Friday, July 10, 2009

Hearty Advice for Hikers and Hunters

By Ethan O. Tanner

As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take. Hunters and hikers will often navigate the toughest terrain. Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain.

Walking up and down sharp hillsides and roaming through wet, slick fields and wooded areas places tension on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, particularly if you haven't conditioned decently before arriving at the trail. The best gear for walking up and down in the woods is a high caliber pair of well manufactured hiking boots. This investment in good boots will prevent sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons.

It is wise for hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-grade hiking boots. Strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks provide terrific ankle and foot support that facilitates lessening stress and muscle tiredness to keep down injury risk.

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. A good synthetic sock for the first layer keeps the feet dry and reduces blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable. Wool lets moisture evaporate more readily than cotton, so fewer blisters develop.

What happens if your feet or ankles ache during a hike or hunt? Pain generally comes about from overuse, being out of shape, or even from merely walking. If you're not used to walking on inclined or unsmooth ground, your legs and feet will get worn out and cause muscles and tendons to suffer. To ward off a dangerous injury, such as a serious ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for for a while if you start to hurt.

Temperance is also a favorable technique to follow when first setting forth in the woods. Compare hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on less ambitious trails until they become better qualified and more capable. Applying common sense in starting out easy will make your hunt more comfortable and pleasurable. - 16887

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