For Fitness And Everyday Wear, You Need Comfort Sandals

By Sean C.F. Hess

Every day you slip on a pair of shoes you make an intentional choice on how you and your feet will feel the remainder of the day. This is the reason why it is so vital to wear cosy shoes and well-supporting shoes. It's correct. The shoes you wear play a big role in not only how cushty your feet are, but also how much stress you place on your body; and more precisely, your posture.

Even though you may not realize it, the shoes you're wearing now might very well be the reason behind some of your body's aches and pains. Why? Because comfort and support begin at your feet in pretty much the same way structure and support start with a building's foundation. For what's left of this article, a couple of the comfortable shoes available today will be discussed. So get those walking shoes on because it is time to get comfortable in your shoes.

And now... A summary of 3 of the most comfortable walking shoes for Spring 2010:

1) The AllRounder from Mephisto

Long famous for making some of the best shoes for years, this model from Mephisto is a clear winner. The AllRounder isn't just the perfect shoe for those long days on your feet due to its wonderful shock-absorbing qualities, it is also extremely classy in design and water-resistant. This is a real winner.

2) The Intercept from Merrell

Not only will your feet be smiling in this very comfortable offering from Merrell, its super-good looks and styling will swipe more than its proper share of passing glances. Cosy. Stylish. Versatile. That is the Intercept from Merrell: another proved winner.

3) The M.Walk from MBT

MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) makes some of the finest walking shoes available now. Just in case you're unaware of the advantages of women's MBT shoes, here's a short list: A physical design that steadily tones your feet and posture; increased labor saving support that helps ease improper gait and stress; and aesthetically speaking, a selection of colors to choose between. Put on the M.Walk and put on comfort and support.

A good pair of most comfortable walking shoes is truly worth whatever price you pay. Because in fact, at the end of the day, your feet, as well as your general physical well-being, will know a good choice when they experience one. - 32375

About the Author:

NAOT Sandals You Just Can't Live Without This Summer - Top Five

By Sean C.R. Hess

When it comes to comfort and style, NAOT sandals simply cannot be beat. When you choose to buy Naot women's sandals, you are making a wise investment for your feet with both fashionable good looks and plush comfort that will make your buddies envious. What are this year's top 5 must have sandals from NAOT you can't live without this year?

1. The Flirt by NAOT is the perfect sandal for the lady that loves great styling and comfortable heels. It has two foot straps with a gorgeous at the ankle buckle on a generous fascinating easy on the foot wedge heal that may look lovely with shorts, skirts, capris and straight leg skinny jeans.

2. The Karaoke by NAOT is a slide sandal for folk that like to slide in their foot and go. The splendidly comfortable footbed will make you forget you are wearing sandals. Comfort and great styling make this a must have for the upcoming warm season. They may even inspire you to go sing Karaoke.

3. The Coconut sandal by NAOT just makes you would like to head off to a tropical location to show them off with your favorite pair of shorts. The comfy footbed will make walking for extended periods of time less complicated on your feet. It is the slide sandal you simply can't survive without this season.

4. The Future sandal is the ideal casual to dressy sandal with just the right heel height to look great with jeans or that lovable summer dress. The savvy shoe patron won't pass this beauty up this year. Just like all NAOT sandals, this shoe is particularly comfortable to give you a great place to nestle your feet in the most natural fitting line of shoes you'll ever buy.

5. The Emory is the 'I must have it' toe band sandal by NAOT that may make you want to wear them all the time. It is the perfect casual sandal you can wear with your shorts or jeans. - 32375

About the Author:

Pound Loss - A Few Tips To Lose A Few Pounds Permanently

By Antony Lee

It is not uncommon for people to wonder how it is possible to lose pounds successfully and easily. Your look will affect your confidence. Overweight people are less confident. This is probably the main reason for folks to lose pounds.

When you try to lose weight, you do not just consider your look. Every one would like to look good and have the confidence. When you are overweight, you will tend to have more problems concerning your body health. It is always essential to understand that your health will be better if you are not obese. And as a result you have to have weight loss.

Now, you should know that you can become a lot healthier if you are fit. And you must have a weight loss plan if you would like to become fit again. However, the point here is that not many people know how to create the plan. You need to discover some basic ideas and rules if you really want to lose weight.

It is not difficult to lose weight. There are a lot of methods to do so. A lot of people will want to lose weight naturally. Of course there are also people who may want to go for the idea of taking a surgery to lose weight. There is the way for you to have pound loss immediately. Yet, there can be some risk associated with it. And it can also be quite expensive for you to do so.

Boosting your metabolism is always the key for you to lose weight. The point here is that you need a faster rate of burning fat. And you will be losing pounds if you can increase your metabolic rate.

One thing you should know is that you can have some foods that will aid your metabolism. Green tea is one of the best drinks for you to lose weight. By drinking tea, you can increase metabolism. Protein can also help you to increase metabolism. Be sure to have lots of fiber. You must consider the idea of having proper nutrition.

There are also a lot of bad foods which are not good for weight loss. You must avoid these foods if you are serious about weight loss. You must avoid soda and dessert. When you drink soda, you will be consuming a lot of calories that you may not really need. Other foods such as fries and chips are not good for your health and weight reduction plan.

An exercising routine on a daily basis is a must. Having exercises every day will help you to lose pound in a healthy way. You may go to a gym and get a trainer to help. Of course you may need to spend some money to this end. You will need the help of the trainer so that you can have a solid exercising routine.

If you really want to lose weight, you also have to get enough rest every day. Your metabolic rate will be slower if you are tired. Sleeping for 8 hours a day will be good for you. - 32375

About the Author:

Ladies Golf Apparel and Fashion

By Rhys Jones

I was perusing one of those 'Golfing for Women' magazines the other week and started wondering where the women live, who wear the golf attire modeled in women's golf magazines? I've never seen women, not even the professionals, who would dress in such expensive and outrageous clothing.

It's easy to spend lots of money kitting yourself out for golf. What with hats, sunglasses, gloves, shirts, shorts, socks, windbreakers and shoes, the costs add up very quickly, even if you do your shopping at the sales. Then factor in the cost of clubs, balls, bag, cart and fees and you have to play very often to keep the "CPU" (cost per use) down to a reasonable level.

One half-page advert showed a beautiful young 'golfing lady' in really tiny shorts (like that's allowed on golf courses!) that cost nearly $300, a golf shirt at almost $600, a jacket by Ralph Lauren at almost $200 and two-toned Utuser shoes costing $400 plus.

That comes to almost $1,500! I know that I could never hope to get the CPU on that outfit down to anywhere near an acceptable limit in my golfing lifetime! Don't get me wrong - I love clothes and I really love shoes, but could never afford, nor even want, golf shoes or pants that cost as much as a lot of people's weekly wages.

OK, you need comfortable golf shoes that don't look like something your grandmother would have worn, but you can easily find less expensive and still fashionable shoes.

I have a couple of really trendy golfing outfits, although none of them are famous brand names. If I totalled up the cost of all of those articles of clothing, it would not come to the cost of a Tse golf shirt. Personally, I would rather have several trendy outfits than one that is priced over-the-top.

If I were to wear a $1,500 outfit to play golf, I would simply be too worried about getting it dirty or perspiring in it to play a decent round. - 32375

About the Author:

About Nike Golf Shoes

By Rhys Jones

Nike golf shoes are one of the tools you can use to improve your game. If you have only played golf in casual footwear before, or if you're looking for a way to improve your general game, investing in a good pair of golf shoes can make a large difference. Like in other sports, the shoes you wear can directly impact on your performance.

As you have to have a smooth swing and be able to follow through on your swing in golf, all without losing control of the strength of your swing, your golf shoes can help or hinder you. Nike golf shoes are designed to help you balance, gripping the turf as much as necessary yet letting you put full strength and control behind each swing.

Since these golf shoes have special compartments in the heels, every step is easier and lighter to make. They offer the level of support your feet, legs and knees require in order to play golf very comfortably for longer periods of time.

As golf very often involves a lot of walking, Nike golf shoes have been constructed like a blend of walking shoe and golf shoe. They cushion the joints of your legs and knees against the impact from each step you take, allowing you to concentrate your strength and effort on your game of golf, rather than on how you are going to get to the next hole or to wherever it is that your ball has landed.

When you decide to buy Nike golf shoes, there are several things that you should bear in mind. The first thing you need to consider is your level of skill. Golf, like many other sports, has equipment that can be used by beginners or advanced professionals alike, but it is better to differentiate.

In many cases, novices pick the Nike golf shoes suited for professionals, but rarely end up getting the full potential of the shoe, as they do not know how to get the most out of the shoes.

While professionals definitely can get great use out of these Nike golf shoes, it is often better for novices to purchase entry level Nike golf shoes which would better suit their needs. The increase in power afforded to your stroke would often be wasted on those who are beginners, as they do not yet have the requisite skill to control the stroke as they need to.

Therefore, it is better to buy Nike golf shoes that suit your skill level, as these shoes will have the comfort and functionality you require. You can purchase Nike golf shoes from a variety of sources. For those who want cheaper shoes and the same quality of professional shoes, you can purchase last season's models from Nike outlet centers.

If you want only top of the line shoes, you can buy from online Nike stockists or through a variety of online and local retail vendors (see below). - 32375

About the Author:

Hearty Advice For Hikers and Hunters

By Ethan O. Tanner

As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take. Hunters and hikers will often navigate the toughest terrain. Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain.

Walking up and down sloping hillsides and wandering through muddy, slick fields and wooded regions places tension on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, in particular if you haven't conditioned decently before reaching the trail. The best equipment for walking up and down in the woods is a high caliber pair of well fabricated hiking boots. This investment in quality boots will prevent sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons.

It is good common sense for hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. Strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk.

In wet and crisp, cold weather, donning suitable socks can help avoid blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. A fine synthetic sock for the initial layer retains dry feet and lessens rubbing that forms blisters. For the second layer, wool socks supply warmth, catch moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot cozier. Wool permits moisture to evaporate more quickly than cotton, so fewer blisters grow.

What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Pain usually occurs from overuse, being out of shape, or even from just walking. If you're not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache. To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting.

Moderation is also a good method to follow when first starting out in the woods. Compare hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on less difficult trails until they become better conditioned and more confident. Using common sense in starting easy will make your hunt more comfortable and enjoyable. - 32375

About the Author:

Trails For Hiking, Getting Ready For Them!

By Leona Williams

It's important that you take some precautions when you start along a trail. Make sure the trail looks safe and well-traveled. Think about whether you'll be needing to be out overnight and bring whatever provisions you think you'll need for the length of time you'll be hiking.

When you hike, choose a partner. You should make proper research about the weather, overall protection, usability of the trail etc.The length of the hike, expected obstacles and the safety precautions have to be decided.

A small, fully stocked first aid kit is crucial. This ensures you are prepared for the possibility of an accident. You should also do some research before your hike. Look into maps, goals and walking speeds. You also need to consider whether you will need food and shelter. Most public trails will supply you with maps of the area.

The average guide for speed is two miles per hour on flat land with adding an extra half hour per thousand feet of higher altitude. The variables to include in this process are weather, the condition of the trail, and the personal, established speed.

During peak season, one cannot take a popular trail without reservation. For example The Grand Canyon.Their policy states that all hikers aspiring to camp overnight should apply for back-country permit once they reach the bottom of the canyon.

Do a search and you'll discover if you need reservations and how they should be made. You'll also find out if a tent is required or if you can just bring a sleeping bag or bedroll.

About hiking, many opinions are there. Should it be done alone or with a partner? If you have a partner, it will be of great help during accident or emergency. However, for experience hikers, doing it alone is recommended leaving the details with some trustworthy friend.

While research and plans are the basis for an enjoyable and safe hiking experience, still hikers have to anticipate that the best-made plans may be changed. Hikers, both experienced and new, with a good plan and the flexibility needed to accommodate weather and other unforeseen events will have a great experience. - 32375

About the Author:

The 5 Reasons To Wear Mephisto Footwear

By Seane C.J. Hess

Mephisto Shoe Company is located in Illinois. It's world reknowned for its top quality shoes, both for men and women. If one purchases these shoes, you will pay a premium price for the shoes, no doubt, but you'll be purchasing a premium quality shoe also. Mephisto stands behind their work, and if a shoe is discovered to possess a problem because of a manufacturer defect, they're going to make good on the shoe. However, it is very improbable that one would find a difficulty with a shoe from them. Lets take a look at the best reasons to wear men's Mephisto shoes:

1. Do you want to feel just like an angel? Wearing comfortable shoes for women cause you to feel like you are walking on clouds thanks to the development of the souls of the shoes. You can pretend you are flying.

2. Do you wish to go to the beach? Mephisto sandals are so comfortable and soft, and allow your feet to spread out that it feels like you are walking on the sand at the beach. Ensure you take your sun screen!

3. Do you need to have high speed to keep up with a babe, but want comfort at the same time? The cork bottoms on the sandals will give you a little extra jump to keep abreast of that little speedy NASCAR racer you call your son or child.

4. Has something happened to take the spring out of your step? It definitely cannot be related to the undeniable fact that you are getting older as you are only as old as you feel, right? Wearing Mephisto shoes will put that spring right back into your step because of the softness of the inner sole with natural leather and cork underneath. You will be prepared to chop a rug with the best of them.

5. Are you on your feet all day at a sweat shop and you feel sad. Take yourself on a trip each day by wearing Mephisto shoes to work, with the openness of sandals, you will heaps of air circulation to keep your feet cool, and you'll have all of the other top quality cliques of Mephisto. You just might enjoy going to work! - 32375

About the Author:

Ten Of The Best Reasons To Purchase Keen Outdoor Footwear

By Seane C.J. Hess

You will find that there are plenty of shoes on the market today that talk of quality and sturdiness. They have the styles and looks that folk are looking for in a shoe. However , if you are looking out for a shoe that has both style and quality, then you need to definitely look into purchasing Keen men's shoes. Here are ten of the finest reasons just why you should buy these shoes :

1. These shoes have a Keen Dry system that is a water resistant system letting your feet breathe. There is a membrane that's added to this shoe to let vapor from your feet out but doesn't allow any kind of wetness in.

2. Keen shoes have S3 technology. This technology incorporates shock, suspension, and stability. This manufacturing helps to support the foot when it encounters any kind of impact. This shoe can aid in keeping from twisting your ankle.

3. These shoes have an under passed insulation. This insulation is made of charcoal bamboo. It is an anti-microbial insulation that provides the final heat for your feet.

4. Keen brand footwear has cushioning on the inside of the shoe that is made from cork, memory plastic, and recycled PU. This cushion forms to the contour of your foot to give you support and the ultimate comfort.

5. In the only of Keen Shoes, there is cork that adds to the durability of these shoes. This is material that is replaceable and natural.

6. Keen shoes has a microbe shield in the shoe that helps to control bacteria and fungi from making. This is what often causes odour and deterioration of the shoe.

7. These shoes have a rubber outsole that gives the wearer fantastic traction regardless of what the weather is like outside. When in colder weather conditions, this outsole toughens to give even more traction.

8. Keen has sandals that are excellent for folk who love open toed shoes but these shoes have toe protection. The outsoles wrap up over the toes in order to ensure that they're protected.

9. they all have a metatomical design in the foot bed. This foot bed gives the perfect arch support for the foot. It also fits the natural profile of the foot also.

10. These shoes have a foot bed that has 3 layers. This 3 layer system acts as a thermal heat shield for the foot. This system is what keep the feet nice and warm. - 32375

About the Author:

Top 5 Most Popular Keen Hiking Boots

By Seane C. Hess

Keen footwear has become very well known for their quality construction, their long lasting sturdiness, and their amazing comfort. This is a corporation that prides itself on their cross-breed lifestyle, and their hybrid way of creating shoes. Their wide range of womens Keen sandals provide customers with something for nearly every situation that they will every finish up in.

Here are the top 5 Keen hiking shoes currently available this spring:

#5 - The Voyageur - Taking its name from the great explorers of the Northwest, these hiking shoes provide waterproof comfort and superb stability while out on the trail. They come in 5 different colours, and they also offer a mid height version for even more support. The bottoms are ruggedly constructed to permit hikers to tackle any terrain and keep on moving. They also have some mesh venting on the sides to allow some airflow to keep your feet cushty.

#4 - The Arroyo II - These hybrid women's comfort sandals are actually the ideal fit for those long walks on a warm day. They have vented sides which permits maximum airflow during the hike. They also have durably constructed outer soles that flex and support the foot while hiking over rough terrain. Because they're fully water-proof, they can go thru shallow streams along the trail.

#3 - The Targhee II - This hiking shoe is truly meant for the off road hike that is going to last all day. The solid construction gives a completely water-proof seal to eliminate any worries about obstacles along the trail. They also have the durable and rugged outer sole to permit the walker to tackle any terrain. Like the Voyageur, they also come in a mid height version.

#2 - The Powerline - This is the ultimate trail running shoe for those folks that are looking to turn it up a gear on their next workout. These shoes provide a solid outer sole so the bumps along the trail aren't felt throughout the run. They also have breathable mesh sides that provide great air circulation during the run. These are a must have for your next off road run.

#1 - The Newport Trail WP - These hiking boots are excellent for taking on the hardest hiking challenges. They are assembled with complete water resistant protection and are intended to take on the most adverse conditions. - 32375

About the Author:

Top 5 Keen Shoes For Ladies Outdoor Comfort

By Seane C.J. Hess

If you love ladies's shoes that are both functional and crafted with care, you're going to enjoy our 'Top five List' of best Keen girls's shoes. You may find that Keen shoes are the ideal women's sandals for making your feet look great and feel amazing. See, Keen womens shoes deliver you prime quality which will get you noticed in a gang. With this is mind, you know it was hard to come up with a winner, but we managed to gather the top five ladies's shoes! So let's commence with number one and work down the list of the top Keen shoes for ladies.

1. The Bern Mary Jane was designed using premium leather uppers and leather lining in the stitching details. This shoe, from Keen shoes, features an ankle strap that adds versatility. You can keep the strap on or remove it to suit your private style. We all know that you will like that strap comes with a decorative embossed buckle closure.

2. The Wear Around Lace shoe, from Keen shoes, has a special liner so that wearing socks isn't an absolute must. You can just slip these on and relax with ease. You may also love the cushioning cork and EVA footbed. These shoes were designed for your easygoing way of life. They are the ideal shoe for those of who enjoy easing into the weekends with style.

3. The Chamonix is designed with a boiled wool lining. This feature is good for less warm days outside. You will also like that higher is water resistant and the footbed molds to your foot's shape. These shoes are both frolicsome and functional in style

4. The Wear Around Mary Jane, from Keen shoes, is both smart and practical. You will love the integrated sock bootie and how it keeps your foot protected and dry. Even if you're just running outside to get the morning news paper you'll look and feel fabulous in these shoes.

5. The Lucca is sleek while offer simple details. You'll enjoy the rich leather higher and ornamental stitching. Your outfits will look beautiful when coupled with these shoes. These shoes are not overpowering in their design, so they're easy yet functional. These shoes would look good with jeans or a nice gasp suit. - 32375

About the Author:

Easy And Quick Weight Reduction Ideas For You To Have A Sexy And Nice Body Shape Again

By Antony Lee

No one will want to become overweight. Our look will be greatly affected if we are overweight. As a matter of fact, some of us are even obese. So, it will become important for you to get rid of some fats and lose weight. If you can lose weight, you will be able to look sexy and good again.

It will be very essential that you discover some tips for you to lose weight. If you are unable to discover such tips, it will be a lot more difficult for you to lose pounds. On the contrary, weight loss will not be something hard if you can understand these tips and ideas.

Considering both diet and exercise plans is very essential here. Without any surprise, your eating habit has to be considered. You may probably know that eating good food is very important. Besides, you should avoid taking FAD diets. This is because these diets cannot help you to increase metabolism.

You need to have different kinds of good foods. You may of course want to know the reason for that. If you can have a big variety of foods, your will never find your dieting plan boring. No one will be able to stick to a diet plan if it requires you to consume one kind of foods only. You have always to remember this.

You need to avoid fried foods. There is no doubt about that. Yes, it is true that you will need to go for some healthy cooking methods. Fried foods should be avoided. Instead, you should consider the ideas of boiling and steaming.

It is important that you do exercises. Monitoring your heart beat rate is essential when you are doing exercising. This is the idea of cardio training. There are some choices to this end. Jogging can be a good idea. You can also consider the idea of cycling.

Sticking to the exercising plan is hard. It is especially difficult when you just start. You can have some easy exercises in the first few days. One example is that you may only want to jog very slowly for 15 to 20 minutes in the first few days. Then, you will increase both the duration and intensity every day. And eventually you can burn fat fast.

Fighting against overweight on your own can be something difficult. You may quit easily. The idea of peer support should always stressed when it comes to pound loss. The chance is that you will have some friends who will also want to get rid of a few pounds. Losing pounds together with your friends is a must here. There are also a lot of online weight loss communities. Some folks will also try to find peer supports from these communities. - 32375

About the Author:

What Golf Equipment Should I Buy?

By Rhys Jones

Purchasing golf equipment can be like throwing your money into the wind, but armed with some fore-knowledge, you can save yourself time and money when you're selecting your golf clubs. As in many things, you can either spend a lot of money in one go or you can spend a little several times, before you get what you really need.

If you are just starting out and are not completely sure that you want to commit yourself to the addictive game of golf, you should either rent golf clubs at the clubhouse on the golf course, or buy a starter set of golf clubs.

Buying a set of starter golf clubs enables you to get used to them; enabling you to concentrate on your game instead of pondering how this odd set of golf clubs you just hired is going to pan out.

After you become better acquainted with the game of golf, you should consider investing in a better set of golf clubs which are more suited to you.

In general, a set of golf clubs includes a driver, one or two fairway woods, irons numbered 4-9, one or two wedges and a putter.

Once become more experienced and start thinking about new clubs, you may want to consider buying your driver separately. Some players want a driver to give them more accuracy, some need more distance.

There are numerous types of golf ball available and the golf ball box will usually have a chart on the back to direct you to the right ball for your needs. As you learn more about the game and get better at it, you should experiment with different balls which could improve your accuracy and/or distance.

Having the right golfing equipment is an important aspect of the game, so buy wisely! - 32375

About the Author:

Walking Sticks Canes and Hiking Poles for Self Defense!

By Mark Roberts

Walking sticks come in a variety of styles lengths and colors. Walking sticks are in general made from wood or metal or some other craft able material and can be a natural stick such as a shillelagh are carved from a piece of wood and incorporate other materials such as bone or glass. Canes and walking sticks are often used as a walking aid but can be used for hiking and ascending steep trails or for that descent on uneven terrain and in the event of aggressive animals can be used for self defense.

You may recall a grandparent using a cane or walking stick on walks or hikes. When hiking with a hiking pole or walking stick the stress connected with descending or ascending trails on rough terrain can be reduced on the knees and ankles. You are less prone to falls because a walking stick or hiking pole can add stability on uneven terrain. If you do a lot of beach walking and explore a lot near tide pools a walking stick can add a lot of stability.

A walking stick or cane can be also used for self defense. A shillelagh can be used for self defense and looks like a twisted cane traditionally made from blackthorn wood. The heavy end of the stick being the handle could be filled with lead. This can be a formidable weapon when pared up against an attacking person or opponent. Regardless a good walking stick or pole can have the same results if needed while hiking or walking.

If you hike or walk quite a bit chances are you already have a walking stick or pole. It is not that usual for people who do a lot of walking or hiking to have a walking stick handy and may often have several in their possession so they will have one available when needed for those long hikes or walks.

One of the best places to purchase hiking sticks or wooden canes is on the internet. There are many online merchants that sell walking sticks, hiking poles, wooden canes and even custom carved walking sticks. You are more likely to find the styles or type of can or walking stick you are looking for. Walking sticks, staffs or wooden canes are often used for more than a walking aid they are often used for costumes and as part of a character actors wardrobe. - 32375

About the Author:

What Is Paracord

By Jeremy Silver

Paracord also called 550 cord is a nylon kermantle rope originally used as suspension lines of US parachutes. Once in the field, US Soldiers found this cord useful for many other tasks. It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians who recognise the unique construction of the paracord.

The outer sheath construction is tightly interwoven allowing it to appear smooth in texture and comfortable to wear against the body. This unique attribute has been influential in the widespread acceptance of paracord for mainstream use, where it has been fashioned for accessory making in bracelets, bottle holders and knife sleeves. This has led to the manufacturing of paracord as a general purpose utility cord for both military and civilian purposes.

Within bush craft and survival communities paracord has reached an almost iconic status where it is considered that its uses are only limited by a person's imagination to use it. Take the second Space Shuttle mission in February 1997 for example... A bright and resourceful astronaut decided the best way to repair the Hubble Space Telescope was with the outer sheath of a length of paracord.

Despite the historic association of paracord with Airborne units, virtually all US units have access to the cord. It is used in almost any situation where a light cord is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as lanyard cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying rucksacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, and so forth. When threaded with beads, paracord may be used as a pace counter to estimate ground covered by foot. Melt the ends of paracord with a heated knife or naked flame and they can be joined together.

Six styles of paracord are commonly supplied all conforming to the Military standard of MIL-C-5040H. These are listed as Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A Type 3 and Type 4. The most widely used paracord in circulation today is Type 3 paracord due to its versatility. Type 3 paracord will have a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This breaking strength led to the abreviated name which oftern paracord is referred to. 550 Cord. Paracord / 550 cord can be manufactured to any diameter as there are no specific requirements within MIL-C-5040H. - 32375

About the Author:

What Is Parachute Cord (550 Paracord) Used For

By Jeremy Silver

What Is Paracord Used For?

Paracord is simply Parachute Cord which attaches the parachutist to the canopy. Commercially marketed today, paracord has hundreds of uses often not initially thought of. Manufacturing of Paracord first started in World War 2 and the design has remained unchanged today. The outer sheath is a filament nylon covering with seven high strength inner nylon cords. The combined breaking strength of a single piece of paracord is 550 pounds. The breaking strength of the cord can be increased during manufacturing but is not usually less than this unless otherwise specified.

More than just a parachute cord - Although paracord was designed for use as a suspension line for parachutes. This high strength cord has proven over the years to have a number of other uses. No camping / hiking or survival gear would be complete without a length of this highly versatile cord. Uses for paracord are endless. Below are a few ideas:

Use Paracord for:

Ridgeline for Tarps/Bashers Restraints

Shoe & Bootlaces Tourniquet

Repairing Equipment Bottle Holder

Securing Equipment Zipper Pulls

Securing Equipment Guylines

Hanging Food from Bears Washing Lines

Making a Fire Bow Handle Wrapping

String for a Bow Trail Marking

Shelter Making Surfing Snowboarding leashes

Hammock Making Kite Surfing Wind Surfing

Fish Nets Boating

Snares/Traps Whip Making

Weapon Straps Binding

Use the Inner strands for:

Fishing Line Dental Floss

Sewing fabric together Small twine for whipping ends of larger cord

Emergency Stitches

Anything else you can think of ...

AND MORE - Parachute cord received international publicity in February 1997 when it was used by Discovery astronauts to repair the Hubble Telescope. In places where the insulation had been worn away, Teflon patches were applied and secured with parachute cord. Many army units have fashioned parachute cord into bracelets denoting their unit and geographical area of deployment. This reflects both the comfortable texture of the nylon rope and its place as a military icon. - 32375

About the Author:

Take Good Better Of Your Body With Healthy Comfortable Shoes

By Seane C. Hess

We all need to feel good as we make our way thru the day. Every day is an expedition full of opportunity and challenge. The better we feel, the more energy we appear to have to achieve our tasks and make our day more pleasurable. One of the very best things we can do for ourselves is to wear comfortable footwear.

There are so many quality types of shoes to choose between. Dansko women's shoes, Mephisto, Ecco, Naot and Born are only a few of the great shoe brands that are available to buy. These shoes come in a selection of sizes and widths which will accommodate about any size foot.

There are so many of us who are required to be on our feet for many many hours each and every day. We spend a little time at work, we spend time exercising, we spend time volunteering and we spend some time with our friends and family. So much of this time we're on our feet, walking, standing, bending, lifting or running. We owe it to ourselves to wear cosy shoes. A high quality pair of shoes, such as Ecco, will give our entire body that desirable support that we want to get thru the day and provide us with an especially high level of comfort.

Our time is the most valuable thing that we have. The majority of us try extremely hard to make sure that we are well prepared for whatever it is we are going to spend our time on. We try to be in the best physical condition possible , so we can be efficient and successful at what we are doing. There are tremendous health benefits from consistantly wearing snug shoes. Our body compresses and takes a pounding with each an each step that we take. One of the real positives about wearing these kinds of shoes, is the support they give us, significantly helps our knees, our back, our hips and our entire body.

Another great thing about wearing shoes like Ecco, Born, Naot, Dansko for example. Is that they come in a variety of styles. These shoes are available for virtually any activity we opt to participate in. We've got the option of wearing these shoes for dress occasions, while at work, golfing, running and other types of leisure activities. As we go through our day it's just natural that our body starts to get beat and wear down. - 32375

About the Author:

Paracord Survival Bracelets - Definition

By Jeremy Silver

Paracord Survival Bracelets Defined

With all of the buzz about Paracord Survival Bracelets, what actually is a survival bracelet? In it's simplest form it's a single piece of 550 Type III paracord woven into a bracelet. Like any product there are many interpretations of design and quality of the product. The paracord varies from manufacturer to manufacturer with the best quality generally being regarded as US military specification paracord. This American reputation for manufacturing the best quality paracord is largely due to the fact that American manufacturers have to conform to design specifications defined by the US military (MIL-C-5040). With the structure of the paracord bracelet defined you can see that if you find yourself in a situation that requires some cordage simply unbraid the bracelet and you have one continuous ten foot piece of cord.

What are the uses? You're limited only by your imagination. Need a shoe lace on a hike? The outer sheath makes excellent boot laces and will probably last longer than the originals that came with the boots. Need some fishing line, repair some clothing? The inner strands when gutted can do all of this! Need some paracord for an emergency shelter? Remove the inner strands and you have the required piece of cord! Need to fix the Space Shuttle (No not a joke, paracord was actually used to repair the Space Shuttle in 1997). Back on earth we can also use it for broken gear strap on your surfboard, making a field repair to your backpack or making an impromptu rope for a food bag whilst camping in the wild.

Paracord is without question one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can take to the field. It's light, it's convenient and it's super tough. The sheath is braided from thirty two (32) strands and the inner strands are made up of seven (7) two-ply yarns. Paracord survival bracelets are in use by the US / UK security forces in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as by police units / law enforcement personnel across the USA.

Although the paracord bracelets share a common weave it is possible to create many different designs. Two colour, three and even four colours can be woven into a paracord bracelet with the choices of a buckle or knot(s) to secure around the wrist.

It's difficult to imagine creating a survival kit or planning an outdoor hike / trip without including paracord. The Paracord Survival Bracelet is one of the most versatile and useful ways to always be prepared! - 32375

About the Author:

Essential Tips for Buying a Rucksack

By Suzanne Noctor

If you are someone who likes to go hiking or walking them you need to make sure that you have the right equipment for your tips. As well as a good pair of boots you are also going to need a good quality rucksack which provisions and other equipment for staying out overnight or away for several days. However when it comes to choosing which rucksacks are going to be right for you may prove difficult as there are so many different ones to select from.

Below we offer some pointers which should be kept in mind when you are going to spend money buying yourself a rucksack.

1. The first thing you need to do is sit down and work out what it is you intend to be putting in your rucksack. Once you know this then you can decide on the size you need to purchase. Although you may think buying a larger size one than you need is a good idea it can lead to problems. Often if people buy big rucksacks they will put additional items in theirs that they don't actually need causing the weight to be carried much greater. Just the same if you think by going for a smaller size one is going to be more cost effective think again. With the smaller ones you will find that you have to secure items you need to the outside which puts it out of balance and so again it will be far more difficult to carry.

2. You now need to look at how well the rucksack fits on your back and so don't be afraid to go to a store that specializing in such equipment in order that you can try several types out. It is a good idea to actually get the store to put around about the same amount of weight that you will be expecting to carry in yours when out hiking or camping.

3. As you try out different rucksacks in the store make sure that the straps fit well and give sufficient amounts of support to your body as they help evenly balance out the weight inside. It is a good idea when wearing the rucksack that you lean backwards and forwards and sway from side to side. Doing this you can quickly see whether this is not only causing it to move but causing the weight inside to also shift and causing it to become unbalanced.

Another thing that you should do is to walk around the store several times and if they have some stairs go up and down these to again make sure that the weight inside remains distributed evenly. Also you can quickly identify any problems which only slight at the moment could become major ones when you have been carrying yours for some time.

4. It is important that the straps on your rucksack are firm but come with lots of padding as this will help to ensure that when being carried it remains in the centre of your back at all times. Also the straps should be ones that fit snuggly but won't prevent you from moving your arms or upper body easily.

5. When considering buying any of the rucksacks now available make sure that yours has a good hip belt fitted to it. This is crucial as this is what will be bearing most of the weight carried inside yours. By having a good fitting hip belt will also mean that when carrying yours it feels comfortable and helps to reduce the amount of strain being placed on your back. - 32375

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here