Category: Blog

You may know how to hike in the summer, but what about in the winter? Before you hike in the cold, look at these top tips for hiking safely in the winter.

Hiking during the winter is a fun and exciting experience. Check out some of the most beautiful trails to hike during the winter in the U.S.

If you hike or camp often, you’ll need to keep your feet safe and comfortable with tactical boots. Check out these tips for finding comfortable tactical boots.

Backpacking is a fun way to travel and explore in Europe. Whether you backpack in Barcelona, Spain or London, England, you’ll need to prepare for the journey, including finding the right comfortable boots to wear. Take a look at these five tips for backpacking safely across Europe.

1. Choose a Season

To avoid the tourist crowds, you can travel at certain times during the year. For instance, you can backpack in the Baltic cities, the Slovenian mountains, and the Baltic coastline during the summer to avoid the tourist crowds. People who prefer to backpack during the winter often travel to France, the British Isles, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia to enjoy beautiful sights without the crowds. For fall, consider visiting Spain or Italy for a peaceful and relaxing journey.

2. Pack Light

If you’re carrying a heavy backpack, traveling on foot across Europe can become a nightmare. When traveling on foot, only pack what you need. Instead of packing four pairs of shoes, consider bringing one pair of sturdy traveler shoes or hiking boots. Be sure to find the right boot size to avoid blisters and other issues. If there are items you can purchase along the way, it’s best to do that instead of hauling a 50 lb backpack everywhere you go. To ensure that you bring all the essentials, you can make a checklist of the items you need to pack before traveling to Europe.

3. Don’t Over-Plan

Too often, people try to see all of Europe in one trip. Usually, this is very difficult to do and makes the trip feel rushed. When you travel to Europe, you should enjoy your time as much as possible. Some people prefer to plan the whole trip, while others enjoy going wherever they please. Whatever you do, just remember to take your time. While you might not see all the sights during one trip, you will have a fun and memorable experience if you take your time.

4. Plan Adventurous Activities

What’s more fun than participating in adventurous activities? As you backpack through Europe, you will often have the opportunity to participate in fun, adventurous activities. There are plenty of adventurous activities to do in Europe, such as mountain biking, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, and white-water rafting. It’s fun to step outside of your comfort zone every once in a while and try new experiences. These activities will definitely make your backpacking trip more memorable this year.

5. Protect Your Belongings

Sometimes, people become so focused on traveling that they forget to protect their belongings. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for pickpockets to steal belongings, such as wallets and jewelry, from unsuspecting tourists. To prevent any incidents, remember to be aware of your surroundings, zip up your bags, and keep valuables in a safe. Additionally, try to avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry. These types of items will make you a top target for pickpockets, so you should leave these items at the hotel.

Using these five tips for backpacking safely across Europe, you are sure to have a fun and exciting trip this year. When traveling abroad, remember to plan, prepare, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience. To learn more about why it’s important to pack comfortable shoes for your trip, explore our blogs at Altai Gear!

If you want to relax and immerse yourself in nature, then you need to try camping. Camping is a fun and unique way to explore the great outdoors while learning some survival skills. However, you will probably choose a location far from civilization, so it’s important to be prepared before you go. Here are the long-term camping essentials you need to pack for a week-long camping trip.

Sturdy Tent

You need somewhere to sleep, so one of the first things to pack for a camping trip is a tent! To protect yourself from wind, rain, bugs, and more, you will need a sturdy tent. You will also need to bring stakes to attach the tent firmly to the ground. You wouldn’t want the wind to carry it away! There are all kinds of tent shapes and sizes, so you should choose the best option for you and your family.

Durable Clothes and Shoes

Since you will be camping for a whole week, you will need to bring a few pairs of clothes. No one wants to dress in smelly or dirty clothes for a whole week. You will need strong, durable shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, and more. Of course, you’ll also need a sturdy pair of shoes. If you plan to participate in adventurous activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, and more, then you’ll need a pair of waterproof combat boots. These boots will protect your feet and keep them warm and dry for the entire week.

Food and Water

When packing, food and water should be first on your list of what to bring on a camping trip. If you do not want to carry multiple packs of water bottles, then you can camp near a river or stream. While you probably should not drink water straight from a river, you can filter the water and make it safe to consume. To filter the water, you can use iodine or a physical filter, or try boiling the water. These methods will kill or dispose of bacteria, fungus, and other harmful creatures that may be in the water. For food, you will want to avoid bringing anything perishable since you will be in the elements for a week. What you can bring are freeze-dried food items. There are freeze-dried packages at any camping store, and all you need to do is heat up water, pour it into the bag, wait a few minutes, and then enjoy your meal. These packaged meals are super light, making them easy to carry to the campsite and store. While they shouldn’t replace fresh food, they are helpful to have in your backpack.

Flashlights or Headlamps

During the night, you will need a few flashlights or headlamps. While your phone may have a flashlight, it is helpful to bring a battery-powered flashlight in case your phone or other electronics run out of battery. Another great option is a headlamp. If you need to set up your campsite at night or need to search for something, a headlamp is an excellent idea because you can use both of your hands.

Sleeping Bags and Pillows

While a sleeping bag may not be as comfortable as your bed, it is a lot better than sleeping on the ground. To sleep well at night, remember to bring your sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets. If you can feel the ground through your sleeping bag, you can consider purchasing a thin foam pad to place underneath your sleeping bag to make it more comfortable.

Camping Stove and Fuel

To heat up water and food, you will need a camping stove. These small, portable stoves are lightweight, convenient, and easy to use. In addition to the stove, you will also need to bring fuel. While you can heat up water the old-fashioned way using a fire, a stove makes the process a lot easier.

Pots, Pans, and Utensils

Unless you plan to cook all your meals on a stick, you will need pots and pans. Because the pots and pans you have at home are probably large and bulky, you should purchase smaller pans that are specifically designed for camping. Additionally, eating with your fingers all the time probably isn’t the best idea, so you can also bring utensils.

Plates and Cups

In addition to your pots and pans, you’ll need plates and cups. There are many different sizes of plates and cups designed for camping either online or at your local camping and equipment store. You want to pick plates and cups that are durable and will not break easily.

First-Aid Kit

Staying safe while camping should be your number one priority. You should always bring a first-aid kit when you camp. Remember to restock your first-aid kit before you travel to the campsite. Too often, campers forget to restock their first-aid kit and then cannot find the items they need. A few things you should have in your first-aid kit are large and small bandages, emergency blankets, gauze, tourniquets, and more.

Toiletries

While you are camping, you probably want to stay clean and fresh. There are plenty of toiletries you can bring on your trip, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, deodorant, and more. Just because you are camping in the woods doesn’t mean you need to smell like them! A few other long-term camping essentials you can bring are lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray, baby wipes, alcohol wipes, a mirror, and a portable camping shower.

Extra Items

While the supplies above are necessities, these are a few extra items you can bring to make your trip more comfortable. You can pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, hammock, water sandals, portable charger, your phone, books, magazines, and much more. When you pack extra items, just make sure that your backpack isn’t too heavy, especially if you need to hike to your campsite.

So, that’s what you need to pack for a week-long camping trip. To recap, you need a few extra items for fun, toiletries, a first-aid kit, plates and cups, pots and pans, utensils, a camping stove with fuel, sleeping bags and pillows, flashlights or headlamps, food and water, a sturdy tent, and durable clothes. With these items in your backpack, you’ll be able to thrive in any camping environment. During your journey, remember to stay safe, have fun, and enjoy exploring nature and the world around you.

Of course, you’ll need a weapon and a license to hunt, but there are many other hunting trip essentials you will need for your journey. If you overlook certain things to take on a hunting trip while packing, you can make your expedition stressful. For example, you may need to cut a piece of rope or meat while hunting, and without items such as hunting knives, this process is extremely difficult. For a fun and safe adventure in the wilderness, here is everything you need for a hunting trip.

Camouflage Clothing and Sturdy Boots

To blend into the surrounding landscape, you can wear comfortable camouflage clothing. This includes a camouflage face mask, hat, shirt, and pants. When you go on a hunting trip, you will also need our outdoor tactical boots. Sturdy boots will allow you to travel easily on all types of terrain while protecting your feet.

Headlamps and Flashlights

During the late afternoon, when the sun is setting, it can become difficult to see. Headlamps and flashlights are hunting trip essentials. Headlamps are especially useful because they allow both of your hands to be free. Additionally, both headlamps and flashlights are very helpful for setting up a camp if you plan to camp and spend the night outdoors.

Binoculars and Rangefinders

Whether you decide to hunt deer or ducks, you’ll need a reliable pair of binoculars. Binoculars increase your field of vision so that you can make a clean shot. They also allow you to scan the surrounding area and find your target quickly and effectively. After you spot your target, a rangefinder is a great way to ensure you make the shot. A rangefinder is a small device, usually handheld, that determines the distance between you and the target.

Food and Water Supplies

Everyone needs food and water to survive. Make sure you pack plenty of food, preferably items that will not spoil easily. Instead of bringing a lot of water to your campsite, you can filter water from a nearby stream or creek. There are plenty of ways to filter water physically and chemically, so you can choose the method that works best for you.

Hunting Knives

A sharp hunting knife is useful for cutting rope, dressing animals, opening cans, and more. You can bring a sharpener along with the hunting knife in case it becomes dull. If you have room in your pack, you can bring two hunting knives just in case one becomes lost or damaged.

Battery Packs

If you choose to bring a camera, cell phone, or other electronic devices on your trip, you will need a battery pack. When traveling to an area with cell phone service, it is always a good idea to bring your cell phone along just in case you need to make an emergency call. Even devices with the best battery power can run out quickly, so a fully charged battery pack is essential for your hunting trip.

Waterproof Gear

Unfortunately, weather predictions are not always correct. While the app on your phone may predict sunshine, you need to be prepared for rain. The weather can change in an instant, so it’s always helpful to bring waterproof gear just in case. You can bring a poncho or waterproof clothing in your hunting pack to prepare for any storms as well. If you want to keep your campsite dry, a tarp and a waterproof tent are great options.

Game Bags

After you hunt, you will need a place to put the game. Many hunters enjoy using game bags or trash bags. Trash bags can tear with large amounts of game, so game bags are the better choice. Another benefit of game bags is that they are reusable and easy to clean, unlike trash bags.

Rubber Gloves

Because animals can carry bacteria and parasites, it’s best to wear rubber gloves when dressing the game. These gloves are strong, reusable, and easy to sanitize. Rubber gloves will protect your skin and any scratches from infection. You can place a few pairs of rubber gloves inside your hunting pack just in case one goes missing.

Sanitary Wipes

Hunters use sanitary or baby wipes for all kinds of things, such as washing their hands and faces, cleaning their knives, brushing dirt off clothes, and more. If you decide to pack baby wipes, make sure they are in a sealable package or container. You do not want them to dry out or become dirty during your journey.

Emergency Blankets

In case of cold temperatures, you can bring an emergency blanket. Even if you aren’t expecting cold weather, it’s always a good idea to keep one in your pack. These survival blankets are lightweight and take up very little space. These blankets allow you to conserve your body heat and energy, which is helpful during cold weather or if you decide to camp at night.

Bug Spray

At some point, you are bound to run into mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs in the woods. To prevent any insect bites, you can bring a few cans of bug spray. While generic bug spray will work, the animals will be able to smell you. To avoid this issue, use specific types of bug spray that keep the bugs away and do not disturb any nearby game.

First-Aid Kits

On any outdoor adventures, you’ll need to bring a first-aid kit. These kits should include items such as gauze, Band-Aids of all sizes, sanitizing wipes, antibacterial creams, and more. These kits do not need to be large, but you should have enough supplies to help in case of an emergency. If you end up using any of these items, remember to restock your kit before your next trip.

And that’s what you need to pack for a hunting trip. To summarize, you need to bring:

• An emergency blanket
• Sanitary wipes
• Rubber gloves
• Game bags
• Waterproof gear
• A battery pack
• Hunting knives
• Food and water supplies
• Binoculars and rangefinders
• Headlamps and flashlights
• Bug spray
• Emergency kits
• Sturdy boots and camouflage clothing.

Before your next hunting adventure, remember to pack these items and bring along a pair of comfortable, lightweight, and durable boots from our online store at ALTAI®.

If you’re someone who craves adventure, you probably have a few fun activities planned for your next vacation, such as hiking, camping, or kayaking. One way to ensure that you have a great time on these adventures is to prepare for them thoroughly. Before your next trip, take note of these best ways to prepare for an adventurous vacation.

Only Pack the Essentials

Nothing takes the fun out of an adventure like a heavy backpack. Hauling around loads of unnecessary gear is annoying, so make sure you pack light for all camping, hiking, ziplining, and kayaking trips. Your neck and back will thank you later for leaving the extra baggage at home.

Prepare Yourself Physically

Adventurous activities usually require physical effort, so it’s important to prepare yourself before the trip. You need to both train and protect your body for the adventures ahead. You can get ready by working out consistently before your trip to build strength and endurance. Additionally, you need to make sure you dress appropriately and bring any necessary safety gear to avoid injuries. For example, a short hike and ziplining trip will require a pair of casual travel shoes that protect your feet. In this case, you may want to leave the sandals at home.

Learn About the Area

It is always helpful to learn about the areas you visit. You can prepare for the terrain, weather conditions, wildlife, culture, and more. If you plan to go into the great outdoors, remember to do a little research first to prepare yourself mentally for the activity and the location.

Research the Best Times To Go

No one wants to visit an area when there are severe storms. For your outdoor events, you’ll want to make sure that you visit during the right season for your adventure. With a little research, you can easily find the best time of the year for your outdoor activities at your destination.

These are all the best ways to prepare for an adventurous vacation. Whatever adventurous activity you decide to do, protect your feet for the journey by visiting the ALTAI® online store today.

There are two things that are very important for a successful hike: a pair of waterproof insulated hiking boots and proper hiking boot lacing techniques. These two things will ensure your feet stay safe, warm, comfortable, and dry. If you struggle with how to tie hiking boots, here are a few common lacing techniques.

The Window Technique

One of the most common boot lacing techniques is the window method. Sometimes, hikers notice pain in the top of their feet. This results from tying the laces too tight. One way to prevent this pain is to use the window technique. For the window technique, you need to thread your laces vertically instead of the standard crisscross. When threading your shoelaces, all you need to do is thread the lace upward instead of sideways, then go back to the middle with both laces and cross them together so that it looks like the first stage of tying a knot. While it may look strange, it relieves pressure from the top of your foot and keeps your laces securely in place.

The Surgeon’s Knot Technique

The surgeon’s knot is easy to make and ensures that your laces remain tied for the entire trip. It is just like a simple overhand knot, except you make it stronger by looping two or three times before pulling on either side to complete the knot. This knot is sure to keep your boots securely attached to your feet at all times.

The Heel Lock Technique

If you have narrow heels, you need to learn the heel lock technique. The heel lock method keeps your heels firmly in place, preventing any slipping and sliding. The perfect time for this lacing technique is when you finish lacing the entire shoe and need to tie a knot. First, you need to leave the last lacing holes available for both boots. Then, take each shoestring and move it upward, placing it into the above hole. Do not crisscross—remember to thread the laces vertically for the last loops of the boots. Then, cross the laces in the middle of the shoes and pull the ends under the shoestring between the last two holes. This shoestring should be in place if you laced vertically. Then, tighten the laces by pulling toward your toes and tie a knot to finish the process. To learn more about hiking boot lacing techniques and other ways to get the most out of your tactical footwear, explore more of our blogs.