Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

How to Read a River

Published

5 years ago

September 8, 2019

Reading a river is not a simple science. Throughout history, people have tried to develop ways to read rivers, to predict hazards, and plan the best routes to avoid them. There are many practical tips and tricks which have been passed on throughout the years. But much of modern river reading comes back to the study of fluvial geomorphology.

Fluvial geomorphology certainly sounds like a bit of a mouthful. So let’s break it down. Fluvial means the processes associated with running water, like in rivers. Geo means earth, and morphology refers to the shape of the channels. So fluvial geomorphology is just the study of the function and form of streams, and the landscapes around them.

If you’re still feeling a bit confused, think of it like this. The main principle of fluvial geomorphology is that water takes the path of least resistance. That means that if there’s a large boulder in the river, then water is likely to around it, as more and more water is pushed to the side by the object blocking its way.

The principle of water taking the path of least resistance explains most river hazards, most of the things you’ll be looking out for when you’re reading a river. The nature of water in this way explains why blackwater exists behind large submerged rocks. It explains why the current is strongest on a curve’s outside bank, as the water has more space to move and longer to travel.

river going through the mountains.” width=”813″ height=”543″ /> Learning how to read a river will be useful when making river crossing or finding your way back to the campsite.

Reading a river can add to your camping trip a knowledge of your surroundings, and will help make your boating, canoeing or kayaking trips even safer. Whether you’re going on an outdoors adventure in Illinois, Washington State, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or New England, there are rivers to read all over this great country! To understand how to read a river, we first need to know about how the flow of water works, and some of the relevant terms used in river reading.

Reading the current

Current happens when water flows downstream, down a river or stream. As the water is flowing downstream, through the current, it follows the path of least resistance. This means that it always finds the easiest route as it’s flowing, the clearest, most direct, steepest route so that gravity and less resistance helps it to flow faster.

Velocity

The word velocity refers to the speed of the current as it travels. The velocity of the water is affected by the volume (or amount of flowing water, often measured in cubic feet per second (CFS)) of water flowing downstream in the current. It’s also affected by the width of the river and the gradient (the angle of the slope).

Volume

Volume is the amount of flowing water, often measured in cubic feet per second (CFS). Because of the way that gravity works, the higher the volume of the water, and this the heavier it is, the faster it flows. The speed at which the current flows is also affected by the gradient, or slope of the riverbed, of the traveling water. A riverbed with a high gradient often has fast-flowing shallow water. If the riverbed is wider, then the velocity of the current is often slower.

Following the path of least resistance

Friction happens when water comes to an obstacle, slowing its velocity. Because of friction, water at the bottom of the river bed often flows slower, whereas water at the top of the river flows quicker because there is less friction. This difference, between the speeds of water on the riverbed and at the surface of the current, is called laminar flow.

Similarly, near the banks of the river, the water is also slower because of friction on the river banks. This is called helical flow and produced a spiral current. Spiral current refers to the phenomenon where the slower water that’s been flowing leisurely next to the banks is drawn not the faster currents of the main body of water, towards the middle of the river. This water then spirals down to the bottom of the river, propelled by the water, and then moves over to the shore. Next time you’re next to a river, drop a stick into the water at the side of the river, and watch this movement in action!

Laminar and helical flow

Laminar flow is usually found at the center of the river. What it means is the fastest water traveling with no restrictions or obstacles in a straight line down a river. This is usually the easiest, and most convenient, part of the river to go boating, canoeing or kayaking. Helical flow, however, is found along a shoreline and is a current flowing in a corkscrew motion that is constantly rolling and pushing out into the laminar flow. Be careful of the helical flow: the spiral motion of the water flowing can sweep a person off their feet and potentially even push them into the main current of faster water or make swimming back to shore a challenge.

River left / river right

When we’re speaking about the flow of the rover and potential hazards on the river while river reading, there’s always one-way we see directions. Similarly to stage left or right. You always speak of the river looking downstream, meaning that river left is the left of the river, if you’re looking at it downstream!

The ability to read a river will also help with boating and kayaking opportunities.

Reading a river means knowing what to look for on the surface of the river, and what that indicates as to what’s happening below. Reading a river can be just as useful a safety precaution as wearing a life jacket. Here are some features that you should be looking for when you’re reading a river:

Strainers and the outside curve of the river

Strainers are things that often pile up in the curve of the river. On a river bend, the water usually moves faster and is deeper on the outside of the curve. Because of this, the water has an increasing amount of volume on the outside of the bend, which cuts into the bank.

This is where strainers can often be found. Strainers are debris such as tree limbs, which often trap solid objects such as trash, or even people! And be vigilant, because strainers aren’t always entirely visible. Sometimes they can be almost fully submerged. Watch out for bouncing twigs, as these can indicate a partially submerged strainer, and make sure to avoid these if you’re on the river in a boat, kayak or canoe.

When you’re reading a river, especially if you’re looking for a safe route to canoe or kayak, always avoid strainers. Avoid getting swept into the bank, too, by the stronger currents here, by avoiding the outside curves of river bends. It’s difficult to break free once you’re trapped in a strainer.

There’s a lot of water pressure on you, and on your boat or kayak, if you’re stuck in the bow of a tree and struggling to break loose! If you see a strainer coming up, try and aim around it, or back paddle a little to avoid it.

If you’re on the bank of the river, though, take a closer look at strainers. They play a valuable role in the form and function of the river. This is because the water moves at a 45-degree angle away from the obstruction, allowing a safe place for wildlife to rest, and room for fish to feed.

Pillow rocks

If you’re looking down a river, and you see what appears to be a light-colored pillow emerging from the water, then what you’re looking at is a pillow rock. A pillow rock is water, sheeting over a big flat rock which is close to the surface of the river. The slope of the rock forces the water passing over it to speed up, shooting off the edge.

If you see a pillow rock, avoid it at all costs. Try and maneuver around it, or back paddle and then take a different angle. If you hit a pillow rock in a canoe or a kayak, you risk damaging it, or if you hit the rock at a wrong angle, you could potentially capsize.

Make sure to always be on the lookout for pillow rocks. As you become more experienced at reading the river, you might even be able to take advantage fo the quicker water flowing past pillow rocks, to pick up a bit of speed.

Pillows

A pillow is a different river hazard to a pillow rock. A pillow occurs when the water piles up on the upstream side of an obstruction, usually in a frothy foam of water as it hits the rock, thus resembling a pillow from afar. If you see a pillow, it usually means that the object is solid. If there isn’t a pillow in front of an object, usually a rock, then it means it is undercut (or the water can pass below the object or obstruction).

If you see a pillow in the river on a kayak or canoe, try and maneuver around it, or back paddle and then take a different angle. Just like if you hit a pillow rock in a canoe or a kayak if you hit a pillow, you risk damaging your canoe or kayak, or if you hit the rock at a wrong angle, you could potentially capsize. Make sure to always be on the lookout for pillows, as with all river hazards.

Eddies

Eddies are another type of river hazard that we should be watching out for when reading a river. An eddy is a current created behind a rock or other obstruction in the river that flows in a circular upstream direction. The flow of the eddy is opposite to the direction of the main laminar flow.

This means that it hits the rock, tree branch, or other obstruction, and goes back in the opposite direction, then swerving around to pass past the obstruction. The visual separation between an eddy and the main current is the eddy line, the line where it ends to pass the obstruction on the other side.

Upstream Vs

Upstream Vs are formed by an obstruction, usually a lot smaller than the ones which cause pillows or are pillow rocks. Upstream Vs refer tot he shape made in the water of the river upstream, as a V-shaped white shape of foam or current is seen. The location of the upstream V depends on where the obstruction is located, in the river. It could be right on top of the obstruction if it’s just below the water’s surface. Or, if it’s much further back from the obstruction, this means that ti’s submerged far in the river.

Downstream Vs

A downstream V is formed when water is funneled, or constricted, traveling fast and low, between two obstructions. This then forms a V, deeper than the two obstructions, that points downstream. If you’re white water rafting then potentially this could give you the boost in speed you’re looking for. However, be careful with downstream Vs. They are river hazards, after all, so you shouldn’t brave them without training and the proper gear. Avoid them completely if you’re on your own, are less experienced, or you’re in a hard boat or kayak or canoe.

The inside of the river bend

Unsurprisingly, opposite to the outside of the river bend, the inside of the river bend is suavely where you find the slowest and shallowest water. This might be perfect for you if you’re paddling or just playing around in the water with your family.

However, we wouldn’t recommend going canoeing, kayaking, and especially not sailing in the inside of the river bend. This is because the water is often very shallow here. If you’re going boating, you’re more than likely to scratch or damage the underside of your boat in these areas.

Channels

Channels are created as water bounces off obstacles and flows around them, following the path of least resistance. Due to the velocity of the water, and how it flows quicker in the center of the river, in channels with deep water, a downstream “V” is formed as the currents meet in the channel. Rocks or shallow areas are on the sides of the river, meaning that there’s a safe channel down the middle, although it may be a lot faster. But, you need to be careful, as always when you are reading a river. Channels often flow very fast, so if there’s a rock at the end of the chute, it may be very hard to see. Always stay vigilant.

Low-Head Dams

Low-Head dams should be avoided for obvious reasons if you’re boating, kayaking or canoeing, but they’re interesting where it comes to reading and understanding a river. Lots of people know about the dangers of going over the top of a low-head dam, but not many think about the dangers of canoeing or kayaking underneath it.

But it’s not something to be underestimated: A dam with a waterfall only of 6 inches can kill! It creates a back current that can be potentially fatal. This is how it works:

Low-head dams create dangerous recirculation currents at the base of the dam known as a hydraulic. As water flows over the dam, a depression is formed in the water. There’ Backwash which is water, which is flowing from the bottom back towards the dam face.

This is often bright wight in color, as it’s very aerated, from the impact of the water tumbling over the dam. Water downstream rushes back towards the dam face to fill in this depression, in what is called the boil line. And then the water flowing from the boil line and the backwash is what’s called the outwash, and this, of course then flows downstream.

Knowing how specific types of dams affect river currents is essential to reading rivers.

Final Verdict:

Reading a river isn’t just about looking at the surface of the water to see what lies beneath. It helps us to know what potential dangers could lie ahead, or how best we can navigate a river to speed up or stay safe. It’s also a fascinating window into how fluvial geomorphology works, and how the geology of the world can be shaped by the movement and flow of water.

There are a few different variables that can affect how the river behaves and may change the way in which you read a river or the number of hazards you see. Features and hazards in the river look and act differently depending upon the water level. And the water level is of course, not at a constant. It can be affected by many different factors such as rainfall, snowmelt and flow adjustments at upstream dams, for example.

Many people take a huge amount of joy in the varieties of features which can be present in a river. Some features, which some kayakers see as hazards, might be a dream for someone who’s going white water rafting. If you’re thinking of making the most of the many features of a river in this way, then make sure you go with all the right kit, and a trained professional.

The more time you spend around rivers, the more you get to learn about their processes and watch them change and evolve. Think about buying a book on the science of fluvial geomorphology, or attending a course or doing an online quiz, to understand even further the processes of the river. Getting to grips with nature in this way will help you predict any potential hazards which might come your way, and can add to your enjoyment of wild rivers.

Bonus tip: If you’re interested in learning more about reading rivers, check out the video below. Like they say, reading a river is no different than reading a book!

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2023

Jonas Muthoni

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2022

Riley Draper

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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!

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

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

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2022

Jonas Muthoni

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.