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