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Welcome to November! It's rainy, it's chilly, it's dark when you wake up, and it's dark when you get off work. But you don't let that stop you, you Canadian dog walking machine! So you pull on your coat and boots to take the pup for a much needed walk, and how does she thank you? By pooping on what's-his-name's-dog-haters lawn. You swear it was right there! You search, you squint, you sniff...and smush. Found it.

I'll let you in on my secret to avoiding the late night poop pancake...wear a headlamp! Many people believe headlamps are only for those hardcore outdoor enthusiasts exploring caves, but my headlamp sees much more action on a day to day basis. I use it walking the dog, running, and navigating the house when I fry the fuses. Check out the breakdown of headlamps below to see the styles you'll find available at Outdoors Oriented:

* Headlamps that are compatible with CORE rechargeable battery

Have you been enlightened? There is a headlamp for everyone you see! Nothing is more convenient then a hands free light that will help you whether you're looking for that thingy you dropped and rolled under the fridge, or tackling a late night run. If you still feel you are in the dark about headlamps, click here or stop by and we’ll show you the light!

PS - If you already have your headlamp and need a new toy, check out the Noctilight (carrying case that doubles as a lantern), or the Accu Core rechargeable battery pack. These also make fantastic gifts for that person that already has everything!

So you’re purchasing a new vehicle, congrats!
You’ve no doubt spent a good deal of time analyzing reliability, gas mileage and performance and are ready to sign the dotted line. But wait….the dealer has just a few options they’d like to chat about. Alongside the rust proofing and paint protection film, they notify you that those crossbars that you were hoping to strap your kayak to aren’t actually included in your trim level. Before you go ahead and authorize this add-on, know that you’ve got options!
Now maybe you’re just looking for a rack to look pretty on your vehicle, and in that case, the “new car selfie” you post to Instagram will probably look just as good with the flimsy rack they’ll slap on there! However, if you actually want to use it, consider an aftermarket option.

First off, depending on your vehicle of choice, a factory rack option may not even be available. If you’re buying a sedan, pickup truck or coupe there will likely be no offered options from the dealership, leaving you to the aftermarket racks, which isn't a bad thing. (Sidenote - We’ve equipped everything from Mini Coopers to F350’s, never assume it’s not possible!) For the rest of this blog though we’re going to consider that the dealership does have an option for you; so why go aftermarket?

• Flexibility - Factory racks don't always give you the availability to carry the full variety of gear on top. Weight limits and crossbar spreads (distance between the front and rear crossbar) are often smaller on factory racks than the aftermarket options. Wider crossbar spreads and higher weight limits will allow you to carry things like cargo boxes or boats. For example, if the weight capacity of the factory rack is only 70 lbs total and your cargo box comes in at 35 lbs empty; that only leaves you with 35 lbs of capacity. This isn’t much if you’re a family of four with a dog and stroller hitting the road to Grandma's and Grandpa's house two days drive away. When transporting kayaks, it’s even more important to pay attention to spreads and weights. The wider the spread, the more stable it will be on top, and if you’d like to ever take more than one kayak, you’ll likely want the biggest weight capacity you can get.
• Cost – Pricing from the dealership varies greatly depending on the brand, but often roof racks are also only available packaged with other accessories. For example, let’s say you’re buying a Honda CRV. This vehicle does have a factory rack option, however it comes in a “Utility Package” which also includes running boards you may or may not have wanted, the cost; $1715 plus tax. Ouch!!! Thule's base roof rack for this same vehicle comes in just over $500. Down the road (pun intended!) your wallet will also thank-you, as aftermarket racks like those from Thule and Yakima are “built” from different pieces, and some or all of these pieces may be transferable to your next vehicle. With most factory racks they only fit on that vehicle, so instead of keeping it, you end up giving it to the next owner or the scrap yard.
• Accessory Attachments – While many car companies offer crossbars, many don’t offer a full selection of accessory attachments. This leaves you searching the aftermarket for a proper kayak, bike or SUP carrier anyways. Some of these will work on factory bars, but rarely as well as they will on a matching brand’s base system. In the case of kayak “load assist” devices, many of the most popular ones will only work on Thule or Yakima crossbars.

So while we can’t help you with the rust proofing, we’d be happy to provide a quote on a roof rack system, and help you say no to factory racks!

To Paddle or Pedal? That is the question.

Fish on! You got a bite. You've been in the beaming sun all day waiting for the big one and you’ve finally hooked into it! After a good fight you land her in the boat and it's time to head on home. But your arms are now lead weights and you’re stuck at the mercy of the waves. Well, no longer must you suffer this hardship with the new generation of pedal drive kayaks!

Now you may be reading this and thinking to yourself "This doesn't apply to me. I don't fish. I'm simply looking for a casual day on the water." Although this may be the case, don’t immediately discount these models, there are actually more benefits using this style boat than one might think. To start, sit-on-tops in general are extremely user friendly. This is due to the overall shape and size being much wider which gives them better stability. This could be very important for new paddlers or those who are willing to sacrifice speed for stability. The open concept also makes it easy to get in and out of the boat with the added benefit of not feeling confined or restricted on your movements. Add to this the fact that you’ll be able to propel yourself hands-free and this makes a great case for photographers, or just those who want a to be able to change between an upper and lower body workout.

Pedal driven kayaks aren't new to the market, designs date back to the late 90's, however as time progressed, the development of more reliable and efficient systems has emerged. A prime example of the evolution of a quality boat design would be the new Perception Pescador Pilot and Wilderness Systems Radar series. Both of which are now available here at Outdoors Oriented!

Although these boats are very similar and share many of the same features, they're both unique in their own way. One major difference between the two is that the Pescador Pilot is sold in a package complete with the pedal drive unit and rudder, whereas the Radar (available in two lengths) is sold separate from the pedal drive and rudder. This enables paddlers to start with the kayak, and add accessories as they want. Once outfitted, the deployment of the pedal drive between these boats is also slightly different. The Wilderness Systems Radars have a spring loaded mechanism that retracts the pedal drive shaft by applying pressure to a foot pedal. The Perception Pescador Pilot uses a locking pin to engage or disengage the pedal drive shaft manually. Those paddlers looking for the ultimate package will also gravitate towards the Radars due to their compatibility with not only the Helix Pedal Drive, but also the Helix MD Motor Drive.
For those looking to purchase a boat specifically for kayak fishing you’ll be happy to know these models also retain all the important angling features and ultra comfortable seating that Perception and Wilderness Systems are known for. It’s also important to know that most kayak fishing tournaments are allowing pedal drive kayaks, and this can be helpful to get you out there first to the choice spots.

Regardless of whether you’re taking a rod, camera, or just a sense of adventure, you can’t argue the fact that you get maximum sunshine and get your tan on!

We’ve listed off some specs below, you can also see more images and details at the following link: Pedal Drive Kayaks

We've all been there. You're buying new boots, shoes, jackets, outdoor gear, etc. You have finally gained the courage to spend the money and invest your limited funds into the item knowing it is high quality and will last you a long time.

Then the sales person points you in the direction of the shelf with all of the waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning products. Now you’re thinking “get out of my face, I am already dropping enough money on your products!”. Instead you force a smile and respond “thank you, but not today” or  “I will think about it”. We both know you will never actually think about it.

What if I told you that by spending this extra $10 - $30 you could actually save yourself hundreds down the road by adding years to the life of the gear? One may buy a pair of new waterproof boots thinking “these are great, I will never have to worry about water getting through”. This is not necessarily the case. As waterproof products get dirty through natural wear and tear, the product loses its ability to breathe and keep water out. This goes for that $300 rain jacket you just bought as well as the $400 tent you got for your annual camping trip with your buddy Frank.

When purchasing these items it is worth it to actually consider spending that extra bit of cash to lengthen the life and effectiveness of you gear. Products like Nikwax Tech Wash are super important for effectively cleaning waterproof textiles. Once your muddy jacket is clean make sure to run it through another cycle with TX  Direct Wash-In to waterproof the material further. Nikwax also offers products like Down Wash Direct for your hydrophobic and regular down gear as well as Softshell Proof to help add water repellency and revive breathability.

Imagine heading out on your first day of a trip. The sun is shining and you are excited and relaxed. A few hours into it, your calm demeanor changes as you get hit by a nasty storm. Your boots are waterproof but you have had them for a few seasons now and you have really given them a beating. The trail takes a plunge into a muddy wet mess. Feeling confident like a pro, you trek on through this slop. A few minutes in you realize “Damn! A pro probably would have taken the Nikwax”. You struggle through the discomfort of wet soggy feet, then you notice more wetness. This time coming through your rain shell. Profanity ensues.

Finally you get to your site and set up your tent for the night. As you crawl into your tent and struggle to get the feeling back in your toes a droplet of cold rain water falls onto your forehead through the fly of your tent. After one final sigh of profanity you turn to your buddy Frank. Your regard for personal boundaries is out the window and you desperately ask him “can I please be the little spoon”.

Nikwax does tents too.

When it comes to travel SIZE DOES MATTER!

With all the new travel accessories getting lighter many people are moving towards carry-on only and skipping the checked luggage hassle. With this shift in travel styles many luggage manufacturers are coming up with lightweight pieces that maximize your space and weight allowances.

We only sell top brands in our luggage department ensuring you can be confident in any choice you make. Our brands are always developing new and innovative ways to ensure quality products that stand the test of time while maintaining lightweight designs. We have a number of options available online and in-store to suit anyone looking for a carry-on piece. Whether you require wheels, backpack straps, shoulder straps or a combination. We can find something that suits your personal travel style.

Here is some highlights from our Spring 2017 lineup of carry-on luggage:

• The Ozone 18"/36L is the smallest and is perfect for the quick business trip or the weekend getaway.
  Weight: 4lbs 4oz
  Dimensions: 19”x14”x9

• The Ozone 22"/46L is 10L bigger in size maximizing your carry-on limits.
  Weight: 4lbs 6oz
  Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
  

Osprey’s Farpoint 40 is the perfect carry-on sized backpack for domestic and international travel or camping trips in the wilderness. The LightWire™ frame suspension transfers the load from the shoulder harness to the hipbelt. The mesh on the back system helps improve ventilation and reduces chafing. The entire harness system can be covered by a zippered panel creating a sleek silhouette for transport. These are available in two frame sizes to fit a wide variety of body types.  
Weight – 3lbs 2oz
Dimensions – 20” x 14” x 8”

 The Osprey Porter 46 sets the standard in deluxe duffle bags offering padded sidewalls and a substantial suspension for carrying backpack style. It is the maximum legal carry-on sized gear hauler. The Porter 46 provides excellent versatility for simple travel with style.
Weight – 2lbs 6oz
Dimensions – 22” x 14” x 9”

Weight – 2lbs 5.7oz
Dimensions - 20” x 13” x 12”

Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed Duffle 22” is a rugged carry-on constructed using an abrasion-resistant, water repellent Bi-Tech™ fabric. It has an exceptional strength to weight ratio and with a protective storm flap gear is protected rain or shine.

Weight - 6 lbs 6 oz
Dimensions - 22” x 14” x  9”
Capacity - 49.6 L

Lowe Alpine AT Carry-On 45 is available in two versions to suit both ultra-light travelers, or those that want a very durable bag. The “Lightflight” Carry-On weighs in under 2lbs. by utilizing lighter materials and a minimalistic design. The heavier, but more durable Carry-On 45 is ready to take the roughest trails and trips you can throw at it.

AT Lightflight Carry-On 45
Weight – 1.8lbs
Dimensions – 22” x 14” x 8”

AT Carry-On 45
Weight – 3lbs.
Dimensions – 22” x 14” x 8”

Thule Subterra Series
Just in at Outdoors Oriented, this new pack series from Thule is refreshingly different, with a focus on organization and protection for items inside. They're so new, they're not online yet, but will be soon!

Source – http://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/

Please be advised the above chart is as a guide only, please check with your airline to confirm size and weight limits.

Happy Traveling!

Introducing Red Paddle Co.

It's February. It's cold (sort of). What better way to brighten your day than think about what you will do the second the sun comes out and it's warm?! I'm thinking water sports! Getting up early on a warm morning to hit the water on a new SUP with my favourite canine companion. Don't have a board yet, don't sweat it. Come see us at Outdoors Oriented and we will hook you up with the best in the business for inflatable SUP's...Red Paddle Co! Read on to find out what makes Red Paddle an industry leader and why it should be your first choice for inflatable SUP's.

What sets Red Paddle apart?

• Durability – They've thrown the board off a roof, run it over with a big green tractor, and then hit the surf. You can't question the durability of these boards Click here to watch their durability test.
• MSL Fusion - Stands for some big words, but what does it mean for you? It means removing human error and creating boards that are cosmetically sound, lighter, and stiffer at lower pressures.
• Titan Pump – A dual-cylinder pump that makes getting your board up to pressure a breeze. No need for Popeye muscles when you have the Hi-Flo handle. It allows you to take the effort level down a notch when things get difficult.
• Bag – It's not just the board that has been carefully thought out to provide you with an awesome experience. Hide-away backpack straps let you carry the whole package on your back if you have to hike to the water. Or, you can wheel it if you find yourself heading down a paved path or airport corridor. The bags are a simple front load design with lots of room for extra gear. The boards also come equipped with a repair kit, pump, and waterproof phone case to boot.
• RSS (rocker stiffening system)- In select boards you will find the removable RSS system. These two battens run along the sides of the board making them up to 40% stiffer.
• Inflatable boards is all they do, and they do them extremely well!

Why go inflatable?

• Storage is a breeze. Forget trying to find a spot for that 11 foot hunk of material. Put this compact package in your closet, trunk, or under your bed. It's apartment friendly, no fuss no muss.
• Transportation is no longer an issue. With this easy to carry board you can get to the water whether you have a fancy car roof rack or not. Wheel it, wear it, or throw it in your car... adventure awaits.
• In a word, convenience. You get all the above stated benefits with NO sacrifice on performance. Why go any other way?

What does your favorite paddling shop (that's us, Outdoors Oriented!) have to offer?

• 10'6” Ride MSL- If you only ever got one board, this would be the one we would suggest. MSL, Tech Air, and Ram Mounts (new in 2017) make this board an easy pick. It's the world's most popular inflatable at 120mm thick, has cargo tie downs, a smooth ride, and is predictable in surf. No tools/spares/replacements needed for this fixed fin model. Good for riders up to 220lbs.
• 10'8” Ride MSL- Everything you get from the ride 10'6” with a wider surface and higher weight capacity (265lbs). Great for bigger riders or for a couple smaller riders (dogs like to go too!).
• 11'3” Sport MSL- This one is a step up from the ride and would be recommended for more experienced riders. You will get more from a speed and performance perspective with it's narrower design to cut the water, and a long nose for glide. On this model you can change the fin to suit your fancy. Comes equipped with MSL, Tech Air, RSS, FCS, and Ram Mounts (2017).

So come on in and we will match you up with the right board to get the most out of the coming paddling season. Red Paddle Co has you covered.

The mornings now have a bit of a chill to them, but it’s not quite cold enough to pull out the parka - time to talk about what makes a great Fall jacket!

Warmth- Once the temperatures start to drop, it’s nice to have a jacket that will keep you cozy without overheating. There’s many ways to achieve this such as using lightweight down and synthetic fills, or fleece which has made a comeback with stylish and super soft finishes. Many of these jackets will also do double duty as a liner under a winter jacket for the extreme cold. Examples - Men’s DropLine Jacket by Marmot/Women’s Savina by Kuhl

Water Resistance - After our unusually dry summer, it’s nice to have a jacket that will keep you dry during surprise rain storms while running errands, or out for a quick walk with the dog. These styles will breathe better than a fully waterproof jacket since there’s no coating or membrane. Examples-Men’s Skogso Jacket by Fjallraven/Women’s Rekon Jacket by Kuhl.

Waterproof- Don’t let the rain stop you! For longer excursions outside like hiking during wet weather, your jacket needs to be waterproof while also being breathable for maximum comfort. Look for materials like Goretex Paclite which will offer top performance for years to come. Examples - Beta SL Jacket by Arc’teryx or Minimalist Jacket by Marmot.

Packability- Traveling this season? Need a jacket that’s light weight and packable? Maybe it’s just to go in your golf bag in case of a surprise storm. Many waterproof/breathable jackets now have pockets that also double as a packable pouch. When checking out jackets, look for pocket zippers that have a pull on the inside – a telltale sign it’s meant to be stuffed into its own pocket. Others come with their own handy stuff sack like the Qikpac Jacket by Trespass.

Now get out there and enjoy one of the best times of year to be outside!

Photo: Fjallraven

Topo offers a range of footwear designed to respect natural movement.

A shoe company created by Tony Post former CFO of Rockport and CEO of Vibram Five Finger was born from Tony’s desire to create a company to offer a line of shoes which would allow for both the important benefits of natural running and features found in more traditional running shoes. Hence, TOPO was born.

Topo’s most significant features include:

• ROOMY TOE BOX combined with a secure fit through the midfoot and a snug heel cup allows your foot to move naturally with your body.
• LOW DROP, light cushioning and neutral platforms provide support , natural weight distribution and foot movement.
• LIGHTWEIGHT yet strong! Top of line light weight material s and minimal use of stitching reduces the chances of blisters and hotspots and keeps the minimal feel to the shoe.

We are currently featuring the following models at Outdoors Oriented:

• RUNVENTURE features a strong abrasion resistant mesh and no-sew printing techniques that protect the upper while adding structural integrity. A molded TPU midsole plate and 19mm platform provide plating protection without sacrificing ground feel. The multi-directional lugged outsole offers traction over a variety of surfaces.
• FLI-LYTE offers a comfortable, neutral ride. The foot-friendly shape allows toes to spread and splay, and the lightest mesh and printing techniques are used to eliminate seams and weight. Two different laces are provided to change up the look for your shoe.
• MT-2 offers comfort, performance and versatility. The upper boasts a breathable mesh, stronger midfoot overlays, a fully gusseted tongue and a roomy toe box. The outside used multi directional lug traction, forefoot flex grooves and mud release features, while optimizing  rubber surface area for durability and grip.

Oboz are a line of shoes designed for outdoor adventurers, and they are a new addition to the selection of footwear offered now at Outdoors Oriented.

This American company, based in Bozeman, Montana was started in 2007, by a group of industry veterans. Reading the staff bio’s at Obozfootwear.com gives you an idea of their expertise (and humour). John Connelly, described as “el Presidente” “Had to start his own footwear company because he'd already worked for all the other ones. (Mostly.)” or Chuck Roth, footwear designer “Winner of a zillion footwear awards. Highest honor? Making his kids laugh until they barf.”

The company has strived to be technologically and ethically conscious, which means that buyers are not only receiving a great product, but can also feel good about the impact of their purchase.

Oboz Technology:

• BFit Insole helps to prevent your foot from rolling inward (pronating) or outward (supinating) to maintain a neutral foot position with a deeper than usual heel cup. The comfortable insole also provides protection with tough urethane in the midfoot and in the heel where you would feel your foot strike impact the most.
• Slim Chassis is tough to protect your foot from hard, rocky terrain but also extremely lightweight as it is formed from different cutaway layers pieced together to avoid extra bulkiness and heaviness.
• BDry will keep your feet dry with a tape-sealed bootie, and water repellant materials. This system will keep your feet dry, while still allowing breathability. The BDry system is offered in the Bridger, Tamarack and Phoenix styles.
• Molded Heel Counter means that the heel counter will maintain its shape, therefore keeping an optimal fit even after years on the trails.
• Outsoles are lightweight but have awesome lugs on the bottom and sidewalls to provide great traction on any terrain.

Oboz Partnerships:

• Trees for the Future partners with Oboz to plant a tree for every pair sold. The trees are planted in areas that need them the most for things such as crop shade, mud slide control and windbreaks.
• Project Sole is an organization that works with Oboz to donate shoes to people who truly need them.
• Bonneville Environmental Foundation helps Oboz to carbon offset wherever possible to minimize their impact on the environment while still manufacturing quality shoes.
• EPA Green Power Partnership allows Oboz to power their headquarters in Bozeman, Montana with wind power.

Oboz Models:

Outdoors Oriented currently offers multiple models from Oboz depending on your usage:

• Bridger Mid BDry - Men and Women: A great supportive mid-cut for everything from day hikes to light backpacking, and is available in wide widths for Men.
• Sawtooth - Men and Women: A vented low-cut great for dry trails and everyday wear.
• Tamarack BDry - Men: Low-cut, with BDry construction for lightweight, dry comfort.
• Phoenix BDry - Women: Compliments the Men's Tamarack, offering waterproof protection in a supportive low-cut style.

Check out Oboz in our store, or online here

Down vs Synthetic Fill

It may have taken longer to arrive than normal, but winter is finally here, so it’s time to talk winter jackets. When you head over to Outdoors Oriented to choose your new best friend for the winter, you might be overwhelmed by the options. Down, Synthetic, Down Defender, and Coreloft are just some of the terms you will encounter when choosing your new jacket. Let's talk about these materials and help you choose your new jacket from the inside out.

The Low-Down on Down:

Down is a well known and trusted form of insulation. It is made from the plumage that is found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl. There are various pros and cons to this type of insulation.

Pros

• It’s a slightly more lightweight option that will therefore pack down smaller if space is a concern.
• Down holds up over time. With the proper care down filled jackets can last decades!

Cons

• Wet down is sad down. When your down jacket gets wet it doesn't retain all of its insulating properties and takes a long to time to dry out.
• Down filled items tend to have a higher price tag then synthetic filled ones. You’re paying for the high warmth to weight ratio and a lighter weight product.

There are companies who have taken steps to reduce the hesitation when choosing down by putting a special water treatment on the plumage before it fills your jacket. For example, Marmot uses Down Defender which helps the down repel water and therefore keep you warmer in wet conditions.

What is Synthetic Fill:

There seem to be so many different types of synthetic fill out there today that all boast to be the best and comparable to down. Let's look at a few of these and some pros/cons of synthetic fill.

Primaloft Thermoball which can be found in The North Face products is a fill of synthetic fiber clusters that mimic down by trapping heat in small air pockets. It offers a low weight product that performs better than down in wet conditions. Another type of synthetic fill you might encounter is Coreloft by Arc'teryx which has a similar synthetic fill but has a crimped design to trap warm air.

Pros

• Provides more warmth when wet and has a faster drying time than down.
• It's an easy to care for product as most items can be put in the washer and dryer.

Cons

• Today synthetics are getting very close to the light weight of down, but they are still fractionally heavier and bulkier.
• Although durable, synthetic fibers will break down faster over time compared to Down.

The Decision:

Now that you know a bit more about down versus synthetic fill it's time to make your decision. Down is a great option if you want something light weight and warm, but keep in mind you might be paying more and need to be cautious in wet weather. Synthetic fill is a great option for those who want an easy to care for, water repellent insulator that will leave you with a few dollars to accessorize with mitts and a new toque! Keep in mind that in both cases a wind or waterproof proof layer is often added to the exterior to protect you from the wet or blustery days. Now it’s time to find your favourite fit and colour then get out there and enjoy the outdoors!

We’re about to enter the full swing of the busy Christmas season. Things to do, places to go and lots of gifts to buy. So here you stand with a couple items you had to pickup at the large chain store. There’s only two cashiers open; the regular one has three people with fully loaded shopping carts, but thankfully there’s an express lane...no good, its clogged with a person with a full cart of groceries. Express is not a word that is coming to mind at this very moment. The older gentleman in front of you is grumbling about how he just wanted to grab some lunch meat and shampoo. Get in and get out - not happening. So after finally checking through it's on to the next stop. This one should be easy, they have self check-out, but alas none of those are open and there’s only one cashier with another seemingly endless line.

Sound familiar??? It doesn’t have to – there’s a better way!

Shopping at these giants can seem convenient at first, but what you might have gained by saving yourself a stop, you could lose standing in a check-out line. The Niagara region is full of lots of fantastic smaller independent shops – places where you can park steps from the door, find a salesperson willing to help, and happy to cash you out quickly and easily. We fall into this category and have now taken convenience to the next level with the introduction of our e-commerce site earlier this year. This isn’t trying to take the place of good ‘ol fashion customer service, and for many items that’s still the key. But how about that one pair of Smartwool socks needed to fill a stocking, or that backpack that someone has asked for right down to the last detail? Buy it off the website, select in-store pickup (or free shipping over $50) and voila! You’ll have a shipping or pick-up confirmation email faster than you can believe. How can we work so fast? The beauty is that everything on the website is in the store, there’s no secret warehouse in Timbuktu, it’s here ready….and so are we. So this season give it a shot, shop the website or swing by and let us save you valuable time, and make everyone on your list happy!

Not all shoes are created equal and this is especially true when it comes to choosing the proper hiking shoe. While we all want to look great when heading out on the trail, feeling great is far more important! So, with this in mind we have made a short list of questions to consider:

1. Where will you be hiking?
2. What type of surfaces will your trails consist of?
3. Will you be hitting the bush, brush, creepy crawlies, etc?
4. How much weight will you be carrying, and for how long?
5. Do you need extra support in the ankles?
6. What weather conditions will you be using them in?

Types of Hiking Footwear

Full-cut Hiking Boots are great for all types of hiking especially if you are covering rough terrain, are traveling with a medium to heavy pack, will require additional support in the ankles and/or are encountering wet, muddy or snowy conditions.

Hiking Shoes are best for day hikes or shorter trips. Depending on your experience and personal comfort levels these may be used on rough terrain as well as groomed trails and of course all your daily around town adventures.

Mid-cut Hiking Boots Like the idea of more ankle support and water protection, but don’t want to go into a full-cut heavier boot? Mid-cut hikers bridge the gap between shoes and boots and are well suited for a wide range of hiking and light backpacking trips.

Trail Running Shoes are best for trail running and day hikes on smooth or groomed surfaces, as a quick drying option for in and out of creeks, streams and puddles or an alternative to a traditional running shoe for everyday lifestyle comfort.

Things to consider once you have chosen the type of hiker you will need:

When shopping OutdoorsOriented.com, consider a brand, or better yet, a style you’ve worn or tried on before to aid in selecting the right size and fit.

Your shoes should feel like an extension of your feet. Make sure your choice holds your foot well with no slipping forward or heel lift within the shoe. To help prevent blisters and banged up toes and toenails, your toes should never touch the front of your shoe. Remember our feet tend to swell in a bit on longer hikes and in hotter climates so we recommend that you try on boots at the end of the day.

Fitting and Sizing - Once you have narrowed down the type of hiker you require, let the comfort guide you and select what feels best on your foot. To be sure of this you'll want to spend some time in the boots. We encourage you to try lots of options to ensure you've got the best pair for your feet. Consider aftermarket insoles (i.e. Superfeet or Sole). If you wear custom Orthotics or already have insoles you like to use make sure to bring them along with you to try with your short list of hikers. Lastly, don't forget that the correct sock is a necessity in maximizing the fit and performance of your shoes or boots.

Weight and Support - We recommend you choose the lightest shoe that meets your needs for support and traction. This depends largely on how far you are traveling, the type of terrain you expect to encounter, and how much weight you will be carrying. A good rule of thumb regarding the weight of your shoes was stated by Sir Edmund Hillary after an Everest Expedition, and has since been validated by science "It requires five times as much energy to move weight on your feet as it does to move weight on your back."  In essence, if you have 2lb shoes instead of 4lb shoes you have essentially lightened your load by 10 lbs!

Waterproofing - We all have a desire to keep our feet dry and comfy whenever possible. We therefore ask you to consider the following; Dry feet are cooler in hot weather and warmer in the cold temperatures. Plus wet feet are extra prone to blisters. Therefore in hot climates a non-waterproof option may be best for its increased breathability, but where wet conditions exist try to select a boot with a waterproof membrane. Regardless of your choice remember a good hiking sock will do wonders in moisture management.

So now that you have the perfect hikers, get out there and enjoy this beautiful fall weather! We always love to hear and see what adventures our customers are experiencing, so please don't forget to snap a picture and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @OutdoorsOriented or simply email us at info@outdoorsoriented.com