Posted by admin | Posted in Compasses | Posted on 28-09-2009
Tags: compass, hiking, maps, navigation, travel
Compass Hiking
Northwest Hiking: Hiking The Coast And The Mountains Of Oregon
Hiking is one of Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiast's favorite activities. Oregon and SW Washington offer an incredible variety of forests, parks and national monuments ready for exploration and appreciation. Hikers should not be taken by surprise in this incredible area of the country however. Forest, coastal lands and cave hiking all present unique challenges to any hiker. The Pacific Northwest can prove to be dangerous if hikers are unprepared.
Forest Trail Hiking
The Northwest's forest trails are ideal hiking destinations because the scenery and beauty are unmatched by any other location. These trails wind through lush pine and fir tree wooded areas, tranquil open meadows, and creek and river crossed landscapes. The native wildlife - beavers, foxes, deer, elk, songbirds, squirrels - make it an ideal place for nature watchers. Oregon and Washington have very well maintained trailways and they take pride in their stewardship of the forests here. However, hikers should still be prepared for the unexpected in these areas.
The most important item to pack on any hiking trip, especially in the summer months, is water. Food is a close second. Emergency lights and signals are also essential for any recreational hiker. Traditional roadside flares or signal lights are not an option in the Northwest wilderness as likelihood of starting an unintentional fire is very high. A LED emergency light is small, lightweight, affordable, and offers powerful, high-quality light that can be used as a distress signal as well as a flashlight.
A multi-purpose Pocket Knife is also essential to safe hiking in the Northwest. These tools often include miniature scissors and pliers, tweezers and a compass which can all be useful to a hiker. The basic Knife Blade in these tools can be helpful to scratch trees and branches in order to mark an unfamiliar trail should you get lost. Consider packing mosquito repellent and sun block when hiking these forest trails as well.
Coastal Hiking
The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable and sometimes treacherous coastal weather. Hikers are advised to dress for the elements when hiking along coast range trails. A rain jacket and sturdy, waterproof boots are essential. The Oregon or SW Washington coast is are often overtaken by dense, heavy fog coverage. These fogs can come in without warning, stranding and disorientating hikers who are unprepared. It is important to bring a powerful Led Flashlight or lantern when hiking this area to illuminate the trail or campsite as well as alert help should you need it.
Cave Hiking
Cave hiking is one of the more dangerous forms of recreational hiking. This activity requires specific safety equipment and long-term planning. Along with multiple light sources, appropriate clothing and plenty of food and water, one must also make sure to bring protective head gear, rope, and climbing gloves. Experts recommend headlamps when cave hiking to allow for hands-free hiking. If considering cave hiking in the Northwest, contact a professional in the area who can provide specific equipment needs and precautions.
Hiking the Pacific Northwest trails is an incredible outdoor experience. A summer can be spent enjoying several trails, all with their own unique landscapes and beauties. Whether hiking through the Umpqua or Deschutes National Forests or exploring the Coast's Oregon Sand Dunes, hikers will not be disappointed so long as they come prepared.
~Ben Anton, 2008
About the Author
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for DLK. We invite you to find out more about
versatile Led Flashlights
and multi-purpose knives at our
Outdoor Hiking equipment
and LED lights website.
 |
 Portable Camping Compass Hiking Hiker Travel Navigation $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 2h 36m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 SUUNTO M 9 Camping Hiking Wrist Compass + Velcro Strap $27.99 Time Remaining: 12h 30m Buy It Now for only: $30.99 |
 CAMMENGA TRITIUM LENSATIC COMPASS ARMY MILITARY 3H CAMPING HUNTING HIKING NEW $62.95 Time Remaining: 16h 24m Buy It Now for only: $72.95 |
 Brass Pocket Watch Style Camping Compass Hiking Outdoor $3.48 Time Remaining: 3h 12m Buy It Now for only: $3.48 |
 Marbles Brass Pocket Hiking Compass Waterproof Revolving Black Face $12.23 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 9m |
 20mm Mini Body Pocket Compass Hiking Camping X24pc $5.49 Time Remaining: 10d 29m Buy It Now for only: $5.49 |
 Key Chain Mini Camping Compass Hiking Hiker Navigator A $3.25 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 31m |
 LUTZ Military Compass CAMILLUS 1984 Pocket Knife Camping Hiking Hunting Set $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 20m |
 Silva Explorer 203 Compass Backpacking Camping Hiking Orienteering BRAND NEW $18.40 Time Remaining: 12d 15h 57m Buy It Now for only: $18.40 |
 CHROME PLATED Pocket Compass w COVER Hiking Scout $16.95 Time Remaining: 20h 5m |
 Hunt 10 in 1 Army Camp Hiking Survival Compass HS025 $7.39 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 8m Buy It Now for only: $7.39 |
 SUUNTO M 9 Camping Hiking Wrist Compass + Velcro Strap $27.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 36m Buy It Now for only: $30.99 |
 Classic Brass Pocket Watch Style Camping Compass Hiking $3.79 Time Remaining: 27d 20h 48m Buy It Now for only: $3.79 |
 New Military Hiking Camping Compass $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 21h 13m |
 SUUNTO M 9 Camping Hiking Wrist Compass + Velcro Strap $27.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h Buy It Now for only: $30.99 |
 Mini portable multifunctional Hunt 10 in 1 Army Camp Hiking Survival Compass T10 $6.75 Time Remaining: 15d 7h 59m Buy It Now for only: $6.75 |
 New Black Gray Digital Compass W Thermometer Clock Calendar Camp Hunt Hike $19.75 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 51m |
 10 in 1 Survival Kit Thermometer LED Army Hiking Outdoor Camping Compass $1.00 Time Remaining: 9d 23m Buy It Now for only: $1.00 |
 Brunton Eclipse 8099 magnified field hiking Compass w inclinometer system $40.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 36m |
 Mini Camping Hiking Hunting Survival Keychain Direction guide Compass outdoors $0.99 Time Remaining: 23d 14h 46m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 SUUNTO M 9 Camping Hiking Wrist Compass + Velcro Strap $27.99 Time Remaining: 4d 24m Buy It Now for only: $30.99 |
 Binocom Binocular Compass Hunting For Hiking Military Boating Camping $7.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 8m |
 6 PCS 15mm Mini Body Pocket Compass Hiking Camping $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 56m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 1 3 4 POCKET COMPASS Brass Face w Cover HIKING $9.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 25m |
 Compass Camping Hiking Hunting Key Chain Ring Survival $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 46m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 Brunton Eclipse 8096 AR Compass NEW Hiking Camping Outdoors $17.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 3m |
 BRASS POCKET COMPASS Black Face w Cover HIKING $11.95 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 25m |
 Brunton Mini Compass Camping Hiking Hunting Key Chain $0.99 Time Remaining: 14d 21h 53m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 Vintage Miniature Compass Mirror Reflector Back In Case Hiking Backpacking $4.95 Time Remaining: 4d 32m |
 40mm Portable Camping Compass Hiking Hiker Travel Navigation $0.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 11m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 Compass Military Style Metal Camping Hiking Satellite Finder Tool for Sat Finder $4.99 Time Remaining: 21h 20m |
 Deluxe compass orienteering Outdoor Hiking $1.56 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 56m |
 New Military Hiking Camping Pocket Compass Lensatic $4.65 Time Remaining: 28d 3h 11m Buy It Now for only: $4.65 |
 Compass Military Style Metal Camping Hiking Satellite Finder Tool for Sat Finder $4.99 Time Remaining: 13h 23m |
 Keychain Camping Compass Hiking Hiker Navigation $0.99 Time Remaining: 10d 20h 16m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 CAMMENGA WRIST COMPASS ARMY US MILITARY J582 USA CAMPING HIKING HUNTING NEW $21.95 Time Remaining: 5d 6h 40m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
| Account limit of 2197 requests per hour exceeded. |
|
|
Compass $12.49 Compass |
|
|
The Compass $109 The Compass |
|
|
Add-A-Compass Hiking Stick Attachment $16.95 Add one of these Compasses to your wrist strap and never be lost again! Precise liquid-filled compass is set into a beautiful piece of hickory and fitted with a leather strap - attach it to your walking stick, backpack, zipper pull or key-chain. Click image to enlarge, item is approx. 1.25" in diameter x 2" long.What Size Stick is for Me? Hiking sticks should be 6" to 9" above your elbow to help you get down a hill (you need to reach). Walking sticks and canes are different. First, place your arm to your side with the elbow slightly bent. The top of the handle on the stick should be at the break in your wrist. All of Whistle Creek's sticks can be shortened by removing the rubber tip, sawing off what is not needed and then replacing the tip. Orthopedic patients should consult their physician. |
|
|
Suunto A-30L Compass $19.95 A recreational compass for hiking and orientineering.Features:Luminous bezel and markingsMagnifying lensMarking holesFixed declination correction |
|
|
Suunto 51A30L Woodsman Compass Luminous Bezel $35.07 Luminous BezelATTRIBUTESnbsp;Special Features:nbsp;Compact highaccuracy compass for hiking and orienteering |
|
|
Wolverine Compass Hiker (Men's) - Black $127.95 The Compass is a waterproof hiking boot, designed with iCS and Gore-Tex Waterproof technology. This boot will provide comfort and durability during long hikes and bumpy trails. Available Colors: Mushroom, Black. |
|
|
Wolverine Compass Hiker (Men's) - Mushroom $127.95 The Compass is a waterproof hiking boot, designed with iCS and Gore-Tex Waterproof technology. This boot will provide comfort and durability during long hikes and bumpy trails. Available Colors: Mushroom, Black. |
|
|
Hiking Joe & Jane $17.9 Take a hike…in a good way! Hiking Joe and Jane Bender include a backpack, walking stick and built-in compass in the tin. Jane Bender. |
|
|
Coghlan's Lensatic Compass - General Camping $5.99 Liquid-filled lensatic compass for quick bearing recognitionJeweled pivot and luminous letters for low light conditionsSturdy plastic case for protectionComes with instructionsGet your bearings wherever you find yourself with Coghlan's Lensatic Compass. Sheathed in a sturdy plastic case, this liquid-filled compass gives you a fast read on your bearing with just a downward glance from the sights at the rotating compass card inside. Compass features a jeweled pivot and luminous letters for easy reading in low light conditions. Comes with instructions to help outdoorsmen of all ages go in the right direction while camping, hiking, or just exploring new areas. Manufacturer model : 8164. Liquid-filled lensatic compass for quick bearing recognitionJeweled pivot and luminous letters for low light conditionsSturdy plastic case for protectionComes with instructionsGet your bearings wherever you find yourself with Coghlan's Lensatic Compa |
|
|
54 Hickory Hiking Staff With Compass Insert At Top Of Staff $37.95 54" Hickory Hiking Staff with quality compass insert in top of staff. Hand made in U.S., each staff is unique and has its own "character".Profile: We are one of the largest suppliers of hiking and walking sticks in the U.S., and we have been in the stick business since 1985. Best selling of all of our sticks is the rustic Hickory hiking stick, famous for its strength and durability. Whistle Creek makes sticks "like grandpa would have made." These are products that you would be proud to display in your home, yet not hesitate to use on the trail every day. We have avoided going to aluminum poles (lightning rods) or other mass-manufactured techniques. We have stayed with time-tested traditional methods that have been around since before Moses. Each Whistle Creek product is hand crafted from wood in the U.S. by skilled craftsmen who value the importance of a sturdy "friend" on the trail. Whether you use your stick for arduous mountain treks, strolls in the forest or just for "wandering 'round the block," you will soon benefit from the comfort and security that a good walking stick can bring to your outings. Hopefully you will decide to collect all of our sticks for you and your family to use for generations. What Size Stick is for Me? Hiking sticks should be 6" to 9" above your elbow to help you get down a hill (you need to reach). Walking sticks and canes are different. First, place your arm to your side with the elbow slightly bent. The top of the handle on the stick should be at the break in your wrist. All of Whistle Creek's sticks can be shortened by removing the rubber tip, sawing off what is not needed and then replacing the tip. Orthopedic patients should consult their physician. |
|
|
Essential Guide: Hiking $3.95 - Plan and prepare for your first hike - Essential gear and equipment - Learn to navigate with a compass and GPS - Specialist skills needed to tackle longer hikes - Great hiking destinations around the world |
Map & Compass, Gear