Your Guide for Hiking During Quarantine

 Hiking is a great way to stay active, maintain strength and elevate your mood and mental health. Most of us could use some mood elevation right about now, although in these unique times we cannot just grab our gear and hit the trail like we used to. With some planning and preparation, you can still get your hiking fix while protecting yourself and being respectful of others.  

Here are some tips to follow for hiking during quarantine:

Skip the National Park Hike

We have some beautiful National Parks in the U.S. and you might feel them calling your name if you have some free time on your hands.  We recommend that you keep your hikes local as much as possible and be aware that many National Parks are understaffed or not staffed at all to protect park employees and the public. Be sure to call the Ranger station and check the rules for the trails you plan to tackle. 

Stick with a Small Group

We already know that we should maintain contact with a small group and not be socializing with large groups of people.  With one or two people on the trail, you should be OK by most standards to keep your distance from one another and any other hikers on the trail.  Find a buddy and enjoy your hike but save the group hikes for later.

Choose the Right Trail

Avoiding large crowds goes for on the trail also, which means that you might be more comfortable and safer on a wider trail.  Try to go during off-times when the trail is less likely to be busy.  Try to find some off the beaten path trails that are not the most popular favorites most hikers flock to. 

Do Not Hike Right After a Rain

You should generally wait at least 24 to 48 hours after a rain before hitting the trail, to protect yourself from flash flooding or slippery paths and also to protect the trail from erosion.  Some trails will close after a rain for these very reasons so plan ahead and be sure your trail is open.

Get ready with quality hiking trekking poles, camping chairs, roto-molded coolers and more.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers quality camping and hiking gear for the beginner to the advanced hiker.  We have all the gear you need for hiking during quarantine and any other time with quality camping and hiking gear built to last.  Contact us with any questions on how to hike safely during quarantine.

What to Look For in a Camping Chair

 The type of camping gear you choose is one of the biggest factors in creating a successful camping trip.  Quality gear is critical when in the wilderness, you need to know that your tent is not going to leak and your camping chairs are not going to rip or break.  Setting up camp for a peaceful getaway by firelight is only relaxing if you are comfortable. 

Here are some of the most important considerations when looking for camping chairs:

End use – are you car camping? Backpacking? When backpacking, packed size and weight are most important, comfort is what matters most when front country camping.  

Size and height – are your chairs for yourself, children or guests?  Do any guests need special accommodations like a wider size?  Low chairs are great for concerts or the beach but can be difficult to get out of for some people. High back chairs will be more comfortable around the fire and are more easily accessible. 

Design – some camping chairs come with 2, 3 or 4 leg options, suspension design, glider, reclining options and more.  Think about setting up camp and everyone’s comfort level. 

Backpacking Camp Chairs

For many hardcore backcountry hikers, camp chairs are a luxury.  If you can find space in your sack with a lightweight, packable camp chair it can really help you have some moments of comfort after a long day’s hike. 

Car Camping Chairs

When car camping, you can afford the luxury of packing a more comfortable camp chair like a high-back, ultralight camp chair.   You could even pack some high-back chairs for the campfire and some low-profile chairs to hang out by the water.  If you plan on doing day hikes and heading back to camp, stick a packable camp chair in your backpack to take a rest on the trail. 

The most important thing is to be sure that your chair accommodates your type of hike or camping adventure with size, weight, and performance.  Look for quality materials and weight limits, extras like sand feet if you’ll be sitting at the beach, and ease in folding and packing. 

Cascade Mountain Tech: Camp Chairs for Any Adventure

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality camp chairs for any adventure, whether backpacking or camping with the family.  Our lightweight backpacking camp chairs hold up to 250 lbs. and weigh less than 2.5 lbs.  Choose the ultralight high-back camp chair for comfort and easy folding and packing, also with a 250 lb. weight capacity.  Don’t forget your trekking poles and check out the wide selection of quality carbon fiber and 3k carbon fiber hiking trekking poles from Cascade Mountain Tech.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of quality camping chairs for any adventure, along with hiking trekking poles, roto-molded coolers, camp bedding and more.  Contact us with any questions and learn more about our quality camping chairs that are built to last.

How to Maintain Your Hiking Fitness Over the Winter

 When winter sets in and the days get shorter, the nights get longer and mountain caps in the Pacific Northwest are covered in snow, many of us choose to hibernate a bit.  Winter is a good time for snuggling up by a fire, enjoying a good movie and some holiday meals.  A little rest and relaxation is good for everyone, although taking too much time away from hiking can make for a rough transition in the spring. 

The best that you can do to maintain the stamina you have built up over the past year is to stay active. With a little effort and self-care, you can be ready to hit your highest summit when the weather breaks and explore more destinations. Here are some training tips to help you stay fit over the winter for a pain-free return to the trails. 

Stay Active to Maintain Hiking Strength

Just because you may not be able to get outdoors as frequently in the winter does not mean that you cannot find creative ways to stay active and maintain your strength.  One of the best ways to maintain your hiking strength is to, well, hike.  If you have not hiked in the winter, you might see if you can get a friend to go with you and follow these tips for Cold Weather Hiking from the American Hiking Society.  

Snowshoeing is a lot of fun but may not be for everyone. If you would prefer to hike on dry land there are many options for winter hiking in the Northwest without snow. You can find some snow-free trails in the Puget Sound lowlands most of the year except during extreme storms. Many other options exist to keep hiking down the coast and there is nothing wrong with heading south to keep exploring. 

Hit the Gym if You Can’t Hit the Trails

When you absolutely cannot get outdoors to hit the trails, make time to hit the gym, even if it’s in your living room.  Without keeping up with regular hikes, your muscle mass and stamina can decline quicker than you may realize.  Stay in shape with regular cardiovascular exercise, lift weights to maintain muscle strength, and stretch to maintain flexibility.  It might be easier to maintain a schedule with some classes at a gym combined with some home workout videos.  

Take the Stairs

Go beyond just taking the stairs when you have an option and seek out buildings with stairways that you can trek regularly.  This is not only great cardio but will keep your quads in shape with the next best thing to hiking up a mountain trail. 

Stay active during the winter months and you will thank yourself from the mountaintop come warmer weather.  Before you know it, you’ll be grabbing your trekking poles and hiking your favorite trails on warm, sunny days.  Get ready with high-quality hiking and camping gear from Cascade Mountain Tech.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles with ultralight and 3k carbon fiber, camping chairs, camp bedding and more.  Our experienced team is ready to help you choose the right trekking poles for you with pro tips to get the most benefit.  Contact us for more tips on maintaining your hiking strength and to be ready to hit the trails with quality hiking gear.

Turn Your Trekking Poles into Snowshoe Poles

 Hiking in the winter can be exhilarating and give you a whole new view of your favorite trails. Hiking in the snow is quite different, however, then hiking on dry land conditions. Hiking sticks provide critical support like adding stability and preventing a slip or fall. Using trekking poles with snowshoe baskets in the winter gives you the same benefit and helps you glide across snowy terrain a little easier.

Benefits of Snow Baskets on Trekking Poles

Snow baskets are a must have any time you are hiking on snowy terrain. These large powder baskets keep you afloat just like snowshoes keep the deep winter snow from swallowing you up. If you do take a spill in the snow, your pole can help you right yourself quickly. Using a set of trekking poles with interchangeable accessories like snow baskets, mud baskets, boots and tips allows you to adapt your hiking poles to any environment. 

You gain the most benefit from a good set of trekking poles that come with interchangeable accessories.  You may see some snowshoe poles that come with snow baskets although they may be designed with just two collapsible sections. A three-section collapsible pole is less cumbersome to pack and carry when not in use.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles Come with Snow Baskets

Cascade Mountain Tech offers one of the widest selections of high-quality trekking poles that come with interchangeable baskets for use in a variety of terrains and weather conditions. Our 3K carbon fiber trekking pole features a quick locking mechanism for easy height adjustment, is durable and super lightweight. Replacement pole sections and parts are available to save you money and all trekking poles come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Cascade Mountain Tech helps you to enjoy the outdoors all year round, safely and with comfortable, high-quality gear.  We offer a wide selection of durable camping and hiking gear including lightweight, foldable camping chairs, camp bedding, coolers, accessories and more. Contact us to learn more about staying safe when hiking in the winter with quality hiking gear such as trekking poles with snow baskets.

5 Important Tips for Hiking in the Winter

 Hiking in the winter can be fun, although hikers should venture out into a winter wonderland with both the beauty of snow-covered trees and the challenges of cold-weather hiking in mind. There does not have to be deep snow on the ground in the middle of winter for cold weather to be a real threat and danger to hikers. To have a more pleasant cold-weather hike, follow these most important tips for maximum enjoyment and safety. 

1) Wear and Pack Proper Cold-Weather Clothing and Gear

You should always dress in multiple layers when hiking in the winter, with your base layer being a wicking fabric that will pull sweat away from the skin and help to keep you dry. You will still sweat when hiking in the winter and moisture that cannot escape can freeze and cause hypothermia. Heat management is important because you want to stay dry and not sweat as wet clothes will make you feel cold. 

Follow the 3-layer principle of having at least 3 layers with your base layer in a wicking fabric, avoid cotton clothing as it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet and it can leave you feeling cold, wet and miserable. This first layer transports moisture away from your skin and helps to regulate your body temperature to keep your base layer dry. 

The mid-layer should have insulating properties like fleece or a down jacket.  Make sure the top-layer provides protection against wind and rain like a light windbreaker or a water-resistant outer shell.  Always pack some emergency jackets and layers in case some layers get wet. 

Always wear a hat when outdoors in the winter, as you lose a lot of precious body heat when you do not keep your head covered.  While it is important to keep your head warm, it is critical to protect your feet when hiking in the snow.  Make sure that your hiking boots have sufficient insulation and are rated for -40°F.  Some good wool socks should help to keep your feet dry and be sure to pack an extra pair. Cover your mouth, nose and ears and use hand warmers and toe warmers to keep your digits toasty especially if you frequently have cold hands and feet. 

2) Keep Your Water Warm

You can boil your water in the morning, put it in a water bottle with a Koozie or foam sleeve wrapped around it to take with you on your hike.  Keeping your sealed water bottle inside your jacket should keep it from freezing.

3) Break Trail with Caution 

When you are the first person on the trail after a snowfall, creating a path through the snow is called breaking trail. You should have an idea of how much snow is on the trail before you set out to hike and keep in mind that forging through deep snow can slow you down.  Make sure you have the proper footwear accessories like snowshoes and trekking poles with snow baskets. 

4) Protection – Eyes and Skin

Just because it is not summertime, don’t think the sun’s rays cannot be harmful. Do not forget to pack the sunscreen as the sun’s glare reflects off of the shiny white snow. You should also protect your eyes from the sun and the wind, with a good pair of sunglasses or goggles. 

5) Prepare for Shorter Days and Colder Nights

Keep in mind that the days are shorter and night fall will be upon you much quicker than in the summer months. Always be aware of the usable daylight hours and carry a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. If camping overnight in the winter, warm camp bedding is critical. Always use a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag and go with a mummy sleeping bag rated for 10° colder than what you expect needing. 

Be sure to pack according to your trip specifics and how long you will be gone. Follow these tips for a safer hike in winter months, always pack your essential emergency kits and be sure to let someone know where you are hiking and when you plan to return.

Cascade Mountain Tech for All Your Camping Gear 

Cascade Mountain Tech cares about your safety when hiking anytime of the year.  We offer camp bedding including mummy sleeping bags, sleeping pads and the Adventure Blanket.  We carry foldable, packable lightweight camping chairs made with quality materials for durability and a wide selection of hiking trekking poles and accessories. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality hiking and camping gear built to last in any season. We believe in helping everyone to achieve outdoor adventure. Contact us with any questions about your hiking gear for more information on how to stay safe when hiking in the winter.

How to Find the Best Camping Chair for Your Trip

 It is not too late to get another camping trip in, as long as you pack enough gear to keep you warm on a chilly night like a quality mummy sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothes. If the overnight temperature is a little too chilly for you, maybe you just want to take a day trip hiking part of your favorite trail. Whether you are planning for a short day trip outing or an overnight adventure, you are going to need a place to sit down and relax and take a load off. Also, try our adventure pack blanket for extra warmth.

One thing you do not want to forget are comfortable camping chairs so you can stop to take in a beautiful view, give your muscles a rest or relax around a nice, warm fire.  When planning for your next camping or hiking trip, remember to pack some lightweight, comfortable camping chairs to enjoy your outing to the fullest. 

Choosing the Camping Chairs Fit for Your Outing

With so many choices of portable camping chairs, you can choose the chairs with the right style and features to suit your outing.  If you are hiking the trails and weight is an issue, pack light with lightweight, foldable, backpacking camping chairs.  If you are going to be camping on the beach or somewhere in the sand, you want to get a camping chair with sand feet so you do not keep sinking into the sand.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers some great quality, lightweight camp chairs perfect for backpacking or camping in any environment.  Known for high quality products, Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of lightweight camping chairs with many styles and features to choose from. 

Lightweight Backpacking Camp Chair - for the weight conscience backpacker, this collapsible chair weighs under 2.5 lbs., holds up to 250 lbs., and fits into a convenient carry case. 

Ultralight Packable High-Back Camp Chair – the perfect chair for many occasions, the high-back camp chair is comfortable, lightweight, and easily collapses to fit in a convenient carry case.  This chair weighs only 3 lbs., 4 oz. and holds up to 250 lbs. 

Low Profile Camp Chair – a low-profile chair is great for outdoor concerts, the beach or camping trips. With the carrying weight of 7 pounds, this is a nice chair to take from your car to your destination but isn’t something you want to go backpacking with. 

Ultralight Packable High-Back Camp Chair with Sand Feet – this lightweight and durable camp chair is perfect for the beach, outdoor concerts, camping trips and more. Weighing only 3 lbs. 4 oz., this comfortable, high-back chair is built with durable aluminum holding up to 250 pounds.

You can have confidence in the name Cascade Mountain Tech and the one-year manufacturer’s warranty that comes with every camp chair. Whether you need low-profile, high-back, or super lightweight, we’ve got the camping chairs for any outdoor adventure.  Check out all our products for quality camp bedding including mummy sleeping bags, a wide selection of hiking trekking poles, super coolers and more.

Cascade Mountain Tech has high quality, comfortable camping chairs, trekking poles and durable gear for any hiking or camping adventure.  Our quality gear is perfect for the experienced outdoor enthusiast or the beginning hiker. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about our lightweight, packable camping chairs.

How to Get the Most Benefit from Your Trekking Poles

 If you are somewhat new to hiking you may be wondering if it would benefit you to use a hiking stick or a pair of trekking poles. Even experienced hikers accustomed to hiking without trekking poles will be convinced of the benefits when they are used correctly. Unfortunately, many hikers on the trails may not be fully utilizing the features of their trekking poles to realize the maximum benefit provided. 

When used correctly, trekking poles significantly alleviate the strain to your legs and back, shifting weight load from your legs to your upper body. This takes a lot of strain off your knees and ankles and is especially beneficial when trekking downhill. The most obvious benefit of using trekking poles is the increased support and balance when crossing rugged terrain, streams and rivers or when carrying a heavy backpack.  

By using your arms during your hike you will burn more calories, use your core muscles and improve your workout. In order to realize all these benefits, trekking poles must be used correctly.

How to Use Trekking Poles Correctly

Using trekking poles properly will offer the right amount of support to you and alleviate unnecessary stress to your body. Using your trekking poles properly will alleviate strain on your body and should give you added endurance, allowing you to hike further than without the support of your poles. 

Here are a few tips to get the most benefit from your trekking poles:

1)  Properly adjust the pole to your height - a proper height adjustment is with the tip on the ground and your elbows at your side with your arms bent at a 90° angle. You will want to shorten the pole length to give more leverage when hiking uphill and lengthen your poles to support a downhill descent somewhere between 5 to 10 cm or whatever feels best and most comfortable for your needs. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of hiking trekking poles with quick lock or twist lock to easily adjust your pole height.  We recommend using the markers on your pole to help recall the most comfortable height position. 

2) Correctly use the wrist straps - to properly use your wrist straps, insert your hand through the wrist strap so that the bottom of the strap is loosely and comfortably hugging the bottom of your wrist.  Incorrectly using the wrist straps is a common problem even for some experienced hikers. When used correctly, your wrist strap should provide support without needing a firm grip on the handle. 

3) Learn to swing your poles with a rhythm - swinging your arms naturally as you do when you walk is the best way to get in a natural swing cadence. Most people walk asymmetrically, the left arm comes forward when stepping with the right foot and vice versa. You’ll find that once you get into the rhythm you can use your trekking poles to actually propel you forward.

You might be surprised how much more ground you can cover when correctly using your hiking trekking poles. You may save enough time to take more breaks and enjoy the view.  Packing a foldable, lightweight camping chair will add to a comfortable hike and alleviate stress on your joints when you find a spot to rest. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high quality camping gear that will last, with a wide selection of hiking trekking poles in aluminum and carbon fiber, including ultralight carbon fiber and 3K carbon fiber for added durability.  Our lightweight camping chairs are durable with a sturdy base and come with a full one-year warranty. Contact us with any questions on getting the most from your trekking poles and for all of your hiking and camping needs.