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When it comes to hitting the trails, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is what type of footwear to wear. While some hikers swear by traditional hiking boots, others prefer trail runners. So, what are the benefits and downsides of each option? Let’s take a closer look.

Hiking Boots: The Benefits

Hiking boots are designed to offer plenty of support and protection. They often have thick, sturdy soles that provide excellent traction and stability on rough terrain. Hiking boots also tend to have high ankle cuffs that help prevent ankle injuries, which is especially important when carrying a heavy backpack.

Another benefit of hiking boots is their durability. High-quality boots can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent hikers. They’re also a good choice for backpacking trips, where you’ll be carrying a heavy load and need all the support you can get.

Hiking Boots: The Downsides

One of the downsides of hiking boots is their weight. They tend to be heavier than trail runners, which can make them more tiring to wear over long distances. They also tend to be more rigid, which can limit your range of motion and make it harder to move quickly over uneven terrain.

Another downside of hiking boots is their cost. Quality hiking boots can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some hikers. They also tend to require more breaking in than trail runners, which can be a pain for those who want to hit the trails right away.

Trail Runners: The Benefits

Trail runners are designed to be lightweight and breathable, making them a good choice for hikers who prioritize speed and agility. They’re also generally more comfortable than hiking boots, thanks to their flexible, form-fitting design.

Another benefit of trail runners is their versatility. They can be worn for a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to trail running to climbing. This makes them a good option for hikers who want a single pair of shoes that can do it all.

Trail Runners: The Downsides

One of the downsides of trail runners is their lack of support. While they may offer enough protection for shorter hikes, they’re not the best choice for more rugged terrain or heavy backpacking trips. They also tend to wear out faster than hiking boots, which can be a drawback for frequent hikers.

Another downside of trail runners is their lack of waterproofing. While some models may be water-resistant, they’re generally not as effective as hiking boots at keeping your feet dry in wet conditions. This can be a major issue if you’re hiking in a rainy or snowy climate.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between hiking boots and trail runners comes down to personal preference and the type of hiking you plan to do. If you’re planning a longer, more challenging hike or carrying a heavy load, hiking boots could be the better choice. However, if you prioritize speed and agility, and are planning a shorter, less challenging hike, trail runners may be a better fit.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes that fit well and provide enough support for your needs. With the right footwear, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest.

Going on a backpacking trip can be an exhilarating experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and take in some stunning views. However, as a beginner, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the trail. Here are ten things to keep in mind before going on a hiking trip:

1. Plan Your Route: Before you hit the trail, make sure you have planned your route and have a map or GPS device with you. Familiarize yourself with the area you will be hiking in and research any potential hazards along the way.
2. Check the Weather: It’s essential to check the weather forecast before you set out. If there is a chance of rain or thunderstorms, it’s best to postpone your hike.
3. Wear Proper Footwear: A comfortable and sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots is a must. Make sure they fit well and are broken in before you hit the trail.
4. Dress in Layers: The temperature can change quickly when you’re hiking, so it’s important to dress in layers. This way, you can easily adjust to the temperature changes and stay comfortable.
5. Bring Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is critical when you’re hiking. Bring plenty of water with you, and don’t rely on natural sources of water along the way.
6. Pack Light: Keep your backpack as light as possible. Only bring the essentials, such as food, water, first-aid kit, and a map.
7. Don’t Leave Trash Behind: It’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all your trash. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
8. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Accidents can happen, so it’s essential to bring a first-aid kit and know how to use it. Make sure you have a way to call for help in case of an emergency.
9. Know Your Limits: Don’t overestimate your abilities. Start with shorter hikes and work your way up to more challenging ones.
10. Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and don’t feed or approach them. Remember, you’re a visitor in their home.

In conclusion, hiking can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. By keeping these ten tips in mind, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Happy trails!

Rioting, looting, violence, marshal law,  I’m sure you’re worried what will be the fallout of November 2016. I’m sorry to say I actually have no advice on what to do about Black Friday Sales. However, if you want to hide from US politics for a little while, here are 5 Great (longer) Canadian trips that will help you escape and have a relaxing a-political time.

1. Canoe Bowron Lakes – This 117 km (miles will cease to exist after the election so you better get up to speed on what a km is) canoe and portage route in Central British Columbia will keep you away from noise and political slogans. We took our youngest kids on this route in 2013 and had a blast. Take a look at our report here.
2. Stein Valley Traverse – Up for some hiking? This 8-day through hike in BC hardly gets any attention. Route finding skills are a must, weather is fickle, fishing is supposedly great and chances of encountering politicians is approximately 0. Also, a hand cable car – how cool is that?

    

3.  Gros Morne, Newfoundland – This UNESCO world heritage site offers amazing views. Spend a few days here and you’ll imagine yourself in a different time and place… one where your only vote is whether to go backcountry backpacking or kayak the fjords. Yes, Canada has fjords.

    

4. The Great Divide Trail, Alberta – This 1200 km trail traverses the continental divide between British Columbia and Alberta. You’ll need great route finding skills for this one and you’ll have to be fairly self-sufficient. This is no walk in President’s Park, but imagine leaving everything behind so you can reevaluate what’s really important to you.

   

5. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador – Lighthouses, puffins, icebergs and whales… oh my. This ain’t Kansas. 265 kilometres of Eastern Canadian seashore await you. Lose yourself in the beauty of nature. Oh, and no “Vote for…” lawn signs!

Canada is a great place to visit, with many, many Great Canadian Adventures where you can take a vacation from the busy-ness and politics of life. Come visit wherever you want, just leave the politics at the door :).

P.S. I’d love to hear your trips for surviving any election, so please leave comments down below.

You wait for the perfect window – at least 3 days – enough time to cut, rake, pile and then bale it… Then, when you see the perfect window where sunny skies and hot days are forecast you make the leap, hoping the forecast stays true.

In those 3-4 days rain can ruin over 3-4 months work. It can rot the hay, or at least lower the quality to the point that an $8 bale of timothy is only worth $5. When you’re looking at 300 – 400 bales, that’s a significant loss… which is bigger when you consider that most small acreage owners are contracting the work out and giving away a cut or at least paying an hourly rate to the farmer doing the work.

Many of the farmers in the area were caught with a surprise storm – later advertising “rained on” hay for $3 off the going rate), some caught out twice. This is why farmer’s advice for cutting hay used to (and sometimes still does) include prayer.

When you’re running a hobby farm you often can’t justify purchasing on the equipment needed to hay a field. It’s over $20000 for even old farm machinery to cut, condition and bale, so you usually settle for a crop share (60/40) or an hourly rate (we were quoted $120 an hour for operator, time and equipment maintenance). There are pros and cons to each method. If the farmer is getting a cut, he’s motivated to prioritise your field. If he’s getting paid by the hour and your hay gets rained on before being baled then you’ll need to get the hay flipped again and that can be a couple hours more of his time.

Our hay was delayed a month before cutting due to the farmer’s baler breaking down and an unseasonably wet June. There was no window of time long enough to cut, dry and bale until last Thursday, when the forecast cleared for a good 2 weeks of sun. That’s when our guy arrived and set to work cutting.

And that’s also about when the forecast changed – promising rain a week down the road. That’s ok, with only overcast skies we still had a few days of buffer. But, as all good stories go, on Monday morning the forecast changed again – thunderstorms that afternoon. The hay on one field was ready, so our guy set to work baling it and I took the rest of the day off work to collect some pallets and start collecting the bales when they were ready.

We worked all afternoon with the whole family. The oldest two stuffed bales into our lawn tractor’s trailer while we went around in my dad’s pickup truck and a trailer wondering – and praying – that we would get it done on time. The younger two… went for hay rides.

We slowly ate away at the more than 300 bales, stopping for water breaks and dinner. At around 9:30, as it got dark my brother showed up as a surprise and we were more than happy for his help. As they say, many hands make light work.

As night wore on we could see the lightning flashing to the north, and yet, stars shone overhead. It looked like the storm had been diverted and we would make it.

Near 11:30, with our arms and legs sore from chucking hay first into the trailer and then onto the growing pile in our pole barn we counted down the last 10 of the 50 lb bales.

Sweaty and tired we packed in the last of the 300+ bales, having moved over 15000 lbs of grass. We were exhausted, but very thankful to have got the hay in dry, counting one field down and the other one needing only a few more days to dry… and a forecast of good weather.

Post Script:

I woke up this morning to the following forecast:

Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Southern Interior today and there is the potential for some of these storms to become severe. The main concern is heavy downpours however large hail and strong winds gusts are also possible.