If hiking is your intention, one of the most important things you can do is take good care of your feet. Everyone has different feet. High arches, flat or wide feet are just a few of the things that can make finding the right fit challenging… but if you take the time to make the best decision possible, your whole body will thank you.

What type of activity that you wish to pursue? If you are only putting a few miles under your feet at a local or state park with less challenging terrain, all you really need is a pair of trail shoes. These lower cut shoes resemble more of a sneaker but they have better support and a better tread. If you will be going on a backpacking trip where you will be carrying more weight and dealing with more challenging terrain, you will need a more supportive light hiking or backpacking boot.

Standing there in front of the shoe and boot wall at an outdoor retailer can be a little intimidating. The trick to determining the best choice comes from knowing the 5 major components involved in the construction of all shoes and boots and the level of support that each component should provide.

The tread on the bottom of the shoe is called the outsole. The best outsoles provide traction in all kinds of conditions. Look for tread designs that are staggered and avoid those that are uniform. Staggered treads provide better traction while readily releasing dirt, mud and debris.

The layer of material above the outsole is the midsole. Its purpose is to disperse shock. When your foot hits the ground, an amount of shock rebounds back up through your body. Insufficient midsoles make your ligaments, tendons and cartilage disperse most of that energy producing unnecessary soreness and muscle ache.

So, how can you tell if a shoe has a supportive midsole? Hold the back end of the shoe firmly in one hand, while applying pressure to the front of the shoe with the other. As the front starts to bend upward, you will feel resistance. The shoe or boot with more resistance will have better support. Although they may not be as flexible, they should still have flexibility. Otherwise, you may not feel rocks and other hazards beneath you.

The footbed, commonly referred to as the insole is a thin piece of material cut to fit the inside shape of the shoe providing support and cushioning to the anatomical curvature of the bottom of your foot. Most manufacturers supply insufficient footbeds with their boots and shoes. Once removed, if you can easily twist them out of shape, they will only provide minimal cushioning and no real support. You may choose a shoe or boot and use the original footbed, but over time it will compress and you will loose the cushioning. You may wish to try a replacement footbed with actual support. My favorites are called Superfeet. A good footbed provides proper anatomical support for your feet and body, significantly reducing stress.

The material of which the main body of the shoe or boot is made is called the upper. Materials used in the upper are leather, synthetics like nylon, ballistic and mesh panels for breathability. The tongue, laces and lacing hardware are also part of the upper. Full grain leather has less breathability and requires more time to break in. Mesh panels are more comfortable for warmer climates.

Most people relate ankle support to the height of a boot, but that isn't the case. All of your ankle support comes from an area of the shoe which wraps around the heel area under the outer materials called the heel counter. Some low cut shoes have excellent ankle support where many full cut boots do not.

Imagine a line that goes straight down the back center of the shoe, then put the heels of your hands on either side of the shoe and press them together toward that line. The area along that line at the top of the shoe may fold, but if the area at the bottom of the line closer to the heel folds… you will not have sufficient ankle support.

There you go. Now you know what to look for and how to test for it. The only remainder is how the shoe fits and feels and you will have to figure that out for yourself. If you feel YES, when you try on a boot or shoe… you know you have a good fit and I know you will know, when you have a definite NO. There is no MAYBE!

James Warner is a mountain guide and Wilderness EMT. He feels that the more of an active outdoor lifestyle one leads, the happier and healthier they are. If you are new to hiking and backpacking, visit: hiking and backpacking guide

Here is a list of must have items sure to make your outdoor experience safer and more enjoyable. These are applicable for dayhikes and backpacking trips.

First recommendation is to obtain a map of the area that you will be hiking. You don't want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center, ranger station or download one at www.usgs.gov. If you suffer an injury, you can use the map to aid rescuers in locating you.

Get yourself a good map reading compass. Using the map and compass together, you can orient your map to your direction and surroundings, choose the correct path and keep yourself on course.

Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It's a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.

It's possible to spend an unexpected night in the woods. Always have some extra food, enough for an additional day if you need it. Even having a few back up whole food bars with you should do the trick. Especially if they constitute meal replacement. You will have the extra energy with you just in case.

A few more layers of clothing for comfort and safety. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly or at nightfall. If you hike through rain or fall into a creek, having only one layer of wet clothes when it starts getting colder can spell disaster. Make sure to wear synthetics as they are more insulative when wet and dry quickly.

Pack some sort of light source like a headlamp or flashlight. If you are forced to make camp or hike out in the dark, you will be able to see trail debris an obstacles that could cause danger.

A good personal first aid kit is a must. If you like, you can make one yourself but be sure to include moleskin, triangular bandages and specifics for the outdoors. Don't forget any personal medications. Take a basic wilderness first aid course to help you understand common outdoor injury and illness.

In a waterproof canister, bring matches and a lighter. Lighting a fire in the wilderness should only be considered as a means of survival. Do not start a fire if another layer of clothing will suffice. Use common sense and help prevent wildfires.

A small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.

Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.

James Warner is a mountain guide and wilderness emt who feels that outdoor adventure can improve one's life mentally, physically and spiritually. If you liked this article and want to learn more about hiking and backpacking, visit: beginner hiking and backpacking guide

Whether you will be dayhiking or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, these items will insure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you're in trouble.

Get yourself a good map reading compass. Using the map and compass together, you can orient your map to your direction and surroundings, choose the correct path and keep yourself on course.

Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It's a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.

Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.

Having a few additional clothing layers will help you stay warm and dry. Depending on the season, temperatures can fall quickly around sunset. It's a good idea to outfit with synthetic clothing. That way, if you get wet they will dry faster. Wet clothing in cold temperatures is a recipe for disaster.

Bring a small flashlight or headlamp with you. Sunset may occur sooner than expected and you may have a few more miles to go. Hiking in the dark over uneven terrain is dangerous.

Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don't forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.

Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!

A small camping knife may come in handy for a number of purposes. Make sure that the one you use has a locking blade, you don't want it to close on a finger.

Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.

Summer is right around the corner which means it's time for the family vacation. The problem is that these economic times are harsh and it can be hard to find an affordable and enjoyable trip that the family can take. Going on a camping trip is a great solution that not only is fun, but will save a ton of money.

There are huge, top quality tents that can fit an entire family that cost much less than a few nights in a hotel room. And you will be able to use these tents over and over again, instead of only once like a hotel. Take repeated trips all summer long and keep the tent for the years to follow as well.

The activities you can do while youre camping are endless. Take a hike thru the woods, take pictures of the scenery, view wildlife, and most importantly build memories with the family that will last a lifetime.

The most important thing though is that you will be building great, long lasting memories and impressions that are going to stick with you, your kids and your friends for an entire lifetime. You'll be able to look back years later and share great stories and recollections together, and nothing is more important in life than that close family bond.

There are lots of benefits to camping outdoors. The one that comes to my mind first is the chance to get away from the everyday grind. The opportunity to get away and relax in a different setting can help you clear your mind and can make you more productive when you do return to your everyday life.

As a society we spend way too much time indoors. We watch television and play video games and browse the internet all night. It's time to get outdoors, get some fresh air and soak up everything that nature has to offer us.

Taking that first camping trip together can start a new family tradition that will last for years. Camping is a classic American hobby and pastime that not everyone from around the world is lucky enough to take part in.

All around the country there are different camping locations and opportunities for you to go to and take part in. You could setup a tent on your own property or you can take a fun road trip to an entirely new destination. A family camping trip will build amazing memories while keeping your budget soundly intact.

Camping and hiking are two activities that are almost always available no matter where a person might live and an ideal activity to plan during your summer holidays.  There are usually state parks, rivers, open plains, mountains, forests or other natural environments that are located just outside of cities and towns where an individual can get away from it all and enjoy nature, whether it is for a weekend, or even a week long excursion.

Planning for a hiking versus a camping trip is much simpler, only requiring the right sort of clothing and shoes are chosen according to the weather and terrain.  Camping trips require more planning, including the decision to use an RV, camp out of the back of a car, or to hike into the campsite carrying everything in the backpack. However, when compared to finding and booking cheap package holidays, camping is still ideal if you fancy a quick getaway at the end of a stressful week.

Camping and hiking gear have many similar requirements, since hiking is a part of backpacking types of camping trips.  Camping and hiking clothing should match the time of year and also the terrain where the trip will be taken, since going up into the mountains will make the weather cooler, requiring additional clothing needs.  Clothing should always be comfortable with soft materials that will not cause chaffing.  In addition, the material should wick the water away from the skin which helps to keep the individual warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. 

Tent and sleeping gear are also important for camping hiking trips.  The choice in this gear determines the weight that will be carried in the backpack, so special attention should be paid to this equipment.  Backpackers usually choose two man tents even if they are going alone since they provide more room for gear to be stored in the tent while sleeping comfortably as well.  

Camping and hiking gear, whether or not the person is going to stay overnight, will also require some cooking gear, even if it is as simple as packing a lunch.  There are many different types of cook stoves on the market that use different types of fuel and work in all temperatures.  The cooking utensils should all nest within each other so that packing is more efficient.  Water purifiers should be bought so that water does not have to be packed in, adding too much weight to the pack.

All in all camping trips make great family holidays and can be a real adventure if they are well planned in a beautiful destination.