Backpacking Info Site

When executive director of the “North Country Trail Association” (NCTA), Bruce Matthews, was visiting Delmar for an event to create a backpack trail spanning from North Dakota to New England, one of the striking features noticed by him was the fact that the mean age of local volunteers for hiking was in the mid-60s, meaning many volunteers’ were in the late 70s. He noticed this extreme shortage of the young volunteers in the event at other places also.

He recalls telling the volunteers present in the event that, though he loves to have them as they have the time and the income, but considering the future planning, he would also like to include young people in their 20s as they would be there for a lifetime.

This problem is also being encountered by other clubs like the “Taconic Hiking Club” having a membership of 150 out of which 50% are retired and the younger members are those in their early 40s.

Similar problems are also being faced by the “Adirondack Mountain Club” (ADK) and the “Appalachian Mountain Club” (AMC).

Taking this issue seriously most of the clubs are now trying to find young members. The “Schenectady Winter Sports Club” made efforts by launching recently a chapter specifically for the 18-30 years of age group with a view to get the young blood interested in the events. The “Adirondack Mountain Club” is doing a lot in this direction, like they are planning to organize events which are more family- friendly and simultaneously offering membership to first timers at very cheap rates. They are buying lists of addresses from various stores selling climbing gear and backpacking and are also marketing their lodges to be used by families. Young people are often attracted to more ‘active’ outdoor activities than simply hiking, such as taking a mountain bike like the Apollo Bikes XC.26S through the wilderness, skiing, snowboarding, motocross, four wheeling, etc. As a result many other clubs are trying to use these activities to attract new members like the “Out of Control Ski” Club which organizes discounted skiing trips and includes rides to the locations and organized get togethers after returning home.

There are many dog owners out there, and in case you are also one of them and are also fascinated by the outdoors, then you can really arrange an intriguing hiking trip with your dog as your companion. Most of the time it is seen that people are wary of taking their pets along with them fearing that it may prove to be a nuisance. It could but not if you are better prepared for the occasion and are aware of your pet’s requirements. Once you are done with your preparations you can be rest assured that the trip will rank as one of the best that you have embarked on, as the relationship that a human and a canine shares is unlike any other.

Here are a few tips that would come make your trip a smooth one:

The first thing that you need to do is pick up the essentials that preserve the life of your darling dog. Items like food, water, should be packed in sufficient amount to ensure that they last more than the scheduled time, for you may need them in case of an emergency. Go for canned food instead of the dog foods that comes in bags that you usually come across at the grocery store. This way you can save a lot of cash while preserving your energy.

The next thing you will need is a sturdy leash that will not only help you to keep a tab on your dog, but also prevent him from running after elements like a rabbit, a goose, and other strange elements that you will encounter a one too many on your trip. Alternatively you can bring along a dog whistle, like the Trixie Dog Agility Tunnel Nylon whistle, to ensure your dog always comes back. In case you want to ensure that the dog doesn’t get disillusioned grab a chew toy or two for your dog so that it can be kept involved.

Then, you also need to have some type of first-aid kit specifically designed for your dog. Since they have animal instincts they are not aware of the fact that they too can get injured but you can’t afford such an incident to derail your hiking plans. Neither, do you want to see your dog sulking in pain. Snake bites, bug bites, broken limbs, etc are common incidents and your dog’s first-aid kit should be made to handle any situation.