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Knee Pain After Hiking? Here’s What You Must Know

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A photo of people jumping in a puddle.

Knee pain after hiking is a very common problem. Most hikers just want to get out and explore the great outdoors, but sometimes knee pain stops us in our tracks. It can be really disappointing if you have a trip you’ve been planning for a while, you’re all packed up and set off, only to be crippled by a pain in your knee only a few miles in. There are lots of different possible causes for knee pain, but its usually due to overtaxing your joints, or not having the correct equipment. 

Your knees take a lot of stress throughout your daily life, just walking up the stairs puts on pressure equal to four times your body weight. When you’re backpacking, add a fully loaded backpack and climbing up a mountain, it’s no wonder joint pain is such a common problem for hikers. 

There’s a huge list of possible causes of knee pain for hikers. Some examples include tendonitis, sprains and muscle strains, arthritis- all of them have the power to ruin your hiking trip. There are also some chronic and pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by the strain of hiking. Improperly treating knee injuries, or not taking the proper precautions to protect your knees, can lead to worse injuries further down the line. For this reason, it’s better to get out ahead of the problem and learn about the common causes of knee pain, and how to prevent it. 

 

Causes of knee pain

 

A photo of a man on a mountain.

Knee pain can be caused by several different factors and it’s important to know exactly what type of knee pain you might have.

 

The IT Band

Your IT band (iliotibial band) it the connective tissue that runs along the exterior of your thigh, between the knee and the hip. This is a very strong and also very sensitive piece of tissue (or fascia), which doesn’t stretch. One way to think of it is as a very strong string between your hip and knee, which allows for stable movement, essentially keeping you on your feet every time you take a step. The most common problem with the IT band is it can, unfortunately, get into a situation where it’s pulled over the knee, and can start rubbing the knee joint. 

Because the IT band cannot stretch, the problems with it actually stem from weak connective muscles, like your quads, calves, glutes, and hips, or tightness problems with the same muscles. It’s also possible for IT band syndrome to cause inflammation for other reasons, but muscle problems are the most common and easiest to solve. 

Problems with your IT band most commonly stem from a modern-day problem for all of us- too much sitting. The majority of people now spend hours every day sitting, most commonly behind a computer screen. This can lead to weak gluteus muscles (bum muscles), and tight hip flexors (the muscles that operate your hips). When you experience these problems and then go on a hike, your quads are forced to work harder than they should to make up for the missing strength from your glutes. This leads to pain in the quads and IT band, therefore an incorrect walking gait due to “pulling” on the knee. 

 

Chondromalacia 

In hikers of all ages, chondromalacia can present some problems. Also known as runner’s knee, it’s caused by the lower leg twisting inward when walking or running. This can be caused by over-worn hiking boots, or muscular weakness in the quads and hamstrings, commonly in older hikers. In younger explorers, the pain from chondromalacia is often caused by over-stressing and overworking joints, or sometimes trauma.

The actual condition is where the cartilage under the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens. The symptoms include a feeling of grinding and pain, and sometimes taking a few days of rest can alleviate the symptoms. However, sometimes the pain can be caused by improper knee alignment and the problem won’t be solved by rest, so you should always seek a doctor’s advice if you’re unsure. 

 

Weight

Because your knees and hips bear the most weight of your body, they’re vulnerable to injury. Each time you take a step, a force of three to six times your body weight is exerted on your knee, and that’s just on level ground. Add in a heavy backpack, and that’s a huge amount of weight on your knees. Walking downhill adds even more strain, with the force again being three to four times greater.

To help with this, walk slowly and steadily down steep inclines, never with locked knees. You can also try zig-zagging down the hill to make the incline less steep, and if possible you can plan hikes where the majority of downhill walking happens towards the end. Your pack should be lighter then, having consumed food and fuel.

 

Worn cartilage 

If you feel a persistent ache under your kneecap, it’s most likely that your knee is not tracking correctly, or that the cartilage is worn down. Hiking downhill or sitting down for long periods, for example in a kayak, can worsen such an injury. To get relief from this, something as simple as an insole for your shoe could help, but always talk to a doctor before deciding on any serious treatment. If the pain appears mid-trip, apply an ice pack and try taking an anti-inflammatory. 

 

Tendonitis

Sharp, shooting pain just above or below the knee is most often tendonitis. This is caused by an inflamed tendon, most commonly from overuse. Tight hamstrings, weak quadriceps, and a sudden swift increase in the amount of hiking you’re doing can all be a cause of tendonitis. At the first sign of this pain, try to ice the area and rest straight away. The pain should lessen within a few days, and if not, seek the advice of a medical professional. If you’re in the middle of a hike, try to lighten your load if possible, and use a cool stream to lessen the swelling in your joints.

 

Torn ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is the knee’s main stabilizer. Tearing it is a less common injury for hiking, as it more often occurs during basketball or tennis, but it can happen if a fall causes twisting and hyperextension of the knee. If your knee buckles when you try to stand, there’s a chance that you’ve torn your ACL. If this happens, try using trekking poles as crutches, keep your knee bent and your weight on your toes, and go straight to a doctor. Don’t be tempted to wrap the knee up in anything, as this could increase swelling. 

 

A photo of a compass.

Knowing how to treat your knee pain both before and after hiking is essential to a safe trip.

 

What to do before your hike

There are a number of things you can do in preparation for a hike, to lessen the chances of experiencing knee pain. Inflammation is one simple common cause of knee pain, and one way you can fight it is with your diet. Some foods contain special properties that help fight inflammation, such as tomatoes, leafy greens, nuts, oranges, and many more. Including these foods in your diet may help you fight knee pain the natural way, without medications. 

There are certain exercises you can do if you’re experiencing knee pain, to strengthen your muscles and keep your joints flexible. Having your leg muscles in top condition means they will better support your knees, and this will naturally reduce your knee pain when hiking. Aim to target your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and IT band. You can use such exercises as a stationary bike, leg extensions, and squats to help you achieve stronger legs overall and alleviate some of that pesky knee pain. 

You should also supplement all your workouts with some form of stretching routine. This will improve flexibility, muscle tone, and even aid in healing. All these are beneficial to improving your knees’ health. Finally, although it sounds obvious, make sure to stay hydrated. Dehydrated muscles will cramp more easily, and the awkward walking gait that comes from cramped muscles can worsen knee pain.  

 

Solutions to knee pain

 

When you’re on the trail, your first port of call when experiencing knee pain should be anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen. Be careful not to be too liberal with it, however, as it can lessen the effects when you are truly in pain. 

Many people have found a solution to knee pain in using hiking poles, also known as trekking poles. They can help reduce the impact on your knees and take some of the strain off. Hiking poles provide support and redistribute your weight to your arms and shoulders, lessening the impact of each step- on a long hike, this reduction in force can make a huge difference. For example, using hiking poles on a 25 degree downhill incline can reduce the force on your knees by 12-15 percent

Choosing the right shoes is paramount when hiking- if they’re ill-fitting, this will eventually upset your walking gait and cause problems with your knees inevitably. Footwear will always be a very important element when hiking; you’ve probably heard the phrase many times before; “A pound on your feet equals five on your back.”

Lighter weight hiking shoes can make a big difference when it comes to knee pain, so you may want to consider making the switch from hiking boots to trail shoes. Although one benefit of hiking boots is the increased support and protection from the trail, boot stiffness comes along with it. This means that every time you hit a patch of uneven ground, your whole body must twist and contort to prevent you from overbalancing. 

It’s also a good idea to choose well-cushioned shoes, to help absorb the impact of each step. This will ease some of the pressure on your knees, which could be what’s causing your discomfort. Another thing to consider is the weight of your backpack. Are you carrying more than necessary? All the weight on your back is also more weight on your knees, and every time you take a step it’s more and more pressure on them. Compression socks can also help keep your feet comfy on long hikes. Work towards hiking light, your joints will thank you, and your next hike will hopefully be pain-free.

 

A photo of a lake.

Solving your knee pain issues will get you feeling healthy and back on the trail in no time.

 

Many hikers opt to use a knee brace to help with pain while hiking. They work to provide extra support by stabilizing the weakest points on your knee. There are many different types of knee brace options available, including sleeves, supports, and stabilizers. Each of these will be designed for a different purpose, be it for compression, stability or ligament support for example. Speaking to a doctor will help you determine which is the right choice for you. If you’re setting off on your first hike after a knee injury, pick a short an easy one, ease your body and your knee joints back into it. 

Building up some glute strength will also go a long way towards lessening knee pain while hiking. By balancing out those muscles with your quads, you will stop them from tiring too soon when hiking. The easiest training for glutes is the simple squat; check how to do it correctly here. Also very beneficial is the reverse leg press (also known as the pendulum quadruped hip extension). 

Physical therapy can be very helpful for those suffering from chondromalacia. By focusing on improving muscle strength and balance in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors. Having your muscles properly balanced will actually help prevent knee misalignment. Typically, non-weight-bearing exercises are recommended, such as swimming or using a stationary bike.

 

To try and prevent chondromalacia patellae, and the annoying pain that could stop your hikes in their tracks, there are a few recommendations you could follow: 

 

  • Avoid repeated stress on your knees- try wearing kneepads if you spend a lot of time on your knees.

 

  • Work towards creating muscle balance in your legs, and strengthen the muscles.

 

  • Wear properly fitting shoes, consider adding inserts that correct potential flat feet by lifting your arches. This will decrease the amount of pressure placed on your kneecaps.

 

Some people with IT band pain have found success with foam rolling. However, if you don’t have a hot pain in your IT band, just around the knee, the issue is probably tight muscles rather than the IT band itself, so foam rolling isn’t the right treatment. 

 

After hiking

After your hike, you should stretch again, to help reduce any pain later on. After exercising your muscles become tight and sore, and this tightness can make knee pain harder to deal with. Stretching after your hike will help to prevent normal soreness from becoming stiffness and pain, and will help you maintain flexibility for the next day as well.

If you’ve taken all the precautions you can, and still find yourself in pain after a hike, it’s time to try and promote the healing of your knee joint or joints. You can always employ the RICE method, which is to rest, ice, compress, and elevate your knee. You can use this along with anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease pain and swelling. Once the pain is gone, start to gradually stretch and strengthen your knee, back to hiking shape. 

Although it may be hard, it’s important to rest if you’re experiencing a lot of knee pain. You might be tempted to push through the pain to complete your hike, but this could cause long-lasting damage. It’s much more worth it to abandon your hike one day in order to give you knees a rest and make sure they’ll be healthy for next time, so you can hike pain-free in the future.  

 

Final Verdict:

Knee pain is so common while hiking, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it. There are plenty of methods you can utilize to make your hikes pain free, just putting in a little effort to stretch every day is so worth it. You can lose the feeling of dread, when you’re looking forward to a beautiful hike but know the pain in your knees is coming- we want you to put those days behind you.

Whatever the underlying issue behind your knee pain, with a little effort and experimentation you should be able to solve it and happily hike pain-free, with your knees all the better for it. Now you have plenty of techniques to employ and solutions to try, so your knee pain after hiking should be much less of a hindrance.

It could be as easy as adding some insoles to your shoes or investing in a pair of trekking poles, or the problem could be a little harder to solve. Physical therapy is always an excellent route to go down for sports-related injuries, and you can use it to make sure you’re reaching your body’s full potential. You could be up to 25 miles a day in no time!  

Please note, all this advice is just recommendations to help alleviate your pain, and you should always consult a doctor before making serious medical decisions. If you’re experiencing serious pain, never try to continue with your hike. Lighten your load if possible, and head to a doctor straight away. The last thing any hiker wants is to accidentally worsen an injury, making it longer before they can get back out on the trails.

Bonus tip: If you’re interested in going the extra mile and learning some great knee stretches that can prevent future injuries, check out the video below!

 

 

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How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

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Do you want to make the most of your camping experience in Alaska? Camping is the best way to cherish the mesmerizing Alaskan scenery and be in proximity to Mother Nature with your friends and loved ones.

Are you wondering where to camp, where to go, and what items to pack for an Alaskan camping trip? This article has all the answers regarding camping in Alaska! Moreover, this place comprises a few amazing bewilderments that make it different than other camping locations.

If you’re ready to explore Alaska and be immersed in its camping, here are the top 4 tips for a seamless camping experience in Alaska.

  1. Be ready for the varying types of weather

The temperature of Alaska is unpredictable. Hence, if you’re camping in summer in blisteringly hot weather, it would be great to carry something waterproof and warm clothes. In your Alaska travel and camping, it’s required to carry your bibbed waterproof rain pants, raincoats, and hip boots.

This is how you don’t worry about the sudden rain and catch fish all day. Moreover, camping without a bathing suit doesn’t seem right! Camping and cruising go hand in hand; hence, a trip to Alaska will help you get the most out of your Alaska trip.

  1. Pick a campground mindfully

Although you are not mandated to stay at a campground run by the federal government if you wish to go tent camping, it may be the best bet if this is your initial camping trip. Establishing your individual camping place in the bush might feel more adventurous. Still, when camping with small children, you should remain closer to society in case a bear visits your campsite.

When you opt to lease a camping site, you must make your booking ahead because the more renowned campsites might fill up rapidly. Look on the internet for campgrounds near the events and routes you want to visit.

  1. You will have the option to relax or unwind

Although some corporate Alaska campers provide cable TV and Wi-Fi facilities, none of the federal campsites do. Whether you come here expecting to remain up to date on all the accouterments of technologies (or your beloved TV show), you may feel frustrated. But what if you treat your camping vacation as a time to relax and enjoy the unique stunning scenery surrounding you? It feels exciting.

  1. Keep the bears at bay

Bears are amazing animals, which doesn’t imply you should invite them with welcoming hands inside your camp. You must be capable of keeping bears away from your campground if you wish to enjoy the woods with them without causing mishaps. Below are a few suggestions:

  •     You can bypass bear highways by not camping along riverbanks or pathways.
  •     Do not even camp alone: for your safety, striving to remain close to others would be better.

 

These are the top 4 tips to enjoy camping in Alaska. What are you thinking of? Dive into the best experiences of camping, and cherish the moments forever. Happy camping! 

 

 

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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

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are duck boots good for hiking

The quest to find the perfect hiking shoes is never-ending, so the next option we’re going to explore is Duck Boots. Duck Boots have been around for more than 100 years and they’re used for all sorts of outdoor activities, so we can’t discount them as a hiking boot. Let’s dive in a little deeper into what duck boots are, and whether they’re an ideal choice for your next hike.

 

A pair of Bean Boots.

The legendary Maine-made L.L.Bean Boot was designed by “L.L.” himself in 1912 and has been keeping feet dry and comfortable ever since.

 

What are Duck Boots?

Duck Boots, also known as Bean Boots, were created by Leon Leonwood Bean, who founded the company L.L. Bean. Bean, who got sick of wet feet during hunting trips, wanted to create a boot that would keep his feet dry while still being ideal for the outdoors. He theorized mixing together two types of boot, combining the rubber sole of a work boot with the leather upper of a casual or hunting boot.

The rubber sole would provide all the necessary protection from the elements, while the leather upper would retain the flexibility and comfort of a regular leather boot. Thus, the Duck Boot was born and became a huge success. Other brands now produce this style of boot, but you can never forget the original waterproof boots.

Related: The 7 Best Two Person Tents

 

A pair of Duck Boots in a puddle of water.

When choosing which hiking boots you should buy, Duck Boots should be considered for their weatherproof design.

 

What makes a good hiking shoe?

If you’re considering Duck Boots for use as a hiking shoe, you should first know what you’re looking for. There are so many elements to consider when searching for the perfect boot, as there is no one size fits all. Different shoes are optimized for different conditions, different situations you might encounter on the trail, so finding the right shoe isn’t an easy task.

Various terrains put different pressures on your shoes during hikes. This is why hiking boots are usually split into three main categories, each optimized for a different sort of hike. Lightweight hiking shoes (trail shoes), which resemble trainers, are essentially reinforced running shoes. They provide some support, but their main purpose is to be light and breathable while still protecting your foot.

These shoes are designed for day hikes, but they’re actually a favorite among long-distance backpackers. A sturdier shoe would provide more support, but trail shoes are a popular choice long-distance as they aren’t as heavy or constricting as other boots, while still providing enough protection to keep your feet safe and happy during a hike. The only downside of trail running shoes is their lack of ankle support, which leaves you at risk of twisted ankles and other injuries.

Related: The Top 10 New Hampshire Camping Sites

 On the other end of the scale are mountaineering boots, designed for terrains which present more of a challenge to traverse. If you’re hiking through rocky territory or icy glaciers, this type of boot provides all the necessary extra protection. They’re much more heavy-duty than hiking shoes, often warmer, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and provide much more support to your foot.

Backpacking boots make a compromise between the two, as they aim to keep you prepared for any terrain. For multi-day treks, this type of boot is ideal as it’s durable and supportive enough to carry you through most challenges in the backcountry.

The materials used to construct a hiking boot define it, as the wrong fabric can cause so much suffering for your feet. Finding the right combination of waterproofing and breathability, while still being a comfortable shoe, can present a challenge. That’s why we’re going to break down the material considerations you’ll need to remember when deciding is a shoe is right for hiking.

Also read: The 7 Best Louisiana Tent Camping Sites

Full-grain leather is a very durable and versatile material, so many mountaineering boots are made using this fabric. For rigorous hikes which pass through rough terrains, full-grain leather is fully protective while remaining very comfortable. It has excellent waterproof properties, as well as being warm and highly durable. However, in return for this protection, you have to deal with the increased weight of these heavy-duty boots.

You may have heard the saying “one pound on your feet equals five on your back” and this applies to full-grain leather boots. They may not feel too heavy when you try them on, but five miles down the trail you might find yourself wishing for a lighter shoe. Of course, over rough terrain, the valuable protection full-grain leather provides is well worth the weight, but you don’t need such a heavy shoe for casual hikes.

Split grain leather offers reduced protection, but is more breathable than full-grain leather. It’s still a durable material, but it’s less heavy-duty and has reduced water-resistant properties. It’s often used in combination with synthetic materials, creating a compromise between protection and comfort, and this combination is the most common choice for casual hikers.

Read more like this: Top 10 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas

Various synthetic materials are used in the construction of hiking shoes, such as nylon and polyester. One benefit of synthetic materials is that they are much easier to break in than leather. These shoes feel lighter and also dry faster, but lack the water-resistant properties of leather. Of course, you can improve the water-resistance, but this can affect the breathability. Check out how to waterproof hiking boots for more information.

 

A pair of boots in the grass.

Different hiking boots are better suited for different terrains and it’s best to find a pair of boots that fits your adventure.

 

Also, depending on the type of trekking you do, hiking boots are available in different cuts and heights. Lightweight trail running shoes are often low cut, meaning they end below the ankle. This allows for a wider range of motion but leaves your ankle vulnerable to injury.

Shoes like this are best worn on well-maintained trails, where there’s less risk of trail debris and uneven terrain. Mid-cut boots offer more ankle support and better balance and protection, but the most protective style of boot is high-cut. These boots reinforce your ankle fully and are necessary for off-trail adventures.

Many hiking boots are equipped with devices that provide extra internal support, the purpose of which is to protect both your feet and the soles of your shoes on uneven terrain. One option is shanks, which are 3-5mm thick inserts sandwiched between the midsole and outsole of your boot. These add load-bearing stiffness to hiking boots, which is important to ensure you stay stable and balanced.

Shanks vary in length, some running the whole way down the boot, others just half-way. This feature makes the sole of a hiking boot less flexible, keeping your feet in a mostly flat position.

This may seem counterintuitive balance-wise, but a flexible sole allows your foot to wrap around every root and rock you step on, which can be painful, and tires you out much faster. Having a reinforced sole is a big benefit, but it could make your boot heavier; it all depends on the material the shank is made from.

Related: Top 7 Best Microspikes for Hiking

Some hiking boots feature plates as a form of internal support, which are thin and semi-flexible. These can be used in conjunction with shanks, and they protect your feet from getting bruised by anything you step on.

All hiking boots have rubber outsoles, the part of your boot which spends the most time in contact with the ground. Some have additives such as carbon, which increases the hardness of the material. This is most commonly seen in mountaineering boots for extra durability, but the extra harness of the outsole can mean they feel slick if you go off-trail.

Traction is very important in a hiking boot for obvious reasons, so make sure you get a boot with enough traction to keep you comfortable. If you’re constantly trying not to slip, the increased pressure on your muscles can be painful and even damaging, whereas a boot with a good grip will make your hike so much easier.

Also: 5 Best Pop Up Canopy Tents

So, what makes a good hiking shoe? The ideal footwear for hiking finds the right balance between comfort and protection, and this depends on your own personal hiking preferences. In general, you need a degree of protection from the elements, water resistance, comfort, and breathability. A good hiking boot should protect your foot without hindering your process, and if you make the right choice then your hikes will be so much better for it.

 

A girl hiking in the mountains.

Duck Boots are well-known for their water resistance and ability to be easily cleaned, but are they the best hiking boot option?

 

Are Duck Boots good for hiking?

Duck boots are constructed using a rubber sole and lower shoe, whilst incorporating a full-grain leather upper. This means Duck Boots have excellent water resistance. Full-grain leather is highly waterproof, as is rubber, so with these shoes, you’ll never have to worry about wet feet.

Of course, Bean Boots claim to be the “original antidote to wet feet”, so water resistance is one thing we know they’re good for. A good hiking boot should always be water-resistant, as there’s a high chance of encountering puddles, streams, and other wet terrains when you’re on the trail. There’s also always the possibility of rain, so even if you step around the puddles, your boots always need to have a good degree of water resistance. If there’s one thing Duck Boots are, it’s waterproof.

Related: Best Gun Brands 

L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots use a steel shank for additional support, and this is a great feature for a potential hiking boot. Reducing the flexibility of the sole means more protection for your feet, so this feature of Duck Boots is a big benefit. Remember, this only applies to L.L. Bean’s branded Duck Boots, as there are many other boots of the same style available which might lack this additional internal support.

Duck Boots are known for being very comfortable. Boots are the number one most important piece of equipment for a hiker, and comfort is paramount. If your hiking boots are uncomfortable, it can make you hate every minute you wear them. On the other hand, finding a pair of boots that are comfortable for you is a big first step towards having the right shoe, so regarding comfort, Bean Boots get a pass from us.

Another benefit of Duck Boots is that they’re easy to clean. This isn’t as important as other factors, but after a long hike through muddy and dirty conditions, these boots only need a quick spray from a hosepipe and they’re clean and ready to go.

Also: Sleeping bags for tall people

We’ve covered the benefits of wearing Bean Boots for hiking, and there are a number of reasons you might think they’re a good choice. Duck Boots are highly waterproof, very comfortable, and feature shanks which are a big help towards stability. However, there are some elements of these shoes which might mean they aren’t the best choice for hiking.

 

A man climbing on rocks.

While Duck Boots offer great water resistance, their ankle support is not the best which may deter some people from using them for longer hikes.

 

Why Duck Boots might not be the best choice

Ankle support is a big deal when it comes to hiking boots; as we explained before it can be the difference between a successful hike and a painful injury. Duck Boots are high cut, meaning they rise above your ankles. This means they do provide some support, but it’s minimal, and ideally, a hiking boot would offer more structure around the ankle. For hikers traversing rough terrain, more protection is needed, as if you miss a step in Duck Boots there isn’t much to save you from injury.

Another important thing to consider is traction. Duck boots are designed specifically to handle wet weather, and they do it very well. If you’re in wet, muddy, slushy or otherwise slippery conditions, Duck Boots are ideal, as they have plenty of traction and grip.

However, mud isn’t the only thing which hiking boots have to put up with. On the trails, the traction Bean Boots provides is considerably reduced compared to hiking boots, the difference is noticeable and unfortunately, the traction on the soles of Duck Boots just isn’t strong enough for any sort of serious hiking.

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The materials from which Duck Boots are made make them excellently waterproof. However, rubber and full-grain leather aren’t the most breathable of materials. Although they may do a good job of not letting in water from the outside, they also keep it in.

The lack of breathability here can be very uncomfortable, leading to hot and sweaty feet. This can cause blisters, and for this reason, we would not recommend them as a hiking shoe. All hikers need waterproof boots, but there are others available which won’t make you suffer.

Blisters are something which all hikers have to deal with at some point, but if your boots aren’t breathable then they’re much more likely and threaten to ruin your hike. The best hiking boots keep your feet dry while staying breathable and comfortable, so don’t make an exception here.

If you’re keen on mountaineering, then your hiking boots need to be crampon compatible, which Duck Boots are not. Crampons help with grip when scaling rocky terrain, so having a boot they work with is necessary for safety reasons.

We have no choice but to conclude that L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots are no good for hiking. Although they are comfortable and highly water-resistant, the lack of extra support and breathability means they aren’t the best hiking boot.

A boot specifically designed for hiking could offer the same level of comfort while giving you much more support on the trails. Hiking boots made from Gore-tex would provide the same level of excellent waterproofing while still maintaining breathability, so there are better options out there.

 

A pair of Duck Boots on a ladder in the snow.

While Duck Boots may not be the best option for hiking, they are still a great overall winter boot.

 

What are Duck Boots good for?

Although we cannot avoid the conclusion that duck boots are no good for hiking, they’re still an excellent outdoor shoe. Bean Boots are ideal for making your way through snow and slush, so we do recommend this style as a general winter boot.

For any outdoor activity in cold weather, these shoes are ideal, as their warmth and waterproofing will keep your feet happy, while their traction is perfect for walking in the snow. Duck Boots are much closer to snow boots or rain boots than they are hiking, so for these weather conditions, we can whole-heartedly recommend these high-quality shoes.

 

Other branded duck boots

L.L. Bean was the original creator of the duck boot, but other brands have made their own version. Sperry offers a shoe called the Watertown Duck Boot, and its design is very similar to the original. Sperry’s version boasts a rubber lug outsole with no-slip traction, which could mean improved grip compared to L.L. Bean’s shoe. However, this is still not a hiking sole, so it’s not ideal for outdoor adventuring.

 

Final Verdict:

So, are Duck Boots good for hiking? The short answer; no. Although Duck Boots make an excellent winter boot, ideal for cold and wet weather, they just aren’t up to the same standard as hiking boots in other areas. The traction Bean Boots provide is optimized for wet conditions, such as snow and slush, but it’s simply not good enough for hiking in the backcountry.

The ankle support is admittedly better than trail running shoes, but more protection is needed if you do anything other than light and easy hikes. For your next hiking trip, Duck Boots aren’t the best choice, even though they’re comfy. If you’re still looking for an outdoor shoe, you might wonder, are Timberlands good for hiking? Read our article on the subject to find out if Timberlands might be the answer you’re looking for.

Bonus tip: To learn more about L.L. Bean’s original legendary boot, check out this interesting video we found below!

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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun Review/The Best Massage Gun for Sports Lovers

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Massage guns have become popular in recent years as a way to help people relax and ease pain. They are especially popular among those who enjoy sports, as the massage guns can help to reduce muscle soreness after a workout resulting in faster recovery and improved performance. 

Some other benefits associated with the use of massage guns include:

 

Increased blood flow– Massage guns can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow, which helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the muscles. This is especially important for those who are involved in sports or exercise, as increased blood flow can help to repair damaged tissue faster.

 

Improved flexibility– Massage guns also help to improve flexibility by loosening tight muscles and tendons. This allows the body to move more freely, resulting in improved performance during physical activity.

 

Reduced stress– The massage gun can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Massaging the muscles helps to release endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural painkillers. By releasing these endorphins, people can feel less stressed and relaxed after using a massage gun.

 

Relieves pain– Massage guns are great for relieving pain and discomfort, as the vibration helps to loosen tight muscles and release tension. This can help to reduce pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, or other aches and pains.

 

Enhances performance– Massage guns can help to improve performance when it comes to physical activities, as they help to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. This helps people perform better in their chosen sport or activity.

Why Choose the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun 

It’s well known that massage guns are a great way to relieve tension and soreness after a long day or workout. But with so many different massage guns on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Review, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of this popular massage gun to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.

 

If you are an athlete or just someone looking to soothe sore and aching muscles, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an ideal choice. This powerful massage gun is designed to provide deep tissue relief through its variety of adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads. The ergonomic design allows for comfortable use during longer sessions, and the lightweight body makes it easy to transport and store. With its powerful motor, the C2 Massage Gun is capable of providing up to 3200 revolutions per minute. With five different intensity levels, this strong force helps to penetrate deep into muscle fibers and provides effective relief from soreness and pain.

 

The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun is designed to help athletes and active individuals recover faster after strenuous activity. It provides a deep-tissue massage that can reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and increase the range of motion in the body. This massage gun also comes with four interchangeable heads for various massaging techniques including a flat head for larger muscle groups, a round head for deeper tissue work, a U-shape for joint relief, and a conical head for smaller areas like the neck or hands. With this variety of massage heads, the C2 helps to target specific areas of discomfort and provides customized relief.

Conclusion

 

Overall, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful massage gun that can provide effective relief from muscle soreness after exercise or long days. With its adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads, it is sure to meet your needs. So if you’re an athlete or just someone looking to give their muscles some well-deserved love and attention, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is a great investment.

 

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