Benefits of using a trekking pole for backpackers

Whether you are a beginner or novice in trekking or hiking, trekking poles should always be on your backpacking checklist. Trekking poles are highly effective in adding incredible stability and comfort to your hiking expedition. 

No matter whether you head for thru-hiking across the country or plan out on a quick weekend jaunt, trekking poles are your partners of a comfortable getaway.

Uncovering the endless benefits of trekking poles, we have penned down this article to help you understand the importance of trekking poles while you trek or hike. 

Let’s just quickly dive into knowing the importance of trekking poles!

Get rid of the joint stress using trekking poles

The most significant and foremost advantage of trekking or hiking using trekking poles is that they effectively absorb an adequate amount of shock from your joints take while you step during the descents and ascents of hiking. 

Trekking poles help relieve pain and take off the pressure from your knees, making your hiking trail fully comfortable. Make sure to choose the best trekking poles that adhere to all the quality standards. 

Maintaining firm balance

What’s better: Two legs or four legs? While hiking, trekking poles act as the additional pair of legs providing incredible stability and balance. Especially when you are exploring the rugged and tricky terrains, the trekking poles help you maintain your balance strongly. 

While you cross moving water or traverse snowfields or trek along the narrow ridgelines, trekking poles provide you safety and incredible balance. 

Enhances your pace

Another benefit of trekking poles is that they assist you in maintaining a good pace. Using trekking poles makes your walk seamless, enabling a smooth rhythm. Longer distances do not seem hectic or strenuous using trekking poles. 

Also, they help you enhance your pace, and you start to hike a little faster without getting exhausted. 

Acts as protective gear

Trekking poles, if used wisely, can act as protective gear and help you dodge the wild animals nearby. You can safely get away with the animal encounters by banging the trekking poles against hard surfaces, making them run away. 

Such animal encounters in the wild are inevitable, so if you have missed out on the other tools, trekking poles can be your savior in such situations. 

Used as tent poles

Trekking poles showcase multiple benefits. One more is that it can serve as tent poles. Trekking poles can firmly hold the lightweight tent structure in case you have mistakenly ditched the tent poles. Just ensure to buy the top-notch trekking poles that are strongly built and have multipurpose advantages. 

Now that you are familiar with the advantages of trekking poles don’t miss out packing this incredible product of benefits. However, only when you determine and find out the best trekking poles, you will be entitled to experience a seamless hiking expedition. Make sure you hunt enough before buying a trekking pole. 

Shop wisely! 

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Ultralight Bike Touring Packing List - A Complete Guide

Getting your bike touring packing list ready is a crucial task. If you are a newbie, then this task seems more daunting to you. Having an enjoyable bike trip requires choosing the right things for your packing list. 

However, you need to consider certain vital factors like planning to cycle, weather conditions you expect to face, and your gear budget. Thanks to modern lightweight equipment, bikers can travel light while leaving panniers and trailers at home. 

Cyclists heading out for a tour may want more camp luxuries, more clothes, and the best gear possible. This article will guide you to wisely choose your touring packing list for lightening your touring load.

Ultralight Bike Touring Gear List

Clothes to Carry 

Carrying the right kind of clothes is essential for long-distance bike touring. You can carry clothes that work well in cold and hot weather.

 Warm weather cycling clothes include:

• Cycling shorts

• A short sleeve cycling shirt

• Cap

• Sunglasses

• Padded gloves on your tour

Cold weather cycling clothes include

• Hooded jackets

• Wool layer pants

• Lightweight

• Socks

• Sunglasses

Repair Kit

Pump, puncture repair kit is no less than a savior on a biking tour. You can't tell as and when your bike stops working. Make sure you must take a pump, multi-tool with a decent chain tool, puncture patches, and tire levers. These tools will help in repairing your cycle during emergencies.

First-Aid Kit

Essential medications and a first-aid kit are necessary to include in your gear list. A medical emergency can come like an uninvited guest. So a first-aid kit will help you in medical emergencies. Moreover, you must have a decent knowledge of how to use it.

Cooking tools

You can't take your whole kitchen on your biking tour. But you can take some necessary kitchen items. It is advisable to bring fresh fruits and ready-to-eat snacks. You can take essential cooking tools like:

• Small, 2 oz cups 

• 2 oz bowls

• 3 oz water filter

• Caldera cone alcohol stove

Sleep system

A comfortable sleep system can make your biking trip more enjoyable. Carrying light does not mean that you will leave your essential items. Moreover, when it comes to sleep, you can have things like:

• Fly tent with nine stakes

• Inflatable pillows

• Spiral down 30-degree sleeping bag

Panniers

Panniers are the go-to storage solutions for most bike tourers. These bags offer ample storage and are designed to clip on to sides of the rack. You can choose waterproof panniers, so you don't have to worry about your things getting wet.

Electronics

You should be well-prepared before going on a bike trip. There are certain electronic items that you can carry on your tour: 

• Carrying a power bank is vital to save your mobile phone from getting dead.

• You can carry Bluetooth headsets for getting accurate directions from your phone.

• A phone holder is an essential accessory for navigating yourself through GPS.

• A decent, compact camera is a crucial piece of equipment for a bike tour.

• Rechargeable batteries are good to use when your flashlight dies.

So next time you plan your bike expedition, this list will guide you in a better way.

Tips of buying refurbished bikes in the UAE

Hunting for a fine-tune second-hand bike begins by contemplating the purpose of buying a bike. Before your search journey, find out why you need a second-hand bike? What are your requirements? What is your budget? 

Once you have the answers to these questions, you are all set to hunt for that perfect second-hand bike that best fits your purpose. 

For instance, those looking for a daily commuting bike go for a second-hand bike that offers good mileage and requires less maintenance. But for adventure trails like mountain biking, go for robust and powerful bikes having great engines. 

However, your selection should hinge on evaluating the bike on some factors which we have penned down. 

You ought to evaluate the second-hand bike on two broad categories, which include:

• Mechanical check

• Paper-work check

Your bike analysis while buying a second-hand or refurbished bike should begin by doing the basic check of the following factors:

Check the chains

Carefully check the chains of the bike, if they are broken, rusted, or mechanically malfunctioning. In any of the cases, either get new chains there and then or look for another refurbished bike that works properly. 

Rust

Over time, the metal parts of a two-wheeler bike can deteriorate and malfunction. So, it is highly imperative to do the rust-check of the bike. 

A little bit of surface rust may not be troubling, but if the bike has deep rust, you should hop onto the next option without second thoughts. Don’t skip on checking the entire chassis area also for any visible rust marks.

Look for scratch marks

Closely check the second-hand bike for any scratches. Don’t overlook if they seem to be deep or open visible as then you have to burn your pocket in getting the bike repaired. So, make sure the second-hand bike has no scratches anywhere, else jump to another option. 

Wheels and tires

Be wise enough to check the wheels, spokes, and rims of the second-hand bike. Make sure they are not damaged, loose and corroded. Else, the bike won’t function properly, and riding such a bike can put you at risk. Also, check the bike tires for their remaining tread life.

Check for any damage due to an accident

Mostly, people look for buyers when their bikes get damaged in an accident. Thus, it becomes critical to have a thorough check of the bike to determine such accident damages. Else, you may end up becoming a victim holding a damaged bike. 

To ensure this, check the handlebars and brakes. Everything should be straight and firm without getting an inch. Also, don’t skip checking the chassis for any repairing or welding spots. 

Go for a trail ride

Once you have evaluated all the parts and their working, gear up to take a trial ride to confirm it’s working. Not much longer ride, but a small round will help you determine how the bike works and if all its parts fall in place. Any kind of trouble caused by the bike during the ride is a red flag and should be immediately addressed to the bike owner. 

It is often said that “Never judge a book by its cover.” Therefore, never get tricked by the looks of the bike. Always check the bike on the above factors. 

Only then make your decision to buy the bike. Said that you could hunt for a quality second-hand bike on both offline and online platforms. 

The ideal way of finding the best-refurbished bike in the UAE is to try different bikes and evaluate each of them on your requirements. 

Be wise to make the right choice!

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Camping Checklist - Complete Guide for Outdoor Adventure

If you are planning to spend the coming weekend or vacation exploring the infinite beauty of nature with a touch of adventure, camping is a timeless way to do so. Camping lets you experience a mix of feelings, including fun, thrill, and relaxation. 

One can only immerse in nature through camping if one is fully prepared with a camping checklist. Else expedition may turn into a bad dream if you are not wisely prepared for such outdoor adventures. 

So, all those heading for their first camping getaway, follow this camping checklist and enjoy every bit of living in rugged regions while camping. 

Camping tent

Before anything else, a camping tent will be your shelter in those lush forests or rugged mountains, so it should be your first pick. While choosing a camping tent, look for the material, durability, and reliability. Also, according to your requirement, you can go for a 3-seasonal or 4-seasonal camping tent. Your chosen camping tent should be lightweight and accommodate every one of your camping members.

Camping cookware sets

When you head for adventure getaways, food won’t be an easily accessible thing. Therefore, you never know when you have to uncover the chef inside you and get to the cooking station. For this, you need to pack the best camping cookware for the open fire. It should include pot pans, cutlery, charcoal grill, and freezers. 

Camping hygiene essentials

Never put your health at the stake of anything, and for this, you need to be hygienic. Camping hygiene essentials include toiletry bags, camping towels, top tank sanitizer, tissues, and more. 

Camping sleeping bags

Outdoor sleeping bags is the next on our list that should be in your camping backpack. Pick a camping sleeping bag that offers top-notch quality with supreme ventilation. 

First-aid kit

Always pack a first-aid kit whenever you head for a camping expedition. You never know what camping brings for you, so it is always better to prepare for unwanted events. Your camping backpack won’t be complete without a first-aid kit. 

Navigation tools

Carrying navigation tools on your camping journey is always a smart choice. One must have a full backup of expert guidance to not get stranded in the wilder outdoors while camping. Keep a compass, GPS, and top-quality tracker in your camping backpack to have a seamless and trouble-free camping experience. 

Camping gear

Packing the right camping clothes is highly essential. It would be best if you gauged the weather forecast before picking the camping gear. Carry jackets, track pants, sweatshirts, and waterproof wear. Your camping clothes should be adhering to features like perfect fit, comfort, and flexibility.

Camping tools

Don’t forget to pack the camping tools kit that includes the essential tent accessories, multi-purpose cutting tool, shuffle, high-mount jack, binocular, and a key-chain knife. These small products won’t make much difference in weight, so never think of skipping out on them. You never know when any tools come in handy to save you in an unfortunate event. 

We hope this guide would be helpful for those planning on the camping expedition. Now that we have accumulated all the camping essentials, it is time to head for your journey. 

Have a happy and safe camping trail!

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List of snorkeling accessories that every swimmer must have

If the life underwater tempts and you wish to get an up-close view of marine life and coral reefs, doing snorkeling once a lifetime is a must. Discovering the depths underwater is a magical experience that stands second to none. 

But before you head to witness the mystical wonders of the sea, make sure to be fully prepared with all the best snorkeling equipment and essentials.

For those unfamiliar with what one should carry while snorkeling, here’s a list we have penned for you.

Read through to know what ought to be in your snorkeling backpack.

• Snorkeling backpack

A well-built snorkeling backpack is all you need to make your shoulders happy. Pick an optimally sized bag that holds all your snorkel essentials and equipment. It effectively keeps everything organized and protects your valuables from getting wet. 

You get to explore a variety of options and end up with the best. But make sure they adhere to all your requirements without an inch of compromise to quality. 

• Goggles

Swimming goggles are a vital piece of snorkeling accessories. They help enhance your visibility and also act as great protection for your eyes against any unwanted objects. With the market stormed with so many brands and styles of goggles, choosing the right one may become a bit tedious task. 

Therefore the key factors for choosing the best snorkeling goggles stand to be lenses, straps, size, and visibility. 

Also, while you shop for goggles, make sure to try them out once to confirm their size and fit. 

• Fins

Another essential snorkeling accessory that assists the swimmers or snorkelers to push harder while hitting the waters. Fins help in enhancing your kick, increasing ankle flexibility, and boosting strength. As a result, the swimmer or snorkeler can experience increased speed and propulsion. 

Thus choosing the right snorkeling fin is critical to have a seamless experience while swimming in the glittery waters. 

• Snorkel

Snorkeling without a snorkel obviously is not possible. So, this makes the snorkel the next important accessory on our list. It is highly helpful in keeping the breathing consistent. Whether you head for competitor swimming or a snorkeling expedition, snorkel acts as a controlling component. 

A snorkel helps swimmers and snorkelers to completely focus on improving their stroke or tweaking method while keeping a consistent breathing pattern without turning their head. 

• Water wear clothes

You cannot wear your regular wear outfits while hitting the waters. You ought to be equipped with the best water and wear clothes to have a comfortable dive underwater. 

Also, the water wear clothes give you effective protection against unwanted objects in the water, keeping you warm. So, always buy quality water wear clothes to ensure that they don’t get torn due to rough waters. 

Now that we accumulated all the essential snorkeling equipment you need to carry to your expedition, what are you waiting for? Gear up and pack all these essentials to get on the board and explore the divine diversity of marine life. 

Make the most of this snorkeling experience!

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Mountain Bikes - Top 5 Mountain Bikes Trail in UAE

 United Arab Estates: a land with several faces to discover!

UAE hides a galore of things to explore, from mesmerizing natural diversity surrounded by lush green mountains to spectacular architecture to mouth-watering food. One such being mountain biking in the UAE, which has become a current favorite of all the tourists who seek adventure and thrill. 

Uncovering the best mountain biking trails in the UAE, we have penned down a short and crisp post.

Read through to discover the top mountain bike trails in UAE!

Hatta Mountain Bike Trail center

The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center is a beautiful mountain region surrounded by an array of mountain bike trails to explore and enjoy. It is the longest trial in the UAE. 

The incredible mountain has one single track with different grades and riding levels of green trade, which is being the easiest trail for bike riding. The trail is open for the whole year.

Wadi Showka

Another best cycling site for a perfect adventurous gateway. You can experience the incredible remote adventure to the rocky mountains. On your way, you experience several uphill and downhill trails and have a passage with lushing with a view of local animals and greenery.

Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah

Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah is a beautiful palace having a galore of views and glimpses. Once you reach the top of the mountain's peak, you will get to see mesmerizing scenes of beauty. The length of the trail is 4km. You need 2 -3 hours to complete the whole trial. It is one of the best places to visit in the UAE.

Wadi Tayyibah

The next on our list is Wadi Tayyibah that is known for being the perfect place for bike lovers. This mountain biking range offers an ideal and scenic adventurous experience. It is located between the sea and mountains, along with a great biking experience. The popular biking trail in UAE gives travelers a chance to enjoy the natural pools, ancient villages, and traditional irrigation systems.

Wadi Lasal

For beginners, Wadi Lasal is a great mountain biking spot located in Sharjah. The place has a flat terrain which brings you in the lap of nature. The route can be easily accessed by everyone at any time of the year. It has a circular track of a length of 10 km. You need approximately 2 hours to cover the entire place, including breaks.

Now that you are familiar with the top mountain bike trails in the UAE, just pick the best mountain bike along with all the mountain biking essentials.

So, what are you waiting for? Buckle up and get on the bike to experience the most thrilling adventure of your life. 

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Kayak or SUP Know The Difference Between Them

 While entering the world of water paddling sports, a major decision to make is whether to go for a kayak or paddleboard? Like many, if you are also in the same dilemma, then you have landed at the right place. 

After determining which watersports you are heading for, your next thing to do is to hunt for the best kayak for beginners or the best stand-up paddleboard for beginners. 

So, to help you make an informed decision between kayaking and paddleboarding, we have penned down every bit of information related to both water sports. 

Read through to know the difference between a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard, and then choose wisely.

Let’s get started!

A kayak includes double-bladed paddles that are used while sitting in a low seat with your legs stretched forward. However, a Standup Paddle Board (SUP), on the other hand, just includes a single board on which you have to stand on a board and use a longer, single-bladed paddle to move.

Is it easier to use a stand-up paddleboard or kayak? 

There is no exact answer to this question. One can learn both watersport activities easily and quickly. However, the learning procedure varies. By this, we mean, while leaning kayak, one has to practice a lot to increase your upper body stamina. 

In contrast, stand-up paddleboarding is highly variable and super intuitive. All you have to master is balancing, which requires great coordination and core strength. Once you master this skill, paddling on board becomes a cakewalk. 

So, one can say whether to go for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding; it all boils to one factor: how quickly can you learn any of the two? 

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What is the difference between a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard?

The major difference between a kayak and stand-up paddleboarding is the way they are designed. A kayak looks like a traditional boat with some advancements here and there. A paddleboard is just a plank and board, and this board separates the paddler from the water. 

A paddleboard is known to be very versatile, but it won’t be a wise choice if you are heading to rough waters for paddling. In such cases, a supreme quality kayak should be your thing for commuting. 

As per the law of gravity, you must be familiar that standing straight lends you a much greater centre of gravity than sitting down. Thus, this makes you fall off while paddling on the board as compared to that when you are paddling on a kayak. 

However, getting back on the paddleboard is much more effortless than that to kayak. 

Another very considerable difference between a kayak and stand-up paddleboarding is the protection difference. By this, we mean that the stand-up paddleboard offers no protection against any obstruction that comes in the way while paddling. 

Therefore, this makes paddleboards a perfect fit only in calm waters and suitable weather. When the water seems on a rage, either you don’t plan to go in those waters or head with a top-notch kayak. 

If you are carrying some backpacks and other essentials and require ample room for storage, go for a kayak rather than a paddleboard. 

But, whether you go for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, you ought to be fully prepared with all the essentials like the best swimming wear, snorkeling equipment, fishing accessories, and all the other safety gear.

Also, while purchasing the best kayak or paddleboard, do a comprehensive hunt and look upon every factor to help you make a worthy choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Buckle up to get on the board or kayak and paddle through serene waters.