How to Build a Permanent Shelter in the Woods

            Having a shelter to be able to go to whenever needed is an amazing asset that anyone can have. Having a shelter located in the woods is an even better asset as the woods harbors food, which you can hunt, and other additional resources that can be utilized. By creating a permanent shelter, you will see the benefits of doing so in having a reliable location outside your home to hunt in or stay hidden when needed, especially in a doomsday situation. In building a permanent shelter in the woods, there is steps needed to be taken to have the best shelter in the best location.

 

 

     1. Choosing a Location (As they say, location, location, location!)

            The very first step in building a permanent shelter is choosing the location. Location is important in that you want to pick an area that has all the resources you are looking for. Some important aspects to look for in choosing a location is access to a water source, local predators, accessibility, location dangers (like flash floods), and exposure.

            When picking a location, a water source is import so that you can have access to water whenever needed without having to rely on the water you can get from your house or the store. Any water source that can be used for safe drinking after filtration is a huge asset to the permanent shelter you choose to build there.

            Considering local predators is very important, as well. When choosing the location for your shelter look for signs of what animals are nearby. Look at tracks or droppings to find out what animals are living in the immediate area. If you find superfluous amounts of bear droppings, for example, you may want to choose a different location so that you are not in risk for being attacked or the shelter being destroyed.

            Accessibility is also important in that you need to be able to get your shelter easily and with little trouble when you really need it. If there was an SHTF moment, then it would be important that you choose a location where there are little obstacles to get to your safety spot before there is mass hysteria across the globe.

            Other dangers you may want to look out for are areas prone to flash floods, flooding, avalanches, or other potential location dangers. You do not want your shelter to get damaged or for yourself to get hurt so choose a spot that is safe and free of environmental hazards.

            Lastly, exposure is another important aspect of choosing a location for your permanent shelter. By exposure I mean finding a spot that doesn’t let the whole world know that your shelter is where it is. You want to pick a spot that not many people can see and that only you and your family know about. This will keep from you shelter being destroyed by looters or menacing individuals.

 

 

     2. Choosing the Best Permanent Shelter

            After you have found just the right spot for your permanent shelter then it is time to decide on what shelter you want. When choosing to build a shelter, especially a permanent one, then you want to pick a shelter that can withstand your local elements. You also want to choose a shelter that is in your price range. In the end, you can only build what you can afford but luckily there are many shelters that do not require a lot of money and many even use some of nature’s materials. Shelters that can be utilized permanently include lean-tos, wickiups, and cabins. These three permanent shelters are all great choices and anyone can use at least one of these shelters for their climate.

 

 

     3. Lean-to Shelter

            The first shelter that you can build is a lean-to shelter. A lean-to shelter is a great option as it is low cost and is not hard to build. The basic materials you need are branches for the frame, something to lean the frame upon such as two trees or a wall, and a tarp or coverage to cover your frame. This shelter is perfect even for rainy conditions, windy conditions, or sunny conditions by positioning the shelter against the sun or wind.

 

 

     4. Wickiups Shelter

            A wickiup shelter is a shelter that many have never heard of but is a great option for a long-term shelter. It is a shelter similar to that of a teepee and is made with materials from the forest. That being said, this shelter is definitely great for individuals looking to not spend so much on a shelter. To build this shelter is also very easy! Another benefit of this shelter is its ability to have a fire built within it without burning the shelter down. Once you have chosen your location for your shelter make sure the area is clear of debris. Then build the tripod with three long strong branches which will bear the bulk of the weight. Then start to add more branches to the shelter as you see fit. All the spaces do not need to be filled yet as it will be filled with insulation later on. Lastly, it is now time to add the insulation. The insulation you are going to use is any forest debris you can find like leaves, pine needles, or debris such as this. When installing the debris begin at the bottom and then work your way to the top. By putting the debris in from bottom to top it does not allow the rain to get in the shelter. After the insulation is all put in, then you are all done!

 

 

     5. Cabin Shelter

            A cabin is definitely the costliest out of the three shelters mentioned, but it is also the most permanent shelter you can make. If choosing to go the most cost-efficient way, you can make the cabin with your own two hands and lots of time. Most likely if you are building a cabin you will have lots of tress around your chosen location and you can use the tress around you to build the cabin. It will take time and patience to build the cabin but when finished is something that you can be really proud of and you can be sure that the cabin will be around for a while. When picking the design or direct instructions for a cabin there is plans that you can purchase online or you can enlist the help of someone who has successfully made a cabin themselves.

            A cabin is also great for cold climates especially since you can install a woods stove. The cabin would also be able to keep in the heat and block out wind.

            If looking to build a permanent shelter a cabin, wickiup, and lean-to are all great choices. Remember to choose a good location first and pick a spot that encompasses all the features mentioned. Once you got the perfect location you are ready to build your permanent shelter!

 

 

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Bear Canister Basics: A Bear-Country Necessity

How Many 14ers Are There in Colorado?

Ok, so don’t kill the messenger. This long-debated question of “How many 14ers are there in Colorado?” can get heated, but let’s go by the ones that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation and have at least 300 ft. of topographic prominence.

Putting aside the debates on the final count, our research shows 53 of these mountains that can crush the average hiker. Only the brave will take on the toughest, but luckily most people can find one that will be on their level. Starting with Bierstadt, this can be hiked in as little as 4 hours or up to 2 days depending on your route.

According to many hikers, they say the hardest 14er is one of the following.

• Capitol Peak
• Little Bear Peak
• Longs Peak
• Mount Wilson
• Pyramid Peak

Now, these hardest 14ers take a serious climber to reach the peak. Don’t try these mountains unless you have the experience to take them on.

The 53 can be found all over Colorado and give hikers and climbers the difficulty level you need. This is the list, according to wonderful Wikipedia.

Mount Elbert	Mount Massive	Mount Harvard	Blanca Peak
La Plata	Uncompahgre Peak	Crestone Peak	Mount Lincoln
Castle Peak	Grays Peak	Mount Antero	Torreys Peak
Quandry Peak	Mount Evans	Longs Peak	Mount Wilson
Mount Shavano	Mount Princeton	Mount Belford	Crestone Needle
Mount Yale	Mount Bross	Kit Carson Mountain	Maroon Peak
Tabeguache Peak	Mount Oxford	Mount Sneffels	Mount Democrat
Capitol Peak	Pikes Peak	Snowmass Mountain	Windom Peak
Mount Eolus	Challenger Point	Mount Columbia	Missouri Mountain
Humboldt Peak	Mount Bierstadt	Sunlight Peak	Handies Peak
Culebra Peak	Ellingwood Point	Mount Lindsey	Little Bear Peak
Mount Sherman	Redcloud Peak	Pyramid Peak	Wilson Peak
San Luis Peak	Wetterhorn Peak	Mount of the Holy Cross	Huron Peak
Sunshine Peak

 

 

You will find upwards of 140 routes on these mountains, so customizing the ultimate hike or climb is up to you! Choosing a leisurely hike or a couple days’ worth of climbing while making memories is your choice. Just be prepared and bring the gear you need to complete your expedition.

When you’re taking on any of these 14ers, pack at least these essentials.

• Water
• Food
• Watch
• Hat and sun screen
• Flash light/head lamp
• Pocket Knife
• Cell Phone
• Maps and Compass
• First Aid
• Lighter

While hiking, wear layers of clothing, so you can take off or put on layers to keep from sweating. Hiking shoes or proper footwear is paramount to keep your feet from blistering, your ankles from twisting, and help to relieve fatigue.

Another consideration is AMS- Acute Mountain Sickness. You will be in a low-oxygen situation that can make you really sick. AMS can be as minimal as fatigue or as bad as Cerebral Edema. Training slowly in these high elevations is key to be able to take on higher climbs. If you don’t have experience in dealing with these elevations, bring an experienced hiker/climber with you until you build up your conditioning.

Most importantly, when you go out hiking or climbing, you should have a plan and share it with someone trustworthy. Make 2 sets of plans documenting when you plan to start to climb and when you plan to be back. Map out the route and go over it with someone back home (parent, friend, wife or husband).

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Wanna kayak but don’t know where to start? Let’s change that.

7 Ways To Get Fit For Your Weekend Hike

Alright, so you’ve decided you want to go hike a mountain, eh? Even the most fit person needs to be sure they’re prepared to start hiking — as climbing that big hill takes a lot more endurance than your average 45-minute gym session.

Your first hike requires you to not only be physically fit, but also mentally fit and prepared. Just the other day one of my friends came to me and said “I did it — I bought myself some hiking gear — let’s go!”

Well friend, I said, that really is fantastic, but get prepared because having the right gear is just one of the eight most important steps to getting fit for your first weekend hike!

Since hiking your first mountain can be a daunting task in itself (I mean, seriously, it will singlehandedly be one of the most physically and mentally enduring tasks you’ve ever done — but don’t worry, it gets easier by the mountain!), we’ve compiled this list of the top 7 Ways to Get Fit for Your Weekend Hike.

1. Get those legs in shape! … Or you’ll resent having to use the toilet and stairs (and even walking for that matter) for days.

You think the day after leg day at the gym is bad? Then trust me… you don’t want to know what it feels like to grab onto the walls for dear life as you lower down onto the toilet after climbing that mountain. I once went on a five-hour hike after taking a good bit of time off from my fitness routine — I cried when I saw stairs and walked like Bambi for a week.

To get those legs in shape, squats and lunges are best, as they work the same muscles as hiking. Find an open space, whether it’s your backyard, driveway, the gym, or even your office at lunchtime, and get lunging! Add a few jump squats in-between and you’re golden. To help even more, stop by your local sports shop and buy a kettle bell to hold during the lunges and swing with your squats. Your legs will burn, but that’s just their way of saying ‘Thank You’ for getting them ready for your hike.

2. Keep those muscles moving. Leg day is great — but cardio is critical too. You don’t want be dragging the pace down!

Walking at a brisk pace straight uphill can leave even a cardio beast both mentally and physically exhausted. If your group is moving quicker than you are on the hike, you’ll do anything you can to ensure you keep the pace. This is where strong legs, strong lungs, and a strong mind come into play.

When preparing for your hike, it’s dire that you fit in time for your cardio. If your thing is the gym, then ramp up that treadmill to a quick pace on the hill function. Alternate between that and the elliptical, but the rowing machine is also great to break up the monotony of the treadmill. If the gym isn’t your cup of tea, find some trails near you or a neighborhood with hills — essentially, anywhere with several inclines!

3. Strengthen those ankles! No one looks forward to a helicopter rescue in their future.

Walking down a mountain is more strenuous on your ankles and knees than going up. The thought of twisting your ankle in the wilderness abyss is enough to make anyone want to strengthen up. You can either go all out and join your local bootcamp fitness classes — high knees between tires anyone? — or just work on running up and down stairs at a quick pace and jump roping. Whatever you’re able to do to work on ankle strength — do it.

4. Head to your local outdoor store for a proper boot fitting.

Getting fit for your weekend hike doesn’t just involve physical fitness — it’s also being prepared. I had the same pair of hiking boots for years too long, but then I lost one… if you see a tattered Columbia boot on it’s lonesome, let me know?

Anyway, I decided it was most likely a sign that it was time for new boots. I headed into my local outdoor store, 53 Degrees North, to have someone with hiking boot expertise guide me in the right direction. Choosing the right boot can be a big decision, so take your time, because honestly, if your boots are too big, too small, or just not the right fit for you, your magical hiking experience can quickly turn rotten. The last thing you want is to miss out on the peacefulness of the hike because all you can think of is whipping off your boots and never hiking again.

5. Put down that donut and choose a piece of fruit instead!

We all know the benefits of healthy eating, but it’s a seriously solid piece of advice when you’re trying to get fit for your hike. Try your best to stay away from the artificial sugars, sodas, and sweets. Eat more fruit, load up on the veg, keep your carbs to only two per day, and drink plenty of H2O! Replace your evening beer or wine with a herbal tea, and try yogurt or nuts for an evening snack. Also remember that it’s essential to kickstart your metabolism every day — so eat a solid food like pear or kiwi within 30 minutes of getting up in the morning.

6. Be one with the zen — join the local Pilates studio.

Ever tried Pilates? If not, planning to get fit for hiking is the perfect excuse to give it a go. Since Pilates is a low stress method of physical and mental conditioning, you may not feel like you’re working out during the class itself, but you will definitely feel it the day afterward. Aside from the increased muscle strength and toning for all of your core muscles, you’ll also see an improvement in your flexibility, balance, and enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs — literally heaven to a hiker’s ears. Well maybe not literally, but you get the idea!

7. Finally, do your research!

If you can find any handy maps of the mountain you’re hiking online, print them off or save them to your phone. It’s also a great idea to read reviews from fellow hikers who might have some insight on trails, certain routes, or cool things to lookout for on the mountain.

And remember.. the reward at the top isn’t only the view — it’s the sheer fact that you will be beaming with pride for having reached the summit. And don’t forget to do one of the most important things when you reach the bottom again. Turn around, look up, and say to yourself — Shit, I just did that.

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How To Choose A Camp Blanket

6 ways to get the best workout of your life while hiking!

Modern workout machines, like treadmills, offer flat and predictable workout surfaces. Although you can adjust the incline slightly, it does not offer a consistent challenge. In fact, most people fail to see expected results after months of using their treadmill. Hiking engages the entire body as it requires the use of hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps, abdominals, calves, thighs and lower-back, as you navigate the terrain as well as whatever obstacles you may encounter. Every log you climb over during a hike will challenge you in a treadmills never can.

Apart from facilitating calorie burning, being outdoors also offers other health benefits. For instance, exposure to sunlight supplies the body with Vitamin D, which reduces the risk of cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. Spending enough time outdoors also aids in resetting circadian rhythms, which helps cure insomnia and other sleep-related conditions. It has also been shown that outdoor activities help to improve attention span.

Great Ways to Burn Even More Calories While Hiking:

Hiking appeals to most people as it requires no special skills. In fact, it is easy to get started, although it does get much more intense if you’re willing to push yourself and tackle those advanced routes. However, to get maximum hiking benefits, you have to remember some simple tips. Here are some simple tweaks that I normally use to speed up weight loss during hiking. They are scientific techniques that offer great muscle-toning benefits for every workout. I used most of these techniques to jumpstart a lagging metabolism and ensure that I continue burning extra calories throughout the day.

 

i. Engage your hands 

Bend your arms and vigorously pump them to help you move faster and burn more calories. Engaging the hands ensures that the hand’s muscles are sucking enough oxygen out of the bloodstream, which ensures that the cardiovascular system is using enough energy. Apart from building your muscles, this technique helps to maximize calorie burning.

 

ii. Take advantage of weather changes during hiking:

Although you can safely hike year round, it is important to embrace weather changes during your hike. Scientific research has shown that you can boost your calorie burning by hiking in cold weather. Even hiking when its a windy day helps to boost calorie burning by 5%.

 

iii. Set realistic goals and work toward achieving them.

I normally choose areas where I rest, and areas where I speed up. Use different markers such as stop signs and park benches to signal adjustments in tempo. The use of fitness trackers, such as a Fitbit, is a very important tool in evaluating your progress as it records detailed data on your physical activities for the day. Whenever I look over the improvements I’ve made, I get motivated to stick to the routine. My long-term weight loss plan is what has kept me interested in spending more time outside. Start planning your hike and set achievable goals, and you will burn more calories.

 

iv. Hike on unpaved terrain:

Hiking trails and sandy paths require more energy compared to paved routes. While hiking I like to roll through from heel to toe, and when I get to ball on my foot, I push off as if I’m wiping off my sole. Outdoors workouts on unpaved terrain has helped me work out my calf, glute muscles, and hamstrings.

 

v. Walk in the right posture:

While walking, ensure that your shoulders are pulled back and relaxed, keeping your chest up and your spine in line. Ensuring that your body is well aligned ensures that your butt and back muscles can work more powerfully.

 

vi. Use trekking poles:

Although I began hiking on a budget with just a good pair of shoes and a bottle of water to keep me hydrated, I later learned that it is necessary to get a pair of trekking poles to improve my performance. Trekking poles are essential in ensuring that energy usage is distributed throughout the body, while improving endurance, and giving my arms an extra workout.

 

Final Thoughts:

Hiking is an effective full-body workout technique. If in the beginning you don’t have the stamina required to run, adopt hiking to burn calories. Research has shown that hiking can burn more calories than traditional workout methods, such as jogging, or running on a treadmill. With a good trail you will definitely achieve weight loss.

 

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