Trails Archives | Tyler Grasham

April 21, 2019

Breathing Tips to Improve Hiking Experience

Hiking remains my passion; after many years I still look forward to the next hiking adventure. In this post, I will be writing about some essential breathing tips you need to know before going on your next hiking adventure.

I am sure many people will agree that hiking on paths that lead them to higher altitudes is an amazing experience. At the highest point, you can reach the level of oxygen may be low because of the altitude. However, that won’t stop you from enjoying the experience and view at the top.

You will also find the tips I have compiled for this post helpful if you are just going on a normal but long hike. If you are the one who needs to rest very often when you go on a hiking trip, this post will also be an interesting read for you.

During a hiking experience, many parts of your body work together to help you get through the amazing experience. Your heart and lungs are like the ‘engines’ that support your muscles (arms and legs) during a hike. This is how it works; your lungs ensure breathing supplies enough oxygen to the bloodstream. This blood rich in oxygen is then circulated in your body, reaching the muscles in your arms and legs to support the work, and improve your endurance.

If you find out that you run out of breath too quickly during a hiking adventure, you are probably breathing in a wrong pattern, hence the sudden feeling of exhaustion soon after you start walking along the path you have chosen for hiking. – Tyler Grasham

Here are my top tips to help you enjoy a better hiking adventure without feeling exhausted or running out of breath too quickly;

Slow rhythmic breathing

You can gain more endurance by breathing slowly following a particular rhythm. This breathing pattern ensures your heart rate is consistent and your muscles get a steady supply of oxygen during the hiking experience.

Count your steps

You may learn to do this subconsciously over time, what’s more, after a few experiences; your mind becomes used to the breathing pattern. Counting your steps helps you avoid straining too much which can distort your breathing pattern when the heartbeat increases. So count your steps and flow with the inhale/exhale pattern.

Breathing through your nose

There have been many debates about breathing through your nose during a hiking exercise. It helps to protect your from allergens in the outdoors if you are prone to allergic reactions. However, from my experience breathing through the mouth is more effective. So, if you are worried about allergens, this is what you can do- inhale through your nostrils and exhale through your mouth. This way you can get enough oxygen in your blood to reach the muscles working so hard during the hiking experience.

It is also important to plan your hiking, know where the stops are and when to drink some water. When is your next hiking trip? Try these tips and don’t forget to share your experience.

April 14, 2019

How to Keep Your Property Safe When Hiking

It is important that you go with the right hiking gear and equipment during every hiking adventure. It is easy to overlook some stuff that may not seem very relevant, but you can never tell. Everything should be complete before you head out to enjoy an amazing hiking experience.

Your choice of hiking gear will depend on the trail you have chosen. However, there is some basic hiking equipment you must always have in your gear every time you go hiking. For example, you must carry along flashlights (even if you plan to go hiking and return before the sun goes down), water bottles, hunting knives, mobile phones, hats, sunglasses, cameras, compass or a map of the hiking trail, medication, and other essential tools you need.

Hiking is an exciting experience, it is now recommended to people for its health benefits, however, and hiking becomes a hobby after a while because it is quite addictive. Hiking ranks at the top when you mention favorite outdoor activities. When you go hiking, you can say it was a wonderful trip when you return safely with all your gear intact.

However, there have been so many cases where people report missing items; sadly they did not know where or when these items got lost during the hike. I will be writing about some tips and methods you can use to prevent your hiking stuff from getting lost.

It can be frustrating if you have to buy new hiking equipment for your gear every time; the following tips will help you avoid this situation;

Make an inventory

You can start by writing an inventory to identify all the items you have prepared to carry along during the trip. Your inventory should include the smallest and largest items. Study your inventory to know how these items can be securely stored.

Use a good hiking backpack

There are special backpacks that have been designed for hikers. These backpacks are designed to have multiple compartments where you can store your hiking gear securely. After studying your inventory, you can select the most appropriate places to store each of your hiking equipment.

Packing for your hiking trip

You should pack up your hiking items carefully; all items should be placed in the bag and securely locked. Backpacks can have zippers or secure clasps; you should check to ensure they are working properly.

Choose the right hiking clothes

You can choose clothes such as shirts and shorts that have extra pockets for storing stuff. You can keep small items such as mobile phones and hunting knives in your pockets to reach them easily when necessary.

Replace items in your backpacks

During breaks or when you need to take anything out of your hiking backpack, always ensure you keep it back into the backpack. For example, water bottles should be kept and secured after drinking.

It is also important that you keep all the compartments of your backpack locked at all times even after taking stuff out. No worries, this can quickly become a habit after a while. If it is convenient, you can also take a quick inventory to ensure nothing is lost.

There you go, apply these tips to avoid losing valuable stuff when next you go hiking. – Tyler Grasham

November 4, 2018

A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking

Tyler Grasham believes that hiking is an activity that is beneficial to the human body , aside from the fun it brings, it helps to battle depression and stress.

It is an exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles, reduce body weight, boosts the density of the bones, strengthen the hips and legs, helps with body stability, reduce the probability of heart problems, improve blood sugar level, blood pressure and it is also a great way to get in tune with nature to help clear your mind.

According to Tyler Grasham, hiking is more than taking long and laborious walks outside; there are things to consider before you decide to pick your boots and go hiking.

Before you go hiking, these are the basic and tangible things you need to know:

You need to choose the trail you’re walking on. Don’t pick an unknown destination for starters. Work with your immediate environment.

Decide how far you are going. You need to decide for how long you are hiking. You don’t need a very long distance for starters, choose a short trail you can work with, as you progress, you can lengthen your trail.

Decide if you’re hiking with company or going solo. If you are the type who likes company, you can join other hikers. But if you need an alone time by yourself, then you need to go solo.

Get acquainted with your chosen trail. As soon as you have chosen your hiking trail, get a map of the place, to familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny of the trail. You can also check online for reviews about the location.

Notify your folks about your trip. Don’t just up and leave. Make sure someone close to you is aware of your movement. Tell them your itinerary, so that they can know when to send out search parties, in case you’re not back by the expected time of arrival.

Check the weather forecast. The weather will determine what you’re bringing with you, your attire, how long and how far you’re hiking.

Dress for the occasion. There are the right clothes and shoes for hiking. Get yourself quality hiking socks, shoes or boots, wool top, and nerdy or light sporty pants. Don’t do cotton materials. Hats and gloves are optional.

Things you need in your backpack. Because you’re a beginner, you need not carry a heavy backpack. You need a light backpack so as not to get tired easily. These are the list of things you need for your hiking :

Water bottle containing at least a liter of water. You need a liter for every one hour.
Sunglasses and sunscreens. You don’t want to have sunburns after your hiking.
Trekking Pole. It helps reduce stress on the knees. Provides extra support, strength, and stability.
Map/Compass. You don’t want to get lost. You need a map and a compass to navigate your way around. The good thing about compasses is they are lightweight, can’t run out of power and can function in any weather.
GPS Tracker. In addition to a compass, you need a tracker to send our SOS alert in case of an emergency.
Cell Phone. You can’t be away from your mobile phone during hiking. You might need to get in touch with anyone on your phone.
First aid kit. This is needed in case of injuries like broken knees, ankle sprain, and emergency health issues.
Flashlight / Lighter. For making light in a dark place. Or to make a bonfire if you decide to camp overnight on your trail.
Knife. For protection against trespassing humans and dangerous animals like bears and snakes.
Blanket /shelter (tent). This is needed in case you decide to camp overnight.
Insect/ animal repellent. To ward off insects and animals.
Food. You don’t need to go with heavy meals. Light snacks like fruits (apples and banana will do), crackers and nuts will suffice.

Don’t leave any trace. Make sure the only thing you have trailing your hike is your footprints. Don’t litter your trail with dirt. Ensure you keep your trail clean.

With this information, I believe you’re good to go on your hiking trip, and you have all it takes to have an amazing hiking trip.

October 27, 2018December 6, 2018

Top Ten Benefits of Hiking

For a long time, hiking has been known to be beneficial to the overall human health. It has been known to cure a whole lot of health challenges. Hiking benefits your physical, mental and social health in more ways than one, and it can be proved in the ways highlighted below, by Tyler Grasham.

Tones the Entire Body

Hiking regularly can tone up your entire body, especially your lower body region. Even better, carrying backpacks while hiking can increase the endurance level of your upper body as well.

Clear Your Mind

A mental health benefit of hiking is that it clears your mind from everything and anything you might have been worrying about, especially if you hike in areas around the countryside. You get to smell the fresh air and enjoy the magnificent views. This makes you appreciate the beauty of nature even more.

Disconnect from The World

In this technological age that we’re in, our heads are always buried in one gadget or the other. Hiking takes you away from screen time and allows you to see the world in its natural and vulnerable state. This can help to relieve forms of fatigue.

Increased Creativity

Since hiking is done outdoors, it increases your attention span and creativity when you come back into the real world.

Improves Mental Health

Hiking can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and fear in humans. It has a way of making one forget about life worries and live in the moment.

It Aids Quick Healing

After the body must have recovered from chronic illnesses like cancer, hiking can aid the entire healing process and prevent further health challenges.

Aids Weight Loss

If you’re not a fan of gyms and intense workout sessions, you can still lose weight by hiking. The weight loss would be visible when you hike up to two times in a week.

Diabetes Control

Hiking in a regular basis prevents and controls the level of blood sugar in your body system. It works by giving your entire muscles the perfect workout it needs to move glucose all around the bloodstream.

Socialization

Hiking helps you meet new people with different and multi-faceted backgrounds. It can help you develop a bond, especially when you choose a buddy or partner to hike with at an appointed time.

Curbs Depression

Hiking is one of the therapies that help people suffering from chronic depression to get better. With hiking, they can feel less suicidal and become happier people for themselves and those around them.

Hiking is not something you get good at in a day; you need to start gradually. At the initial stages, it is advisable that you hike for short periods of time. After that, you can gradually move up to high terrains and hills. In no time, you’ll get a hang of it.

August 11, 2018August 11, 2018

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING

Tyler Grasham picture of trail with Rainbow

Hiking needs proper packing and planning regardless of whether it is a short day hike or a mountain hike, make sure safety is at the forefront of your plans as you lace your boots to set out on the adventure of hiking.

There are a lot of factors that must be considered and planned for if you want to have a good and safe hiking experience. The factors that may cause hiking to go wrong may include thunderstorms a surprise snowstorm, lighting, dangerous wildlife or an unstable rock pattern are all kinds of hazards that may be encountered when you go hiking. Make sure you are in a good physical and mental condition and also pay close attention to your surrounding so that you can enjoy yourself.

Tyler Grasham's Hiking Safety tips Info-Graphic — Hiking Safety Tips

The following safety tips are important when you go hiking;

Make a Gear List: whether you are going for a short hiking that includes few hours or you are going for hiking that may take day, you don’t want to have a horrible time. Hence, it is important to make a list of everything you need before heading out; there are some items that are a must have, these include water, extra water, map, compass, rain gear, and extra food.

Map: this is probably the most important item that you should have when you are going for a hike. Do not rely solely on GPS as there might be limited service and the battery power might disappoint. Make sure you have a map and also learn how to read it. GPS should only serve as a backup plan for you and if at all you must go with one, then you should also get a power bank fully charged in case the battery runs down, you will be able to use the power bank to charge it.

Know the Area: Make sure you are familiar with the area you are going, check for the following information before heading out:

Local poisonous plants
Local hunting seasons and areas
Local wild animals and ensure you know what to do when you come across any

Hike During the Day: have it in your plan to schedule your hiking during the day; it is much easier to get lost in the dark and there may be wild animals in the area you are hiking so it is safer to go during the day.

Check the Weather Forecast: make sure you put the weather condition into consideration up on to the time you leave. This will help you know what kind of gear that you will need whether it is a sunscreen, rain jacket, warmer clothing or extra water in case of a hot weather. In case the weather forecast indicates the possibility of a rainfall, make sure the trail you will be passing through will not be slippery and will still be passable in such conditions.

Be Confident: know what you can do and what you cannot do whether you are hiking alone or you are hiking with a group of friends. When you are hiking with your friends you may be persuaded to do something you are not prepared for, make sure you are careful so that you do not risk getting injured. Know your limits and be honest with your level of skill so that you don’t get into trouble.

Keep Your Location Known: Tell people around you before you go hiking. This is very important so that you can let them know when you are going and when you will be coming back so that when they don’t see you they can make attempts to look out for you.

Stay Together: when hiking with a group make sure you are together as it is safer to be together than isolated when you go hiking with friends.

Stick to Your Plan: Always maintain your designated trail

Keep Hydrated: Go with enough water and sports drinks, taking alcohol or soda when you go hiking can cause dehydration.

Wear Boots: make sure you have something sturdy on your feet that will provide good ankle support.

Pack Light: Make sure you carry only what you need, avoid carrying items you will not lead so that you can have less load to deal with.

Hiking is fun when you have the necessary items in place, if you haven’t tried why not give it a trial in your next vacation and you are sure to be in for a good time and I’m sure you will thank me later.

August 8, 2018August 8, 2018

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIKING

The benefits of hiking are enormous as it is a form of cardio workout that affords the body to have access to fresh air, nice views, smells, and sounds of nature. A good way to enjoy hiking is to start slowly with local hike most especially for beginners, and then gradually take it a step further by working up trails with hills or to an uneven terrain.

Hiking is one of the activities that people who go on adventure or camping engage in because of its rewarding health benefits that goes way beyond just good vistas. It is categorized as a type of aerobic exercise that can help to improve;

Muscle strength
Sleep quality
Bone density by slowing down its loss
Weight loss
Cardiorespiratory fitness which has positive effects on the hearts, lungs, and blood vessels.

Hiking is good for both adults and children as it makes children active, fit, sharp, and lowers their chances of becoming obese amongst their peers who don’t engage in regular exercises whether hiking or any other form of exercise. They also sleep better at night and are more alert in class.

In addition to the other benefits stated above, the following are benefits hiking has on various systems of the body;

Hiking helps to lower the risk of having heart diseases
It improves blood sugar levels and blood pressure
It helps to improve stamina and balance
Since hiking is a weight bearing exercise, it can help to boost bone density
It strengthens the core
It can help to boost mood as research has shown that hiking has tremendous impact on combating any symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Tramping or hiking can also help to reduce the risk for;

It helps to reduce the risk of high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Depression
Untimely death
Breast, colon, endometrial, and lung cancers
Stroke and heart diseases
Anxiety and tension
Negative effects of arthritis and osteoporosis

A wonderful way to enjoy hiking is to invite friends along instead of going on the adventure alone; when you go with friends it becomes interesting and you can easily get help in case you get hurt in the process. The more you go hiking, the more your hiking skill improves and then you can decide to go solo.

Before you go hiking make sure you acquaint yourself with the trail map this will make navigating through your journey a lot easier, also make sure you look out for the condition of the weather; ensure it is favorable and also pack all necessary items accordingly.

Hiking is a good way to unwind and enjoy another side of nature, regular hiking is good for the general well-being of the body, burning of body fats and a way to relieving stress. Go on a hike today either alone or with your friends, and your body will definitely be better for it.