Fire Safety

Windbreakers have become increasingly popular in the last years and many hikers have switched from rain jackets to these minimalistic shell layers. Windbreakers are lighter and pack smaller than rain jackets and are thus perfect for lightweight hiking. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that a windbreaker performs quite differently than a rain jacket. A rain jacket is, as the name suggests, primarily intended for protection against the rain, but it also provides good protection against the wind. Windbreakers, on the other hand, provide very little protection against the rain, but efficiently block the wind. I have a windbreaker (Salomon S/LAB) as well as a rain jacket (Montane Minimus), and I always decide which one to wear/carry in my backpack after checking the weather forecast and conditions on the trail in question. In the following I will explain the differences between windbreaker jackets and rain jackets to help you choose the right garment for your needs.

Fleece vs Synthetic Fill Jackets:

• Air permeability
• Weight and packability
• Comfort
• Protection against the precipitation
• Durability and price
• Conclusion

Air permeability

Air permeability (better known as breathability) is important when it comes to hiking, backpacking and sports apparel in general because you will sweat extensively throughout the activity if your clothes are not air permeable. Rain jackets are typically made of multiple thin material layers and have a membrane or a coating to prevent rain drops from penetrating the garment. This material structure significantly reduces the air permeability and therefore rain jackets are known to be the least breathable activewear, although breathability can vary hugely between high-quality rain jackets and cheap ones. You can read more about this in our article Rainwear: Hydrostatic Head and Breathability. Windbreakers typically provide better air permeability because they are made of a single layer of tightly woven synthetic fabric which blocks the wind – but not the rain (at least not for long). As such, windbreakers are perfect for highly aerobic activities like running, fast alpine ascents etc. Air permeability can also vary hugely between high- and low-quality windbreakers.

Weight and packability

Windbreakers almost always pack smaller and weigh less then rain jackets. Therefore, they are very popular among lightweight hikers. Everybody should indeed use lightweight gear for hiking because lightweight gear reduces discomfort and strain on the body. You can read more about this in my article Why hike lightweight. So, how big is the difference in weight? A windbreaker for men can weigh as little as 80 grams (3 oz.) while it’s hard to find a rain jacket that weighs less than 200 grams (7 oz.). As for the packability, windbreakers obviously pack smaller than rain jackets. My Salomon S/LAB jacket for example packs so small that I avoid putting it in the main compartment of my backpack because I have trouble finding it if I need it later. In terms of packed size, a high-quality rain jacket typically has the size of a big apple while a top-tier windbreaker has the size of a small mandarin. The difference is not that big, but if you are, for example, going climbing and you want your shell layer attached to the climbing harness, a windbreaker will be less bulky.

Comfort

Rain jackets belong in the category of hardshells, which – as the name suggests – are somewhat stiff garments.  Therefore, they are not the most comfortable apparel to wear. Nevertheless, there are exceptions such as rain jackets made of Polartec NeoShell fabric which are known to be very stretchy. However, these jackets are also very expensive. Windbreaker jackets on the other hand provide much better stretch than most rain jackets and thus greater freedom of movement. They are also less bulky and less noisy (stiff waterproof fabrics tend to rustle when you move). All in all, windbreakers are a better choice in terms of comfort. However, they provide nowhere near as good protection against precipitation as rain jackets.

Protection against the precipitation

The primary function of any rain jacket is to keep you dry in (heavy) rain. Nevertheless, as rain jackets are made of relatively impermeable materials, they also block wind quite efficiently. Therefore, a rain jacket is a great option when you can’t rely on weather forecast (for example for long backpacking trips) and you need a versatile protection against all the elements. Windbreakers do provide some protection against the rain, but they will for sure not keep you dry for long. Unlike rain jackets, they don’t utilize membranes/coatings for weather protection, but merely a tightly woven fabric treated with DWR. However, windbreakers provide excellent protection against the wind. As such, they are perfect for short adventures (day hikes, trail running etc.) in dry but windy weather.

Durability and price

Windbreakers are more delicate than rain jackets because they are typically made of thinner fabrics. Nevertheless, many top-tier rain jackets are also quite fragile; the material simply can’t be robust and lightweight at the same time, and thus more or less all high-quality rain jackets are lightweight rather than heavy and robust. Therefore you should be careful not to get whichever garment you choose to wear caught on rocks, thorns, branches etc. because it will tear. Windbreakers are, however, easier to repair because the fabric can be sewn by hand or machine without affecting performance. Mended tears might block wind less efficiently, but the garment should still preserve its functionality. It’s harder to sew a rain jacket and preserve its performance because you will obviously make holes into the membrane or coating, through which precipitation can enter and spread.

When it comes to price, rain jackets are in general more expensive – at least if we are comparing products of the same quality. Nevertheless, high-quality and super lightweight windbreakers can also be very expensive. Some windbreakers from brands such as Salomon and Black Diamond cost more than $150 which is indeed a lot for such a minimalistic garment.

Conclusion

So, should you buy a windbreaker or a rain jacket? If you mostly hike in dry weather, a windbreaker is the obvious choice because it provides good breathability and is lighter and more packable than a rain jacket. You can also use it for running and other highly aerobic activities which is indeed a benefit. Now, if you often hike in rainy weather, in areas with unstable weather (for example at high altitudes) or do long backpacking trips where you can’t rely on the weather forecast, a rain jacket is a better option. For such conditions a windbreaker doesn’t provide appropriate protection against the elements.

I typically use my Salomon S/LAB windbreaker jacket for day hikes and fast alpine ascents in the Alps in dry weather. For all other trips I use my Montane Minimus rain jacket because it’s more versatile – it provides protection against the wind as well as protection against the rain.

I’d love to hear about your thoughts on windbreakers and rain jackets. Write them in the comments section below.

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The post Windbreaker VS Rain Jacket – What is a better option? appeared first on Best Hiking.

Have you heard of the healing properties of the California Poppy? What about the health-promoting nutrients of alfalfa? Check out this article to learn which plants have powerful medicinal purposes.

10 Powerful Medicinal Plants From Around the World

There are literally hundreds of medicinal plants across the globe – some of which may be unfamiliar to you. Here is a list of 10 powerful medicinal plants from around the world that may come in handy when you travel.

Note: The information in this article is for informative purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

1. California Poppy

This opioid plant is used as an anxiety reliever and is even safe for use in children. The California poppy can be made into a tea for quick relief of nervousness and tension. A stronger decoction will offer pain relief. (A decoction is made by “stewing” all safe parts of the plant, including stems and roots if possible, in water for several hours.) Best when soaked overnight.

2. Tansy

This plant can be found throughout Europe. Rubbing the leaves on the skin provides an effective bug repellent, but tansy can also be used to treat worms. It is said to be poisonous when extracted, but a few leaves are not harmful if ingested.

3. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is incredibly rich in minerals and health-promoting nutrients and compounds. With roots that grow 20 to 30 feet deep, alfalfa is considered the “father of all plants”. Alfalfa originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East but has now spread to most of Europe and America. It is believed to soothe symptoms of morning sickness, nausea, kidney stones, kidney pain, and urinary discomfort. It is also a powerful diuretic and has a bit of stimulant power, helping to energize the human body after a bout with illness. It is also a liver and bowel cleanser, and with long-term use it is believed to help reduce cholesterol. You can purchase seeds and sprouts, but it’s fine to eat the leaves straight from the earth.

4. Catnip

Catnip isn’t just for cats – it’s great for humans as well. It can be found in the Northern Hemisphere. This useful plant can relieve cold symptoms and even break a fever, as it promotes sweating. Catnip also helps stop excessive bleeding and swelling when applied topically rather than ingested.

Note: Catnip can stimulate uterine contractions, so it should not be consumed by pregnant women.

5. Sage

Sage is an incredibly useful herb, widely considered to be perhaps the most valuable herb. It is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal. Sage also aids with digestion, helps relieve cramps, reduces diarrhea, dries up phlegm, fights colds, reduces inflammation and swelling, acts as a salve for cuts and burns, and kills bacteria.

Sage is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world.

6. Blackberries

Blackberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, but the leaves and roots also have value. Native Americans used the stems and leaves for healing, while enjoying the young shoots peeled as a vegetable; and they enjoyed the berries either raw or in jams. The leaves and root can be used as a treatment against dysentery and diarrhea, as well as being used as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. Ideal for treating cuts and inflammation in the mouth.

7. Navajo Tea

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It’s that time of year! #navajotea

A post shared by Akira (@meowssolini) on Jun 5, 2018 at 4:00pm PDT

Navajo Tea — also called greenthread, Plains Tea or Coyote Plant — has been used for centuries by Native Americans to quickly relieve the most brutal and irritating of infections: the UTI (urinary tract infection.) Best when made into a tea or decoction.

8. Feverfew

Feverfew is a plant that has well-known health properties and medicinal benefits. This anti-inflammatory plant can treat symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, migraine headaches, and tension headaches. It’s also good for alleviating tension and general anxiety, as it is a natural serotonin inhibitor. It also helps to reduce swelling and bruising. Though feverfew is most effective when taken daily, it can be a helpful pain reliever.

9. Winter Savory

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#wintersavory #inthearomaticgarden Flowers are small and sparse this year when they bloom, due to the lack of rains but this little one pushed through. Used as a herb, essential oil, and for culinary dishes.

A post shared by Sedona Aromatics (@sedonaaromatics) on Aug 1, 2018 at 8:40am PDT

Winter savory is your savior against insect bites and stings. One of the most effective natural plant treatments for bug bites, it is originally from Europe and the Mediterranean but often shows up elsewhere thanks to global trade. In addition to being an antiseptic, it is delicious – used for flavoring meats and stews. All parts of this plant are edible.

10. Wild Quinine

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Wild quinine or American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium): One of my favorite perennials, it produces corymbs of bright white blooms all through the summer and into fall. It generally flowers at 3 to 4 feet but tolerates heavy pruning (or mowing) in late spring, then starting to bloom in midsummer and reaching 18 to 24 inches. It’s tough enough for a meadow setting but also looks handsome in the garden. It’s a favorite with pollinators—particularly a variety of bees and flies—and it makes a sturdy-stemmed, long-lasting cut flower. Colorful fall foliage. Self-sows gently. Some interesting medicinal uses. And…my deer don’t touch it. Can’t ask for much more than that! It’s recommended for dryish soil but has no problem with my winter-wet soil here in Zone 6/7. Native to the eastern half of the US but now extirpated in PA and endangered or threatened in a few other states. #wildquinine #americanfeverfew #partheniumintegrifolium #nativeplants #nativeperennials #whiteflowers #favoriteperennials #corymb

A post shared by Nancy J. Ondra (@nancyjondra) on Jul 6, 2018 at 1:27pm PDT

Wild quinine is a potent herb that has traditionally been used in alternative medicine to treat debility, fatigue, respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection, and venereal disease. Whatever the ailment, quinine is famously helpful in treating it. Only the root and flowers are edible – avoid the plant.

Check out these related articles:

30 Medicinal Plants That Could Save Your Life

“Need To Know” Rules When Picking Edible & Medicinal Plants

Top Medicinal Herbs To Grow At Home | Homesteading Tips

Picking Edible & Medicinal Plants – Must Know Rules

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Almost everyone loves to travel as it introduces us to new experiences and create long-lasting memories. An increasingly popular trend in traveling is backpacking: traveling with simply a bag and its contents. Backpacking is usually dependent on public transportation, hitchhiking, and shelter is usually found at more public locations rather than homes for rent. Backpacking trips usually enrich you with the local culture, rather than simply visiting tourist attractions. For example, a backpacking trip to South America would have you interacting with local residents on a daily basis In addition, backpacking trips are usually much more extensive than normal vacations, meaning you’ll be away for a long time. So how exactly can someone get into backpacking and have a successful first trip? Here are five tips that should help you with your first backpacking trip.

 

Pack Accordingly

Packing accordingly is important for any trip, but it is especially important for backpacking trips. Backpacking trips are much longer than traditional vacations, making packing extremely important. In addition, you will likely only be traveling with your backpack, meaning that there is even more importance placed on how you pack and what you pack. Make sure you have everything you need to get by on your trip, including food, clothing, water, and money. You obviously don’t have to go overboard as that would ruin the purpose of a backpacking trip, but you should still pack well enough to ensure that your first backpacking trip is a happy and healthy one.

 

Bring a Friend

Backpacking by yourself is quite the experience, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it is recommended that new and inexperienced backpackers bring a friend along for their first trip. Having someone with you while you’re backpacking allows you to have someone able to help you if something goes wrong, making the trip much safer. There are plenty of things that can go wrong while you’re traveling the world with minimal possessions, making backpacking a scary prospect. Due to this, you should probably backpack with a friend in order to learn the ropes before you immediately jump into a solo backpacking trip.

 

Train Physically

Being in peak physical shape is highly recommended for your first backpacking trip. While you’re backpacking you’ll be doing a lot of physical activity including walking, hiking, and lifting. If you’re not in peak physical condition, it could be quite difficult to complete your first backpacking trip. Being out of shape could cause you to stop early or be unable to complete your journey, as the physical toll of all that walking and hiking can be too much for some people. So if you plan on taking your first backpacking trip soon, ensure that you train your body and are in great shape.

 

Buy the Right Gear

Another important aspect of backpacking for the first time is buying the right gear to use. Obviously, you will need the right backpack, as you will need one that is large enough to fit all of your belongings inside of it. You will also need other gear such as hiking clothes like boots and comfortable walking shoes. You also may need things like flasks and containers in order to keep your food hot or cold depending on the situation. You also will likely need gear for shelter including a tent and a sleeping bag, allowing you to sleep no matter where your backpacking travels take you. Bringing the right gear on your first backpacking trip can make the trip much easier and safer for you.

 

Keep an Open Mind

One of the most important tips for first-time backpackers is to keep an open mind on the trip. Backpacking trips can involve lots of unexpected events. You never quite know what you’re going to see or who you’re going to meet. Due to this, it is important to keep an open mind while on your trip. You shouldn’t plan out your days too much or become too focused on getting specific things done. You should simply relax on your backpacking trip and go with the flow. Let things happen naturally around you and let the experiences naturally come to you. This will make your backpacking trip much more authentic and much more enjoyable.

The Cottonwood Lakes hike probably gives you the most  bang-for-your-buck in the Eastern Sierra. The hike starts from the Cottonwood Lakes Campground, already at 10,000 feet, so your car does most of the legwork to get you to altitude. From there, the Cottonwood Lakes Trail gently makes its way through pristine alpine terrain to a series of several crystal-clear alpine lakes, all in the shadow of the high Sierra peaks like Mt Langley. Every step of this must-do hike is spectacular, so give it a try.

The post Cottonwood Lakes Hike appeared first on HikingGuy.com.

Video shows Arc Shots and technique for 7016 pipe root pass

Luxembourg is kind of a hikers’ paradise with wonderful trail – but unfortunately these are all in the North of this small country. My route was leading me through the heavily industrialized South. Up to only decades ago mining was predominant in this area which was documented by a memorial for all the miners that had lost their lives in work accidents. It was interesting to see that the number of accidents significantly decreased over the years! Right nex to this impressive memorial is a much smaller one, a little chapel with the Madonna of Leiffrächen – a very popular pilgrimage site not only for miners.

I was very lucky to have an invitation in Kayl
where one of my FB friends had invited me to her house. I was not only heavenly fed but could eventually ask all my questions about multilingual Luxembourg: The little country has its own language which is kind of similar to German so that I could halfway understand what is going on. When I tried some newlearnt words on my hosts’ dog it even obeyed! And most people here also speak German as a second language plus French as the third official language! Very impressive also the incredible apricot cake I was served for dessert. I liked it so much that I was given the leftovers when I departed next morning!

The rest of my route through Luxembourg was unremarkable. Nothing to write home about, but it was still amazing that  the trail planners found some relatively unspoilt areas where to route the trail through. Sometimes the scenery was really pretty but I could always here a motorway or trainline. Scenic highlight was my arrival at the three country border at Schengen / Perl where I hiked through the vineyards of the river Mosel and couldn not resist to nick some grapes.

Did you know that today is “National Take a Hike Day”? Each year, on November 17th, National Take a Hike Day is observed by hikers across the country. Though the origins of this day seem to be a little murky, it appears that it may have been started by the American Hiking Society. Whenever and whoever started the day, hiking has its roots firmly planted in many of the same societal trends that shaped our country. According to the National Today website:

Hiking, while a major part of our culture today, wasn’t always the ubiquitous weekend warrior activity is today. Before Walden, Thoreau, and John Muir there was Romantic and Transcendentalism movement, art and cultural shifts to the natural order and time spent being outside. A reaction to the Industrial Revolution, train schedules, 90 hour work weeks and more.

The idea of taking a hike turned romantic and peaceful.

If you can’t actually make it onto a trail today, you can still download a copy of my book, “Ramble On: A History of Hiking,” to learn about the rich and amazing history of one of the world’s top pastimes, which will help to explain why today is now recognized as a “national holiday”.

Happy Take a Hike Day!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking

Security overload leads to apathy. How often do you hear a car alarm go off and roll your eyes hoping the owner would disable the blasted thing before the incoming headache comes a knocking? The primary objection I have to such systems is they work too well. Every week I hear an alarm being triggered […]

This is just the start of the post Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy. Continue reading and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

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Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy, written by Thomas Xavier, was created exclusively for readers of the survival blog More Than Just Surviving.

There is still considerable disagreement about the utility of the Tactical Reload. However, whether it has utility or not, it doesn’t have to be a clumsy technique. This is how the Tactical Reload is taught at the elite Rogers Shooting School and Dodd & Associates.

The magazines are handled by the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. For visual clarity in this photo essay, the partially depleted magazine is depicted by an empty stainless magazine and the full replacement magazine by a blue magazine with a dummy round on top.

• Draw the reload magazine as usual, forefinger along the front.

• Slip the forefinger down the magazine so the full magazine is held between the forefinger and middle finger. This leaves the thumb and forefinger available to catch the partially depleted magazine.

• Eject the partial magazine between the thumb and forefinger and catch it.

• Insert the full magazine, which is held between the forefinger and middle finger, into the pistol.

• Stow the partial magazine in a pocket, pouch, or your belt.

This method uses the hand’s two most dexterous digits, the thumb and forefinger, to catch the partially depleted magazine. Using the hand’s most dexterous digits makes it simple to handle even double column magazines.