|
|
|
Ultimate-Ultralight-Backpacking News |
November 2009 |
|
|
|
|
WELCOME ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKERS
 Greetings!
November is traditionally the time of year when we make a conscious effort to be thankful.
I am so thankful for a father who introduced me to the outdoors, for children who followed me into the woods at an early age and continued to enjoy God's creation with me over and over again.
I am thankful for the opportunity to share my adventures with you, the readers of this newsletter and ultimate-ultralight-backpacking.com.
Take a few minutes this month to contemplate what makes your heart thankful. Take time to offer someone a heart-felt "Thank you."
Strap on your ultralight pack, lace up your boots and follow me to the great outdoors with thanksgiving in your heart.
--Laura Mathys Coleman  |
|
 SUGGESTED HIKE
The Ray Branch Shoreline Trail at Tims Ford State Park in Winchester, Tennessee.
This is a pleasantly difficult hike because of it's distance. However, it is so well laid out that a wide variety of hiking styles and expertise will enjoy it. Stride along the level stretch then descend to the lake, then ascend to the next level stretch through this oak and hickory forest. Watch for small ground cedar trees along the way that will remind you of bonsai. This hike will entertain you for a full day, so plan to leave early and don't forget to take the ten essentials.
Have you visited this destination? Tell me about it. Have another destination that you would like to tell me about (either to recommend or warn against)? Let me hear it. Do you have a funny, most embarrassing or exciting hiking story? I'd love to hear it. Send me your story and it might be chosen to be included in a future newsletter edition. |
WHAT'S NEW
Backpacking and Hiking Equipment: Learn the difference between hiking gear and equipment. Determine essential equipment that you need to take with you.
Women Hiking: There are issues peculiar to women hiking that should be addressed before you head off into the woods. Research them here.
Is there a subject that you would like to see discussed on this website? Contact us here. Suggestions are very welcome.
|
Backpacking Thanksgiving Dinner
1 foil package chicken (pretend it is turkey) 1 box stuffing mix Boil water and cook stuffing mix according to package directions. Stir in chicken and enjoy. Suggestions: (1) Make the stuffing with a little more water than called for to allow the chicken to stir in without making it too dry. (2) ALWAYS remove unnecessary packaging before packing for your trip. Leave the cardboard stuffing box at home taking only the necessary directions---or write the directions with a permanent marker on the outside of the bag that holds the stuffing mix. (3) Ad lib the ingredients. Do you like english peas? carrots? corn? Toss in a small can to make a casserole. Add cheese if you like...be creative. Do you have a favorite backpacking food? Share it with others here. Each month I'll feature one recipe in the newsletter.
|
YOUR IDEAS
One reader suggests:
"When I was a little girl, we lived in a two story house without heat on the upper floor. We heated our house primarily with a wood burning fireplace. On really cold nights, my dad used to go outside and choose a large rock about the size of a small melon. He would put the rock in front of the fire to heat. At bedtime, my dad would wrap the rock in a towel and place it under the covers at the foot of my bed. It would give off heat throughout the night and keep me toasty-warm. I have adapted this practice to hiking. In areas where camp fires are permissible, I heat a rock, wrap it in extra clothing and place it in the foot of my sleeping bag. I can sleep through the coldest nights and remain toasty-warm."
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it. In areas where camp fires are not allowed, try filling a Nalgene water bottle with boiling water (be careful!!), seal it and place it in the foot of your sleeping bag. Work well too!
Do you have a hiking tip or observation that you would like to share with others? Send it to me and you might find your tip highlighted in a future newsletter..
|
ASK THE EDITOR
Q. "I get so cold at night that I have trouble sleeping. I am considering purchasing a new sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating. Should I get a down bag? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a down bag?"
A. I have a couple of ideas that might help you to stay warmer while sleeping. First, if your current sleeping bag has outlived it's days then, by all means, look carefully into replacing it with a warmer model. However, if your bag is still in good condition, there are a few strategies that might help you get a little more use out of a not-quite-warm-enough bag. First, consider a bag liner. You can purchase one or make one yourself out of micro-fleece. That should add 5-15 degrees of warmth depending on the weight of the fleece. Try this month's reader's suggestion above, if appropriate to where you are hiking. Be sure to eat a high-calorie snack before bed to force your metabolism to continue to work though the night. As strange as it may sound, be sure to empty your bladder before going to bed and if you awake in the night. Your body treats fluids (even those in your bladder) as vital organs. It will shunt blood away from extremities toward fluids and vital organs to keep them warm, making your feet and hands cooler. For more ideas about keeping warm, read about cold weather hiking on our website. If, after reviewing these suggestions, you decide that your bag still needs to be replaced, there is a good comparison of synthetic versus down bags on the website as well.
Do you have a question about your next hiking adventure? Contact me . I'll be happy to answer your question immediately via e-mail. Then, each month I will choose a question to share with my readers here. Perhaps your question will appear in a future edition of this newsletter. |
LOOKING AHEAD
The end of Thanksgiving ushers in the Christmas shopping season. In this month's Looking Ahead, I will share with you some ideas for the hiker on your shopping list.
Perhaps YOU are the hiker and want to share these ideas with your friends and family as your "wish list." Just forward this newsletter as a gentle nudge to Santa as to what you would like to see under the tree or in your stocking.
Under the Tree
A new GPS system
LED headlamp
Gift certificate for a survival training class
New pair of custom hiking boots
Digital Camera
Telescoping walking stick
Wilderness First Aid Kit
Stocking Stuffers
Gift card to a favorite outdoor store
Nice pair of sunglasses
Leatherman multi tool
Digital Compass
Solar charger for emergency cell phone
Gift certificate for a survival training class
Dakota Mini Clip Microlight (analog watch and LED light on a carabiner)
Do you have a favorite winter hike or a particularly nice piece of gear that you would like to see featured in our newsletter? Send it to me and I'll share it with others. Send me your best hiking photograph to share in a future newsletter.
| |
|
|
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Ultimate-Ultralight-Backpacking was born to share my passion for the outdoors with a group of people who, like me, want to enjoy the outdoors without carrying a heavy load.
Many people are intimidated by the daunting task of deciding what to carry and what to leave at home. This typically results in carrying a pack that is much heavier than necessary. For me, and for many others, this decreases the enjoyment of the outdoors.
My hope is that by decreasing the weight you need to carry, while maintaining enough supplies for comfort and safety, that you will get into the outdoors more frequently and savor the enjoyment of each trip.
Please contact me with questions and comments. I am always striving to make my website more informative and easier to use. Your suggestions can help me do that. I always like to hear from you--the people this site was created to serve. Send pictures, stories, comments and suggestions.
Enjoy the outdoors and share it with others.
Sincerely,
Laura Mathys Coleman
ultimate-ultralight-backpacking.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
