Winter walking: what you’ll need

Mark Pawlak    trekkingholidays     camping, outdoor activity, trekking, trekking gear, trekking holidays, Walking, walking gear, winter, winter walking

During the colder months, it’s all too easy to find excuses to avoid the great outdoors, wrapping up warm and staying in with yet another hearty (and fattening) meal. However, as tempting as it is, staying indoors during winter can be a mistake as nature gears up for a spectacular display of her powers and begins to bless us with some of the most fabulous views you’ll see all year.

Winter Walking with good gear. Image: Flickr/Nick Bramhall

Winter walking is a wonderful way of getting out and enjoying these views, as well as learning to appreciate nature and the frozen ground under your feet. It’s also a great way of keeping fit and active during the cold season, as good food and excess layers of clothing make it easier to pile on the pounds.

But winter walking is a little different from the walks that you’re used to completing in the summer and you need to prepare for them accordingly. Staying warm is your first priority, as lower temperatures can cause problems: look out for clothing designed to deal with cold weather. Companies such as The North Face are especially good for this, with many of their items specially designed to trap body heat and repel water during bad-weather walks.

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Outdoor Activities: Can indoor sports compete?

Mark Pawlak    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     gym, indoor activities, indoor climbing, indoor sports, outdoor activities, outdoor activity

OK, this is an adventure sports blog so we all love our outdoor activities. But don’t think for a minute we are exclusive here; even the hardiest mountaineer chooses good weather over bad. So what is it about the outdoors that makes them so great and which indoor sports, if any, tempt us from our treks?

Mmmm, pause for thought. I can see indoor versions of outdoor activities being really enjoyable. A good climbing wall can test the best climbers’ abilities, but it’s just practice really, preparation for the real thing. read more