My Favorite Books- Into the Wild

Mike on March 30th, 2010
Into the Wild

One of my Favorite Outdoor Books

I read this book in 2007 and it quickly became one of my favorites. The story is about Christopher McCandless a very smart, college grad who decided to drop out of society. Right after graduating from College, McCandless abandoned his possessions, burned his cash and gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity.

For several years McCandless wandered the United States without ID or a steady supply of cash. McCandless partially survived by working odd jobs but mainly by scavenging and accepting the goodwill of the people he met.

He hiked all over the west, floated down the Colorado River into Mexico and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. After crossing back into the US without ID and being hassled by border officials, McCandless traveled for several years throughout the West and Midwest before hitchhiking to Alaska.

McCandless survived for 112 days in the Alaska bush before succumbing to an unknown injury and starvation. For some people it is hard to understand why he decided to live his life this way without the comforts of civilized society. But for me I completely understand what he was looking for.

McCandless was a free spirit, a true Outdoor Adventurer, and wandered the world seeking what we all seek at one time or another. Peace….

If you want to read the book, you can find it on Amazon.com. Click here!

The book was also made into a Major Motion Picture. Check out the trailer:

YouTube Preview Image

The movie closely follows the book but of course it has been optimized for a Hollywood audience. But it is still a good watch.

If you want to read the book or get the movie, you can find it on Amazon.com. Click here!

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed

Hi-Tec Men’s Outlander Hiking Boot

Mike on March 30th, 2010

Hi-Tec Men's Outlander Hiking Boot

Amazon.com

If hiking’s your thing, you’ll love the Outlander boot from Hi-Tec. It has a waterproof suede and nylon upper, a rust-proof ghillie lacing system, and internal toe protection. It also has a multi-directional-traction outsole and thick interior padding for comfort and support.

Men’s Hi-Tec 5 1/2″ Outlander Hikers. Wherever your hikes may take you… enjoy the comfort and support of these Hi-Tec Outlanders: Breathable sueded leather and nylon uppers; Durable carbon rubber hiking outsole; Lightweight compression-molded EVA midsole; Steel shank for support; Removable contoured EVA sockliner; Lightweight, rustproof hardware; Soft padded collar; Each approx. 51/2″h., 18 ozs. State Color, Width and Size. Get yours today! Men’s Hi-Tec 5 1/2″ Outlander Hikers

See all
(more…)

Technorati Tags: , , , ,



Dragons!, originally uploaded by Todd Huffman.

So, how do you protect yourself from those pesky dragons you might find while hiking. Well, I don’t know myself, I have never came across one. I think I would just climb a tree.

I have seen alligators when I used to live in Florida but they usually run away if they are on land. In water they are not so shy and have had alligators swim right up to the shore to check me out. It is a little unnerving but I have never been attacked.

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

Hi-Tec Women's Outlander Light Hiking Boot

Amazon.com

Be ready for anything in the Outlander hiking boot from Hi-Tec. This rugged and stylish shoe features a breathable suede and nylon upper, durable carbon rubber hiking outsole, and lightweight compression-molded EVA midsole for exceptional comfort. A steel shank provides reliable support mile after mile, and rustproof hardware means you can fully enjoy your hike, rain or shine.

Women’s Hi-Tec 5 1/2″ Outlander Hikers. Wherever your hikes may take you… enjoy the comfort and support of these Hi-Tec Outlanders: Breathable sueded leather and nylon uppers; Durable carbon rubber hiking outsole; Lightweight compression-molded EVA midsole; Steel shank for support; Removable contoured EVA sockliner; Lightweight, rustproof hardware; Soft padded collar; Each approx. 51/2″h., 16 ozs. State Color and Size. Get yours today! Women’s Hi-Tec 5 1/2″ Outlander Hikers, Bone / Gold

See all
(more…)

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

“Walking the West” Part 2

Mike on March 26th, 2010
YouTube Preview Image

In part 2 of  ”Walking the West” find out the different reasons why people would hike almost 2700 miles over a 4 to 6 month period without a break. There are interviews with various PCT hikers who tell what keeps them going over the long hall.

Problems abound in this section of the documentary. Foot problems and hypothermia, someone you would not even guess decides to quit just 62 miles from the Canadian border. But I am not going to give it away you will have to watch the movie…

Missed Part 1 of this documentary? Check out Part 1 here: http://www.besthikingboots.org/backpacking-tips/my-favorite-hiking-movie-walking-the-west-part-one

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

YouTube Preview Image

Living in the desert with two mountain ranges and Joshua Tree National Park bordering my home town I am fortunate that I can hike year round. But I do all of my serious hiking in the spring and summer like everyone  else. To get me in the mood for the hiking season, every March for the past few years I watch several different movies and read a few outdoor related books.

Even with many Hollywood made movies available, “Walking the West”  a Pacific Crest Trail Documentary is my favorite one. This documentary was produced by two hikers, a New Zealander and Irishman, and it sums up all the fun, trials and tribulations of an extreme long distance hike. This is part one and I will be posting part two in the next few days. It is a little long at 34 minutes but it is a must watch movie for anyone serious about hiking.

If you can’t  wait for me to post part two you can find it on Youtube. If you really like the movie consider buying the DVD quality version at Amazon.com.

Technorati Tags: , , ,



hiking Yosemite, originally uploaded by Rick McCharles.

Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude IV Hiking Boot

Mike on March 23rd, 2010

Hi-Tec Men's Altitude IV Hiking Boot

Amazon.com

Hi-Tec’s Altitude IV hiking boot is a great way to get the whole family together out on the trail–with matching shoes! Its thickly padded, knit-lined upper is waterproof, supportive, and comfortable, and its lugged outsole enhances foot flex and downhill braking.

Get true hiker stability and function at a ROCK-BOTTOM PRICE! You don’t have to go broke buying quality hikers! Hi-Tec Altitude IV Hikers pack 31 years of footwear knowledge into a functional boot you’d pay over $100.00 for from nearly any other shoe maker. Look at all you get: Waterproof nubuck leather upper with sealed seams; Lightweight compression molded EVA midsole; Durable, high-traction carbon rubber outsole; Board lasted with steel shank for added rigidity; Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining; Comfort-Tec removable insole; Soft padded leather collar and fully-gussetted leather tongue; Rustproof brass hardware: 4-loop / 2-speed-hook lacing; Each approx. 6″ h., 20 ozs. (more…)

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Timberland Big Kid Hypertrail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Amazon.com

You can’t get much more rugged than Timberland’s kids’ Hypertrail range. With their supportive contoured uppers and chunky outsoles, they ensure your kids’ feet get the support and grip they need, whether they’re negotiating loose stones, slippery grass, or wet concrete. And soggy feet will be a thing of the past, thanks to their seam-sealed, waterproof construction that’s perfectly suited to the long, snowy months of winter.

The Timberland Hypertrail Mid hiking boots help keep them comfortable outdoors.Leather upper with waterproof seam-sealed constructionAbrasion-resistant toe and heel overlaysElastic lace-up front with metal D-rings and toggle pull closure, padded collar and tongueMesh lining and cushioning insoleShock-absorbing midsoleDurable, non-marking rubber lug traction outsole

See all
(more…)

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes