How to Buy The Best Walking Boots

If you’re about to buy a new pair of walking boots, this article will cover some tips and advice to help you buy the best walking boots for your needs. Badly fitting boots can cause discomfort, pain and in extreme cases permanent injury. At best, they will ruin your walk or day in the hills. So lets take a look at some things to consider when you’re buying a pair of walking boots.

Buy The Best Walking Boots You Can Afford

Make Sure Your New Boots Fit Correctly

Buy New Walking Boots In The Afternoon

Comfort Is More Important Than  Durability

Leather Or Fabric Walking Boots

Break New Walking Boots In

Ankle Support

Summer or Winter

Many of the features that  make a boot ideal for summer use will also make it less suitable for winter use. All year round boots are available but will often not offer as much comfort in summer or durability in winter as boots that are specifically designed for seasonal use. You may want to simply decide on when you will do most of your walking, and buy boots correspondingly. If your budget allows,  purchase one pair of boots for spring and summer use and another pair for autumn and winter.

Walking Socks Are Important

Summary

Having the best pair of walking boots for your individual needs will enhance your enjoyment of walking and hiking. Take some time to find the right pair for you. We hope our article will help you buy the best walking boots for you.

Take a look at our range of walking boots here

Buying The Best Waterproof Outdoor Jacket

Buying the best waterproof jacket for walking, biking, camping and other outdoor activities, can be time consuming. Waterproof jackets have progressed rapidly over the years, and new technologies can be confusing. We decided to put together this quick guide, to help you understand what’s on offer.

Waterproof Jackets and ponchos (non-breathable)

These are usually solid layers of fabric designed to keep the rain and wind out. They can feel a little like wearing a plastic bag and work ok as long as you’re not very active. As soon as you start to warm up or sweat, things change. If you start to sweat any moisture is trapped, so you’ll very quickly get damp. Not pleasant or comfortable.

Having said this, using a non-breathable waterproof jacket during certain activities can sometimes be acceptable. You’ll  need to control your temperature well though, using zips and flaps to stay ventilated or occasionally allow some fresh air to enter from underneath a poncho.

Waxed Cotton Jackets

Country style jackets often use non-waterproof fabrics and then coat them with a type of wax, which makes them repel water. They will need regular treatments to keep the wax effective, especcially where it has rubbed off the fabric over time. These jackets tend to be heavy and bulky but they can be very waterproof, and are commonly used for low-intensity activities like walking (but not hill walking).

Breathable Waterproof Jackets

This is  now the most common type of waterproof jacket. There are many different technologies on offer, and sometimes the different options can seem confusing.

There are also various design options available, and it helps to understand these when you’re making your selection. Some of them are for functional reasons rather than aesthetics, so it’s good to consider what you’ll actually be using the jacket for before you choose. For example, a climbing jacket will not necessarily be the best choice for general walking, and vice versa.

Choosing the Best Hood

Cold ears, wet hair, and water trickling down your back can be enough to make an outdoor adventure pretty miserable, so a good hood is really important. You can go for removable hood or a permanent one, the choice is up to you, but either way it should be adjustable and have a peak that keeps the rain out of your eyes. If you plan on wearing a helmet under it, consider a hood that’s designed for this.

Zips and Closures

Fully waterproof zips can add cost to a jacket, so most waterproof jackets  just use showerproof zips that will be partly effective but will eventually start to let in water. Plastic coated zips will keep rain out for a little longer, but it’s a good idea to look for a waterproof channel of fabric behind the zip that will help funnel any water down and out of the bottom of the jacket. Cuffs will usually include a velcro fastener to seal tightly around the wrist and keep out drips. The neck area should be fitted well enough to prevent wind and rain getting inside, however some rain finding it’s way inside is inevitable.

Types of Ventilation

Even the highest specification breathable waterproof fabric will not manage to let out all your sweat, so the main way of regulating your temperature is by using the main zip and any additional ventilation openings such as armpit vents. Jackets that are aimed at high-intensity activities, such as running or mountain biking, typically have more ventilation.

Jacket Pockets

If you’re out in the wind and Rain, cold hands can be a problem, so hand-warming pockets can be really useful. Pockets should have rainproof zips, and can also have rain flaps, which should help to keep most of the water out. Internal pockets should ideally be totally waterproof. If you’re going to carry a map, having a specific map size pocket is a good feature Some jackets specific to certain activities such as running, may have arm pockets. These can be really useful since items in them won’t bounce around as much as they would in other pockets.

Jacket Length

Short jackets  can give more freedom of movement and feel less restrictive, but are less suitable for some activities. For example, if used with a harness  for climbing you may end up with a gap between the jacket and trousers, especially if the arm length isn’t very generous and you’re reaching for climbing holds.

Medium length jackets tend to be all rounders, and are designed to go over trousers and help water funnel down over your backside and waist. Generally good for most activities.

Long jackets are are aimed at activities with a lot of reaching or bending movements, such as climbing or cycling. They will prevent a gap opening  between your layers and exposing an area around your lower back.

Jacket Waterproofing

Although there are some systems that work in a completely different way, such as Paramo and Buffalo, we’ll look at  the two most common methods of “waterproofing”.

Waterproof Coating

The process generally involves having the inside face of the outer fabric of the coat sprayed with a form of polyurethane. The varios panels of fabric are then sewn together and the stitching lines are taped over with a seam-sealer. The end product is an almost solid coating of plastic which is hard wearing but also allows some water vapour to escape. There are many examples of waterproof coatings, all of which work in a similar way, e.g.

• Aquafoil – Berghaus
• Hydrodry – Sprayway
• HyVent – The North Face
• AquaDry – Craghoppers, Dare2B
• IsoTex – Regatta

Waterproof Membranes

A layer of plastic (PTFE/Teflon) is created with incredibly small holes, that are too small for rain to get through but large enough for water vapour to escape. This membrane is then bonded to the outer fabric of the jacket. The membrane itself is very fragile, so it is protected from damage in a number of ways:

• Using a separate mesh, also known as a 2-layer technology
• The membrane is printed with microdots of Polyurethane, also known as a 2.5-layer technology
• Using a third layer of fabric bonded onto its inside surface, also called a 3-layer technology

Some examples of waterproof membranes which work in similar ways are:

• Gore Tex
• eVent
• AquaDry membrane
• Hellytech
• Polartec Neoshell

DWR (Durable Waterproof Repellents)

To complete the waterproofing, most jackets are finally treated in a chemical water repellant, which makes the rain bead-up and run off your coat. This chemical can wear away over time but can be renewed to some extent by the the use of specialist re-proofing products.

Useful Extra Information

Hydrostatic Head

You will often see figures quoting Hydrostatic Head (HH) ratings of 10,000 or more. This level of HH should keep you completely dry even in the worst weather. There are some really high values of  Hydrostatic Head available, but it’s probably not worth paying more money for a jacket that has a rating much higher than 10,000 as the noticeable difference will be negligible.

Breathability

When your exertion levels go up, breathability is nearly as important as waterproofing, since you really want all that moisture to escape the jacket. It’s also worth bearing in mind that in humid conditions, breathable waterproof fabrics don’t work quite as well as they do in a more dry heat.

Summary

We hope you found this guide useful, and it helps when it comes to buying the best waterproof outdoor jacket for your needs. Why not take a look at our range of outdoor jackets for some fantastic special offers

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Learn How to Pitch a Tent

When you first need to learn how to pitch a tent, it can seem like a confusing and difficult task. There is a huge amount of material, there are poles and pegs, and understanding how it all fits together can be tricky. While there are some people who have the pitching method for their tent perfected, there are also some who find the whole process stressful and overwhelming.

To help you prepare for your next camping trip, we’ve gathered some useful advice to help things go a little smoother.

How Do I Pitch A Tent?

Let’s start with a tried and tested method of pitching a tent. This one is used by many people and can make the whole process simple and effective.

Pitching a tent this way has several advantages:

• It’s fast
• It’s simple
• It removes the need for a lot of heavy lifting
• If it’s done correctly, you should have a very well pitched tent
• With some practice, most tents can be pitched by one person

It is worth remembering that many people have their own preferred method of pitching a tent. The method we’ve shown may not be the ideal one for you or even your particular model of tent, but it is a popular and proven method so its a great starting point.

This method should work with almost any steel or aluminum pole tent. Fibreglass pole tents can also be pitched with this system, but you should ensure that you don’t put too much stress on the poles.

The Method

1. Pitching a Tent

One of the most important steps is selection of a suitable pitching area. Find a good space to actually pitch your tent, ideally somewhere with a nice view (if you’re pitching in the dark this may be tricky!). Empty the  contents of the tent bag and check that you have all the different component parts required to actually pitch the tent. This should include the flysheet, groundsheet, pegs, poles and inner tent where applicable.

If you want to be super organised, separate and arrange the various parts, connect the poles, and unfold the flysheet and groundsheet.

2. Setting the Groundsheet

Unfold the groundsheet and place it on the ground where you want to pitch the tent. This will give a good visual representation of the space and shape the tent will use. It’s also useful on a wet day, as it’ll help keep the flysheet dry and free from dirt when laying it out.

It can be a good idea to peg the groundsheet down at the corners to keep it’s shape and stop it moving around too much under foot or in a breeze. Obviously, if your tent has a fully sewn in groundsheet, just skip this step and lay the whole thing flat on the floor (as in step 3).

3. Setting Up The Flysheet

Get the flysheet and spread it out flat on top of your groundsheet, (keep in mind that the front door should be facing forward!). Make sure you have the groundsheet covered (unless of course both the groundsheet and flysheet are already connected).

4. Corners

Peg down each of the corners of your flysheet, doing your best to line them up so they are square.If you can’t get it perfect that’s ok, as they can be adjusted later on anyway.

5.Middle Pole

Now for an important step. Take the middle pole and thread it through the sleeve where it’s designed to go. Only do this with the middle pole for now.

If there’s no middle pole, e.g. on tents with an even number of poles, just select one of the two pole sleeves nearest to the middle.

Make sure all of the tension straps are fully loosened at this point. These straps are usuallyconnected on webbing near to where the ring and pin system just below where the pole sleeve opens at each end of the tent.
It can be a good idea at this point to partially unzip any doors and windows as it will allow air to circulate and can make lifting the tent a little easier.

Attach the pin into the base of one end of your pole, then go around to the other side and do the same again. There should now be plenty of tension in the pole. If you can, stand the pole up now.

If you’ve followed the guide and have the front and back corners pegged in, the tension in the fabric will make the pole stand upright. If you’re tent is one with with steel poles, it can help to get that middle pole stood up first , so thread the middle ‘ridge’ section through the sleeve, then connect the pole on one side of the triangle, and attach the pin to the base, which should make the pole stand up. Now walk to the other side of the tent and connect the other leg to the middle section and then to the pin on the other side. Hopefully, the tent should now stand up on the middle pole.

6.Other Poles

Now that you’re first pole is setup, thread the rest of your poles, ideally starting from the middle and working your way outwards.

One good thing about pitching a tent this way is that the main pole is now in it’s correct position, and you should find that the other poles will easily thread through and attach.

Be aware that some poles may feel pretty tight, and it can sometimes help to have an extra pair of hands to bend the poles onto the pin and ring connectors.

With some models of tent it can be a good idea to now connect a front guyline at this point, as it will add stability especially in breezy conditions.
Once you’ve inserted all of the remaining poles and attached them to the pins, the tent should look pretty good.

If you have a tent with a zipped in groundsheet, this is a good time to zip it in if you haven’t already. Its a good idea to do this before you tighten any tension straps and the other guylines, as the material will become too tight to connect.

Once complete, peg out the various remaining pegging points on the groundsheet. Now tighten all the tension straps at the bottom of each pole, where it connects to the pin and ring ystem.

7.Attachments

Now go round and secure all remaining the attachments if you have any. There may be some small clips that connect the flysheet to the poles, make sure these clips are attached to the poles, as they add strength and help prevent contact between the inner and outer tent fabric.

Next, attach the inners if any remain loose.

Before you unroll and peg out the guy lines, make a final check to ensure that the tent is lined up properly, and looks reasonably straight from front corner to back corner. If needed, adjust the poles so they line up properly. You should be able to simply lift them and reposition them a tiny bit either way to line them up. You may also need to re-adjust the corners you pegged in earlier.

Make sure that you have all doors and windows zipped closed now before you tighten all of the guylines. If they are open, you may find that you can’t close the door because the guylines are now pulling on the material.

When putting pegs into the ground,try to push them in at approximately a 45 degree angle, as this will help prevent them from lifting out accidentally.

Summary

The method has several advantages, over other methods and is a good starting point for certain models of tent, especially if this is your first time pitching a tent.

We hope our quick giude has helped you learn how to pitch a tent, and if you’re looking for a new tent, then why not take a look at our fantastic range of tents and special offers.

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Snowboarding is one of the most popular recreational winter sports, and theres no shortage of choice when it comes to snowboarding gear. When you’re descending a slow-clad slope with a snowboard strapped on to your feet, it’s reassuring to know your kit won’t let you down.

From the early days of snowboarding, that took its inspiration from skiing, skateboarding, surfing and sledding, the technology used in snowboarding kit has moved at a rapid pace. Over a period of time, the sport has also evolved into different styles characterized by different techniques and equipment.

Akin to any other sports, snowboarding too has its own risk. So if you are a beginner you should start by choosing gear that’s appropriate for your skill level, and the type of terrain you’ll be riding. Even though it seems to be a little expensive, selecting your kit, and make a statement on the slopes with your own unique style is a big part of the sport for many people. Unlike skiing, snowboarding tends to attract the use of longer, baggier gear. Changing trends in the fashion have its own effect in the snowboard gears too. A visit to any snow board shop will give you a glimpse of various brands of snow board kit.

Standard snowboarding gear comprises of mandatory accessories like water-resistant snowboard jacket, water resistant snow board pants, goggles, snowboarding mittens or hand gloves, snowboarding boots, a snowboard with bindings. These days a helmet is common (and mandatory in many places) and most snowboard helmets are light and comfortable. Other protection such as wrist guards, knee pads, padded shorts and back protector can all be a wise investment, especially if you progress to doing tricks and catching air.

Choosing a snowboard can be a tough job as they come in a wide variety of designs and shapes. Two of the many types of snowboards available in the market are: Conventional Camber Snow boards ( a board that touches the ground in the middle of the board between the bindings and peels away the snow) and the Rocker/ Camber Combination boards(The one that can touch the snow at any number of points). As a beginner you may be unsure which is best for you, but a good snowboard shop assistant can help you in this regard.

Snowboard boots are classified based on the ability level and style of snowboarding. There are beginners’ boots, free style boots, all mountain boots and free ride boots. You can find each of them being unique with respect to flex, comfort, heel hold and shock absorption.

Two trendy accessories in the snowboard gear kit are the jacket and the trousers. Two widely used styles are Insulated snowboarding jacket & trousers and Shell jackets and trousers. The former as the name suggests has insulation to keep your body warm, whereas the latter is waterproof with no insulation ( you will have to attach an insulated layer).

Some people prefer gloves on their hands, while many go for mittens. Gloves help in tying up the bindings while mittens keep you warmer. You can go for park gloves that are thin liners gloves advisable during the spring.

Snowboarding goggles are needed for both UV protection and also to help with visibility in windy or snowy conditions. Goggles come with a variety of lens specifications, and some models have inter-changable lenses.

Finally, before you jet off to your Winter resort, you’ll need a snowboard bag to transport your gear in. Snowboard bags will often have room for your all of your snowboarding gear including boots, bindings, board and helmet and they may even manage some of your clothing. They are lightweight, size adjustable and are available in different brands. Some bags even come with built in wheels to make them easy to pull along at airports etc.

So there you are, a round up of the typical snowboarding gear you may want to add to your kit list.  If you have a Winter sports holiday coming up remember that fitness is also important, and there’s some great training advice available over on theintermittentfastingdiet.com. If you’re shopping for equipment right now, why not take a look at some of Rock and Mountain’s fantastic deals on snowboard gear.

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