Best Camping In All 50 States: Discover Your Local Outdoors

Denali National Park, Alaska

We live in a big country and with the need to get out and stretch those legs, now is a great time to discover what outdoor treasures are right in your back yard.

Top Notch Outdoor has provided a comprehensive list of favorite camping grounds in all 50 states. Maybe plan a road trip, visit all 50! However you choose to pick your next adventure, be sure to check and see what’s in YOUR state.

ALTAI™ Local Spotlight: Lake Phalen

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ALTAI™ 8″ Brown Waterproof Zip Up Hunting Boots Model: MFH200-Z

You do no need to wait until spring to enjoy the outdoors! Recently, Team ALTAI™ picked a sunny day to check out one of our local hiking destinations: Lake Phalen. Lake Phalen is in St. Paul and is one of the Twin Cities’ largest urban lakes with three miles of shoreline and an area of just under 200 acres. When we arrived, the lake was frozen solid and covered in about six inches of snow. It was chilly and windy, but the sun was shining bright. And we weren’t alone at the park; dozens of other people were there to hike around the lake’s wonderful walking path.

 

ALTAI™ 6″ Waterproof Side Zip Black Tactical Boots Model: MFT200-ZS

The ALTAI™ boots on our feet kept out the snow and ice as we hiked onwards. Since the sun was providing great light, we even decided to snap a few pictures of our favorite boots. Hikes like this are one of the best and most accessible ways to get outdoors and stay active. Luckily in Minnesota, we have enough outdoor and recreation areas to be enjoyed by all. So, the next time you’re feeling restless at home and the weather isn’t exactly acting like a tropical paradise, see if you can still find a way to get out and about. Nature is restorative, and many people do not spend enough time appreciating it. ALTAI™ is here to help; we have hiking boot options that will help you experience mother nature in all her forms. So, boot up, and get out there!

 

Products you might be interested in

ALTAI™ 6″ Tan Waterproof Work Boots Model: MFM100-S

ALTAI™ 8″ Waterproof Black Tactical Boots Model: MFT100

ALTAI™ 8″ Brown Waterproof Hunting Boots Model: MFH200

 

 

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ALTAI™ Thanks You! Happy Thanksgiving

We can’t say it enough: Thank You, Thank You… THANK YOU! Every year, around Thanksgiving, we are reminded of how grateful we are to all our customers and hardworking boot teams. From wicked paintballers to the quality inspectors that keep our boots Born To Outperform, we at ALTAI™ want to thank each and every one of you for the steadfast support. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. So three cheers to you and Thank You for being a part of the ALTAI™ experience.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Choosing The Right Socks

Behind every great pair of boots, is a great pair of socks. We’ve all experienced a horrible mismatch between the two: too hot, too ‘slippery,’ blistery, the list goes on. Finding the right match between which socks to wear with your boots can mean a world of difference while you’re on your feet for extended periods of time.

Some sock materials will be better for certain temperatures, wetness, or sometimes just come down to personal preferences. Here’s a general guide to the typical socks materials to consider:

 

Synthetic Fabrics: There are a huge array of synthetic fabric socks. From cooling polyester fibers for the summer, to fabrics that “trap in” heat, without the bulkiness of thicker materials.

Wool: Known for its incredible insulating abilities, wool is one of the most popular types of socks for many adventurers. Synthetic blends of wool or merino may be preferable, since wool can be considered scratchy for some.

Cotton: Although the most common sock material, cotton socks are not recommended for hikes or long excursions. Cotton is extremely absorbent (imagine foot sweat!) and tends to dry very slowly.

Silk/Wicking Materials: Other kinds of socks, like silk, can be used as a liner inside your sock. These materials can help wick away moisture, keeping your “main sock” comfortable and dry.

Among these sock options, you will also want to consider whether your adventure will require lightweight, middle-weight, or mountaineering socks. Choose based on the temperature, dry/wet environment, and weather you will be facing. And it’s never a bad idea to have a back-up pair, for the unexpected.

ALTAI™ Adventure: Camping With Your Dog

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.

Items you might be interested in…

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Sizing Guide

We had a few specific questions regarding sizing and we know what a pain buying footwear online can be, so we created a measuring chart for your convenience. With a more accurate reading of your foot size, you can make a better informed purchase.

Remember to be mindful of whether you intend to use your boots for summer hiking, winter hunting, fall trekking, or spring ATVing. Keep in mind what type of socks you plan to wear; consider the thickness and how much extra room is required for maximum comfort.

So go ahead, measure up and see what ALTAI™ size is right for you! And as always, feel free to contact us directly with any specific questions about sizing and fit.

ALTAI™ Key Features: YKK® Zipper

A boot is only as good as its ease to put them on and take them off. When it comes to boots with side zippers, a perfect fit, each time you gear up, is exactly what you would expect.

Based on this principle, we have no room to compromise, which is why we only use YKK® zippers in each and every one of our boots. A zipper may seem like a small component in a boot, but a wolrd class, reliable zipper means all the difference when gearing up or gearing down.

We chose YKK® because their world-class quality and reliability let us stand by our mission for durability. Learn more about YKK® and rest easy when you’re gearing up in your ALTAI™ boots.

ALTAI™ Insight: Exploring the Wilderness

Today’s ALTAI™ Insight has been brought to you by our fabulous guest writer, Katlyn Spade.

Untether and Recharge: What to Know About the Joys of Traversing the Wilderness

The idea of camping is one that is immensely popular and has a special place in American hearts. Around 77 million households in the US have a member that goes camping at least occasionally, according to the 2018 North American Camping Report. Exploring the wilderness is something that often invites thoughts of campfires, toasted marshmallows, and incredible outdoor hiking adventures. If you happen to be one of the individuals who’s thinking of going out to enjoy the bounty of nature, you should be suitably prepared. That said, what do you need to know

Study Your Destination

There are a lot of different areas to enjoy nature in the US, like the states of California, Wyoming, Alaska, and Michigan, to name a few. Each of them has its own particular landscapes, topography, wildlife, and weather conditions. If you are going to enjoy nature through camping, it is important to find out more about your chosen campsite. Studying your destination beforehand lets you know what facilities are available or what sort of camping etiquette should be followed. After all, you can’t just pitch your tent or park your RV anywhere–there are rules to follow, and you’ll even have to register beforehand.

Gear Up

Venturing out into the wilderness puts your body against conditions you may not normally encounter in your daily life. So it’s only natural that you will need the proper equipment to help you fully enjoy your trip. There can be rough terrain, so make sure you gear up with ALTAI™; a pair of boots that are comfortable, lightweight, quick drying, and even waterproof, will take you a long way. For camping, you need the proper items to make a camp, like a tent, cookware, bedding, blankets, and so many other things. Investing in quality camping gear can help you enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort and safety.

Be Responsible

Irresponsible campers have been known to have dire negative effects on the great outdoors. Roughly 84% of the wildfires that have ravaged parks were caused by irresponsible individuals, based on a study by the University of Colorado. To avoid adding to that ecological problem, it would be wise to know how to be a responsible camper. Critical yet simple things like not littering, tending carefully to your fire, not leaving food out, and using existing campsites can help a lot.

Prepare to Be Flexible

As well prepared as you come, there will still be elements out of your control like the weather, the availability of your campsite, and even the presence of other campers. To better enjoy your trip, it’s good to prepare to be flexible. Set back-up plans in case your first option doesn’t go through. If you can’t do the full camping, consider glamping options. If around other campers, it’s good to know how to bask in the glory of nature and be respectful of others.

There are a lot of different reasons why you should go camping or take part in activities out in the wilderness. Nature has in her safekeeping sights and experiences that only the brave and respectful get to enjoy fully. Arming yourself with the proper knowledge on how to respect and thrive in the outdoors can help you have a more enjoyable time.

ALTAI™ Sizing Information: Finding The Perfect Fit

Buying footwear online can be tricky. With the infinite variety of styles, it can be a headache shopping around before you decide to take the plunge.

This is why we want to share some detailed information on our boots sizes, so you can make a better-informed decision when buying them online; whether it’s on our store or at Amazon. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of ALTAI™ boots and you can always contact us directly for specific sizing questions.

  • Men for year-round wear order a half size down
  • Men with wide feet order their regular size as if the boots were labeled “wide”
  • Men for very cold weather order their regular size to fit a thick, warm sock
  • Women for year-round wear order a size and a half down

 

 

 

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