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 I am reviewing the Capstone 32 Liter Thule daypack for men. This is a daypack suitable for long day hikes. It is especially good if you have a lot of equipment to carry. There are two large compartments to haul your gear. One compartment is open so you get items very fast. Storage: Beside the two large compartments the pack has a smaller compartment near the top that can hold smaller items such as: flashlight, headlamp, gloves, food etc. This compartment has a key holder, so your keys are secure. There's also a side compartment on the waistbelt that holds smaller items. The other side of the waistbelt has a holder for hiking poles. It's called a VersaClick. Note: This holder would be good for trail hikes, not scrambling hikes. The poles would hit the rock. There are two angled mesh pockets for water bottles. The angle makes it very easy to grab the water bottles. The Fit: These daypacks are customizable using the MicroAdjust suspension system. The pack actually adjust to your height! This ensures a good fit. It also has a tension mesh back panel that allows air to flow between the pack and your body. This helps keep you cool, which in turn, means you will not need to drink as much water. Extras: The pack comes with a highly visible raincover that will keep the pack and contents dry and can double as a visible signal for Search N Rescue. The top handle is separated into three sections. The main handle is used to pick up the pack and the two side handles can have equipment attach to them such as a carabiner and a lanyard (keep hats from blowing away).  Daypack full of gear These daypacks do not come with a bladder, but they have a sleeve for a bladder and a hole marked by a blue icon where the hose goes through. The chest strap is height adjustable. All the zippers have bright yellow pull tabs, which makes it very easy to find and use the zippers. Wish List: I wish the pack had a few more small compartments to help arrange gear. The shoulder straps could be padded a bit more and the zippers could be beefier. STATS: Volumn: 32 L Dimensions: 10.2 x 13 x 22.8 Weight: 2.55 lbs Model number: 224101 Conclusion:
This is a good pack for longer hikes and hikes you need to carry a lot of equipment (ropes etc.). The Micro adjustment guarantees a good fit, there's lots of room for equipment, the mesh back panel keeps you cool and the built-in raincover will keep the pack and equipment dry. If you are looking for a large daypack, this is one to consider. Click here to go to their website. This is a very powerful flashlight, yet small and lightweight. It's main feature is the illuminating 1000 Lumens light it emits. See the photo below. It tells the story. The poles are 25 yards away the mountain is over 50 yards away!  The light turns night into daylight. This the first light I would be comfortable descending class 2 and 3 rock in the dark! Not only could I see terrain in front of me, I could see landmarks in the distance, which is very important for finding my way down. I am not talking about a trail, but a route which is far more difficult to follow. The PD35 has six modes including a strobe mode for emergencies. This could literally save your life! Each mode increases the light intensity. What's in the Box? You get the PD 35 flashlight, a carry case with a loop so you can put it on your belt, batteries, a lagard, and a metal clip (not sure how to attach that). How to Use: The main on/off switch is at the rear of the flashlight. Click it once. There's a round button near the front of the flashlight. Each time you press it the intensity of the light increase. Strobe Mode: Press and hold the round button at the front of the flashlight to engage the strobe mode. Easy. Specs: Led Bulb lifespan 50,000 hours Length: 5.3 inches Weight: 3.1 ounces Powersource: rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A batteries (included) Anti roll slip body design Conclusion: This is an impressive flashlight. It's lightweight, easy to use and durable. The light is so bright it's like daylight. I will always have this in my daypack. For more information and to buy Are you looking to get into hiking? This is a fantastic hobby to start because it can do wonders for your fitness, it allows you to develop a wide range of valuable life skills and can show you the magnificent beauty of the world. Not only this, but it is good fun too! It can be an intimidating hobby to start, but once you know the basics and get started, you will soon begin to enjoy hiking and always have your next hike planned.
With that in mind, here are six tips for first-timers that should reduce stress and ensure that your first hike is a successful one. 1. Start Small & Build Fitness You might be tempted to go on a large hike for the first time, but this is a classic newbie mistake. At the start, you need to select a trail which is shorter than the distance that you normally walk on a level surface. You should also work on your fitness before going out hiking - any cardiovascular exercise and exercises that strengthen leg muscles will be helpful. 2. Be Positive While there certainly is a level of physical fitness that is required for hiking, you will find that the large majority of it comes down to mental strength. Make sure that your inner dialogue is positive and free from negative statements. This can be hard initially, but once you start to succeed with hikes, it will gradually build your confidence. 3. Healthy Lifestyle Leading a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after hikes is essential for building fitness, recovery and maintaining a positive mindset. It will involve eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, rest and getting enough sleep each night. 4. Invest In Quality Footwear The importance of high-quality footwear cannot be overstated. Before you head out hiking, you need to make sure that you have suitable protection on your feet (it is also helpful to break in hiking shoes before going on a hike). 5. Equipment You also need to make sure that you have the right equipment before venturing out. Again, it is crucial to invest in quality, so you should always shop from reputable suppliers like OutdoorCommand.com. It will include items such as a backpack, insulation clothing, a torch, sun protection, first-aid supplies, and emergency shelter. 6. Hike With Other People It is a good idea when first starting out to hike with other people, whether this is a friend or a local group. This is helpful for safety reasons but also so that you can have fun and make it a social hobby. Once you start to develop your fitness, abilities, and confidence, you can look into venturing out by yourself - some people prefer to hike solo while others prefer the social aspect of group hikes. These tips should give you the confidence and knowledge that you need to start hiking. Hiking is one of the best hobbies you can start because it is healthy, rewarding and allows you to explore nature. It can be intimidating to start, but once you have been on a few basic hikes, you will soon start to build your confidence and enjoy looking for new trails.
There’s no denying that one of the major benefits of going hiking is to see all the amazing scenery and stunning landmarks, but some people need something more to keep them entertained on the long marches. For some, hiking is all about getting out into nature and breathing fresh air, for some it's about getting out to do a couple of hours worth of exercise. For this reason, it’s good to have a range of online mobile games to play to keep you entertained on a long journey.
Pokémon Go
Wouldn’t it be great if walking around the countryside and gaming went hand in hand? Well, there are certain titles which make this happen. Pokémon Go from Niantic is the best-known augmented reality offering, and it encourages players to venture out and about in search of elusive pocket monsters. Players use the map to find out where Pokémon are hiding, and then attempt to go and capture them. When they find where the creatures are lurking, players are able to hold up their phones and see them superimposed on real-world settings thanks to AR which, set against a scenic hiking backdrop, is set to enhance any rambler's journey. By searching for Pokémon, hikers can even discover different routes that they may not usually choose. Sometimes the creatures may be located off the well-trodden trails and those who set out to search for them could end up uncovering hidden gems in the countryside and picturesque views. Pokémon Go was released in 2016, and quickly became one of the most popular mobile games ever on mobile - it has been downloaded more than a billion times. This led other developers to attempt to replicate its success. One of the most exciting games that takes inspiration from Niantic's creation is Jurassic World Alive where, instead of cute and cuddly monsters, prehistoric ones stalk around the Las Vegas countryside.
Slot Games
AR games may not appeal to all hikers, especially those who want to take in their surroundings fully when walking. But there are other times throughout the day when hikers may be tempted to rest and pull out their phone. When stopping for some respite, this is a prime opportunity to play a quick game online. For these moments, going for games which can be played in short bursts is the way forward. Games that can be started and stopped at a moment’s notice are ideal, so that players don’t hold up their hiking buddies who may want to get back on track. A lot of online casino games fit the bill in this regard, but slot games are arguably the best choice. One of the best slot games on the market right now is Cash Bandits 2, as recommended in this curated list of fun slot games to play online, and is based around a classic 'cops and robbers' theme. Another game which is attracting a high number of players right now is Orc Vs Elf, which takes inspiration from popular fantasy franchises. Puzzle and Word GamesPuzzle and word games are wholesome examples of games that don’t require too much attention. In fact, it is fairly easy to play a lot of them while still taking heed of surroundings. The last thing hikers want to do is trip over a tree branch or rock while playing a game which is too immersive. Additionally, playing this type of game is a good way to involve all the walkers in your party by sharing ideas about answers to certain questions. Some popular puzzle games in 2019 include Doodle God, Cog Factory and Chroma Circuit. One of the top word games available is Wordscapes, which features anagrams, crosswords, and word searches. There are over 6000 puzzles included, which will keep players busy for days on end. It is designed to test even the smartest of players, so can act as a strong talking point between fellow hikers. Word Crush is also considered to be one of the best word games online, where players have to search for hidden words in progressively challenging levels. There are so many different games to play when hiking, which are bound to suit all types of casual and experienced players. AR games can be enjoyable when walking and taking heed and enhancing the beautiful natural surroundings, while slots and puzzles are great on-the-go options to play when you want to rest your feet and can also involve your fellow hikers. So, while you've your phone in-hand taking pictures of the sublime Nevada surroundings, take a moment to stretch your legs (and your fingers) to try and beat that next impossible level, or catch that cute little fluffy thing that's waiting just up ahead.  1. Fence Post Peak - maybe the most unique hike in the country. Doing the loop hike which includes climbing South Peak and the Overlook is the perfect hike. Such diversity in the terrain is mind blowing. All three summits are dirt, not rock! This hike should be done during the cooler months. Video of the hike. Location: China Date Ranch, CA  2. White Pinnacle Peak - walking out to the very exposed summit is something you will never forget. This is not a long hike, but there's plenty of scrambling before you get to the final exposed walk. You can start this hike anytime, since it's not along the Scenic Loop drive in Red Rock Canyon. Video of the hike Location: Red Rock Canyon  3. Bridge 360 - The route does a 360 around the dome of Bridge Mtn. This looks totally impossible from ever angle. The route involves a short rap. Location: Red Rock Canyon  4. Three Peak Hike in Death Valley - This is an excellent, round trip hike, that goes to three different peaks including Red Cathedral, Damn Fool and Manly Beacon. Video of the hike Location: Death Valley, CA  5. The Hideout - Exposed scrambling route to a area where someone was hiding out from...? In the video you will see old batteries, canteen and other artifacts. Video of the hike Location: Red Rock Canyon.  6. Monument Traverse - Super hardcore hike that travels to four peaks with a short rap. There's a tank when full it's more than 12 feet deep! Location: South Red Rock Canyon  7. Eva's Tower - great scrambling hike with incredible scenery. By doing an easy rappel you can shorten the descent route by 50%! Video of the hike Location: Red Rock Canyon  8. Ice Box Peak - The peak is like an island in the sky. There's no easy route to this one! Video of the hike Location: Red Rock Canyon  9. Boot Boulder - Short scrambling route to a boulder that looks like a boot! There's some exposed climbing on this route. Good winter hike. Location: Red Rock Canyon  10. Bridge Point SE Face Route - One of the toughest routes in Red Rock Canyon. Lots of class 4 and 5 climbing. It also has the coolest slot in all of Red Rock. Location: Red Rock Canyon. Over the last 23 years I have been exploring all over the Southwest and the above peaks and routes are the best I have found. Most of these peaks are less than 20 miles from the heart of Las Vegas!
Some peaks that did not make the list: Pine Creek Peak, Terrace Canyon Peak, Oak Creek Overlook, First Creek Peak, East Peak, Hidden Peak, Black Velvet Peak, Windy SE Face, Magic Mtn, Tunnel Vision Peak, and Goodman Peak. A travel guіdе іѕ іmроrtаnt fоr аnу trip. If уоu аrе trаvеllіng tо a country уоu dо nоt knоw muсh about; thеу саn help уоu wіth ассоmmоdаtіоn аnd access tо mаnу tourist аttrасtіоnѕ.
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I have felt a lot less pain when wearing the knee brace during the following hikes: Griffith Peak, Mummy Nose and Forehead, Fletcher Peak, Boot Boulder, and Kraft Speed Ascents. That is enough of a test for me to say these knee braces really help me.  Photo credit: Linda Aldworth Although hard to see I am wearing a knee brace on my left knee.
When I wear the brace, my knee feels very strong and stable. There is no loss of range of motion. They protect my knees from the sharp rock. Also there's gel around the kneecap area in the brace to protect the kneecap. It's nice if I have to kneel on rock. So far the knee brace is holding up well. I will wear them on all my hikes and I highly recommend them. You can get them here. Note: The 2 pack means a right and left knee brace not four knee braces. The excitement of hiking – whether it lasts thirty minutes and is a small interlude in a packed day or whether it lasts several hours or even days – can be difficult to replicate. People often talk about a runner’s high, but a hiker’s high is far more apt. You have the beautiful scenery to take in, the challenging terrain, and there are even elements of the hike that can get your pulse going, especially if vertical rockfaces are involved. Being at one with nature is amazing, but sometimes we need some technological help. So, here are the best mobile developments to make your life easier when going on a hike?  Apps to Help You Hike Monitoring fitness doesn’t just mean we need to check if we’ve done our steps – which we do – but it also means we can give ourselves a health check in some of the intense temperatures. The Fitbit is a crucial piece of monitoring technology that can help you improve fitness by taking data from each hike and plotting your progress in terms of speed, steps, and calories burned. While Plotaroute can help you plot out where you want to go on your hike and ensure it fits with the group’s level of difficulty and the timeframe you want to hike to last, the Gaia GPS app does much the same, mapping out even the contours of the earth to give an accurate representation. Meanwhile, the National Parks by Chimani app helps to plot out particular routes around national parks and could be particularly useful near Las Vegas for Zion National Park or Death Valley National Park.  Games to Help You Relax
What is the smartphone if not the most versatile gaming device? Hikes can be tiring and regular rest breaks are advisable. So, it’s important to have something fun to do while doing so, and that’s where games come in. For instance, Pokémon Go is a perfect title to take on a hike as some of the rarer Pokémon could be hiding deep in the unknown. Or we can even indulge in the magic of the city that sprawls out next to our hiking track with some online casino gaming action. As Bonus Source shows through their compilation of the best welcome offers and bonuses for a series of casinos available to play online, operators vie for players' attention through attractive offers, which means that you can get started at any of a series of reputable sites with some bonus credit. Las Vegas is more than just the City of Lights and a place for Celine Dion, Britney, and Cher to rest in between tours. The beautiful vistas and iconic locations nearby to hike through the desert mean that you can find yourself getting lost fairly quickly. With your smartphone by your side and the appropriate apps downloaded on it, you’ll be able to hike like a pro when you're actively on the move and when you stop on the trail for a rest. One reason many people like to travel is because it’s an opportunity to be adventurous with your meals and food. However, it can be tricky and pricy to come up with a plan of action for what you want to eat when travelling both alone and in groups. If one fact is for certain though it’s that you’ll need to figure out what you’re eating for meals each day, meal planning can be tricky when you’re away from home and out of your routine. See advice for what you can be doing to make sure you’re well fed and enjoying your travels. Don’t be Afraid to Dine Alone You can’t be afraid to branch off and go out alone when you’re travelling solo. Instead of sitting in your hotel room ordering room service, you should go exploring and sit down at a restaurant. If you feel awkward during your meal or lonely, then consider taking out your phone and hopping on the internet to play casino games at Unibet while you eat. Head to the Local Grocery Store You may also want to consider cooking for yourself while on your trip. This is a good way to know what you’re eating and control your portion sizes and calorie intake. Head to the local grocery store and pick out some fresh foods you can prepare back where you’re staying. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you book lodging that has a kitchen and will give you this capability versus staying at a hotel. Check out Frugal Living in the UK for advice on how to best grocery shop and save money. Make Reservations Early If you’re planning on eating out, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance and figure out where you want to go. Many destinations are filled with visitors and will be booked up well ahead of time. Therefore, get online before you depart and make a plan of action for what restaurants you want to eat at and the types of foods you want to try. Call up the eatery and place a reservation for every day of the week, so you know exactly where you’ll be eating each night. Be Adventurous & Try New FoodsMost importantly, this is your opportunity to branch out and try new foods that you’re not familiar with back home. See advice from the Super Nanny for how to also get your kids to try new foods if they’re travelling with you. Instead of falling back on ordering pizza each night, go out and explore the area and ask for recommendations for where to eat from the locals. You may also want to consider snacking throughout the day or eating small plates and appetizers, so you have room in your stomach to try a wide variety of foods. ConclusionRegardless of where you travel to or what you do on your trip, you’re going to need to eat. Use this guide as a way to make sure you’re well fed and making the most out of your adventures. The best part is that you have options and can work in a variety of these suggestions instead of always eating at your hotel.
A key to having a good hike is to be comfortable. Most hikers first think of their hiking shoes and this is important. But what about your underwear? If it doesn't allow freedom of movement or retains sweat you will not be comfortable.
Introducing Shinesty Shinesty makes cool clothing for your outdoor activities. They gave me a pair of boxers and a thong to review. Naturally I wore the thong :) Here's what I liked about the boxers: They were very comfortable, almost felt like I wasn't wearing them. They wick moisture away from my body so I stayed cool. They were not binding. I had total freedom of movement. They are colorful. They protect your skin from chafing. Here's what I liked about the Thong: The person wearing it :) Linda wore the thong and said; "The thong feels great!! And seamless. Didn't feel like it was holding moisture." I will take her word!  Shinesty has a variety of products for the outdoor lover. Check them out.
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AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
August 2019
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