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ALTAI™ Pro Tip: What You Need To Know About Winter Camping

altaidev on November 4, 2019

Winter is a special season to enjoy the Great Outdoors, especially if you go camping. Most people have given up on braving the cold, snow, and wind, so serenity and isolation are at their peak. Here are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe, enjoyable time during this magical season.

Pack Down Sleeping/Tent Area

Before setting up tent like one would normally do in the other three seasons, pack down the snow on which you plan to set up your tent. Snowfall can be deceptively uneven so setting up your tent before packing down snow will result in lumpy, uncomfortable ground; not to mention the risk of damage to the foot of your tent.

Consider An Insulated, Closed Cell Sleeping Pad

An appropriate sleeping pad is the key to a good night’s sleep and important for retaining warmth. The usual inflatable sleeping pad can actually transfer the cold easily to your sleeping bag and a sleeping bag is only as good as it is warm. With the proper sleeping pad, you can minimize loss of body heat.

Pack Extra Hats And Gloves

You never know when a hat or gloves will get soaked for one reason or another. Bring a back up for your warm clothing so you have something comfortable to wear while drying out your wet stuff. Waterproof camping gear is always a plus and helps avoid having to dry everything too often.

Leave The Water Filter At Home

One big benefit of winter camping in the snow is not having to lug around your usual water filtration system. Just use your cooking equipment to boil snow for drinkable, usable water. Make sure to bring the water to a full boil as snow is not sterile.

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ALTAI™ Adventures: Winter Training For Bowhunters

altaidev on October 29, 2019

Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Start The Hunting Season At The Top Of Your Game

Two of the most common areas of the body injured by bowhunters are the rotator cuff and the forearm due to the actions required in bowhunting. During the off-season, many hunters neglect to train these areas, which can cause strain and the increased likelihood of injury when it’s time to pick up the bow again. In order to minimize the risk of putting yourself out of action during hunting season, focus on maintaining cardio fitness and strengthening both the upper and lower body in preparation for your next hunt.

Crank Up The Cardio

When it’s cold and dark outside, it’s tempting to neglect cardio training, but in order to perform at your best come hunting-season, it’s important to maintain your fitness and stamina. You could find yourself walking long distances to find the perfect treestand, and even scouting your catch can take you miles. The most efficient way to maintain your cardio fitness is to practice High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) which will increase your lung capacity and improve your heart rate. The principle behind HIIT is to alternate quick bursts of high intensity exercise with periods of moderate intensity activity. If the weather’s on your side, you can do this by running outdoors and increasing your speed for short bursts, but during the winter, you may need to consider indoor workouts. A treadmill is the perfect companion for HIIT – simply adjust the speed of the treadmill so that you can alternate bursts of high and moderate intensity training. For variation, follow HIIT videos online, which will coach you through a range of aerobic exercises.

Work On Your Upper Body Strength

The best way to prevent an injury to the rotator cuff when you’re shooting is to ensure that you maintain your upper body strength. Drawing a bow relies on the muscles in your shoulders, as well as those in your back and stomach. Whether you’re training at home or in the gym, focus your upper body strength training on your shoulders. Bent-over rows are particularly valuable to archers because they target the same muscles you use to draw your bow and ensure full rotation and flexibility. Use cable machines and resistance bands to practice the motions used in drawing your bow and holding a steady shot. Pay attention to strengthening your forearms too by using dumbbells or practicing pull ups.

In addition to regular gym activity, try to find time during the off-season to practice your archery skills. As well as training your upper body, this will help you stay on your game in terms of precision and accuracy, so you’ll be more likely to step into the hunting season at the top of your game. If you don’t have a shooting range nearby, a simulation bow is a good investment.

Don’t Forget Your Lower Body

While upper body strength is the most essential to bowhunting, it’s important to maintain lower body strength too. Your hunt will often involve steep climbs, and having your lower body strength in tip-top shape will make these easier during a hunt. Train your quads and glutes by working squats into your training program, and maintain your mobility and stability by practicing lunges. In the gym, do deadlifts to train all major muscle groups so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to lace up your hunting boots.

It’s tempting to hibernate indoors and wait for the winter to pass, but to ensure you’re at the top of your game when it’s time to pick up your bow again, make sure you train regularly during the off-season. You’ll reduce the risk of sustaining an injury when the season rolls around, and you’ll maximize your chances of a satisfying hunt.

ALTAI™ Fall Specials: Step Into Fall With Your Best Boot Forward

altaidev on October 23, 2019

It’s fall and it will be gone in the blink of an eye. So gear up now, while we have these incredible seasonal deals.

ALTAI™ 40 for 40 Sale

Take 40% off any style with code ‘autumndeal’ at checkout when you buy a pair of our boots on online on our website. Hurry, offer ends November 5th.

ALTAI™ Surplus Sale

Do you wear a size 9.5-11.5? You are in luck! We have a surplus of MFT100 models in sizes 9.5 through 11.5, so we’re offering 50% off on these boots. Just use discount code ‘surplus2019’ at checkout.

ALTAI™ Adventure: Camping With Your Dog

altaidev on September 25, 2019

Today’s blog is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor enthusiast Katlyn Spade.

Camping With Your Dog: The Do’s, the Don’ts, and What to Bring

37 percent of American campers aged 18 and above take their pets along with them on camping trips, according to the 2017 American Camper Report. Dogs are an important part of people’s lives, and for many, a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without their furry friend. Camping is a great way for your dog to get some exercise, explore nature, and spend some quality time with you. To ensure that you and your pet have a blast on your camping trip, there are some things that you must get right, especially during the planning process.

Find an ideal camping site for you and your dog

First of all, you need to find a campsite that allows dogs. You don’t want to drive hundreds of miles to a campsite, only to find out that your furry friend is not allowed in. A few minutes of research online will help you find many pet-friendly campgrounds in different areas. For instance, the United States Forest Service (USFS) office in your area will have plenty of primitive camping opportunities for you and your dog. If you are going to a private campground, call ahead to confirm that your pet is welcome. Keep in mind that just because a campsite allows dogs does not mean that your dog is allowed. Some campgrounds have limits on the size of dogs allowed or the number of dogs per campsite so always familiarize yourself with their pet policy before you go there.

Bring your dog’s essentials

Just like you, your furry friend likes to have some of the comforts of home at the campsite. You need to bring all the things you need to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable on this trip. Some of the basics you must bring include food, a dog first aid kit, a kennel or dog bed, a poop bag, and any items required by the specific campground you’ll be visiting such as a leash. When considering sleeping arrangements, make sure that you have a tent that is big enough for you and your dog’s bed or kennel. If your dog sleeps outside he will be cold, unsafe, and probably barking the whole night. For extra safety and your peace of mind, you should bring a collar with a tracker to help you trace your dog or one that lights up at night so that you always know where your pup is.

Mind your pup’s health

Some campgrounds might be dangerous to the health of your dog depending on where you go. Before going on your trip make sure you visit your vet to ensure that your dog can handle the new environment and to get any necessary vaccinations. If your dog is taking any medication or supplements, make sure you have enough for the whole trip. You should also have a flea and tick preventative, especially when camping in forests and woodlands where your dog can pick up unwanted parasites. In case of anything, it’s always a good idea to find out where the nearest vet is.

Camping is a great way to spend more time with might your dog. It will require more planning and effort on your part, but if you get it right, it will be a highly rewarding experience for you and your furry friend.

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ALTAI™ Backs the Blue: 5 Easy Ways to Thank A Cop

altaidev on September 17, 2019

This Saturday, September 21st, will be Thank A Police Officer Day. It’s a special day to take extra time to show your appreciation to the men and women in Blue who risk it all to serve and protect. While we like to encourage random acts of kindness for law enforcement any day, any time, here are five ways you can brighten a police officer’s day as a show of respect for their bravery.

Sweet Treats

Tasty rewards are always welcome and can be a relief for any officer, especially on a long shift. Proud Police Wife has some sweet and savory recipes to give you some ideas; check out the Blue Line Oreo Truffle Balls!

Pay For A Meal

The pleasant surprise of having your meal or coffee bought and already paid for would make any police officer’s day. Whether you’re at the drive thru or pay for a meal anonymously, this is a simple way to surprise an officer with a ‘thanks.’

Donations for Organizations

Being a part of law enforcement is more than a job, it also affects the lives of those around them. From PTSD support to spousal communities, you can make a contribution to your favorite law enforcement related organizations.

Support for I Donut Need A Reason To Thank A Cop (aka the Donut Boy)

Be sure to check out our partnership with Tyler, aka the Donut Boy, and his efforts to thank every police officer in the country.

Cards, Gift Baskets, Care Packages

If you have kids, Thank A Police Officer Day is a perfect opportunity for them to also show their appreciation. Make up some Thank You cards and hand deliver them to officers; court houses or local departments are great places to find them. Care packages are always appreciated and they can be tailored to suit a law enforcement officer’s wants.

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ALTAI™ National Boot Giveaway: Mission Accomplished

altaidev on August 28, 2019

ALTAI™ is proud to announce Team 8 exceeded the 1k votes goal and are the ALTAI™ National Boot Giveaway winners! Both Princeton Minnesota and Shorewood Hills Wisconsin Police Departments will be outfitted with our boots!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this event. We couldn’t have done it without you and your support for law enforcement officers. We are truly grateful for folks like you who are willing to help us Back The Blue!

Another big THANK YOU goes out to Tyler, aka the Donut Boy, for spreading the word and continuing his work of bringing cheer to police officers all over the country. Don’t miss Tyler’s adventures, thanking officers one donut at a time.

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ALTAI™ Pro Tip: How to Keep Dry and Warm while Camping

altaidev on August 27, 2019

Today’s ALTAI™ Pro Tip is brought to you by our fabulous writer and outdoor enthusiast, Katlyn Spade.

Handling extreme weather while camping can become a problem if you aren’t prepared; however, with a little know-how and the right equipment, you can ensure that your camping trip is more about comfort and enjoyment rather than battling the elements. This article will give some top tips on making the most out of your camping trip—no matter the weather.

Staying dry in the rain

Be sure to have proper rain gear to stay dry when you’re out for the day. Staying warm and dry will not only make your day trips much more enjoyable, but it will also help you avoid catching a cold. It’s a good idea also to pack some dry bags to protect any items that may get damaged in the rain while you are out walking, such as electronic devices.

Take cover

Packing a tarpaulin and a groundsheet are two major camping essentials for staying dry when camping in the rain. A tarpaulin can be used to help you pitch the tent in the rain and create a sheltered area for bikes, camping chairs, or any other equipment. You can also use it as a rain-free area for everyone to gather outside for some camping activities rather than having to retreat to your tent to stay dry. You could even upgrade to a gazebo for these purposes if you want to be ultra-prepared and comfortable on your campsite. You will also need at least one groundsheet that will form a line of protection between the tent and wet, soggy ground; this will help keep you dry and insulate the tent’s floor.

Camping in cold weather

If you aren’t fully prepared to handle cold temperatures, this could make you miserable and start to sap the fun out of your outdoor adventure. Your first line of defense against cold temperatures is making sure that you are dressed correctly for these circumstances. Outfitting yourself in the correct base layers will keep you warm. You should avoid any tight-fitting clothes that can restrict blood flow, particularly around your extremities. With this in mind, make sure that socks and gloves are a little loose and wear synthetic fabrics or wool, which are the best choice of material for good insulation.

Avoiding a moisture build up

Condensation and excess moisture can also be an issue; this can get trapped in your bag and cause a drop in body temperature. To avoid any issues, you want to get the balance right and avoid running too warm. Also, make sure that you don’t breathe inside the sleeping bag. If you are still waking up to condensation despite these measures, you could use a vapor barrier to stop perspiration from reaching down in your sleeping bag, and you could ventilate the tent with a small opening somewhere.

Other ideas include using a good old-fashioned hot water bottle, while still ensuring that this doesn’t make you too hot and result in a moisture problem. And to protect you from sleeping on cold ground, which is a big culprit for heat loss, you could put an insulated pad underneath your sleeping bag.

ALTAI™ Wisdom: How Is the Outdoors Good for You?

altaidev on August 6, 2019

Today’s blog post has been provided by our fabulous writer, Katlyn Spade.

The health benefits of an outdoor lifestyle

Spending time in the great outdoors brings a number of different health benefits. So, learning to embrace the natural world in all its forms—and whatever the weather could bring—puts us at a big advantage regarding our mental and physical health.

Embrace the natural world!

If you already consider yourself a nature enthusiast, but you’d like to spend more time in the great outdoors, then invest in a bit of equipment for hiking or camping. Setting off on an adventure will surely revitalize you and deepen your appreciation for what nature has to offer.

There is a whole range of fun and exciting outdoor activities that you can try, and there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered.

It could improve concentration and enhance creativity

Taking a break and getting outdoors helps clear your mind, energize you, and improve your ability to focus and concentrate. It could help stimulate creativity by serving as a source of inspiration or creating the mental space necessary to come up with new ideas.

The scientific term for this is nature therapy, and it’s being utilized in various ways in healthcare to help patients with different conditions manage their symptoms. Researchers have found that it could help manage the symptoms of ADHD; just 20 minutes in the park could be enough to help children with ADHD concentrate better. Another study showed that people who spent at least four days immersed in nature, whether it be on a camping or cycling trip, improved their performance on a problem-solving test by 50 percent.

Supports mental health

Spending time walking in nature can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and combining your time spent outdoors with exercise will have even more of a positive effect. The presence of water has also been shown to amplify feelings of well-being.

Spending more time in local parks, outdoor swimming pools, or even the sea are all activities that have been scientifically proven to alleviate anxiety and depression. One study found that walks in the forest helped to greatly minimize feelings of anxiety. A further study highlighted the benefits of nature on depression. Stanford Researchers found that key neural activity associated with depression was lessened when study participants took a 90-minute stroll in a natural setting compared to those who walked through an urban environment.

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation in the body can cause headaches, muscle soreness, abdominal pain, and fatigue. High levels of inflammation over prolonged periods have been linked to a range of illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Studies have shown that going for a walk can greatly help reduce inflammation; this reduction can help alleviate headaches, muscle soreness, and fatigue.

Eliminates fatigue and boosts mood

Marveling at the beauty of nature, whether it be a beautiful sunset, an impressive coastline, or a stunning landscape, can be an awe-inspiring experience and serve as a huge mood enhancer. One study found that even looking at pictures of nature can improve one’s outlook. The brain releases powerful mood-enhancing neurochemicals when walking in nature, which increases levels of satisfaction and can make you feel more positive.

ALTAI™ Adventures: The Trials That Form Us – KT Wolf

altaidev on August 1, 2019

Before we can discover our true selves, we must first take a journey across uneven ground, up steep mountains, and over rocky hills. Only then, will we be able to realize who we are because of the trials that formed us and the choices we made along the way.

I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked, “how did you end up there?” when I tell people I spent my first two years of college in New York City. Their surprise is understandable given the fact that I have grown up in Montana. “I bet that was a bit of a culture shock,” they would say, and it was. But I was presented with the opportunity to experience something completely different, and I wasn’t about to let that opportunity pass me by.

I will be forever grateful for the experiences New York gave me. My eyes were opened to different cultures, languages, food, and music. I realized how different we all are in some ways and yet how similar we are in others. I was in a place unlike anywhere I have ever been before.

New York started out like a dream to me, but like dreams, I woke up. The bright lights, loud music, and large crowds in Times Square were no longer a sight I had to see and instead, became a place I wanted to avoid at all costs. Street performers that were once an amusement became nothing more than another way for me to lose a dollar. The subway ride was a constant battle of who wins the last seat available and who has to stand for thirty minutes. A friendly face was a rarity and in a city of eight million people, I felt alone.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I only needed to make one decision and I could change my entire life. It sounds simple, but making decisions and taking control can be hard, terrifying even. New York opened my eyes, but they needed to be opened even more for me to see clearly what it was that I truly wanted.

Seventeen hours on a plane, nearly ten thousand miles later, I landed at the Port Elizabeth airport in South Africa, experiencing my first African safari at the age of twenty. I knew that every choice I made led me to this opportunity, and they could have just as easily led me somewhere else. My journey to find myself was not an easy one. I fell many times along the way, got tired and worn out, sometimes the view wasn’t great, but when I finally made it, I could stand up, look back at what I had accomplished, and smile. It was in South Africa that I reached my summit and figured out where I belonged. It was in South Africa that I found the strength in me to make the decision to pack my bags the moment I landed in New York and head out west, back to where I grew up. I didn’t know what school I would end up at, what town I would call home, or if I would know anyone when I got there, but what I did know, was that I was excited to find out.

Life is a journey made up of endless travels. When you finally summit a mountain, take a minute to sit down, grab a drink of water, and enjoy the view. Once you catch your breath, find a new mountain to climb. Don’t worry about how long the hike may take; you have a lifetime.

Written by KT Wolf

ALTAI™ Adventures: Part 2 of Como Zoo Conservatory, St. Paul Minnesota

altaidev on July 29, 2019

Recently, an ALTAI™ Team Member visited the Como Conservatory and documented her adventure.

I went to the Como Zoo and Conservatory to take photos with my brand new camera. I brought my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and my EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II zoom lens to the zoo and conservatory. I went to the conservatory and took some photos of plants and flowers inside the conservatory. Then I headed outside to the Japanese garden to take more photos.

After visiting the conservatory, I walked to the zoo to take more photographs. Right ahead of me was the bird pond. There were flamingos and several species of ducks.

I also saw zebras at the zoo. There were two adult zebras and a zebra foal. And there was a giraffe looking for something to eat.

I happened to see a little chipmunk eating some bits of cracker on the ground. He was so cute, just sitting there eating some food and holding it with his little paws.

At the orangutan enclosure I watched a mama orangutan trying to control her little one. She kept grabbing the young orangutan by the leg to keep him from getting away. The mama then dragged the young one by the hand across the ground. It was a funny sight, and everybody started laughing.

I had a great time at the zoo and conservatory and it was an awesome place to take photos with my new camera.

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