ALTAI™ Local Spotlight: Lake Phalen

altaidev on February 28, 2020

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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™ Pro Tip: Sketch Your Way To Becoming A Better Hunter

altaidev on November 26, 2019

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

Tracking animals and landing a kill requires a creative mindset, but 78% of workers feel they lack creative abilities. One way to improve your hunting is by honing this skill, so consider combining the hunt with a creative activity like drawing. You may already impose certain obstacles, such as limiting your weapons, to make the hobby even more fulfilling, but by adding the act of drawing into your hunting trip, you can increase your performance. Here’s how sketching can take your enjoyment of hunting to the next level.

Calming Your Pre-Hunt Nerves

When you’re sketching your environment, you’re forced to take the time to examine it more closely. This is actually a form of mindfulness meditation. You are becoming more present and in tune with the world around you, leaving you feeling calm. Hunters can be negatively affected by feelings of anxiety or anger, so using drawing as a form of meditation can calm your nerves and increase your chances of landing a kill. It doesn’t matter how good your drawings are. This part of the sketching process is more about observation than creating art. Rather than trying to draw what you think something looks like, closely observe the subject and draw what it really looks like. You will then be able to feel a sense of focus and calm so that you can respond quickly and effectively when there is something to hunt.

Forming Deeper Bonds With Nature

Many people hunt because they love being out in the wild and feeling like a part of the ecosystem. However, as humans it’s easy to feel disconnected from all that. Spending time drawing the plants and animals you find helps you to feel more connected to them. By being in tune with wildlife, your prey becomes more predictable, and you will be more likely to land a kill. If you’re not a confident artist, begin with basic shape outlines of birds or animals before adding the detail. If you’re drawing a bird then you’ll have to make yourself still and quiet so as not to scare it off while you add the finer details. Ordinarily, the bird would be alerted to your presence and would flee, allowing you no opportunity for connection. With a sketch pad in hand, you will get to know wildlife more closely through observation. More importantly, however, you are becoming more efficient at stalking and tracking your prey without them noticing.

Enhance Cognitive Capabilities

There is another benefit to performing creative tasks while out hunting. Drawing or sketching will actually improve your performance in this sport. This is because it keeps your mind stimulated so that your cognitive performance improves, and you can bring home more impressive kills. Firstly, sketching requires patience and focus, which are both essential to a successful hunt. Secondly, it is creative so it uses a different part of the brain to solve problems. This means that when you head out into the woods, you will be able to come up with more original and effective hunting techniques.

Hunting and sketching may not be an obvious combination, but it makes sense when you think about it. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside, so why not capture it? Doing so will help you to become a better hunter by calming down nerves or anger, while also being less likely to disturb prey and improving your cognitive performance. Creative hunters have more original techniques, along with the focus required for a successful hunt.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: A Clean Hunt

altaidev on November 14, 2019

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

Keeping Your Hunting Gear Clean And Bacteria-Free

With the recent warning from the CDC that a hunter may have contracted tuberculosis from a deer, many hunters are paying particular attention to their health and hygiene practices this season. An important part of hunting safety is keeping your clothing and equipment clean, and part of preparing for a hunt is making sure your equipment is cleaned from your previous hunt. Moreover, since many people, including hunters, are growing increasingly concerned about the way their leisure activities might be impacting the environment, it’s important to know how to keep clothing, game bags, and boots clean and free from disease in an environmentally-friendly way. 

A Hunter’s Laundry 

Taking an eco-friendly approach to your laundry is particularly advantageous to a hunter. Often, the finishes applied to camouflage gear contain UV brighteners for aesthetic reasons, but animals can see the brighteners, as well as smelling the fragrances in laundry detergents, which alerts them to the hunter’s presence. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use detergents that are fragrance-free and don’t contain UV brighteners. Most detergents that are labeled ‘eco-friendly’ don’t contain these, but some do, so check the label before you buy. Additionally, some commercial detergents contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can be absorbed into the bloodstream through contact with your skin, and can cause health problems; most eco-friendly detergents are free of this chemical. Adding a cup of baking soda to the wash can eliminate odors without the need for chemical fragrance, and will also help remove harmful bacteria. Make sure your clothing is washed after every hunt to prevent bacteria build-up, and once it is completely dry, store it in a sealed bag to prevent it from picking up odors.

Cleaning Your Game Bags

A clean game bag is important for ensuring that your catch is safe to eat, and should be free of bacteria before each hunting trip. While being eco-friendly is important, in this instance, using a safe laundry bleach is wise. Rinse the bags after a hunt to remove solid debris, and then wash them thoroughly using an unscented detergent. Add a mild solution of laundry bleach and very hot water during the rinse cycle, and then allow the bags to air dry. If the bags are heavily stained, it may be necessary to soak them in hot water and fabric bleach overnight before washing. Ensure they are thoroughly dry before putting them away, as this will ensure the safest storage of meat for your next hunt. 

Cleaning Your Hunting Boots

Cleaning your boots is important for removing harmful bacteria, but it will also keep them in good shape for as long as possible. The good news is that ALTAI™ waterproof hunting boots are particularly easy to clean. Remove solid debris with a brush or a soft, damp cloth, using a toothbrush for the lace hooks. While it’s tempting to clean only the outside of the boots, bacteria can thrive inside the boot, so an occasional deep clean is advisable: use warm water and baking soda, and brush around the inside of the boot with a nylon brush. As well as removing any bacteria present, the baking soda will help remove odors naturally. Allow your boots to air dry completely before putting them away, but be aware that this could take several hours if you’ve also cleaned the inside. Store your boots in a bag with some tea bags or bags of baking soda to absorb any moisture and prevent further bacteria or odor from developing. 

Cleaning your gear thoroughly is an important part of the hunt to ensure safety and prevent potential diseases from spreading. By taking an eco-friendly approach as far as possible, the bonus is that you can also up the chances of a good hunt by minimizing artificial smells that alert animals to your presence. 

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™ Sizing Information: Finding The Perfect Fit

altaidev on January 3, 2019

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

 

 

 

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: 3 Simple Tips On How To Prevent Hiking Injuries

altaidev on October 10, 2018

Prevention is the first step to enjoying long hiking excursions injury free. And while we build our boots to be incredibly lightweight and no break-in period to help, here are a few exercises and stretches to get you even more prepped and keep you trekking comfortably.

Ankle Strengthening

Heel raises are an easy way to strengthen your ankles. Using a chair, or similar sturdy object, for balance, slowly raise one heel up, standing on your tiptoes, then slowly lower the heel to the ground. Repeat for each leg 10 times and try to do a set at least a few times throughout the day.

Taping

With quality athletic tape, you can add extra support; especially for those with previous injuries that may hinder full stability while on the trail. Some basic taping techniques can be found here or speak to a physician about what would be a suitable application for you.

Calf Stretches

Facing a wall, place both hands on the wall and bring one foot backwards 6 inches, knee bent, then slowly bring the heel down to the ground. You should feel a pull all along the lower and upper calf. This is also a recommended stretch for post-hiking or related activities.

ALTAI™ heads to Game Fair 2018 with UWC Adventures

altaidev on August 15, 2018

 

August is a busy month for the ALTAI™ team! This weekend, August 17-19, we are headed to the 2018 Game Fair with our partners, Ultimate Waterfowlers Challenge (UWC Adventures), in Anoka, Minnesota. (Right in our backyard!) If you live near the Twin Cities area, you won’t want to miss this family friendly, outdoor sporting event.

Look for us and our boots with Ultimate Waterfowlers Challenge and enjoy exhibits that include: archery, decoys, duck boats, art, dogs, dog accessories, taxidermy, and all the latest in hunting equipment for the outdoor enthusiast.

Check here for detailed information on Game Fair 2018.

ALTAI™ Update: Refreshed Inventory

altaidev on July 20, 2018

ALTAI™ Update: We’ve Refreshed Our Inventory!

It’s your lucky day and just in time for the mid-summer heat! We have recently refreshed inventory of select sizes from some of our most popular styles! Now is the perfect chance to get that back-up pair of boots for the pair you already love. Or tell a friend; you enjoy the ALTAI™ Difference, so share the experience with someone who could use a new pair of hard working boots.

Don’t miss the opportunity for REFRESHING summer footwear: lightweight, breathable AND waterproof. (Like a breath of fresh air for your feet.) But HURRY! This inventory is for select styles and limited time ONLY! Check out what’s in-store right now!

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: How To Choose the Right Combat Boot

altaidev on June 22, 2018

  

How to choose the right combat boot: the choices seem endless. There are a number of factors when considering the right combat boot for your needs. Here we address environmental obstacles we keep in mind when designing every pair of ALTAI™ boot. No matter the brand of boot you choose, here are some challenges to consider when choosing your next pair of combat boots and keep you performing at your best.

Jungle Environments:

Seek out truly WATERPROOF boots. While a wide variety of types of jungles exist, one thing they all pose as a challenge for troops on foot is water or moisture. Whether it be thick, heavy mud or hours on end ankle deep in water, the right combat boot has features to help avoid these exhausting obstacles. You can see for yourself how compelling completely waterproof boots can be a big step up by watching our boots in action.

Desert Environments:

Consider BREATHABILITY. It is clear that in desert environments, soldiers are feeling the heat; and not just from combat. Extreme temperatures have posed challenges in places like Iraq and Afghanistan so it is crucial that the right combat boot for desert environments offers a “cool” solution in footwear.

Cold Environments:

WATERPROOF combined with BREATHABILTY mean less heaviness or thickness to keep warm. Since feet naturally produce moisture, cold environments can be trickier than just throwing on an extra pair of socks. Wet, moist feet are nearly impossible to keep warm; they must be dry to avoid losing heat quickly. For this kind of environment, breathability and waterproofness are a key combination of features that help prevent unnecessary loss of heat due to dampness.

For more detailed advice on how to choose the right ALTAI™ boot for you, please contact us! 

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