. Bulky size: Nalgene bottles are relatively bulky due to their large capacity and wide-mouth design, which can take up significant space in your backpack. This can be a concern when you have limited space or need to pack efficiently for a multi-day backpacking trip. Limited insulation: Nalgene bottles do not provide good insulation for temperature-sensitive liquids. For example, they may not keep hot beverages hot or cold beverages cold for an extended period of time. This can be a drawback when you need to keep your drinks at a specific temperature. Leakage risk: Nalgene bottles can be prone to leakage if the cap is not tightened properly or if the bottle is not stored upright. This can lead to wet gear or loss of precious water, which can be a significant inconvenience during a hike or backpacking trip. Water Bladder Pros Hydration convenience: Water bladders, also known as hydration reservoirs, typically come with a long drinking tube that allows you to sip water on the go without having to stop and reach for a water bottle. This can help you stay hydrated more easily and efficiently during hikes or backpacking trips. Hands-free operation: Water bladders can be stored in a backpack or hydration pack and are often designed to be compatible with various backpacks, making them hands-free and convenient to use while on the move. This can be especially beneficial when you need your hands free for other outdoor activities. Large capacity: Water bladders can hold a significant amount of water, typically ranging from 1 to 3 liters or more, providing ample hydration for extended periods without the need for frequent refills. This can be particularly useful in areas with limited water sources. Space-saving design: Water bladders are typically flat when empty, taking up minimal space in your backpack compared to bulkier water bottles. This can help you save space in your backpack for other essential gear and supplies. Insulation options: Some water bladders come with insulation sleeves or are made of insulated materials, which can help keep your water cool or hot for a longer period of time. This can be beneficial when you need to regulate the temperature of your water during outdoor activities. Water Bladder Cons Cleaning and maintenance: Water bladders can be more challenging to clean and maintain compared to water bottles. The drinking tube and the reservoir may require special brushes or cleaning tablets to prevent mold, bacteria, or other contaminants from accumulating, which can add extra effort and time to your outdoor gear maintenance routine. Limited durability: Water bladders are generally made of thin, flexible materials such as plastic or silicone, which may be less durable compared to rigid water bottles. They can puncture or tear easily if not handled carefully, which can be a concern in rugged outdoor environments. Difficulty in monitoring water intake: Unlike water bottles, it can be challenging to gauge how much water you have consumed from a water bladder, as they don't provide a clear visual indicator of the water level. This can make it harder to monitor your hydration levels and plan accordingly during hikes or backpacking trips. Risk of leakage: Water bladders can be prone to leakage if the reservoir or the drinking tube is not properly sealed or if the tube gets accidentally disconnected. This can result in wet gear or loss of water, which can be inconvenient or even dangerous, especially in arid or remote environments. Dependency on backpack compatibility: Water bladders are designed to be used with specific hydration packs or backpacks, and their compatibility may vary. If your backpack is not compatible with a water bladder, you may need to purchase a new backpack or find alternative solutions, which can be an additional cost or inconvenience. Smart Water Pros Lightweight and durable: Smart Water bottles are made of lightweight and durable plastic, making them ideal for hiking and backpacking where weight and durability are important considerations. Availability and affordability: Smart Water bottles are widely available at most convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, making them easy to find during hikes or backpacking trips. They are also affordable compared to specialized outdoor water bottles, which can save you money on gear costs. They also come pre-loaded with water. Compatibility with water filtration systems: Smart Water bottles are compatible with many popular water filtration systems, such as Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw, which allows you to easily filter and treat water from natural sources like rivers, lakes, or streams. This can be crucial for staying hydrated during outdoor adventures where potable water sources may be limited. Multiple size options: Smart Water bottles come in different sizes, ranging from 500ml (16 oz) to 1L (32 oz), allowing you to choose the size that fits your hydration needs and pack space requirements. This flexibility allows you to customize your water supply according to the duration and intensity of your hike or backpacking trip. Recyclable and eco-friendly: Smart Water bottles are typically made of PET plastic, which is recyclable in many recycling programs. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to single-use disposable water bottles, as they can be recycled and reduce plastic waste in the wilderness. Smart Water Cons Limited insulation: Smart Water bottles are typically not insulated, which means they may not keep your water cool or hot for an extended period of time. This can be a drawback if you need to regulate the temperature of your water. Lack of convenient drinking options: Smart Water bottles do not come with built-in drinking straws or caps, which means you need to unscrew the cap or open the bottle to drink water, requiring both hands and potentially slowing down your hydration process compared to bottles with built-in drinking features. Less convenient for on-the-go drinking: Unlike water bladders with drinking tubes, Smart Water bottles require you to stop and open the bottle to drink water, which can disrupt your pace or rhythm during hikes or backpacking trips, especially if you need to drink frequently. Potential for leakage: As with the Nalgene bottles, Smart Water bottles can leak if the cap is not properly sealed or tightened. This is especially true of some of the cheaper brands of water bottles. Bonus Water bottle conversion kits are a great way to combine the pros of Nalgene or Smart water bottles with the pros of Water Bladders. You get the easy-to-clean ability found with bottles and the convenience of a bladder. Because the conversion kits usually come with attachments for either Nalgene or Smart water bottles, you can switch between the two as the hiking conditions require. They can be a little tricky to set up and I've had a cheaper brand leak so it's worth it to buy a better-quality conversion kit. Source Tactical SNEP Convertube Water Bottle Adapter Kit

I chose Bandera Mountain for a Saturday hike based on the reviews I read and heard from other hikers. They all indicated that if the weather is good, the views are breathtaking. Saturday was going to be a clear day, and the trailhead is for the Ira Spring trail to Mason Lake and Bandera Mountain, making it one of the popular trailheads in the area. So I figured the trail would be busy and the parking lot full, but I figured that setting off at 7 AM to get a good spot at the trailhead parking lot would do the trick. Nope. When I arrived at 8 AM I found just one parking spot and a line for the single toilet. Loading up my gear I started up the trail which starts off along the old logging road many of our trails around here are based on. The grade is easy, the trail well maintained, and mostly free of rocks and roots. You will get to a juncture where the trail goes to the left and transitions from easy to moderate. It was at this point that I entered the cloud cover. Some folks don’t like the grey and dark green colours we enjoy here on the western slopes of the Cascades, but I love them. Something beautiful about being surrounded by the forest and mist that speaks to me in a language I can’t translate. The trail was very well populated by a variety of hikers of many different levels of experience. Some were heading to Mason Lake to camp for the night, others to just enjoy the day. Others were heading up to Bandera Mountain and those folks were generally more experienced. The trail takes you to a T intersection, left for Mason Lake, and right up the mountain to Little Bandera and Bandera Mountain. I followed the path up to the right and immediately felt the difference between moderate and hard. For much of the trail, you are gaining a foot for every two feet forward. The cloud density was thicker too, and it was a little cooler because of it but I was still sweating a good deal from exertion. Finally breaking free of the clouds, I first saw the peaks of mountains across the valley that I-90 runs through, and shortly after, the clouds revealed Mt. Rainier in all its magnificent glory. Fully into the sunshine now I quickly regretted forgetting my sunblock. That higher alpine sunshine is ruthless on us redheads. My hiking poles were getting a serious workout, which may explain their breaking later. Arriving at Little Bandera (false peak) I found it crowded with lots of folks enjoying the view of Mt. Rainier and eating lunch. It seemed a little too crowded for me, so I decided to press on to the true peak of Bandera Mountain. This was difficult as the trail isn’t as frequently traveled and thus easy to lose. I was able to align my path and the trail using the GPS on my phone and finally arrived at Bandera Mountain. The view was stunning. Mt. Rainier to the south of me seemed to be floating on a sea of clouds and stood out against the blue sky brilliantly. I settled down to have lunch, (Instant ramen noodles, some left of chicken tossed in and water) and take in the view. I don’t care how good a restaurant may be, none can compare to lunch atop a mountain with a view like that. After a while, I felt my skin starting to burn a little and decided to pack everything up and head home. About thirty feet from the summit, as I traversed a narrow path with a long drop down a ravine on my left, both hiking poles broke. Stumbling to my left I slide a few feet down the ravine before catching a small tree and stopping my slide. It’s a good thing no one was around because the swear words were flying as bad as when I was in the Navy. Clambering up the slope I regained the trail assessed my condition and finding nothing too badly damaged I trudged on. I made my way back to Little Bandera and offered to trade my camera tripod for a pair of hiking poles or perhaps borrow a pair until I made it down the mountain. Trail folks are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and two guys, Eric and Pat, offered to loan me a pair of poles and walk back down the mountain with me. The three of us, and Eric’s dog Barley, had a great time chatting about hikes, dogs, politics and various subjects as we returned to the trailhead. Definitely one of the best hikes I’ve enjoyed in a long time thanks to those too. If you want to see the hike, you can find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ghvr0eCeuiU

I started my hike to Pete Lake around 2 pm and arrived there around 4 pm. It's only about 4 miles and the trail has very little elevation gain. Once at the lake, I found that I was the second party to arrive for an overnight stay. Within about an hour, three more parties arrived, so I wasn't the only one getting a late start. :) The plan was to spend the night at Pete Lake, get an early start in the morning to beat the heat and make it to Spectacle Lake in the early afternoon. Spend the night at Spectacle and on the following day, hike the approximately nine miles back to Pete Lake Trailhead. Once I'd relaxed by Pete Lake for a while, I set up my new hammock with an integrated bug net. The bugs at Pete Lake this time of the year are nasty. By about 7 pm I'd had enough, (bug spray only dissuades the lazy bugs), and retreated to my hammock to try and get a full night's sleep before starting the next hike around dawn. I had tested this hammock at home before going on this backpacking trip, but that was in near-ideal conditions. I found that in less-than-ideal conditions, the hammock has some problems. For one, no ridge line to control the hang angle and length. Another is that the straps stretched in the night so I went from hanging at chair height to about 12 inches from the ground by morning. I woke at first light, had some porridge, packed up, checked around to make sure I'd not left anything, and then started my trek to Spectacle Lake. The trail starts much like the trail to Pete Lake, with not much elevation gain along a well-groomed path. Along the trail, there are several logs that have fallen across the path. Most are easy enough to get over and even those that are a little more challenging didn't stop me, and I have a prosthetic leg. The trail will lead you to Lemah Creek where you're supposed to ford the stream. I wasn't going to do that. It was about 2-3 feet deep and running fast. Fortunately, in addition to trees across the path, there are also trees across the creek. I continued along the trail to Lemah Meadows and on the left found a cairn marking the unofficial trail (a little bush-whacking is needed) that leads to two sets of logs that cross over the two branches of Lemah Creek. It was a little tricky, but with good boots, balance and hiking poles, I was able to make it across easily. It's not long after crossing Lemah Creek that you leave the forest shade and enter the burned remains of the forest. Nature has started reclaiming the land, but there's little to no shade so sunblock, long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat, are strongly recommended to prevent sunburn. There are several streams along the way and a waterfall. Take some time to relax and enjoy those. I replenished my quickly depleting water supply at them and doused my hat in the streams to cool myself down. After a lot of switch-backs and elevation gain, you'll attain the ridge where you can look down to Spectacle Lake. The trail down the basin to the lake starts off steep but manageable. As you get closer to the lake you'll find that the trail starts splitting off into several different paths to various campsites. To go to the peninsula that almost divides the lake in two, stick to the paths going left. They are a little hard to find, the one I took went over a massive flattish rock outcropping and down a steep path. This took me to the peninsula and even more social trails to explore. At this point, I just started exploring the peninsula looking for a good campsite. I found a great spot next to the lake and rigged up my hammock. Testing it I found that it was sinking down to the ground. The distance between the trees was too great. I relocated it to a couple of trees that were closer together but still had to pull it so tight that I was getting badly squeezed at the shoulders. Fortunately, I always carry a ground tarp and using that, my rainfly, hiking poles, and some line I always carry, I was able to set up an open-ended A-frame tent. I positioned it so the breeze coming off the lake would go through the tent. This helped cut down on the bugs and with a few sprays of bug repellent, I was able to avoid all but the most determined bugs. After dinner, I spent some time wandering around the peninsula, chatted with a few other campers and then settled down to watch the sun go down behind the mountains. One of my favourite things to do when camping is to sit and just look at the view. The next morning I woke up a little before dawn and so enjoyed my morning porridge watching the sun come up. It was going to be a hot one again so I made sure to fill all four of my one-liter bottles with fresh (filtered) mountain lake water, packed up and hit the trail before 7 am. The hike out of the basin in which Spectacle Lake sits is really the only hard part of the hike back. Once that's done the trail is generally a relaxing hike back.

Let's face it, hiking around in nature carries with it inherent dangers. Everything from twisted ankles to broken bones or worse. Knowing this, and being thinking beings, we plan for that contingency and take steps to prevent injuries. However, things happen. So now you've been injured, what to do? Assess the situation: If you are injured, stop and take a moment to assess the situation. Determine the severity of your injury and whether you are able to continue hiking. If you are unable to continue, it's important to stay put and wait for help. Review the equipment you have with you. What can you use to stabilize the injury? What can you use to call for help? Stay calm: It's important to stay calm if you are injured while hiking. Panic can make the situation worse and can hinder your ability to make good decisions. Take deep, slow breaths and try to remain calm until help arrives. Panic destroys thinking. Thinking is how our species survives and overcomes. Calm yourself and think things through. Seek help: If you are unable to continue hiking and your injury is severe, it's important to seek help. Use your phone or other communication devices to call for help, and provide as much information as possible about your location and the nature of your injury. If there is no cell phone reception, can you send a text message? If not, use your whistle to call attention to your location. Lost your whistle? Bang two rocks together and shout out for help. Treat your injury: If your injury is minor, you may be able to treat it yourself. Use first-aid techniques to clean and dress the wound, and take pain medication if needed. If your injury is more severe, you're going to have to do the best you can with what you have while you wait for professional medical help. I strongly recommend taking a Wilderness First Aid course at least once. Stay warm and comfortable: If you are injured and unable to continue hiking, it's important to stay warm and comfortable until help arrives. Use a first-aid kit or other supplies to create a makeshift shelter. This is especially true when the weather is either cold and wet or hot and dry. Hypothermia or dehydration will only make a bad situation worse. Coming back to the idea of prevention: bring along the Ten Essentials, check out the trail conditions and weather before you go, stay on the trail, and use the most important tool you bring on every outdoor adventure, thinking. :)

With the season changing to winter, it seems appropriate to talk about hypothermia. Roughly 1,300 people die each year from this very preventable condition. Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature drops below the normal range, resulting in symptoms such as shivering, numbness, and confusion. This condition can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, or by wet and windy conditions, which can reduce the body's ability to retain heat. Left untreated hypothermia can lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and eventually to death. To avoid hypothermia, it is important to be prepared for cold weather and to wear appropriate clothing, such as layers of insulation, a waterproof and breathable outer layer, and a hat and gloves. Keep in mind the old saying, “Cotton kills”. This is because cotton will hold onto moisture and as that moisture cools, so will you. So, for all your layers, stick to moisture-wicking materials or wool. It is also important to stay hydrated and well-nourished and to avoid strenuous activities, which can increase the body's heat production and metabolism. If someone is experiencing hypothermia, you need to take immediate action to help them recover. This may involve removing any wet or damp clothing and replacing it with dry and warm clothing, such as a dry jacket or blanket. It is also important to provide warm and sweet drinks, such as hot chocolate or tea, and to provide gentle and passive heat, such as a warm water bottle or heating pad. If you’re outside, get a blanket or pad under them to prevent the ground from pulling even more heat out of their body. It is also important to seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe or if the person is unable to recover on their own.

OK, let's first start with why Poo Poo Point has such a memorable name. According to one of the hiking guidebooks written by the late hiking and environmental advocate Harvey Manning, the name comes from the logging industry about a century ago. Loggers used whistles to communicate from the logging tower operator to the workers down the hill. According to the Issaquah Historical Society, the whistle would be a signal that two logs were tied to a cable, ready to be towed. So there you have it. If you had some other more juvenile idea in mind as to the origins of the name, well that's you. Poo Poo Point is just outside Issaquah, WA., and is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Seattle area. This means that if you want a parking spot at the trailhead, get there early! It's also where paragliders and hang-gliders take off from. Not during the winter, but in the summer months they are almost constant and a lot of fun to watch. I arrived at the Chirico Trail trailhead at 8 am, crossed the field where the gliders land, and started the ascent. The Chirico trail is only 3.8 miles, roundtrip, so it's short enough to do and get back in time for lunch if you start early enough. You're going to gain 1,760 feet in 1.9 miles and get to a total elevation of 1,850 feet. The trail is very well maintained, although there are a couple of locations where folks have created a shortcut. Please don't use these as they cause erosion of the trail which is bad for everyone. About halfway up, the lengths of trail that were covered in snow/ice pack started to get longer and slippery so I took a break and strapped on my crampons. I strongly recommend bringing crampons for any hike in the mountains between November and April. I took my time on the hike, filming segments for Amputee Outdoors, so I didn't reach the summit until about 11:30 am. Once there I was pleased to find Mt. Baker to the north was not just visible, but clearly so. I set up my hammock, got out my flask of hot chocolate (always tastes better when it's been snowing), and my lunch. Relaxing there for about an hour I watched other hikers come and go, all marveling at the view. The weather started to change around 12:30 pm so I packed up and started down the hill. Good thing too as the clouds moved in and it started snowing. I saw a lot of slide tracks on the trail where folks without crampons had slipped and slid down the hill. Hopefully, they didn't injure themselves. Poo Poo Point is hikable just about all year round, but only if you have the right gear. If you plan on going up there this winter, please make sure to have crampons and later in the winter, snow shoes. See you out there!