Best Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes

As a dog owner, you will sometimes be stressful about looking for foods for your dog’s meal. Of course, you want to give your furry friend a recipe with enough lean protein and vegetable. In this guide, we will mention you the important information regarding the best healthy homemade dog food recipes. First, let’s discuss the reason why we should choose homemade food recipes for your furry friend.

Reasons to Make Dog Food at Home

Control

First, you can control your dog’s diet with no surprises. This is extremely meaningful for dogs with allergies, intolerance, and sensitives. With the right homemade dog food, you can keep your dog happy and worry-free.

Save money

This is the second reason. The fact is that almost healthy dog foods are available at an expensive price. However, you can make them by yourself at home with the lower cost.

Time investment

In order to make your own dog foods at home, you only need to take an hour or less a week. Then, you can make enough food for your dog in several days. Some big bags or containers will be essential for this.

More importantly, don’t forget to talk with your vet to know what you should feed your dog and what shouldn’t feed. Indeed, each dog requires a specific diet.

Different Types of Homemade Dog Foods

When it comes to homemade dog foods, we have two main types, including cooked foods and raw foods. Each of them comes with their own pros and cons. However, they are still better than ones you buy in a store. Just like your own meals, there are some methods you can use to cook your dog’s meal as frying, baking, boiling, steaming, as well as grilling. It’s easy to prepare a raw food. You only need to wash your ingredients to make sure they are clean before feeding your dog. In addition, you can cook them in high heat.

Cooked Dog Food

By cooking your dog foods, you give many things to your dog. Indeed, you can provide him with more certain nutrients. These foods are also easy to digest than another. This method can kill germs as well as bacteria in your dog foods. Cook dog foods for dogs that are not used to eating raw foods.

Raw Dog Food

These foods have their own advantages. For example, they can retain important nutrients like antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Also, this is a good choice to maintain the natural moisture. Then, your dog can digest more easily compared to cooked dog foods. This option is ideal for those who have not enough time to prepare your dog meal.

Ingredients Of a Dog Meals

The first thing to consider is the nutritional needs when it comes to your dog’s meal. You know, his dietary need is not the same as yours. For your dog, you need to provide him with more calcium per day. Also, remember to give him more protein than carbohydrate.

Animal Protein

All dog meals require animal meat and protein. In fact, your dog can be able to eat the whole carcasses. Depending on the daily percentage, you can determine the essential protein requirements. Some dogs need 75% meat in diets, while some only need 50%. It’s essential to add a lot of protein to your dog’s meal. This can help your dog’s growth and development. If you don’t give your pet enough protein, he may suffer from musculoskeletal issues. You can easily find protein from eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, venison, bison, rabbits, wild game, and buffalo. Avoid choosing pork for your dog because it can cause adverse health effects.

Vegetables

This is also an important ingredient of your healthy dog meal. They offer essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients. As a pet owner, you need to avoid using too many vegetables because they cause the formation of oxalate. It results in kidney stones. Consider using some veggies, including celery, cabbage, squash, zucchini, carrots, parsley, and broccoli. Besides, avoid choosing peppers, eggplants, onions, mushrooms, beans, and garlic because of the effects they can put on your dogs.

Grains, Fruits, and Starchy Vegetables

They are essential for carbohydrates. Furthermore, they provide your dog minerals and vitamins. These ingredients are good for your dog’s biological functions. However, avoid feeding your dog too much these ingredients, otherwise, your dog can get diarrhea because of a bog amount of fructose. Determine the type of grain your dog needs in order to prevent him from allergies. There are some ingredients you can give such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and carrot.

Fats and Oils

You can add fats to your dog from meat products. More importantly, choose healthy types. Your dog needs fats and oils for his coat. Plus, these ingredients are important to provide your dog some isolation from cold weather. We recommend you to choose the chicken fat. Besides, fish is also a good source because it’s rich in omega 3 & omega 6. There are some good sources of oils you can give such as canola, olive oil, liver oil, and others healthy. Avoid giving your furry friend nut oils if he suffers from allergies.

Supplements

If you want to give your pet additional nutrients, think about the supplements. Your dog will get nutrients he can’t get from the whole foods. So, what supplements you should give? There are many choices for you such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamins, and taurine. You can also give human supplements like Centrum once a day.

Conclusion

If you want to give your dog homemade food, it’s best to make the most delicious foods. In fact, it’s not too difficult to make homemade foods for your dog. By making your own dog food, you can give him the nutrition he needs. Remember to consider high-quality ingredients. If you have time, you can choose to give him a cooked meal. On the contrary, think about raw meals. It’s important to give your dog vitamins and minerals thanks to adding bone meal to his diet.

The post Best Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/best-healthy-homemade-dog-food-recipes/

Simple Hiking Clothing Guide and Tips

Most people hike during seasons of mild weather instead of winter. But the temperature often changes throughout the day. So, it is important to take the caution in mind and dressed in a way that can save you in most situations during hiking.

But, sometimes understanding the situation and wearing can be a confusing thing for even the experienced hikers. So, you should check out this hiking clothing guide before planning for it.

Why is clothing so important? Because a better clothing will not only save you from the rough weather and atmosphere but also will provide the necessary comfort to make the hiking journey enjoyable.

Hiking Clothing Guide – What to Wear During the Trip

While planning a backpacking trip, one shouldn’t forget to consider carrying proper clothing along with medication and foods. In this article, we will discuss the upper, lower clothing and footwear considerations for most of the hiking conditions.

1. Use of Layer Clothing Tips for Upper and Lower Part

Hikers should dress in layers. They can add or remove layers to quickly warm or cool their body temperature. This layer clothing will make using the clothes much easier and reduce overall hassles for the hikers.

1^st layer: Next to the Skin

The layer of clothing next to the skin should keep hikers dry. Hikers usually choose a fabric that draws moisture away from the skin. So, a synthetic fabric made from a polyester such as polypropylene is a good choice for this layer.

Synthetic fabrics are made by people. Other hikers choose wool for the first clothing layer. This fabric keeps hikers warm even when it becomes wet.

2^nd Layer: Clothing in Middle

The middle layer of clothing should keep hikers warm. It also should move moisture outward. Many hikers prefer a warm, lightweight fabric called fleece for this layer. Fleece allows sweat and body odors to pass through to the outer layers. The middle layer of clothing should be prepared considering the hiking areas in mind.

3^rd Layer: The Top Clothing Part

Hikers’ top layer of clothing should be windproof and water-resistant. Hikers should have a breathable jacket. The jacket’s fabric should allow air to pass through it. This feature helps prevent hikers from becoming too warm. Many hikers wear nylon jackets. Some hikers wear polypropylene pants.

Some hikers bring a breathable nylon waterproof jacket in case of heavy rain. Jackets that are not breathable should have slits to allow air to pass through.

Other Considerations

However, Hikers should not wear cotton clothing such as jeans. Cotton stays wet for a long period of time. It can make hikers cold and uncomfortable. If you are planning to fish with reels during the trip, you should consider that your dress might get wet.

So, you should think of something for these situations. Some hikers bring a change of clothing. They change into dry clothing if their other clothing becomes wet.

2. Proper Outdoor Headwear

While choosing the right hiking headwear, just select the one that provides comfort and protection at the same time. There are a lot of top quality hiking hats out there in the market, which doesn’t compromise the protection and provides proper comfort.

In selecting outdoor caps and hat, try to find the one with proper ventilation and do not get wet easily. Having protection is also a must, as, without proper cover, you can get exhausted in the heat of the sun.

3.     Arranging & Picking the Clothes in the Backpack

Managing the hiking clothes in a backpack is a very tricky way to reduce overall hassle during the trip. If you can keep the clothes arranging the way you are going to use them, then it will not only save space but also will reduce time.

Once you reach the top of a climb, take off the wet layer of clothing directly next to your skin and replace it with a dry layer.

You might think that polar fleece is lighter than wool. This is not always true. When I weighed a wool sweater and a fleece jacket of the same size and thickness, there was less than an ounce difference. However, if both get wet, the fleece will be lighter and will dry faster.

When packing your clothes, remember to place your varied layers where you can get them easily. The polar fleece doesn’t do you any good if it is at the bottom of your pack and is too much trouble to get to.

For desert hiking areas, strive for light, white-cotton shirts, pants, and hats, but remember to bring warm clothing for the nighttime. Clear desert skies do not hold the daytime warmth.

4. Footwear Tips for Hikers

Hikers need proper footwear. Many people wear hiking boots. Hiking boots have thick soles and deep grooves to help hikers grip surfaces. There are many boots you can use during the hiking. Trail-running or trail-hiking shoes are low-impact, light on your feet, and cheaper to replace than full leather boots.

However, weak, injury-prone ankles may fare better with the stability of a full leather boot. Hike your shoes dry to prevent them from shrinking. Some hikers wear sneakers or other types of walking shoes. These hikers usually hike on flat, smooth terrain.

Hikers choose boots or shoes that fit comfortably. Shoes that are too tight can cause hikers’ feet to become sore. Hikers should break in new footwear. They should wear boots or shoes for several days before hiking. This activity allows the footwear to conform to the shape of hikers’ feet.

5.     Shocks Considerations

Experienced hikers usually wear wool socks or socks made of synthetic fabric blends. They do not wear cotton socks. Hikers’ feet often perspire and form moisture. Cotton often stays wet.

The wet material can rub against the skin and cause blisters on hikers’ feet. These bubbles of skin filled with a liquid usually are painful. Some hikers wear a pair of thin liner socks made of polyester and nylon to soak up moisture.

If your boots start to leak in bad weather, or you are using lightweight boots or running shoes that are not waterproof, use a couple of plastic bags as outer socks, and put your shoes on over them to help keep your feet dry. Leave the bags loose over your toes so you will not punch holes in them. Gallon-sized zip-locked bags work well.

Consider wearing waterproof breathable socks and running shoes for wet hiking. Any boot, no matter how expensive, will not protect your feet from wetness in a heavy rain.

Last Few Words

Do not leave home without essential clothing for cold weather, even if the forecast looks good. The two most essential items are a rain suit and extra wool sweater or fleece jacket.

Other items are a little less important depending on the climate, the length of your stay, the season, and the distance back to your vehicle. It is easy to carry too much, but it can be deadly to carry too little.

The post Simple Hiking Clothing Guide and Tips appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/simple-hiking-clothing-guide-and-tips/

Best Hiking Apps

10 Awesome Apps Every Hiker Must Try (No.8 Can Even Save Your Life)

Well, we all need a little nature doze every now and then. Besides, what can be more soothing and detoxicating than a lone hike to the mountain or a family trip to the woods? To be honest, hiking is one heck of an activity with multitudes of mental and physical benefits and if not for any other reason, perhaps you should take on a hiking adventure as a way to get in harmony with your existence and to experience solitude (believe me that’s an unbelievable experience if you haven’t experienced before).

Ok, so you really like to go hiking but are unsure if it’s wise to go to a remote place out of the safety net of society. If that’s the only reason that’s stopping you, then you can’t be more wrong. There are some pretty awesomely powerful apps that can help you with every nitty-gritty of hiking adventure.

Don’t believe us,

Amazing right?

Guess you are in luck today!

Since we are hiking fanatics, we have gathered some high utility Android and iOS apps that have come handy for all sort of outdoor adventures including hiking, camping, hunting, and backpacking. And since we really want you to pack your backs and go out hiking up high in mountains or deep into the woods, we have grouped all these apps for you, so you can stay safe and on-track even when far away from the safety net of society.

Just make sure you have installed one or more apps from this list and you can be sure to do pretty great against all odds.  So, let’s not waste any more time and move on to our top 10 best hiking apps that you should definitely check out before taking-on an adventurous hiking trip:

No.1 MapMyHike:

We haven’t placed this amazing app on top position for no reason. It’s a high utility app that doesn’t just track your hike, rather gives you a complete feedback for multiple health and fitness indicators including calories burned, distance covered, speed and a lot more metrics.

What we really love about MapMyHike is it’s fitness centered orientation that has at least helped me to keep a close track of my fitness levels during regular weekend hiking adventures. You can also easily record and share your hiking track and other metrics with friends. Whereas, it also helps you find the most popular hiking tracks and local routes to traverse and compete. It’s freely available for base models, while the premium features are reserved for the paid version that unlocks the real-time tracking feature along with a bunch of other amazing features.

To be precise, MapMyHike doesn’t overpromise for its capabilities. As said earlier, it’s a hiking app that’s centered on health and fitness metrics and it does that like no other app. You can record all your hikes, performance indicators and insights that let you keep a close check of your fitness. There’s even an option to set personal goals and milestones. Though not as solid as some of the other apps that we will be detailing in the post below, MapMyHike does let you find some great hiking routes nearby, while you can share your track with other members as well.

Pros:

• Great for nearby hiking adventures
• Fitness centered app

Cons:

• Doesn’t have any large databases like many other apps
• Limited utility in terms of adventurous hiking trips

 

No.2 SPYGLASS

If we just talk about aesthetics and appearance and forget every other aspect for a moment, I don’t think there is another app that can come anyway near to Spyglass. It’s simply one of the coolest, neatest and most visually impressive navigation app that you’ll find online.

Coming on to the features and functionalities, I don’t want to disregard traditional GPS systems at all, but I have to admit that this amazing hiking app comes with most complete GPS features suite that you’ll ever need on a hiking trip. The app comes with an awesome interface, an all-powerful augmented reality view, and tracking features. There’s a highly reliable built-in compass along with gyrocompass, altimeter, inclinometer, speedometer, angular calculator and bunch of other super cool features that you can think of.

It’s a paid app that will cost you around $10 (very nominal) in the US. However, given that it comes with complete GPS kit, it is certainly one of the best and high-utility app that can help you traverse anywhere across the world.

Pros:

• The most complete GPS Toolkit you will find online
• A range of useful features
• Reliable navigation tools
• Augmented reality display

Cons:

• Paid app
• The interface might not seem user-friendly to first-time users

No.3 Peakfinder

Here’s the app that will save the day for you and your partner when you’re tussling over the peak name; yeah I am pointing to the tussle that we talked about at the starting of the blog.

So, Peakfinder is basically your day saver when you are looking to hike on to the adventurous mountainous terrain. It comes in two different flavors one for the Alps and another for the Western USA. You can purchase and download the flavor where you intend to travel. It was developed by Fabio Soldati; a Swiss national (yeah you can already feel where the love of mountains is coming from). The databases for mountains can easily be installed on your phone, which means you don’t need to worry the remoteness of the place or internet connection and you will still be able to trace the right peak.

The vector database has neatly rendered graphics with complete coordinates and height information for each peak. All you need to do is to point it towards the landscape and it will show all the peaks in surroundings with names. Tap a mountain peak and you’ll have the complete coordinates and height information. Moreover, it also offers a 360 panoramic view from the peak. So, while you might not have the strength to climb all the way up to the peak, you can still enjoy some breathtaking scenery and landscape from the peak of any mountain.

Pros:

• Precise Accelerometer and Compass sensors
• The database is updated regularly
• Built-in binoculars to view hidden peaks

Cons:

• There seem to be no cons of the app.

No.4 AllTrails

The previous app that we talked about was all about finding the right peak, but not everyone is interested in finding the mountain names. So, if you are just a curious backpacker who likes to hike to remote mountainous tracks without bothering about the names of mountains that AllTrail is all you need.

It’s a neatly designed app that offers a detailed library of tracks and trails for mountainous terrains. Apart from finding different trails in mountain surrounding, the app also rates your hike as compared to other hikers. To expand the database and keep it as useful as possible for passionate hikers, there’s a review and feedback system where you can submit your experience for other hikers to be better prepared before coming. Oh and AllTrails isn’t only for hikers or backpackers, but also offer complete database for rock climbers, bikers and other outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Overall, the app is nicely built with organized database and precise navigation tools that comes handy for all sorts of outdoor activities including trail running, backpacking, rock climbing and all sorts of other outdoor activities.

Pros:

• Easy to use clean interface
• Intuitive maps
• Great Navigation tools

Cons:

• Limited database
• Depends on feedback from users to expand the database

No.5 Cairn

Cairn is yet another great outdoor utility app with the downloadable database, which means you can use them at remotest places without signals of connection concerns. What makes it slightly more interesting than other hiking apps that we have talked about is the safety features. It offers real-time distance and GPS features, while also giving you safety information about the track you’re currently tracking. Even better, the app lets you keep your family and friends updated with your track, you can even inform them of last minute change in plans and stay confident that you won’t be lost in the remoteness of nature during hiking.

Pros:

• Free of cost
• Easy to share your hiking plans with family and friends
• You can set starting and end goals
• Informs you of availability of signals from different carriers beforehand

Cons:

• Not available for Android OS

No.6 Gaia GPS:

Gaia GPS is one of the more comprehensive and detailed navigation and hiking app that’s available in the market. The app was first released back in 2009 and over the decade the developers have been able to update new information into the database, thus today it has one of the most detailed and precise databases available in the market.

The app lets you explore some of the best and most precisely written adventure guides shared by experts and in the literal sense serves as your virtual guide to explore the world. Topographic maps of some of the most famous adventure around the globe are also added to the database. The database can be downloaded for offline view, while you can also explore new databases online. There are no restrictions on how many maps you wish to download with no additional cost.

Pros:

• One of the most customizable apps (colors, sounds, coordinates etc.)
• Accurate topographic maps
• Feature to record tracks and routes
• Sharing on social media

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required
• Internet connection required for real-time topographic map access

No.7 Viewranger

To sum it up, Viewranger is your personal GPS handheld system that can be used as fully functional GPS and let you wonder even the remotest places on earth. The best part about Viewranger is that it gives you all the functionality and features of a GPS at fraction of the cost and over the year of my experience with Viewranger, I haven’t found its preciseness anyway below par than those costly GPS systems. Even if you don’t have an internet connection, you can still continue to access the app just as any other GPS Unit.

Pros:

• Free download
• Intuitive maps
• Access too topographical maps
• Route-tracking and navigation

Cons:

• Topographic maps need to be purchased
• Lacks Ski-specific functions
• Battery extensive app

No.8 SAS Survival Guide

This is one heck of an app that comes handy at all safety and adventure trips. As can be taken from the name, the app is a complete survival guide with tons of useful tips, tricks, and features that will help you survive even the remotest of places and harshest environments. Not to forget, this isn’t any fluff app or an amateur effort, but an utterly professional tool.

If you aren’t familiar with the name “SAS survival guide”, that’s the name of the bestselling survival guide by Lofty Wiseman and this hiking app comes with the complete book. So, basically, you can rely on this app for any situation you might encounter out of the safety net of society.

To make things more interesting, the apps have converted the most useful topics of the bestselling book into videos and illustrative guides that help you stay away from poisonous plants, what to eat and how to locate animal tracks.

And before you think that’s all the app has to offer, it surprises you with the Morse Code – yup the ultimate survival checklist that you will ever need. Oh, did we mention that the latest version of the app comes even with an urban survival guide? Do you need more than that?

Pros:

• Loaded with survival information
• Life-saving tips
• Affordable

Cons:

• We seriously can’t think of any limitation

No.9 Yonder

This is a free hiking app and offers tons of useful information to users. The app comes with 22 different activities with information of over 20k destination that you would love to hike around. You can always check out the reviews and feedbacks of users for specific routes to be better prepared for things you might encounter during the hiking trip.

The app lets users’ marks their favorite trails and tracks as well as keep a record of them. To encourage users for feedbacks, the app let them like or comment on posts and share the content on social media as well.

Pros:

• Incredibly easy to use interface
• Different outdoor activities
• Socialize with other hiking enthusiasts
• Add and share your records

Cons:

• The database isn’t as huge as some of the other apps
• Lack of robust navigation tools and features

No.10 Maps 3D Pro

Reading topographic maps and contours isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and well, for such people (that includes me) this app is sent from heaven. As can be taken by name, the app comes equipped with everything you’ll need to understand and traverse a mountainous terrain. It comes equipped with robust navigation tools that come handy for all outdoor activities.

The best part about the app is the way it projects the maps and let you view them in the 3D view, which make it so much easier for you to embrace the terrain and interpret the features like paths, trails, hills among others. You can plan, record, and share your routes and records as well as save as many maps as you want for offline navigation and viewing.

Pros:

• Easy to use interface
• Great for 3D viewing of topographic maps
• Rich database
• Offline access

Cons:

• Not available for Android platforms

Conclusion

There are tons of other exciting and high utility apps which you can download to make most of your hiking experience. One thing that all these apps share is to promote healthy lifestyle and encourage people to explore the untamed beauty of the nature.

Though many apps are freely available for most platforms, however, for apps that costs money, you can download their free versions for trials before actually purchasing the full version.

So, what are you waiting for? Lookout for the best hiking app for your OS and gets started for a healthy and pleasurable hiking adventure with friends or family.

The post Best Hiking Apps appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/best-hiking-apps/

Best Kayak Fishing Gear Reviewed 2019

Are you ready for kayaking with your friends and family and having some amazing adventurous time with them? Don’t get so overwhelmed if this is the first time you are going for kayaking. Because being ready with a kayak and some money and selecting a specific place for kayak fishing will not help you in doing a proper kayaking.

Kayak Gear! Yes, for kayaking you will require a number of kayak fishing equipment that is the basic need of an angler.

Here, we will guide you to go through all the basic important gears for your kayak and will help you to make your kayak look exactly like your imagination.

Kayak Fishing Gear Guide

Kayak Fishing Paddle

You prominent method for transporting on the kayak is the kayak fishing paddles. Kayak paddles are available at all the price points. But if you love kayaking and are addicted to fishing then you should invest in a high-quality paddle which is made of carbon fiber.

You have to decide on making a choice between adjustable feathering and you can select any quality materials such as fiberglass blend or carbon fiber. Paddles are an essential item of kayak fishing and moving on the water body completely depends on the perfect paddles.

The price range of kayak paddles varies from $50 to $200 but we would like to suggest you buy paddles that are not so cheap because they are not much durable.

Fishing Reel

A fishing reel is very important when you are going to fish with a kayak. The reel is used to cast your target and these are different in terms of water type and different fish species. When you are there to buy this, know what type of reel you want.

There are available reels named baitcasting reel and a spinning reel. The drag system of a reel should be checked before buying. Reels are available in $30 to $1000 in the market.

Kayak Seat

Usually, when you buy kayaks, most of them come with the installed seat (at the factory.) But that is not all because anytime you can ask for an upgrade.

Sometimes height does not match with the installed seat and sometimes you will face difficulties for not having a roomy seating space in a kayak for having a large kayak seat.

You can go with the elevated kayak seat type which will provide you additional height advantage along with better fishing sight. If you want extra comfort while fishing then you can select a kayak seat with high back and armrests support.

Kayak seat is important because it will support your back and the whole body while fishing as it is an important item for kayaking. If you want a perfect kayak seat you have the keep an eye on the non-skid bottom along with the adjustable straps.

The built-in gutters are very essential for flushing out the water in the kayak. Comfortable under duress should also be your concern.

Rod Holders

Are you going to hold your fishing rods with your hands? This will not lead you to a productive fishing so you must have a one-rod holder for holding your rod in the cockpit area if you want active kayak fishing.

For holding the trolling rods (extra rods) there must be rear-facing one or two-rod holders. While choosing rod holders, keep an eye on the mounting method of the kayak and the style of the reel which you are using (spinning, fly etc.).

Do not forget to look for an adjustable clamp. The price of rod holders varies from $20 to $150.

Anchor Gear

For maintaining the position in the water body, the anchor system is a must. Not only an anchor but also a trolley system is also needed for deploying your anchor from any specific position on your kayak from the bow to the stern.

Ranging between $20 to $50, these items should be purchased ensuring foldable quality for easy storage and rust resistant ability.

Tackle Storage

If you are an angler, you must have lures, leaders, files, hooks etc. and to keep them within your reach while fishing you should have a tackle storage.

The work of this gear is not to keep your accessories secure but also dry as it is water-resistant. While buying this, buy something that has padded skid pads, straps, and removable dividers.

Dry Bags

There are so many accessories and electronics that you may need during fishing if you spend enough time in your kayak. To keep them secures and wet, try to add up a dry bag with your kayak for a safe journey.

You will find these in between $10 to $200. While purchasing dry bags, ensure that they are lightweight, valve-free and stabilized construction.

Some FAQs on Fishing Gear

What is the kayak fishing safety gear?

When you are fishing on a kayak, you have to be secure and maintain the safety of you and your family. The popular kayak fishing safety gear are whistle, knife, PFD (personal flotation device,) wetsuit or dry suit, UV protective clothing, throw bag, tow rope etc.

Why is kayak fishing gear storage important?

While fishing in a kayak, you have to take so many accessories with you for keeping you comfortable in the kayak. To keep them safe, secure and dry, kayak fishing gear storage should be one of the foremost concerns of an angler.

What are the kayak fishing gear essentials?

There is some specific gear for kayak fishing that is considered to be mandatory while fishing. The essential kayak fishing gear is paddles, rods, cart, PFD, reel tackle storage, rod holders etc.

Final Thoughts

If you have got your new favorite kayak, customize your kayak with all of your own desires. You can keep the things simple or if you want then you can go wild, it is your kayak fishing tour and so make your own rules.

Shopping accessories for a kayak are not going to be so easy because a lot of products and their similarities in the feature are going to complicate things in every possible way. To pave your way to kayak fishing equipment, we are here at your door. Go through our recommendations and have fun!

The post Best Kayak Fishing Gear Reviewed 2019 appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/best-kayak-fishing-gear-reviewed-2019/

Laguiole Knife 101: A Complete Guide to Laguiole Knives!

You need to carry a handy knife at all times. It is a risky world outside, but that should not mean that you stay cooped up in your home. Venture out with a trusty knife! It can be a weapon in adverse situations, and a trusty side-kick for everyday situations (like opening a corked bottled)! Now, a survival knife would not be the right knife. So, what do you do? Carry a pocket knife!

There are many kinds of pocket knives, one such amazing example is the Laguiole knife. It is a classic French pocket knife. Do you have any idea about these light-weight and discrete knives? Well you should, it can be life-saving at times!

What is a Laguiole Pocket Knife?

These knives have been aptly named after the small Southern French town of Laguiole. It is a special knife that has been made in Laguiole, since the early 1800s. The technique of making these knives has been passed down for generations. The Laguiole pocket knife is a beautiful knife that can be used safely, even by amateurs.

The same technique has also been used to create beautiful cutlery pieces! Did you know that in some cases there are 216 intricate steps involved in the creation of the knife? Isn’t this an interesting fact?! Well, it is! Such an old knife making technique is bound to have a few interesting trivia involved with them. So, own one today! Nowadays, in UK knives like Laguiole are being made, but only recently.

How do you choose the Laguiole Knife you want?

There are many types of Laguiole pocket knives. You really need to assess the different applications you might have to choose the right knife. Here are some questions you need to ask:

• Do you want a traditional or modern Laguiole pocket knife?
• Will simple Laguiole pocket knives are good enough, or would you need a multi-purpose Laguiole pocket knives?
• Do you want Laguiole pocket knives that are tough and strong or delicate and fine?
• Should the knife look like a knight in shiny armour or a dark knight?

Answer these questions and you will have the perfect knife! If, you are still confused, talk to the experts at reputed stores. These stores have an extraordinary collection of Laguiole pocket knives in the UK.

What are the applications for a Laguiole Pocket Knife?

Whether you are an adventurer or a plain Jane/Jack, you need a handy knife. Laguiole knives are the best knives to carry in your pockets. Here are some applications for the Laguiole pocket knives:

1. It can be a handy tool for small tasks like scrapping wood or cutting rope to build shelters when you are out in the wild.
2. Are you out on a picnic and need a corkscrew? Well, some Laguiole pocket knives come equipped with one. Even if it does not have a corkscrew, the knife tip can be used to effectively open bottles.
3. Out on a fishing trip? A Laguiole knife can help cut through tangled lines to get to the hook.

Remember to take care of your Laguiole knife, because if the knife is not maintained appropriately, it cannot help you with such tasks.

How can you take care of your Laguiole Pocket Knives?

Taking care of your laguiole pocket knife is easy if you know how to do it right! So, here are some tips and tricks to maintain the knife perfectly and keeping the blade sharp:

• Never wash the blade under running water.
• Use a wet soft cloth to wipe the blade. You could also use a kitchen towel.
• A dishwasher is a big no, for any knife. The Laguiole pocket knives are no different. Keep them away from a dishwasher.
• While cleaning the knife, refrain from using detergents and hot water (anything above 500C). These factors aid in destroying the handle of your Laguiole knife.

Now, you are equipped to own an authentic Laguiole knife! Go out and explore the numerous possibilities. The stores around the UK have a huge collection of various Laguiole knives. Find yours, and start venturing out with confidence!

The post Laguiole Knife 101: A Complete Guide to Laguiole Knives! appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/laguiole-knife-101-a-complete-guide-to-laguiole-knives/

Coexisting While Camping: Living Harmoniously with Bugs, Bears and Other Critters

Wildlife encounters are always a possibility anytime you explore the great outdoors. You’ll see birds, bugs and other common critters on virtually every hike, and if you spend enough time trekking through forests, fields and deserts, you’ll surely encounter more spectacular animals too.

Such encounters usually end as quickly as they begin – most wild animals are inclined to avoid people whenever possible. But, unpleasant interactions can happen from time to time, and you’ll be wise to take whatever steps you can to keep wild animals at a safe distance. Failing that, you’ll want to be able to diffuse any tension that arises before the situation takes a turn for the worse.

There are a number of different things you can do to reduce the chances of a negative encounter, and we’ve listed some of the most effective and important below. Because you’ll need to take different steps to avoid problems with different kinds of animals, we’ve broken down the recommendations into several different critter categories.

Bears

Bears may be some of the most frightening animals to encounter on the trail, but they don’t cross paths with humans as commonly as is often supposed. And of this relatively small number of interactions, only a handful will progress to an actual physical confrontation. Most bears will move off at the sight of people.

To limit encounters and stay safe, try to incorporate the following tips:

• Never feed bears or allow them to access your food. Bears that begin to associate people with food often become nuisance bears in a very short time. Such bears often become dangerous, and they’ll frequently need to be euthanized in the name of safety. Just make sure you keep your food in a bear canister or hang it high from a tree or a set of bear
• Make noise while hiking. Surprise encounters can startle bears, which can cause them to react violently. But if you simply make noise while walking, anbey unseen bears will usually get out of your way. Just sing or talk while you walk (some authorities recommend against whistling, which bears may mistake for the sounds of prey). Alternatively, some hikers like to hang jangling keys from their belt or attach some other type of noisemaker to their pack.
• Travel with plenty of friends. Simply put, bears are less likely to get rowdy when they cross paths with large hiking parties than they are one or two people. Additionally, by hiking with a group of friends, you’ll be easier to hear and smell, thereby making it easier for local bears to get out of your way.
• Bring bear spray when traveling through areas where they’re common. Bear spray usually provides an effective way to end an encounter, and it will do so without causing the bear (or any bystanders) significant harm. Bear spray is essentially pepper spray on steroids, so it’ll burn the bears eyes and nose for a while, but he’ll recover soon enough.

Canines

You can encounter any number of canines while trekking through the wilderness, including coyotes, wolves, foxes and even feral dogs. Because of their size and powerful jaws, some may represent a potential danger. Note that wild canines are among the most common rabies carriers in some locations. This is especially true of foxes and coyotes.

To avoid or diffuse situations with wild or feral canines, try to employ the following strategies:

• Never attempt to feed wild canines – including feral dogs. Doing so will not only encourage them to hang around and increase the chances of an unpleasant incident, it will make them associate all people with easy meals.
• Keep your dog leashed or tethered at all times. While it’s true that large dogs may keep smaller canines away from your campsite, some dogs may instead draw the attention of coyotes, wolves or feral dogs. It’s also important to ensure your dog’s vaccinations – particularly his rabies vaccination – are up to date.
• If you find yourself face-to-face with an aggressive canine, maintain eye contact and try to make yourself look as big as possible. You can also yell loudly, stomp the ground and swing something over your head. If an attack occurs, fight back vigorously and use anything you have at your disposal, such as rocks, trekking poles or big sticks, to fend off the animal.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are pretty familiar to hikers and campers, as they live right alongside us in the cities and suburbs we call home. But, it is still wise to use caution – especially if you or any member of your party is allergic to their stings. In fact, bees and wasps probably cause more problems for campers than any other animals you’re likely to encounter.

Keep unpleasant bee- and wasp-related encounters to a minimum by following the tips below:

• Always check the nearby trees for signs of bees or wasps before selecting a campsite. Simply avoiding areas with active nests will help eliminate most unpleasant encounters with bees and wasps. Be sure to observe large hollows in the trunk or branches for emerging bugs, and also scan the outer branches for hanging nests.
• Understand that some wasps nest in the ground, rather than the trees. Just try to keep an eye out for flying wasp-like insects that appear to head into and out of a single spot near the ground repeatedly.
• Clean up spills and uneaten food immediately. Many bees and wasps will visit picnic tables and other places in which humans eat. Sugary drinks and small bits of protein are typically the most problematic substances, so take the time to clean up spills and messes promptly to avoid attracting bees and wasps unnecessarily.

Rodents

Rodents – including rats, mice, chipmunks, squirrels and other buck-toothed mammals – are unlikely to initiate an outright attack unless cornered or provoked, but they can ruin your food and spread germs over your belongings. Some diseases carried by rodents are serious, so you’ll want to limit interactions with them as much as is possible.

Help limit the problems caused by rodents by employing the following tips:

• Don’t feed the squirrels and chipmunks near camp. Although they may be cute, and those accustomed to humans may be bold enough to eat from your hand, fed critters will often wear out their welcome.
• Generally speaking, the more exposed a campsite, the fewer rodents it will harbor. If the idea of rodents scurrying around your campsite all night long bothers you, select a sun-bathed, exposed habitat, which will generally have fewer rodents than shaded forests.
• Pack out all of your trash. You don’t want to make the rodent problem worse for the next campers to use the site, so don’t leave any rodent-attracting trash behind. Most trash is pretty light, and it is easy to haul back to the trailhead by tying a garbage back to the back of your pack.

Spiders, Ants and Other Assorted Creepy Crawlies

Spiders, ants and other critters rarely present a significant danger, but some can inflict a venomous bite or sting, they shouldn’t be regarded as completely harmless either. Besides, even the bravest hikers and campers probably won’t keep their composure easily once they notice a scorpion, centipede or spider crawling up their leg.

You’ll never be able to avoid these types of animals entirely, but it’s best to limit the direct interaction you have with them. You can do so by implementing to following practices:

• Consider sweeping away the debris and leaf litter around your campsite to help discourage bugs from hanging around your tent or the fire circle. Just use a flexible stick as a broom – you don’t need the ground to be immaculate, you just want to move the stuff bugs like to live in.
• Always knock your boots out before putting them on your feet. Your boots can provide insects and arachnids with a cozy place to hang out, so you’ll always want to verify that your shoes are not occupied before sticking your feet inside. You don’t want to hike all the way back to the trailhead while enduring a spider-bitten toe.
• Try to avoid contact with shrubs and bushes, where bugs often lurk. You’ll surely come into contact with plants from time to time during the average camping trip but do your best to limit such exposure. You could brush up against a variety of bugs while doing so, but ticks are particularly problematic in this respect.

Reptiles

In warm habitats, reptiles are often far more numerous than most hikers would suspect. Because they require less food than mammals or birds of the same size, reptiles sometimes outnumber their warm-blooded counterparts by a 10:1 ratio. However, this illustrates the degree to which most reptiles are willing to go to avoid encounters with bipedal, pack-wearing predators.

And while a few snakes, lizards and crocodilians may be dangerous, the vast majority of reptiles are completely harmless, and no cause for concern. But, it is relatively easy to avoid most encounters with reptiles in the first place by employing the following tactics:

• Watch where you place your hands and feet. The majority of unprovoked bites by venomous snakes occur when someone unwittingly steps or leans on them. This also means you should avoid walking through high grass or dense vegetation whenever snakes are a concern.
• Never try to kill a snake. The vast majority of people who are bitten by venomous snakes suffer their wound because they were trying to catch or kill it. Just leave snakes alone and they’ll likely return the favor. Venom is a precious resource, and they’d rather not waste it biting something they can’t eat.
• Don’t be careless during the winter. Most snakes and other reptiles become dormant in the winter, but they may emerge from their hibernacula and bask in the sun on unseasonably warm days. Pay special attention to small exposed, rocky areas, in which reptiles often like to bask.

Wildlife encounters are rarely dangerous, and they’re usually cause for celebration and photographs. However, it is important to avoid potentially dangerous animals whenever possible. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be well on your way to coexisting peacefully with the creatures of the wild.

The post Coexisting While Camping: Living Harmoniously with Bugs, Bears and Other Critters appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/coexisting-while-camping-living-harmoniously-with-bugs-bears-and-other-critters/

Picking the Best Hiking Trail for Your Abilities (Easy, Moderate and Strenuous)

People enjoy hiking for a variety of reasons, but many of those who hit their local trails do so for the exercise the activity provides.

However, there’s a big difference between breaking a sweat and working out your muscles during a hike and biting off more than you can chew. You don’t want to wear yourself out and require assistance getting back to the trailhead. Conversely, you don’t want to head out for an afternoon in hopes of working out your calves and burning a bunch of calories only to find that the trail you chose is no more challenging than a sidewalk.

To avoid either eventuality, you’ll need to pick a trail that suits your skill and fitness level. This will help you have a great time and achieve the goals you’ve established. We’ll talk about the way trails are rated and the things you’ll want to consider when making your choice below.

Trail Rating Systems

Unfortunately, there is no widely recognized, universal trail-rating system.

Different parks, trail guides, hike leaders, websites and books subscribe to different rating systems, making apples-to-apples comparisons hard. Some rating systems use numbers to rate trails, while others employ the easy-moderate-strenuous convention. Still others use variations of these approaches.

Nevertheless, there are a few rating systems that are more commonly used than others. For example, many parks and hiking authorities subscribe to the Yosemite Decimal System when rating trails.  However, this system is intended to cover an extraordinarily broad cross-section of trails and paths, including the ½-mile gravel loop at your local park and the South Face of Mount Everest.

According to the Yosemite Decimal System:

Class 1

You can walk Class-1 trails without much chance of injury. The trails should be well-marked and easy to follow. Hiking boots are recommended, but no other gear is required (although it is always wise to bring water and a cellphone whenever you are traveling through wilderness areas).

Class 2

Class-2 trails require you to use your hands occasionally to scamper up hills. Some parts of the trail may be poorly marked, and you’ll likely find hiking boots necessary. Injuries – particularly serious injuries – are still unlikely, although Class-2 trails are more dangerous than Class-1 trails.

Class 3

Class-3 trails will require you to use your hands to keep your balance and climb the trail. Hiking boots are imperative, and injuries may be serious – falls from Class-3 trails may be fatal. Many hikers (who may be better-considered climbers when ascending a Class-3 trail) will find ropes helpful, if not necessary.

Class 4

Class-4 trails require simple climbing. Rope is typically considered necessary. The hillside or cliff face is usually very exposed, although natural barriers and shelter may be present. The threat of injuries is very real for Class-4 trails, and falls are increasingly likely to be fatal.

Class 5

Class-5 trails (which, like the other classes, are subdivided into many different sub-classes) involve technical rock-climbing. Ropes, anchors and belay systems will be required, and falls are quite likely to be fatal.

Other parks and hiking authorities prefer to use a trail-rating system developed by the Sierra Club. As with other trail-rating systems, it is often adapted to suit the trails in a given area.

The Sierra Club rating system is primarily based on the length of the trail and the elevation change hikers will encounter while completing it. This system breaks trails down into one of three categories: Easy, Moderate or Strenuous.

Easy

Easy trails are generally less than 6 miles long and do not include elevation changes of more than 1,300 feet.

Moderate

Moderate trails are between 6 and 10 miles in length, and they include elevation changes of between 1,300 and 2,500 feet.

Strenuous

Strenuous trails are 10 or more miles long, and they include elevation changes in excess of 2,500 feet.

However, these ratings are often adjusted to provide the best possible rating for a given trail. For example, if a trail is about 8 miles long, but only includes elevation changes of a few hundred feet, it’ll often be classified as easy, even though it is a bit longer than most trails in this category.

Of course, many trail-rating authorities or authors devise their own rating systems, which may differ significantly with those explained above.

Factors That Influence Trail Ratings

Different rating systems use different criteria to rate trails, but most consider trail length and elevation change to be the most important factors to consider when rating a trail. However, in practice, there are several additional factors that may be considered by those rating a given trail.

Some of the most notable criteria considered include:

• Temperatures – A 1-mile trail in Minnesota may not be much more difficult than a 1-mile trail in Arizona in March, but it’ll be much more difficult if you’re forced to slog through 2 feet of snow while doing so in January. And the opposite would be true of those hiking in through Arizona during August.
• Precipitation – Trails that experience frequent rain, or those covered in snow for most of the year, will often be significantly harder to complete than they otherwise would. It can also increase the likelihood that you’ll suffer an injury while hiking. These factors may make a trail rated as “easy,” to feel much more like a “moderate” trail.
• Trail Condition – Trails that are well-marked, wide-open and relatively smooth are easier to hike than similar trails that are difficult to follow, cluttered with vegetation or marked with divots, mud puddles and washouts.

What Should You Consider When Selecting a Trail Rating?

Understanding how authorities rate trails is only half of the equation – you’ll also need to determine what rating is appropriate for you. There’s no clear-cut way to figure out whether you should look for trails rated as “moderate” or “strenuous,” but you can usually get a good idea by considering the following factors:

Are You in Good Shape?

Fitness is certainly relative, but it is probably the most important consideration when trying to determine the best trail rating for you. Couch potatoes should stick to short trails rated as “easy,” while marathoners and other highly-active people may be able to take on “strenuous” trails, depending on their answers for the other considerations detailed below.

Do You Have Any Health Problems or Physical Limitations?

Obviously, if you struggle with serious health conditions, you’ll have to think carefully about your capabilities before selecting the best trail rating for your next hike. However, it is also important to consider less-serious difficulties too – this includes things like nagging knee injuries, arthritis or even gastrointestinal conditions. Generally speaking, if you have physical limitations, you’ll want to consider opting for a slightly easier trail than you otherwise would.

How Much Experience Do You Have Hiking?

Hiking success isn’t all about physical fitness and good health; you’ll also need your brain to complete the trail. Experienced hikers have often learned countless strategies and tactics to help them complete trails with ease, while beginners will often make numerous (if minor) mistakes while learning the ins and outs of hiking. Experienced hikers can usually get by pushing their limits a little more than novices, so adjust your target trail rating accordingly.

Do You Have the Necessary Hiking Gear?

Hiking isn’t necessarily a gear-intensive activity, but you’ll need a few basic things – good hiking boots, a water bottle and perhaps a good set of trekking poles – for all but the easiest and shortest of trails. If you already have a closet full of outdoor equipment, chances are you’ll be ready to take on any trail your body can handle. But, if you are just starting out and have yet to accumulate much equipment, you may want to stick to easier trails for the time being.

Putting This Info into Practice

As you’ve no doubt noticed by now, it can be somewhat tricky to determine the difficulty presented by a given trail. There are several different rating systems used, and most are subjective to one degree or another.

But, that doesn’t mean ratings aren’t helpful and important to research before selecting a trail – they very much are. You’ll just have to remember that ratings are only a starting point. In practice, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:

Consult multiple sources when researching trails. Start with your favorite hiking websites and books but be sure to get some human intel too. Talk with your hiking buddies, ask around at the local hiking club and talk to the staff at nearby ranger stations.

Compare unknown trails with familiar trails to help calibrate the ratings provided. If you normally hike a 2-mile nature trail, look it up in your favorite trail guide to find its rating. Then, using the same trail guide, look for other, similarly rated trails.

Stop hiking if you feel like the trail is more difficult than you expected. There is no shame in aborting the mission and returning to the trailhead if you feel inadequately prepared or uncomfortable in any way. It is better to cut the hike short, regroup and make an alternative plan than it is to put yourself at risk.

If you are new to hiking, begin with the easiest trails you can find. Too many novice hikers get themselves into predicaments because they tackle trails that exceed their skill level. Hiking 5 miles on a backcountry trail is much more difficult than walking 5 miles around the neighborhood. You’ll have plenty of time to tackle moderate and strenuous trails in the future.

Always keep safety in mind when traveling a new trail. You may know that you can complete your favorite Saturday morning trail without bringing a water bottle or daypack, but you don’t want to encounter problems on an unfamiliar trail. Always bring water, keep a cell phone in your pocket and consider bringing a minimal first-aid kit if the trail is remote.

Be most adventurous in the Spring and Fall; stick to familiar trails in the Summer and Winter. The mild temperatures of the Spring and Fall will not only make it easier and more enjoyable to explore new trails, but the increase in foot traffic that normally occurs during these seasons will also make it easier to get help if necessary.

If you think the trail may not be well-marked, bring a map or GPS. Trails classified as easy or rated as a Class-1 trail are generally easy to follow, but those at higher classification levels may include stretches that are poorly marked. A map or GPS can help ensure you find your way and don’t get lost in an unfamiliar area.

The differences between various trail-rating systems can definitely be a bit frustrating, but if you consult multiple sources and compare trails you intend to hike with those you already have, you’ll usually be able to select a trail that suits your skill and fitness level.

The post Picking the Best Hiking Trail for Your Abilities (Easy, Moderate and Strenuous) appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/picking-the-best-hiking-trail-for-your-abilities-easy-moderate-and-strenuous/