I also knew one other thing. I knew that I didn’t like being fat and that people who weren’t fat seemed to have more fun. The kids who weren’t fat got picked first when we played games, they didn’t get teased, and girls liked them.

Unfortunately for me, I did nothing to change this for many years. I would go home after school every day, dig into a bag of potato chips, and play video games for a couple of hours. However, one day I made a discovery, and that discovery changed my life forever.

When I was in the eighth grade, I decided to try out for the wrestling team. My older brother who was in high school had started wrestling the year before, and I also had a few friends who were on the wrestling team. I thought that it would be fun to learn how to wrestle and to be able to spend some more time with my friends because they were always at practice after school anyway.

Before the first day of practice started for that season, I spent some time with my older brother, and he showed me a handful of moves that he thought that I could use. I listened to every word that he said and tried to absorb as much information as possible.

When I finally went to the first day of practice, I felt anxious to wrestle, but at the same time I was very nervous. I had never been involved in a sport that required me to match my skills directly one on one versus an opponent.

Within a couple of minutes of practice I knew that I would need much more than just skills to be able to excel at my new found sport. I knew that I would have to get in shape.

Round is considered a shape, but that is not the ideal shape to be in when you are trying to be a wrestler. At the end of the first practice, my lungs were burning, and my muscles were drained. I felt like I had been picked up by a giant and that they had wrung me out as if I were a wet towel in somebody’s hand.

The next day I was sore and discovered that my body had muscles that I didn’t even know existed before that first workout. I was so sore that I didn’t know how I was going to get through the next practice let alone the entire season!

However, after that first practice, I kept showing up at practice in the afternoon, and my body grew more accustomed to recovering after the workouts and healing itself.

By the end of the season I was in much better shape than when I had started, and I had fallen in love with a sport that would help me to lose the baby fat that I had been carrying for years.

Now you may be asking yourself why I would share this little story about myself and how it applies to combat fitness or total body conditioning. Being combat fit or practicing combat fitness means being physically and mentally prepared to be able to compete in a combat sport or situation against an opponent.

Training for a combat sport like wrestling, judo, mma, boxing, or jiu jitsu requires a lot of different preparation than say track for instance. You may be really strong or really fast, but if you do not have the total body conditioning that you need, or the technique that is required, then you will not have a very successful experience.

It is hard to put in words the demands that are placed on your body when you are struggling to maintain or gain a dominant position during a match. To give yourself the experience of what a combat experience feels like, grab a friend who is about your same size and strength level, stand in the middle of a circle and try to push each other out of that circle for one minute.

If you are both exerting yourselves to your potential, I guarantee that you will be out of breath very quickly. If you do this several times, I can guarantee that the next day you will be sore as well. This example may seem primitive, but it will serve the purpose of showing you what type of demands can be put on your body in such a short amount of time.

One of the reasons why practicing combat fitness is so effective is because you train your body to move in so many different positions and to do so many different things. For example, in a typical wrestling practice we do running, jumping, strength building calisthenics, gymnastics, stretches, and all of these exercises are just a part of the warm up! Later we get into more sport specific techniques, positions, and live sparring.

Every practice is a total body workout that keeps your muscles strong, flexible, and looking good.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of training to be combat fit is that you get to practice being in so many positions and executing so many different exercises that you can maintain your level enthusiasm for your training.

Repetition is the mother of skill, but unfortunately that can be boring at times. By having several techniques or positions to perfect, there is always something new to work on. You can have a new workout and new challenges every day. You may know how to execute a certain technique against one opponent, but later compete against a different opponent and have to find a new way to execute that same technique.

Things are always changing and that variable gives you the chance to always be learning, and to quote a famous cliché, “variety is the spice of life.” This variety keeps things fresh and keeps things exciting.

I am still excited about training and learning new things every day, and one of the benefits is that I have been able to lose the baby fat and get in great shape. Give yourself the opportunity to get in the best shape of your life and commit to combat fitness. Take the time to educate yourself more about it and practice it. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Author: Justin Ruiz
Justin is a World Bronze Medalist in Greco Roman wrestling for the United States as well as a Pan American Games champion and a 5x US Nationals champion. For more great information on how to get into the best shape of your life go to http://www.combatfitness.com!

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

For many people who live in parts of the world where it is inconvenient (or impossible) for them to reach a significant outdoor rock climbing location, indoor rock climbing provides a way for them to enjoy their hobby whenever they want.

An indoor rock climbing wall is usually not made of rock, but of some kind of textured material including concrete and paint which is placed over a multiplex board. For walls designed to help people learn the basics of climbing, hand holds are generally screwed onto the wall.

A beginner’s rock climbing wall may be a simple vertical wall with regular hand holds spaces so that it is easy to move upwards – this helps a beginning rock climber get used to supporting his or her own body weight while scaling a wall.

More advanced rock climbing walls can have more complicated surfaces and relatively fewer hand and foot holds to hang on to.

However, it is unusual for indoor climbing walls to be completely devoid of hand holds and foot holds because unlike outdoor rock climbing surfaces, indoor surfaces do not generally make use of belaying equipment and the various kinds of anchors that damage the face of the rock.

While the climber of an indoor rock wall may use a harness depending on the height of the wall and the lesson being taken, a primary method of protecting oneself from a fall is a thick padded surface below the wall.

Climbers are also usually required to wear protective gear so that even in the event of a fall it is unlikely that they will suffer an injury.

While an indoor rock climbing wall does not provide the same degree of challenge as an outdoor area, it is significantly safer and it makes it possible for people who live in the city, far from suitable rock climbing locations, to learn how to climb and develop their skills. It also gives people a place that they can go to climb when the weather is not suitable for climbing (if it is rainy or snowy).

Artificial walls for rock climbing were first built in 1964 in Great Britain and have since spread around the world, with an increasing number of large gyms including rock climbing walls as one of the options that they provide for working into fitness routines.

Indoor climbing walls can be designed with complex molded features and the optimal routes, as well as more challenging routes. They can be indicated with markings on the wall to help people visualize their goals and work towards conquering the more advanced paths up the climbing wall as they learn new techniques and better develop their climbing strength and coordination for climbing on a sheer rock face. And as a sport in itself it can be very exhilarating, and takes some beating.

Author:
Chris Haycock is an information publisher, one of whose many hobbies is climbing. With recurring knee problems, including one replacement, making it no longer possible to physically climb, he spends a lot of time researching resources to help other climbers. For details of one amazing resource, go to http://www.climbingknowledge.com

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

There are several rock climbing gear available for rock climbing which is must to be carried by all rock climbers to keep themselves safe while climbing.

A Climbing Shoe is the most useful rock climb gear used. Improved designs in these shoes have made it possible for climbers to reach destinations that were not possible earlier. The existing climbing shoes have rubber soles that can effectively protect the foot from shocks, sharp edges and provide modesty friction.

A modern climbing rope is a key piece of safety device equipment principally needed for rock climbing and is an important rock climbing gear.

A D-shaped carabineer is used always in climbing. This consists of aluminum rings that can be opened with the help of a gate that is operated with the help of a spring. Normally, the spring grips the gate closed, but the gate can be opened to include a rope.

A carabineer is reasoned to be safety till the gate is opened. To gain the security, Two carabineers can be used in tandem with their gates reversed. It is not at all possible that some ingredient would make both the gates to open simultaneously.

Tubular nylon webbing is another rock climbing gear exploited often in climbing. It is made of nylon material woven into a straight tube an inch across. This webbing has very high strength. Unlike the climbing rope, it does not stretch under tension. Nylon webbing is the most often used tied into a loop. It can be easy cut to any preferable length. The ends are seasoned with heat to forestall fraying.

Loops of webbing stitched together at the factory also known as Pre-sewn webbing is a favorite among climbers. Pre-sewn webbings though handy are costlier than the custom-tied loops, which are cheaper and adjustable.

A climbing harness attaches the climber to the rope. This harness has a nylon belt, which has a big width and is strong. It also has loops for the thighs.

When such a harness is used to support the climber, most of the body weight is concentrated on the legs, rather than the climber’s waist, making it easy to hang in. Many variations is usable in harness, a necessary rock climbing gear. More pricey harnesses have more padding. The diameter of the leg loops can also be adjusted.

The belayer stops climbers who fall. This is rather difficult without the aid of the belay device, which is an object able of stop the rope or going it through smoothly. Belay devices are of different varieties that are all rather simple and safe for use..A figure-eight belay device has two metal rings about an inch in diameter coupled in the shape of an 8. A loop of rope is passed through one of the rings, then about and under the other ring.

The ring without the rope is connected to the belayer’s harness with a locking carabineer. When tightly secured, the rope bends up to 490-degree angle in the few inches of space, making it virtually impossible to move.

Author:
Michael Malega presents several Rock Climbing Gear articles for your information. You can visit Michael’s web site at: http://www.rock-climbing-techniques.net/Rock-Climbing-Gear“>

The first Luxeon LED flashlight was the Arc LS in 2001.LEDs can be significantly more efficient at lower power levels, hence use less battery energy than normal light bulbs. Such flashlights have longer battery lifetimes, in some cases hundreds of hours, although the LED efficiency advantage diminishes at higher power levels. LEDs also survive sharp blows that often break conventional light bulbs.

LED flashlights are often electronically regulated to maintain constant light output as the batteries fade. By contrast a non-regulated flashlight becomes progressively dimmer, sometimes spending much of the total running time below 50 percent brightness level.A common misconception about LED-based flashlights is that they generate no heat.

While lower-power LED flashlights generate little heat, more powerful LED lights do generate significant amounts of heat. For this reason higher-powered LED flashlights usually have metal bodies and can become warm during use.A headlamp is a flashlight worn on the head for hands-free operation. Powerful headlamps mounted on helmets have been used in mining for decades, but general-purpose ones with fabric straps are now also available. Sometimes a light is mounted to a handgun or rifle.

Most flashlights are cylindrical in design, with the lamp assembly attached to one end. However, early designs came in a variety of shapes. Many resembled lanterns of the day, consisting largely of a box with a handle and the lamp attached to the front. Some others were made to have a similar appearance to candles. It is possible that future developments of battery and LED technology will bring interesting new designs.

For instance, one very small light that exists now in 2004 consists of a few LEDs with a switch, designed to be an end cap for a 9-volt battery. High-quality flashlights go for as much as several hundreds of dollars. Such flashlights are very advanced, using special batteries, have adjustable brightness levels, dive-depth waterproof ratings, interchangeable optics, and are very bright.

Lantern is another important source of light while camping. Some lanterns are battery-powered and have simple light bulbs, but bright and efficient electric lanterns will employ a specialized power supply to operate a fluorescent type. They are easy to use and comparatively durable, but less bright than propane or liquid fuel lanterns.

Depending on the design, these lanterns may use disposable batteries, rechargeable replaceable batteries, or permanently-installed rechargeable batteries and either require battery replacement, or if rechargeable and not constantly plugged in must be brought to full charge every few months by plugging in.

Some rechargeable fluorescent lanterns may be plugged in at all times and may be set up to illuminate upon a power failure, a useful feature in some applications. During extensive power failures (or for remote use), supplemental recharging may be provided from an automobile’s twelve volt electrical system or from a modest solar powered charger.

Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.WarGear.info/. WarGearcarries the best selection of military clothing, war gear, and combat accessories on the market.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

This is mainly because criminals who actually carry a loaded gun are few. Those who attack with their bare hands or snatch your belongings and make a dash for it can be managed more easily than those who have a knife or a similar weapon.

Self defense against the knife is extremely difficult since in most cases, the assailant may not actually intend to hurt you. Assessing the intentions of the criminal becomes even more significant while you are trying to defend yourself.

When faced with an attacker with a knife, there are certain things that you should ensure.

- Firstly don’t panic! It is important that you keep a cool head to be able to follow the other instructions and to ensure that what you do does not actually land you in a more difficult situation than what might have been otherwise.

- Take your call about whether you will make a run for it or whether you will confront the attackers. The decision should be taken based on the specific place where you are standing. Don’t make the mistake of starting to run and then getting yourself in a corner from where you cannot extricate yourself.

If this happens, you would have already tired yourself to some extent before you start using other self defense tactics on the attacker. On the other hand, if you confront the situation and attempt to fight back and then decide that you want to run, you may have hurt yourself to some extent and running may not prove effective.

- Asses the attackers’ intentions. If the attack is being made primary to grab your purse, money, expensive accessories or a car, give in and get over with it. You should, however, make sure that you take a close look at the attacker so that you can try and identify him later in a police line up.

-  Try and attract the attention of other people if there are others around. In the busy world that we live, people may not notice an attack that is made by sliding a pen knife in the waist slowly. Self defense products like personal alarms come extremely handy in such situations and can emit a loud and piercing sound that can attract anyone in the vicinity.

- If you have been wise to invest in some easy-to-use self defense products and have them handy, they are easy tools to use when you are in a situation where you definitely need to attack back for self defense. Pepper sprays and stun guns, tasers and throwing stars are some of the most popular products that are being bought for self defense purposes.

- In case you do not have self defense products or in case they are not handy, there are some other techniques that you can use against an attacker with a knife. First of all, do not try and punch your attacker. It is not likely to have a large impact on someone who is prepared to fight or get hurt.

The key areas to attack someone with a knife in his hand are the forearm and the shoulder to start with. These should be done in the arm which holds the weapon so as to slow down the movement of the attack. If you feel that the attacker is a vicious one and shall hurt you irrespective of whether you given him what he wants materially, make sure that you prepare yourself to get hurt to some extent. A psychological acceptance of something like this ensures that you are able to ensure better self defense. Don’t stay too far from the attacker.

If you are up close, your attacker is not likely to get a chance to go for a full-swing stab (something that can be fatal). You may get injuries from being close upfront but you will be able to save your life by staying up close. Make sure that you don’t focus on the knife but the attacker. Look into his eyes and you shall be able to assess his next move.

The idea is basically to use some looping, parrying, deflecting or cutting technique (you can find more about these in self defense video’s) to get to the side or the rear of the attacker. Once there, you should target the neck or the head for a full force attack.

Be aware of the fact that such an attack can happen to any one of us. There are various self defense video’s that can help you in understanding how to use self defense techniques against various knife moves like downward stabs, downward slash, cross slash and the like.

Author:
Steve Thibeault is the owner of TBO-TECH, a company that understands your self protection needs and offers products that are practical and effective. Other than a wide range of pepper sprays, stun guns and batons, the company also provides martial arts weapons, personal alarms, hidden safes, spy gear and sporting products like slingshots and blowguns.  For more information on self defense items, log on to TBO-TECH. http://www.tbotech.com

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

1.Buy a Gun-
Some states allow you to purchase and carry a gun on your person. Yes guns are very effective in stopping an attacker but there are several draw backs. If you shoot someone in most cases you lose your gun because the cops need to take it into evidence and you never see it again.

Studies show that in most cases where police officers have been shot…it has been with their own gun. After you fire your weapon at the attacker…what is behind him? Where is the bullet going to go. Is there someone behind the attacker? Taking the time to look and see can cost you dearly.

2.Learn Karate-
Learning karate is something I definitely recommend. It not only teaches you to defend yourself but, it also teaches you self control and discipline. This is a great tactic if you are alone and there are not too many attackers. If someone is with you the longer you have to fight the attackers off the more you are putting yourself and whoever is with you at risk. You need to end the attack quick and get yourself and your friend out of there.

3.Buy Self Defense Weapons-
Buying self defense weapons such as pepper spray, stun guns, and tasers is probably the safest method of defending yourself as they put nobody’s life at risk. If the attacker were to get hold of your pepper spray, stun gun, or your taser. Your life is in no immediate danger as these are non-lethal self defense weapons. With pepper spray, tasers, or stun guns you do not have to worry about the projectile hitting an innocent bystander.

Additional benefits of self defense weapons-

Pepper Spray- pepper spray temporarily swells the eyes and mucus membranes and makes breathing difficult. Stun Guns- Stun guns will turn the attackers muscles into jelly and depending on the voltage can sometimes cause the attacker to lose consiousness.

Tasers- Tasers have the same effects as a stun gun with the added bonus you can be standing up to 16 feet away from the attacker and still use the self defense weapon.

In closing I would say that the best thing you can do in an attack to protect yourself and your loved ones is to have some pepper spray in your car and on your person at all times. When an attack happens you can spray them with the pepper spray. This will throw them off guard and in most cases stop the attack all together.

Sometimes in rare occasions the attacker is used to pepper spray but it will still slow them down long enough for you to pull out a taser or a stun gun. Not too many people are immune to the effects of these self defense weapons. Once they are stunned by one of these weapons you will have time to get away. A word of warning…Though they are very effective the effects of a stun gun or taser are only temporary. Don’t stick around to admire your work. Do what you have to do and get out of there.

Author:
Donald Smith has been involved in the personal security products field for a very long time. To get more information on stun guns, pepper sprays, and other personal security products go to his Self Defense Products site. “http://smithspersonalsecurity.com/”>Self Defense Products site.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

The deadly art of Ninjutsu was not exclusively practiced by men alone. The kunoichi (pronounced KOO-NOY-CHEE) or “Dragon Lady” wreaked havoc in medieval Japan. Like their male counterparts, they often used camouflage and disguise, but the kunoichi also used seduction and manipulation to make their way to their target. They would pose as maids, musicians, fortune tellers, and artists hiding weapons on their person or in instruments.

Some women would pose as geishas, concubines, or even marry an intended target and poison or kill them in their sleep. Like other ninjas it was all about completing the mission, and though they were ready to fight, they avoided it whenever possible. It his hard to determine just how many warriors died because they let their guard down in the face of what appeared to be beautiful submissive woman.

Historians believe a kunoichi was probably a girl recruited from a poor family or was a runaway who was taken in by an older kunoichi who would be both mother and instructor to the young girl. Saved from poverty the girl would be a devoted if a not fanatical student, and would learn early on the ways of the assassin. Ninjutsu training is often described as a mixture of Judo, Jujutsu, and swordsmanship training with the emphasis on stealth and concealment rather than disciplined brutality like the samurai employed.

Because the women often went on missions alone and would go up against men their training focused on techniques that would allow them to fight off stronger and larger opponents. They learned all of the dirty self defense techniques like eye gouges, chokeholds, and strikes to the groin. They would purposely train in confined spaces, so they could practice practical close combat techniques, and practiced one-on-one fighting tactics rather than group fighting techniques.

The kunoichi also trained extensively with an array of weapons and poisons. One favorite weapon was the neko-te (NEK-OH-TAY) which was iron fingernails that would be fastened to the hand by leather straps. By themselves they could slash a warrior to pieces, but many times the women assassins would coat the blades with poison to get the job done faster. Many of their weapons were designed to be concealed, but the kunoichi would also learn samurai and Okinawan weapons as well. The belief was that since you were assassinating samurai, these weapons would be easily accessible in a pinch.

Some kunoichi wouldn’t even bother to train the concealment tactics of their male counterparts because they hid so well in plain site. Training also included many aspects of psychological warfare, and the women were prepared to survive interrogations and reveal as little as possible.

Knowing they could be tortured and raped if caught, the women trained hard at being effective spies, saboteurs, and assassins. One female kunoichi trained her women to tend to holy shrines, so they eliminated their target they simply return to their work without being discovered. One woman assassin achieved leadership of her husband’s clan after murdering him in his sleep on their wedding night. She convinced all those around her that she had slept through the whole attack and was capable of stabbing her husband to death.

While few people are interested in becoming assassins outside of the military and espionage community there is a lot to be learned about self defense from the kunoichi. They took advantage of the fact that most men would dismiss a female as a threat, and they used an opponent’s strength against them in combat.

They trained to fight men not other women and their training helped them learn how to deal with the worst case scenario. They learned how to employ concealed weapons effectively and how to be observant of details that might help them later.

While these are all methods of an assassin they’re also useful to a woman who wishes to protect herself on the street. Shock a male attacker by knowing how to fight back with real self defense training, and turn the tide against them. Don’t ever let anyone tell you women can’t fight. This is a perfect example of turning “weakness into strength”.

Author:

Matthew McKernan
Click on the links provided for more information on martial arts, self defense and mixed martial arts.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

There are many self-defense schools. The schools vary in the type of self-defense they teach to students. There are many kinds of self-defense that originates from different countries. But it all has a common denominator of helping keep a healthy body and mind.

The more popular self-defense sports are kung  fu, karate, taekwondo, martial arts, and kenjutsu. These contact sports not only keep you fit and healthy always, it instills in your character several admirable traits like having a sense of responsibility, discipline and hard work.

A student learns to be patient and persevering because training involves a long time. He needs to consistently practice if he wishes to excel in the sport and master the techniques.

Self-defense is mainly used to have an upper hand when being attacked in public. We live in a dangerous world surrounded by criminals. But in the process, self-defense also becomes an art. It involves learning several forms that when executed properly will bring effective results.

Kung Fu is known to be the best self defense in China. It has been part of the continuous tradition of martial arts in the country. There are lots of techniques and ideas about martial arts. The components are made out of the basics, applications forms, and weapons. Kung fu courses include a very unique training system that varies in the emphasis of every component.

Karate is a striking art that uses punching, kicking and strikes of knees and elbows. This also includes an open handed technique like ridge hands and knife hands. The practitioner of Karate is called the Karateka. Lesser extent of restraints, joint lock sand takedowns is likewise used. This is one self defense that also promotes good health. It promotes co-ordination, balance, strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility. It allows the brain to have the alertness needed to respond to the actions of the fighter.

Taekwondo originated in South Korea but is being learned now all over the world. Unlike karate, taekwondo focuses on legs and feet movement. Punching is very minimal. People who study taekwondo are called jins. Jins have shapy legs as a result of many years of training. Training involves a lot of sparring and practice kicks.

Self defense is a surviving situation that involves real risk that may causes physical harm. This requires first hand knowledge. This involves a multitude of techniques. A person can only fight for himself and can only take care of himself. Anyone can learn the basic of self defense. It is not limited to those who have the talent. The self defense has so many layers of component that it compasses. It includes awareness, communication, negotiation, body language and many more.

The Kenjutsu was created in 15th century in Japan. This was made for the use of military. This is a swordsman practice. This technique is a collection of combat technique of various weapons. The practitioner is called the kenjutsuka.

The art of self-defense develops the whole body, especially the arms and legs. It also develops one’s stamina and endurance. And more than having a great body, self-defense promotes a better state of mind. People learn to concentrate and focus more, to filter unwanted thoughts and keep themselves optimistic always.

Author:
David Urmann
For more information on Teach Yourself Anything and Teach Yourself Accountingplease visit our website.http://teachyourselfanything.net

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

You might use strong rope on leather thongs attached to pegs. While you are doing this try not to crack any twigs or branches. Now weave other leafy branches in between the arch so closely that the wind will be efficiently kept out. This hut has the advantage of actually growing. The network of branches will get thicker and thicker and will soon look so natural that anyone not in on the secret will not guess the existence of the hut.

Unfortunately, the foliage does not completely keep out the rain, and the hut is a useful shelter only in the summer. Nevertheless, it’s a fine secret hiding place.

If you don’t want to wait years until your hut gets roomy, and if you want a shelter that will protect you from the rain, you can erect a pyramid hut. Find some long, solid branches, and set them up in the form of a pyramid.

Weave smaller branches horizontally around the framework of the poles. Then weave branches with heavy foliage over this. Beech leaves are the best, for the branches from coniferous (cone-bearing) trees such as pine or fir are not able to keep out the rain. Work from the bottom up, and extend every succeeding layer over the one below it.

Only this way can the rain run from the peak down to the ground without leaking in. Be sure the opening of the hut faces away from the storm side. Don’t forget to dig a ditch around the hut so that the rain water will run off. You can line the inside with dried moss, and add a couple of thick pieces of log to serve as stools. If you want additional furniture, look around you for ideas. There are many primitive but serviceable things you can build from materials you’ll find at your camp site.

Setting up a hut is often time-consuming because you have to search for the suitable poles and weaving materials for the rough framework. Therefore, experienced hut builders always carry a net of tarred or waxed cord with them. You can easily weave a net for yourself. The meshes have to be about 8 inches apart, and the whole net should be about 6 feet by 12 feet. With a net like this, you can build a gabled hut very quickly.

Weave leafy branches between the meshes, or use grass, hay, straw, ferns, or large leaves if you are camping in a field — and, again, work from the bottom up and extend each layer over the previous one. This forms what we call a gabled hut.

You can make both the pyramid hut and the gabled hut out of reeds. Reeds have the advantage of being rainproof and very warm as well. To be sure, you do need a great many reeds to make a good covering. The method you use depends on whether summer (green) or winter (dried) reeds are available.

If you have pliable summer reeds, take a handful with the cut edges toward the top and the tips pointing down, and bind them, once again starting at the bottom, over the first horizontal support, under the second, over the third, and so forth. Since the fresh reeds shrivel quickly and leave gaps, dry winter reeds are much better.

Gather bundles of reeds by the armful, tie bunches together at the end, and then fasten them on the framework of the hut like roof shingles, pushed close to each other and overlapping. Huts covered with dead leaves or reeds dry out quickly in the sun and become parched. Therefore, it is dangerous to have a fire in the hut or even to light a fire nearby.

Author:
Jimmy Cox
http://www.campingaccessory.net
Do You Know What The Most Valuable Camping Accessory You Will Ever Need Is?

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One of the first questions you need to ask yourself before you get your hiking equipment is, “will this be a day hike for a few hours or will I be spending the night in the wilderness?” Obviously you are going to need a lot more hiking equipment if you are camping overnight.

The next question you need to ask yourself is, “what type of terrain will I be hiking?” If you go for walks on relatively flat, smooth terrain for a few hours on the weekends than you aren’t going to need much hiking equipment at all.

However, if you are planning a week long trip with some difficult terrain your main concern when it comes to hiking equipment should be safety. Not only do you want equipment to keep you safe, you also want to take the weight and bulk of the hiking equipment into consideration. Trying a difficult hike and carrying too much stuff can be just as dangerous as not having any.

The final question to ask yourself is, “what is the climate going to be like?” Remember that mother nature can throw a lot of curveballs so always prepare for the worst.

For example, If you are going to be hiking in the dessert, buy hiking boots that have thick soles (hot sand), but aren’t too insulated so your feet can stay cool during the day (100+ degree heat). If you are in Alaska you will probably need an ice axe. If you are in the Adirondacks in the spring you will need a lot of insect repellent.

The Basic Necessities

The basic hiking equipment that every hiker will need to take along include:
* Electric torch
* Backpack
* First aid kits
* Pocket knife
* Maps and compasses
* Matches
* Candles
* Water flask
* Bottled water or a way to purify it
* Food

How To Save Money and Hike Well

When you know what you need and it is time to purchase your hiking equipment you need to make sure that you know when to buy cheap and when to make sure you have the best hiking equipment out there.

For example, if you plan to have some rock climbing in your excursion you had better lay out the money for the best rope and harness. But if you are just going hiking on a well traveled trail for a couple of hours you don’t need to spend the money for top of the line equipment. Use your common sense and remember that safety should always be the most important consideration when it comes to buying hiking equipment.

Author:
Brue M. Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from across the world sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying to find unbiased health information let Brue take you by the hand and give you the best natural health resources on the web. Visit DietHealthAndFitness.com to learn more.

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