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

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