WFH: Do You Need a Work-from-Home Reset?

By Natalie Ferguson

(With a background in retail and a love for wellness, travel, and the outdoors, Natalie Ferguson joined Alabama Outdoors in 2016. The Denver, Colo., native enjoys exploring Alabama, especially the nearby rivers where she can fly fish. But she does miss the ski slopes! “My go-to WFH outfit is the Vuori women’s performance joggers and the Free Fly women’s bamboo midweight long-sleeve shirt. They are like butter!”

Most of us have been enduring this new WFH (work-from-home) lifestyle for almost a month now. 

WEEK ONE: You’re thinking “This is great! I have so much extra time! No commute. No need for a shower. I can get up and get to work, no pressure.”
WEEK TWO: “OK, I have this down. I feel good about how well I have transitioned.”
WEEK THREE: “Yes, I know I’ve worn this shirt for four of the past five days, but so what? Besides, what do you know? You’re a dog.” 

woman-working-laptop-home-dog-nearbyIf you dipped into the WFH funk in the past week, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. If you find comfort in a 2-day-old stained sweatshirt and feel distracted and uninspired during virtual meetings, it’s time to reset your WFH game.

It’s OK, though, we are here to help you get back on track and give you some tips to regain focus in all of this! Spoiler alert: Your mood is tied to your surroundings and how you feel about your appearance. Dress for success still makes sense even when you are stuck at home.

Make a WFH space and routine

Depending on what your work-from-home space options are, make sure to either designate your WFH space or create a new office space that will help you be productive. A designated work area saves time because you don’t have to set up your “office” every day. And, when your workday ends, you can “leave” your workspace and unplug.

Also, try to maintain a schedule that resembles — as much as possible considering the circumstances — your typical workday to help keep you on track. Set an alarm to get your day going at the same time each day. Eat breakfast to give you the energy you need. Make sure to take a lunch break. Set both work and personal goals for the day to help fuel your motivation.  And don’t forget to get some fresh air throughout the day, even if it is for a quick stretch.

Cross-functional clothing is a must

man-running-summer-trailThis one is a true game-changer. I know we are all tempted to wear our pajamas, at least on the bottom.  However, making yourself presentable — taking a shower, fixing your hair, wearing clothes that work on video calls as well as dog walks — will make you more positive and productive

Try to dress for whatever your day may hold. From morning meetings to midday exercise to dinner prep and even a sunset run, you can do it all with a well-planned, functional outfit.

Ladies, that means your favorite yoga pants could be in heavy rotation. Pair yoga pants or joggers with a solid top for a comfortable, appropriate Zoom conference call wardrobe. Just throw on a cardigan or scarf to dress it up. Look at that, you’re already set for midday yoga, so no excuses! 

Guys should follow the same logic for WFH clothing. Find a solid color tee-shirt suitable for working out, then throw on a short-sleeved collared shirt to dress it up. Pair it with some shorts and running shoes and you are ready for whatever the day brings.

Pro tip: Start by choosing your bottoms and footwear based on your exercise of choice and other activities. Mid-day yoga, throw on leggings and stay in your bare feet! Planning an afternoon run, be ready with your running shorts and running shoes. 

Set WFH boundaries

Everyone has different lifestyles and work/study habits, so find what strategies work best for you and, if you need to, communicate them with your quarantine crew or your remote coworkers. 

Talking openly about what you need to in order to function well helps open dialogue about expectations, ground rules, and boundaries. This is especially true if you are at home with others.

Finally, try to give yourself, your quarantine crew, and your coworkers some grace as we all navigate these unusual times. Take a breath before you react, try to be mindful of the importance of communication, and be willing to forgive misunderstandings.

You may end up feeling more connected to people in your life despite the physical distance.

Refresh your work-from-home wardrobe at Alabama Outdoors! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

Do I Need Trekking Poles?

By Leandra Beabout

(Leandra Beabout is an experienced freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has written for Fodor’s Travel, The Everygirl, Dame Traveler, and more.)

Maybe you’ve wanted a pair while clambering down a muddy ridge. Or you’ve watched friends use them to cross slippery streambeds. They’re for stability,  sure, but you’re still wondering—do hikers need trekking poles?

Here’s all you need to know to decide whether trekking poles are necessary for your next adventure.

What are trekking poles?

Trekking poles are essentially ski poles for hikers. Sold in pairs, they’re adjustable to suit hikers of all sizes and heights. Of course, some hikers prefer single poles, known as hiking staffs. Hiking staffs don’t provide much support, so they’re best for walks on flat terrain.

How do trekking poles help?

female-hiker-trekking-polesMost hikers use trekking poles to redistribute weight from their knees or ankles on steep hills. But this simple, lightweight equipment packs in several more benefits.

In 2010, a research team at Northumbria University rounded up 37 people and asked them to hike up and down Snowdon Mountain, a 3,560-foot peak in Wales. The catch? Only half the climbers got trekking poles.

After recording heart rates and exertion levels on the trail, then surveying hikers for three days after, the benefits were clear: The hikers with poles had more endurance and energy. And for days afterward, backpackers without poles suffered much more muscle soreness.

The other benefits?

  • Joint pain relief. Even if you’re in great shape, pounding the trail can be rough on your joints. Poles help absorb your body weight.
  • Better stability. Trekking poles connect you to the ground in two other places. Imagine the difference between a two- or three-legged stool and a chair.
  • Injury reduction. When you’re stable and sure-footed, you’re less likely to twist an ankle or stumble.

When should you use trekking poles?

male-hiker-crossing-bridge-trekking-polesStop and think about your upcoming hikes. Now ask yourself, “Do I deal with chronic joint issues? Will the trails be steep or slippery? Will I carry a heavy pack?”

In other words, ask yourself if you’ll need a strength and stability boost. Here are some of our favorite times to use trekking poles:

  • Traversing streams and slick, muddy terrain
  • Climbing up or down steep inclines
  • Hiking slippery winter conditions, including checking the strength of frozen streams or ponds

Sometimes trekking poles aren’t necessary for the trail ahead. Maybe you want to travel light and equipment-free. Maybe you’ll mostly be hiking on a valley floor or through flat meadows. Or maybe you prefer to rely on core strength rather than arm muscle while hiking. The choice is yours!

You can find the best hiking gear and apparel at Alabama Outdoors! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

 

Why I Climb

By Hudson Jacobus

(Hudson Jacobus, a student at Vestavia Hills High School, is president of the VHHS Climbing Team. Jacobus won two Birmingham Interscholastic Climbing League competitions during the 2019-2020 season and placed second in the 2019 Southern Grit men’s intermediate competition.)

Even after a year and a half of climbing, I still get the same joy from finishing a route or taking in the view at the top of a wall as I did the very first time I tried it. Some days, I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do on the wall. Other days I feel like a complete beginner. The enjoyment, however, is there every time I put on my shoes and reach into my chalk bag. 

I started climbing regularly during my sophomore year of high school. The newly founded climbing club at my school was looking for members, and I had visited climbing gyms enough to know that I wanted in. The next week, I paid for a gym membership and showed up ready to get started, with brand-new shoes, harness, and chalk bag in hand.

I must have looked wide-eyed and clueless on my first day. Luckily for me, the climbing community is one of the most welcoming and friendly groups of people you can find.

Climbing and problem-solving

Climbing is a sport based around struggle and repeated failure. I learned this early on. The difficulty of the sport can sometimes make for some frustrating sessions, but it also means that other climbers taking on the same challenges will share the same struggle. 

If another climber and I are taking turns failing over and over on the same bouldering problem, then both of us can empathize with the other over how impossible the problem seems or how bad our forearms are burning. However, there are two sides to every coin. When both of us finish the problem after what seems like dozens of failed attempts, we can celebrate our success together. To me, this is part of what makes climbing such a great sport.

The zen of climbing

Another reason I love climbing is the pure isolation I feel on the wall. Although climbing can bring a sense of community and camaraderie when I’m standing on solid ground, it brings the total opposite as soon as I step off of it. Something about the act of clinging to a slab of rock by only my fingers and toes has the ability to demand my focus like nothing else.

In fact, many climbers will even describe the feeling that comes over them on the wall as a zen state. When I’m purely and totally focused on getting to the top of a route or problem, all the stresses and burdens of everyday life completely vanish from my mind.

For a moment, all the noise of the world falls silent. Often I find that I climb my best on the worst days when I just need to escape from it all for a few hours and enjoy climbing.  They may seem like small details, but the small things I enjoy most about climbing are the things that would pull me into the gym two or three days a week.

Favorite days

When the weather is perfect and the sun is shining, I get to enjoy my sport outside in Alabama’s picturesque climbing areas. My favorite days are the ones spent bouldering under the thick green canopy of  Moss Rock Preserve or leading up the towers of stone at Sand Rock.

Interested in climbing? Check out this video on building your own climbing wall.

You can find the latest climbing gear and apparel at Alabama Outdoors! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

 

Alabama Parks and Trails: What’s Open

Even with the state’s stay-at-home order, health officials say people should keep exercising and go outside—but avoid activities that increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.  Some parks have adjusted hours or services to help reduce any risk of activities that may spread the virus. Here are some updates for Alabama parks.

Alabama State Parks

Alabama State Parks’ COVID-19 update says that “outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing, trail use, boating, and paddling can still be enjoyed by all Alabamians as long as groups are kept to 10 people or less and a consistent 6-foot distance between persons can be maintained. Additionally, most Alabama State Parks, including campgrounds and associated facilities remain open with some exceptions.” Some of the main exceptions are beaches and playgrounds. You can find the full list here.

National forests in Alabama 

The USDA Forest Service has temporarily suspended public access to certain recreation sites within the forests. Before you go on a hike, be sure to check out the list of closed day-use sites and facilities (this includes campgrounds). 

Birmingham area parks

Northern Alabama parks

  • Noccalula Falls Park The park, campground, building, and activities are closed. However, the Black Creek Trails are open for exercise!
  • Dismals Canyon hiking trails are open while night tours, spa services, and other sites/facilities are closed until further notice.

South Alabama parks

  • Blakeley State Park is closed to the public until further notice.
  • Gulf State Park The pier will remain open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. while staffed to maintain social distancing. The trails are also open. Reminder: All Alabama beaches are closed.

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

 

More Family Time? Don’t Forget to Capture the Moments in Photos

By Emily Cone

(Emily Cone is a Birmingham-area photographer specializing in lifestyle, commercial, and wedding photography. She strives to capture the “candid, crafted, unnoticed, and celebrated moments” of life. She can be reached at www.emilycone.com)

This is a weird time for everyone with schools closing, people working from home, and the uncertain timeline for social distancing. But, fortunately, for many of us, shelter-in-place orders mean more dedicated family time and more free time to do things that may not have been a priority before. We’re visiting parks, hiking to waterfalls, camping in our backyards, crafting with our kids, and taking daily walks. If it’s something fun and different but socially distant, we’re doing it.

Oddly enough, in this strange time, we’re coming together quite unexpectedly. I mean, did you see the videos of people singing on their balconies in Italy??  In these moments, please don’t forget to take photos! You’re going to want to remember this.

Here are some tips to remember when capturing these strange but meaningful moments through photography.

Be in the moment

Let me start by saying this: Enjoy the moment first. Don’t let the goal of getting the photo overwhelm the experience. I’ve been there many times, whether at a concert, an event, or on a trail. I spend so much time trying to get the best shot, that I don’t appreciate what is in front of me. Then I wonder, “Did I miss something?” I have the photo, but it doesn’t mean that much anymore because I may have missed being part of the moment.

Here are some things I’ve learned to create a balance between taking that once-in-a-lifetime shot and being in that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

  • Don’t think about Instagram. Don’t look for a shot just to post it.
  • Don’t constantly look through your viewfinder. Trust me, you’ll get a much better view with your own eyes.
  • If something’s happening, wait a few minutes before pulling out your camera.
  • On a hike? Take photos on the way up or the way down, but no need for both.

When traveling or on-the-go, pack light

Another thing that can put a damper on enjoying the moment is bringing too much gear and having it weigh you down (or worse, get damaged). Unless you’re trying to submit something to National Geographic, you just need the basics.

  • If you’re looking to invest in a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, consider a crop-sensor camera or a mirrorless camera, as these are much more lightweight than a full-frame camera.
  • If you already have a decent DSLR setup, just bring your camera body and either a 35mm or 50mm lens.
  • If all you have is an iPhone, that’s all you need to capture memories. Seriously.
  • Bonus tip: I’ve recently started bringing along my film camera for two reasons. First, I don’t spend time editing the photo, and, second, it takes about a week to develop the film and see the final product. When the photos come back, it’s more about remembering the moment, rather than what shots I captured.

Make sure your photo equipment is secure

You’re moving around, climbing up stuff, maybe falling at times. You may be hiking or doing something else active. Make sure you secure your camera or phone before you get lost in the moment. Whether you’re on-the-go, wrangling children, or facing unexpected weather, make sure your equipment is protected.

Stop saying cheese, take more candid photos

We all have those awkward photos of ourselves where our parents made us look at the camera with an uncomfortable forced smile, no genuine emotion at all. The photos that we’ll really cherish are the ones we took when we didn’t have to force it.

So, take the candid photos, the ones where no one is looking at the camera, or thinking about fixing their hair or how sweaty they are. Capture the real moments. Here are some tips on getting candids, whether you’re on a walk, making crafts with your kids, or watching them play in the backyard.

  • Be discreet. Don’t say anything about getting a photo. A phone camera is probably your best option to not get noticed.
  • Keep your camera or phone nearby for easy access.
  • Please, do not take a photo while someone is eating. I promise, they never turn out good.
  • Bonus tip: Say you want photos where you can clearly see faces, but you don’t want forced, fake smiles. Ask them to pose for a picture while they’re already laughing and having a good time. Then snap the photo before they can pose and capture that genuine emotion.

Whether we’re sheltering at home, or it’s just a regular day, I hope you take photos. Remember this time spent with your family, whether it’s during new adventures or everyday routines. You’ll want to keep these memories forever.

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

Garage Workouts: Making the Most of At-Home Exercise

The gym may be temporarily closed, but you don’t have to pause your fitness goals.

In response to shelter-in-place orders nationwide, gyms, fitness studios, and personal trainers have modified their services, offering online classes and virtual training sessions to fill the void. OrangeTheory Fitness, for instance, shares a free 30-minute workout on its website every day.

At the same time, exercise buffs and others worried that so much time at home could take a toll on their health. person-background-barbell-water-bottle-foreground 

Some are setting up makeshift gyms in extra rooms, basements, or garages. Others are just making space in their living room or bedrooms. Experts say regular exercise benefits your body and your mind, especially in stressful times. Sticking to a workout routine also brings normalcy to our lives, and gives us something else to do other than watch the news. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins that can help during these stressful times.  Plus, working out and taking care of yourself could help you fight illness. If you are setting up your at-home gym or workout space, here are a few tips.

Take care of your feet

Perhaps you are increasing your weekly mileage as part of your at-home workout, or you have added rucking to your cardio routine. Make sure your shoes provide the support and protection you need for your activity.

Don’t forget to stretch and recover

It’s easy to skip stretching when you are working out at home, but doing so, especially after a strenuous WOD, Tabata or other high-intensity interval training workout could leave you hurting. Invest in a foam roller and budget time in your schedule for the cool down.

Dress for workout success

Again, just because you are home doesn’t mean you should do cardio in your PJs. Workout clothes should be functional and can impact the quality of your exercise. Opting to wear technical gear for your workout can cause a sort of mental shift that prepares your mind for your upcoming sweat session. Maybe you would’ve run another couple miles if your socks didn’t slip or if you had remembered a cap to keep you cool. Perhaps you could have finished another round of interval training if you had worn a more breathable and moisture-wicking tee

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle with you when you start your workout. Sure, you could pause and grab a glass of water out of the kitchen, but you don’t have to throw off your rhythm, Just act like you are going to the gym — because you are.  

Look for new challenges

Sure, you can find plenty of new streaming workouts online, but maybe you should add some new features to your home workout. How about a home climbing wall? Or interval stations? Bodyweight exercises? Look for ways to keep your workout fresh. Plan time to move!

If you are looking for ways to ramp up your at-home exercise game, we can help! Shop with us online!  We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping visit today! #BeOutdoors

Living-Room Yoga: Making the Most of At-Home Workouts

 

As people grapple with stay-at-home orders and look for ways to stay physically fit and mentally centered, online and virtual yoga practice opportunities are taking off.

woman-practicing-yoga-living-roomOne of the great things about yoga is that it can be tailored so you get what you need from it.

If you are stressed ( and who isn’t these days), it can bring you peace and mindfulness; if you are having back issues, it can help improve your posture and strength. And some sequences are even touted to as immune system boosters.

One of the benefits of practicing yoga in a studio or gym is that you don’t have to prep. The atmosphere, equipment, and safety measures are usually in place. If you want to practice at home, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your living room yoga.


What are the benefits of yoga?

  • Improves your focus. This is especially great for this new work-from-home lifestyle most of us are experiencing. Practicing yoga in the morning or during your lunch break can help focus your mind on what you want and need to accomplish and any goals you may have for the day ahead.
  • Reduces stress. Even if you are doing a hot or high-intensity yoga flow, yoga can be such a calming practice. Yoga is about being present, focused, and meditative which helps reduce built-up stress. 
  • Can improve your diet. By practicing mindfulness, we are more in tune with our bodies. The gut is most sensitive to stress and emotion, which can interrupt digestion. Some key poses in yoga supposedly not only calm the mind but also improve digestion
  • Builds strength and posture. Strength training is not the only way to build strength. Yoga, like most forms of exercise, have a variety of experience levels. Many yoga poses start with a foundation of sitting or standing tall with a strong focus on the core. As you become more familiar with the poses, you will be able to try new poses that will challenge you and help build your strength, especially in your core. 

How do I start practicing yoga at home?

  • Create your own sanctuary. Find a space in your home that you can turn into a peaceful oasis of your own to get your yoga on. Make sure you have the equipment you need to practice safely. For instance, you may consider adding a yoga mat, a foam block, a towel, and a foam roller. Make sure you have a water bottle handy for hydration. And if you plan to practice along with a virtual class, make sure your mat is positioned so you can easily follow along.
  • Wear the right clothes. When you are practicing yoga at home ( or in a studio or gym, for that matter) function outweighs fashion all of the time. Clothing matters in yoga because, ideally, you are focused on your practice, not your pants. That’s why you want to wear clothing that is breathable, flexible and comfortable.
  • Listen to your body. Studio or gym instruction offers the opportunity for in-person assistance with your form, modifications for injuries, and feedback on progress. Since we don’t have that option while stay-at-home orders remain in place, it’s important that you listen to your body and proceed carefully. Forcing a pose you aren’t ready for will only lead to discomfort and possibly injury.

Looking for apparel or gear to help you along on your journey to nirvana?  Shop with us online!  We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services today! #BeOutdoors

Disc Golf for Beginners

If you are looking for a fun, new backyard game that gives you an excuse to be outside and an opportunity for some exercise, give disc golf a try. The sport — a combination of frisbee and golf — is easy to set up and learn.

Disc golf was formalized as a sport in the 1970s and even has a Professional Disc Golf Association with 120,000 members across 54 countries. Disc golf leagues now compete on sanctioned courses in tournaments worldwide.

But this is a game that is suitable for anyone, regardless of your fitness level. You can start with one basket and work on mastering your shots, and then graduate to adding baskets in your backyard or in a park to increase the level of difficulty.

Regardless, you will get a decent workout, with some aerobic exercise and upper and lower body strengthening.

How do you play disc golf?

In disc golf, your goal is to throw the disc from a tee area and hit the target, an elevated metal basket. And just like golf, you want to hit the target with the lowest number of attempts. The player with the lowest number of throws wins the game.

On a public disc golf course, you would walk from basket to basket. Some would have obstacles or “mandos.” A mando, or mandatory, could be a tree, a group of trees, or a pole that must be passed by the disc on a certain side.

If you are playing in your backyard, you can either move one basket around and create different challenges or buy extra baskets and create a mini-course. Either way, be mindful of player safety and make sure other players or spectators aren’t within range.

Why are there different types of discs?

In golf, you have different clubs for different shots. It’s the same philosophy in disc golf. There are four types of discs: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putters.

disc-golf-basket

  • Distance drivers are designed for maximum distance
  • Fairway drivers are better for shorter drives that require more control and longer approaches
  • Midrange discs provide accuracy for mid-range shots to the chain basket
  • Putters are for short drives and final tries

Experts advise starting out with a few basic discs and focus on learning the basic disc throw and release techniques.

If you need more information about the sport, the equipment, or techniques, feel free to give us a call or email us at aocares@aloutdoors.com. Brandon, a team member from our Inverness store, also explains the game and player technique in this video

We can help you make social distancing more fun with disc golf. Visit us online! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. #BeOutdoors

Gear Review: ENO Hammock

Matt S. is an Alabama Outdoors employee and an outdoor enthusiast in the Birmingham area.

When I first joined the outdoor retail industry more than six years ago, parachute hammocks were all the craze. A hammock company called ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) helped fuel the popularity by creating the very first knotless anchoring system, which allows anyone to hang a hammock easily. Hanging an ENO hammock only requires two perfectly spaced out trees or sturdy anchors.

Not the classic rope hammock

I had always pictured hammocks as the traditional rectangular design made from uncomfortable rope that would brand my skin with diamond-shaped red marks if I laid on it too long. These classic rope hammocks lived in two scenes in my mind.  One, hanging between two palm trees with some beautiful sunset sinking into the ocean’s horizon or, two, at my grandmother’s house hanging for the last 30 years where it had become a small safety hazard.

Parachute hammocks, however, feel sturdy. Constructed from durable nylon fabric that is lightweight and breathable, they can hold up to 400 pounds!  So I decided to purchase a new ENO hammock and take it along with me on some of my camping trips and casual day hikes.

Love for my hammock

My new hammock compacted down small enough that it easily fits into my larger Osprey Atmos pack for extended adventures, but more importantly, it fits into my Osprey Manta daypack, enabling me to hike to quick scenic places like King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park. I could enjoy beautiful, relaxing views while swinging in the breeze. But something happened. Eventually, my hammock ended up in a storage box after moving into a new apartment, and I forgot about it.

I continued my day hikes and overnight camping trips, where I typically opted to bring my Helinox Chair Zero, which gave me a place to sit and relax and ponder the meanings of life or maybe drink too much camp coffee and watch fireflies.

And then something happened again. Within the last month, COVID-19 began affecting the way I and others live our day-to-day lives. As this virus sweeps across the world, governments are currently asking citizens to self-isolate and to spend more time away from others.

A newfound appreciation

Like everyone else, I am devoting more thought to how I spend my time outdoors. I’m also tackling a lot of spring cleaning tasks a little earlier. On one of these spring cleaning adventures, I opened a brown cardboard box (that I should have unpacked a long time ago) and discovered that familiar oval ball of nylon.

Suddenly, in a world of uncertainty and stress, my colorful hammock made more sense than ever.  I now have it hanging on my balcony where I can lounge and watch the birds, listen to my music, or catch up on reading.

I used to look at my hammock as just a tool to use on the hiking trail, but now, for me, it symbolizes “slowing down and relaxing.” Being intentional to find a brief moment whenever you can to breathe and realign yourself has never been more critical.

And the new appreciation for my hammock helps me to do just that.

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

 

Tips for Hiking with Dogs

 

Interested in taking your dog on a hike? Most dogs love to hit the trails, especially if you plan ahead and make sure they have what they need to enjoy the journey. We have some tips to make your hiking adventure with your canine companion a success!

Make sure the trail is dog-friendly

Always check to make sure that your dog is allowed with you on the trail prior to starting on your journey. Even though your dog is a loved member of your family, not every trail is suitable for pets, even the most well-behaved. it’s important to take some extra precautions before starting your spectacular outdoor adventure with your pup.

Some of our favorite pet-friendly trails in Alabama are:

Check with your veterinarian first

Ask your veterinarian if your dog can handle a hike. Make sure you let the vet know the distance and difficulty of the trail. With the spring season upon us, we have to remember that most of our dogs are used to short walks around the neighborhood from the past several winter months. Also, check to see if your dog can carry a pack. Know your dog’s limits and respect their needs.

Bring gear to keep your dog safe

Click to shop our Ruffwear collection.

Most trails will require you to keep your dog on a leash or waist belt while hiking. Leashing a dog not only protects other hikers, but it also protects your dog from following a scent into the wilderness and away from you. Your dog should also wear a collar with an ID tag and your contact information just in case you somehow get separated. Also, consider a dog pack. A fit and healthy dog can carry up to 12 percent of its body weight, according to dog trainer Cesar Millan. Consider packing a collapsible water bowl, doggie waste bags, and fresh water in the pack.

Look out for poison ivy, oak, and sumac

While dogs won’t have an allergic reaction to these plants, they can carry the oils on their hair and transmit them to you. If you think that your pet has accidentally come into contact with these plants, make sure to wash out the oil as soon as you get home from your hike. A cool-water bath with gentle dish soap should do the trick, but remember to protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves or using a barrier cream.

Steer clear of wildlife

This one is pretty obvious but worth a mention. Look out for snakes, bears, and coyotes.

Plan for extra (fresh) water breaks!

Again, bring fresh water for your dog. Don’t let your pet drink standing water. It can contain a number of bacteria or parasites that can make your pooch sick.

Watch the temperature

If you notice that your dog is stopping to lie down, intensely panting, or foaming at the mouth, then it’s time to find some shade and take a break. Dogs can sweat, but it’s only a small part of the process of cooling them down, so avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

Leave the trail as beautiful as you found it

Remember to pack doggie waste bags. Pick up your dog poop as a common courtesy and to protect the environment. Dog waste can be high in nitrogen and phosphorus and actually have the opposite effect of fertilizer. While many of us might think that it will just wash away after the next rain, that is not true. Dog waste can take up to A YEAR to fully break down. So, please, Leave No Trace of your dog waste.

Check your pup for ticks post-hike

Ticks carry diseases that can make pets and people sick. You can find more information on how to examine your dog here.

The easiest way to remember the essential rules to hiking with your dog is to B.A.R.K. The National Park Services has created an acronym to keep you and your pet safe wherever you hike: Bag your pet’s waste. Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife. Know where you can go.

Finally, even though you have a four-legged hiking buddy with you, remember to leave your plans with a friend or family member. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, and when you plan to return.

We’ve got the gear you need to make your nature hike with your canine companion a success. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors