Guide to Buying Minimalist Trail Running Shoes

By Becky Bowles

There is a wide variety of minimalist trail running shoes available in the market. The many options can make choosing the right one a bit confusing, especially if you do not know what to consider. Below are some of the main factors that you should put into consideration.

Your Running Style

Before making your selection, you need to know your barefoot running style. This is because thesports shoes minimalist running shoes have different cushioning, if any, for the different barefoot running styles. The three basic running styles are forefoot strike, mid-foot strike, and heel strike. The forefoot strike is designed for sprinters and short distant runners. Mid-foot strike spreads the impact across a larger surface and is usually used by marathon runners after fatigue has kicked in. Minimalist running shoes are not ideal for heel strike running style. You should thus consider changing the running style if you want to use the shoes. The arching of your feet should also be considered as it also determines the position and amount of cushioning for the minimalist shoes that you should choose.

Fit

Another major consideration to make when choosing a minimalist running shoe is fit. They should fit perfectly on your feet without a lot of space around the toes as is the case with traditional running shoes. Remember to have your socks on while fitting if you intend to wear socks while using them.

Material Used

The minimalist trail running shoes can be made from a variety of materials. The qualities of the material that you look for should include durability. This will ensure that you won’t have to go back shopping for the shoes again anytime soon. Machine washable materials are also excellent for obvious reasons.

Design

trail shoes There are virtually limitless designs for the minimalist trail running shoes. The design you choose will depend on your personal preferences. You can also consider the running gear that you use and choose a shoe design and color that matches it. Check the type of shoe closure as well. It can be either strap closure or quick-lace closure.

Features

There are several features that you have to consider as they determine how comfortable and practical minimalist shoes can be. The main features are the height of the shoe sole, amount of flexibility, shoe weight, toe box area, and heel-to-toe drop. Make sure the shoes you choose have the right combinations of all the features.…

Choosing the Best Hiking Chair

By Robert Cole

Today, hiking chairs have become very popular, and it is considered essential equipment for adventure. Hiking chairs are resourceful items for traveling as well as camping. People mainly use them when they take a break while camping, hiking or trekking. They are usually made of sturdy but light materials for ease of movement while hiking. Below are some essential factors you should consider when choosing a hiking chair.

Lightweight and compact

Backpacking chairs are typically carried on the back. It should, therefore, be compact and light for purposes of portability. Its portability will be determined by how easy you can carry it around when trekking or hiking. You should go for the lightest hiking chairs that will suit your needs and has your preferred capacity.hiking-man

Fabric materials

You need to go for hiking chairs made of high-quality materials. The best materials need to be fade-proof, cold resistant, highly durable, waterproof, flame retardant and tear resistant. Look out for 600D polyester or 210d ripstop nylon as they possess these characteristics and are highly recommended.

Frame material and design

Another vital feature to consider when choosing your hiking chair is the design and material of the frame. These chairs are commonly made of aluminum due to its durability. Aluminum also does not require high maintenance, and it is light in weight. The frames are also highly resistant to rust and do not peel or chop off easily. Ensure therefore that the frame is made of aluminum with these features,

Comfort

You want your trip to be as comfortable as possible to go for a hiking chair which is comfortable even if it means additional weight. The size, height, material, and sturdiness of the chair will help you determine its level of comfort.

Stability

You need to choose a chair that is suitable for the terrain you intend to use it on. Having a stable hiking chair will prevent you from topping over when using the chair during your hiking. Go for a chair that is easy to balance and very stable.

Setup

chairs in the roomIt is vital that you go for a chair that is easy to set up. Most people tend to overlook this feature yet it is very crucial. It should take a short time to set up the chair you choose. Go for models which can be assembled and disassembled with much ease. This feature will be determined by the frame as well as the pad design.

Backpacking chairs used when hiking is very vital today, and you need to consider these factors when choosing one for your hiking activities.…