Category
First Aid
28 articles
First Aid
How to Recognize and Treat Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Sumac
While we’d all love for our outdoor adventures to run flawlessly from start to finish, that is not always the case. Sometimes, we accidentally collide with the not-so-friendly plant life out there in the wild. Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac are good examples. All three of these plants bear an oil called urushiol. When […]
1 min read · Aug 15, 2019 · Christina Applin
Backpacking
Tips for Hiking with Chronic Back Pain
Four out of five Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives making it one of the most common physical health problems in the United States. Some causes of back pain are inevitable such as aging or genetics, but other causes can be avoided such as injury and strain. Luckily, there […]
1 min read · Nov 2, 2017 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
This is How You Should Always Take a Break While You Hike
After a long day snowshoeing on a trail or making your way up a steep mountain side, your body tends to get tired. Often times, a lot of the pain and soreness happens at the beginning of the hike, which can prevent people from carrying on. It’s not until later that the muscles work up […]
1 min read · May 29, 2017 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
The Potential Dangers of Snowshoeing and How to Be Safe
A while back, an elderly snowshoeing couple went missing in Nevada when a blizzard hit. They ended up lost in white-out conditions. Thankfully, they were rescued before things took a turn for the worse. They were able to dial 911 from the ski area and unlike many others who have found themselves in similar positions, […]
1 min read · Mar 9, 2017 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
8 Ordinary Objects with Extraordinary Uses in the Backcountry
One of the most important things you should have on you for any trip in the backcountry is a first-aid kit. However, imagining every possible thing that could go wrong while on the trail and being prepared for those potential scenarios isn’t always realistic. But, what if you knew how to use ordinary objects in […]
1 min read · Feb 14, 2017 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Carry These Backcountry Mnemonic Devices With You on Your Next Hike
When it comes to being outdoors, there are a lot of things to remember in order for us to have a smooth experience. From keeping safe or finding your way when you’re lost, remembering how to prepare a campfire meal or being sure how to use the resources around you, it’s all a lot to keep […]
1 min read · Jan 4, 2017 · hanalarock
First Aid
“It Could Be Worse” Instances That Happen While Hiking
Hiking is always an exciting experience. But, like any experience in life, it’s not always easy. There are a lot of things that can happen along the trail that can really throw you off your mission, put a damper on your trip, or even postpone your hike altogether. However, one thing outdoorsy people tend to […]
1 min read · Jan 3, 2017 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
How to Conquer the Elements in the Winter Backcountry
Hiking in the winter backcountry, there are a lot of things you have to face. When the odds aren’t in your favor this time of year, you have to try to manage your surroundings as best as you can. Here are some tips on conquering the elements outdoors this season. Water When you’re out exploring […]
1 min read · Nov 22, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Winter Hiking Dangers
Each outdoor season has its own unique safety risks and winter hiking dangers might top the list. That’s why hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts need to do their very best to protect themselves. Whether the risk is extreme temperature, steep slopes, high altitude, avalanches, or wildlife, you can never really be too careful. That being said, there are […]
1 min read · Nov 8, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Thought You Didn’t Need Fall Hiking Tips? Think Again!
Ahh…fall. What a beautiful time of year to hike, huh? The colors outside look great, the weather is even better, and everything just feels nice and easy while you’re on the trail. That’s because it pretty much is! Hiking in fall is definitely not as risky as it is in summer or winter, that’s for sure. […]
1 min read · Sep 8, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
Falling: One of the Most Dangerous Aspects of Hiking and How to Prevent It
This week, when veteran hiker William Lowe was hiking in the Green Mountains of Vermont, he slipped and fell, dislocating his ankle and breaking it in three places. Thanks to the Cornell Outdoor Society who happened to be hiking in the area around the same time, Lowe was protected until help was able to come, […]
1 min read · Aug 23, 2016 · hanalarock
Backpacking
7 Sure-Fire Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes or “mozzies” are one of the biggest complaints hikers have about summertime hiking. These little critters will stop at nothing before they nibble you to little itchy pieces. People, therefore, have been coming up with the best possible ways to repel mosquitoes for years. Fortunately, getting these guys off of you has become easier as […]
1 min read · Jul 27, 2016 · hanalarock