One of the biggest concerns when exploring the outdoors is falling while hiking. As opposed to walking on indoor floors and paved outdoor surfaces, the walking you do while hiking is frequently more rigorous. Since you are treading through nature, the trails you take are going to be coarser, with ground that is often uneven and more inclined than normal. This makes it easier for you to lose your footing if you aren’t careful, which could then lead to injuries. Get a hold of how to prevent falling while hiking with the advice we give here.

Purge Some Carry Weight

Along the hiking path, it’s smart to carry supplies like food, water, and extra clothes. At the same time, though, you don’t want to overburden yourself with an unnecessary amount of weight. The heavier your backpack is, the more difficult it will become for you to maintain your balance and maneuver with precision. This is not a good position to be in when you are traveling over uneven terrain, as you can fall easier.

Find a balance between being prepared and staying lightweight while hiking to maintain your footing. Before beginning your hiking trip, create a packing list while also considering how long you will be out and the climate. On shorter day hikes, you won’t need to bring a lot of extra items since you know you’ll be finished within a few hours. If it’s warm, you won’t need to bring a large number of extra layers.

Stay Attentive and Don’t Rush

A simple switch in behavior can also help to prevent slips and falls while hiking. Make each step methodical and evenly paced. Scan the lay of the land ahead of you as you proceed so you can avoid slipping on branches, stones, and to find the best path for sure footing; this is a crucial skill in knowing how to hike downhill without slipping. Furthermore, you should keep from rushing because you will get tired quicker. Fatigue can cause you to get careless with your movements and observations, making it more likely that you will suffer a fall. In a group, keep a safe pace appropriate for everyone so no one is pushing themselves too hard to keep up.

Wear Protective Hiking Boots

What you wear on your feet naturally has a substantial effect on your ability to avoid slipping and falling. Find protective hiking boots that provide you with ample ankle support and high traction so that you are stable throughout your hike. Water-resistant footwear will keep you dry as you move through areas that are wet and slick. Another feature to look for in your boots is a low weight. Just as you have better mobility with a lighter backpack, you’ll have more freedom to move when your footwear is light. You’ll also grow weary at a slower rate with lightweight boots.

Prevent falling while hiking with the best grip hiking boots for your next trek by calling ALTAI™ or visiting our website. Our military-grade boots are built to prevent slips and falls no matter what terrain you face.

After several months of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems one of the best ways to stay safe and healthy is to head outdoors. It is now generally believed by specialists that social distancing measures do not have to be as strict for outdoor activities. In addition to this, exercise and sunshine can benefit every aspect of your life. To clear up any confusion about COVID-19 risk, check out this article featuring explanations from Michael Osterholm, who is an epidemiologist and the founder and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

It was recently discovered by several different research groups from different countries that the worst COVID-19 cases occurred in countries where more patients were deficient in vitamin D. Researchers at Northwestern University estimated that 17% of individuals low in vitamin D would develop severe cases of COVID-19 compared to only 14% in those with normal vitamin D levels. While some researchers are saying that more evidence is necessary to prove vitamin D can prevent or lessen COVID-19 cases, others say it cannot hurt to take supplements just in case. Vitamin D may help prevent or lessen coronavirus, but it also has a wide range of proven benefits including the promotion of tooth and bone health, supporting the brain, nervous system and immune system, diabetes management, and more.

Estimates from Mercy Medical Center in 2018 said that about 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. If you fear your vitamin D levels may be too low, a simple blood test can be performed by your doctor to verify your numbers. Since vitamin D is not found in many foods, it is added to some, and it is recommended by the Institute of Medicine that most people get 600 IUs of vitamin D every day. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” humans get vitamin D when sunlight makes direct contact with the skin. For individuals who cannot always get out into the sunny outdoors, supplements are also widely available. For more information on the role that vitamin D may be playing during the coronavirus pandemic, check out this article from Science Daily.

At ALTAI®, we specialize in unique footwear for multiple environments ranging from tough work environments to hiking and other outdoor applications. We are passionate about all things outdoors and aim to provide in-depth information that can help improve your life. From health, science, and technology, we are here to help improve the lives of all who read our blogs. For more exclusive content and insider deals on footwear, be sure to sign up for ALTAI® Exclusive to gain free and instant access to promos and cutting edge articles.

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Yellowstone National Park

If you are planning to visit a national park, please contact them ahead of time to learn about any temporary restrictions or closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here to learn more.

Today, it might seem easy to take the national parks in America for granted. They have existed since… forever? Wrong! The first official national park (Yellowstone in Montana and Wyoming) was declared “a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” by Congress in 1872. Our national parks are run by the National Park Service (NPS), which is part of the Department of the Interior. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park triggered a worldwide movement that eventually grew to our current 62 national parks in the U.S. and over 1,000 worldwide in over 100 countries. As a result, citizens and tourists can experience incredible nature preserves that might have otherwise been tarnished. In addition to the preservation of natural monuments, the National Park Service also protects sites of historical and scientific importance. So, the next time you get out to a national park, take a moment to give thanks that we have these wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature and history in their truest forms.  We would like to highlight some of these national parks around the country that you may consider visiting the next time you hear the call of the wild.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park provides sights, sounds, and activities that will satisfy the outdoor enthusiast’s wildest dreams. Established in 1872, it is the nation’s oldest national park. From mountains to lakes, geysers, hot springs, horseback riding, diverse wildlife, and much more, Yellowstone will not disappoint. This immense park covers over 3,000 square miles, and some of its residents include buffalo, elk, moose, and grizzly bears. The park is visited by millions of people every year, but that does not mean it will be crowded when you visit since the area is so large. Some of the park’s highlights include camping, Old Faithful, and year-round guided tours. Yellowstone is a must-visit for anybody passionate about the outdoors; its untouched beauty and one-of-a-kind features offer the wilderness experience of a lifetime.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon

Forged over the course of millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a site in Arizona that cannot be done justice until you see it with your own eyes. The canyon measures almost 300 miles in length and up to 18 miles in depth. The site attracts over six million visitors a year and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike most of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon can be very crowded at times as it is a centuries-old hot spot for visitors from all over the world. However, the North Rim will afford you a more secluded experience, as well as backcountry camping and rugged hiking opportunities.

Acadia National Park

Spanning almost 50,000 acres in New England on the coasts of Maine, Acadia National Park offers incredible exploration opportunities for rugged adventure enthusiasts. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, this national park includes islands, winding trails, and rugged coastline. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities that include horseback riding, camping, biking, hiking, and rock climbing. The small town of Bar Harbor, Maine is located nearby and offers a quiet place to relax after an adrenaline-fueled adventure at Acadia National Park.

Yosemite National Park

Located in California, Yosemite includes towering waterfalls, cliffs, Sequoia trees, and some of the most unique rock formations in the world. Other highlights include Half Dome and El Capitan, or “El Cap,” which you might recall from the recent award-winning documentary Free Solo, featuring the world-renowned climber Alex Honnold. If some of these features seem intimidating, fear not; Yosemite offers hiking and climbing opportunities for even the most novice adventurers, and there are even guided hikes and climbing lessons available.

Yosemite National Park

Glacier National Park

Located on the border of the United States and Canada, Glacier National Park covers over 1,500 square miles. The park is named for glacial remains from the ice age and features about 700 lakes. It offers hiking for all skill levels, plus waterfalls, mountain ranges, vast geological features, and natural history landmarks. Drive, hike, or even boat along this historic park with guided boat tours. This national park will offer unique experiences and activities for young and old that are sure to create memories that will last visitors a lifetime.

Glacier National Park

Whether you live near one of these spectacular national parks or will be traveling a long distance to visit them, it will be worth the trip. These wildlife areas will give you unique insights into the natural history and world heritage. Since these parks are so vast, you may find it necessary to visit more than once in your lifetime to try to experience as much of the splendor as possible. Just don’t take these parks for granted; we are very lucky to have them! For a complete list of America’s National Parks, click here.

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Gooseberry Falls, Duluth, MN

Summer is finally here. Since ALTAI® is based in Minnesota, we experience all four seasons throughout the year. As anybody in similar climates can tell you, sometimes the cold winter months seem like they will never end. So, when it is finally warm enough for outdoor swimming and other activities, it is no wonder so many of our 10,000 lakes are hot spots for nature lovers from all over the country. Thousands of Minnesota residents own cabins near lakes and enjoy summer living with their friends and families. There are also plenty of state parks, hiking trails, and campgrounds to be enjoyed. From camping, hiking, boating, and more, the following Minnesota nature destinations offer unique experiences and beautiful areas to spend your summer days. If you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more insider tips, as well as access to ALTAI® Exclusive for deals on gear!

Before heading out to any of the following camping destinations, be sure to check their websites for booking information. Many of these campgrounds are currently operating at partial capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Banning State Park

A gorgeous camping destination, Banning State Park is located near Sandstone, MN. The park features canoeing, kayaking, and over 17 miles of hiking trails along the Kettle River which features interesting sandstone formations.

Kayaking at Sunrise

Clear Lake Park

Located about an hour to the southwest of the Twin Cities, Clear Lake Park is quite small and overlooks the lake and has camping areas with lots of trees. Affordable and unique, the campground has primitive campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Be sure to bring your bait and fishing poles because there is also a fishing pier that extends 60 feet into the lake.

Big Falls Campground & Horse Camp

This campground is known for its large pine trees and is located by the Bigfork River in Big Falls, MN. The amenities here are plenty with indoor showers, electricity for RV camping, a horse campground and trails, as well as ATV trails.

Chester Woods County Park

Located at Chester Lake, this county park offers exciting opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and experiencing wildlife. The park is home to many species of ducks and other birds, as well as diverse nonaquatic animals.

St. Croix River

Afton State Park

Located in Hastings, MN, Afton State Park offers rugged hiking opportunities overlooking the St. Croix River. There are many highlights of this park including camping, fishing, swimming, and skiing in the winter.

Whether you are a Minnesota resident or a tourist from out of state, you may want to consider these parks for your camping needs. To learn more about camping in Minnesota, click here.

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

Minnesota fishing license sales are up 40 percent from this time last year. The reason is obvious: COVID-19 is pushing more people into the great outdoors – the one place where adventuring is still allowed. In this case, great outdoors truly means “great” outdoors: that which exists beyond civilization. Thus, it can’t be accessed with any old vehicle. A person who is sick of being cooped up in their house needs a form of transport that can get to the remotest places. Here’s what to look for in an outdoor adventure vehicle.

Ground Clearance

All off-roaders know the importance of ground clearance. A vehicle that is lifted high off the ground will clear large rocks, dirt mounds, shallow ponds, logs, and anything else that can damage its undercarriage. SUVs, crossovers, trucks, and jeeps often have substantial ground clearance, which is one of the main reasons why these are the preferred vehicles for off-road adventuring. SUVs with high ground clearance include the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (10.8 inches), 2020 Land Rover Discovery (11.1 inches), and 2020 Land Rover Range Rover (11.7 inches). Trucks similarly endowed are the 2020 Toyota Tundra (10.6 inches) and the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor (11.5 inches). However, none of these hold a candle to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4. It sits 17.7 inches off the ground.

Traction Control

Another benefit of high ground clearance is it lowers the risk of getting stuck. Sitting in a mud-submerged vehicle in the middle of nowhere is an outdoor adventurer’s worst nightmare. A high vehicle can plow through mucky terrain better than others, as can a vehicle with traction control. This system provides stability to a vehicle when it loses control due to inclement road conditions. Thankfully most SUVs, crossovers, and jeeps are equipped with traction control, and more and more trucks are being built with this technology. Even cars like the 2020 Lincoln MKZ and 2020 Nissan Versa have traction control and are thus well-suited for turbulent conditions. Virtually every new vehicle that has been rated highly by consumer reports will have some form of traction control.

Fuel Efficiency

Something that’s not often talked about in regards to adventure vehicles is fuel efficiency. Believe it or not, many off-roaders consider fuel efficiency a negatively quality since it seems to imply less power and, therefore, less suitability for outdoor adventures. But this isn’t the case for the likes of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2020 Subaru Outback. All three of these SUVs/crossovers have the requisite power for off-road fun and requisite fuel efficiency for financial comfort.

Now’s the best time to go on a solo or family adventure into the great outdoors. Of course, an outdoor adventure requires a vehicle – one that can traverse rough terrain. Such a vehicle should have high ground clearance, traction control, and, as a bonus, be fuel-efficient. Some of the best backwoods vehicles are hybrids.

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