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Electronic Weather Stations & Accessories
Electronic Weather
Stations & Accessories

 

From DayHiker.com:

FABRIC CHOICE

Cotton is sturdy, but uncomfortable when it gets wet. I like the feel of cotton, but what I can't stand is the way it stretches when I've been sweating heavily or gotten caught in the rain. I don't like my shirt hanging down to my knees. There are many high tech fibers that wick (transport your sweat into the air) and are warm (since not wet they feel warmer) and are incredibly light, but also expensive. Some of these trademarked fibers are Coolmax, Utralight Mircrofeece, Microfiber, Capilene, Polartec, Ultrawick, Tactel, Spandex, Supplex, Gortex, and Lycra. By layering these materials it is possible to hike with incredibly light clothing, even in freezing weather. Try it. It works.

GARMENT CHOICE

You may try hiking in whatever you own to start out with, then add a few garments at a time, giving the new stuff a good tryout before investing in a whole new wardrobe. Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. I like shorts and shirts that are light, fairly tight, and synthetic. Shorts are typically my first choice unless weather conditions warrant pants. However, if you are sensitive to poison ivy/oak, prone to off-trail bushwhacking, or concerned about sun protection, pants and long-sleeved shirts are a good idea. Either way, don't forget a hat, and remember that tube of sun block.

SHOES/BOOTS

The success or failure of any hike is tied to shoe selection. Some day hikes require nothing more than sturdy running/cross training type shoes and granted, heavy, stiff hiking boots are at a decided weight disadvantage compared to a light, flexible, comfortable shoe. Every pound of shoe is equivalent to carrying 7-9 pounds on your back. You can minimize shoe weight by selecting a cross-trainer with ankle support, a trail-running shoe, or one of the lighter hiking boots that are readily available. Still, my shoe of choice is sturdy boots. Either way, just make sure the shoes aren't too skimpy in padding. You'll know if your feet hurt at the end of a hike that you need more cushion. And make sure that they fit. When buying, try them on in the afternoon since your feet swell as the day wears on. You should have 1/4-1/2 inch of room at the end of your toes. If in doubt opt for a larger size. Buying a larger size means a wider boot, not a longer boot. Heavy, substantial boots are definitely preferred for long hikes along rocky trails. Take care to break in new shoes by wearing them as you go about your daily tasks for a few days BEFORE you wear them hiking. And take some moleskin on your first hike with new shoes/boots, just in case!

SOCKS

Don't skimp on socks! Good socks will act as a buffer between your feet and shoes. You will experience less foot fatigue and fewer blisters with adequate socks. It's amazing how important sock selection is when engaged in an long day hike of many hours. The coarse threads of hiking socks will eventually begin to dig into your skin causing much discomfort and blisters. Avoid this by wearing a thin nylon sock, a liner, as a first layer, or just one pair of light ones. Bring an extra pair for replacement half way. There is something really refreshing about putting on a pair of socks half-way through a killer hike. One more thought: before undertaking that marathon hike consider this - new socks, old shoes. It's not a good time to see if those new shoes work.

HATS

This is easy. Wear the largest, lightest brim hat you can stomach. Yes, it’s dorky looking but do it anyway. It keeps you cooler and lessens the chance for wrinkles and skin cancer. And speaking of wrinkles and skin cancer, higher altitudes and summer time are brutal to the skin. Low altitudes and any sun are brutal to the skin. Put sunscreen on all days, cloudy or not. Consult your local dermatologist if necessary.

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