Best Shoes For Standing
Walking Shoes

5 Best Shoes for Standing All Day at Work

How much time do you spend standing each day?

Probably more than you should.  That’s why we’ve created this article on the best shoes for standing all day.

If you have a job where you’re on your feet for long hours, especially standing on hard surfaces like concrete, it’s essential to get the proper shoes to avoid injury and ensure a pleasurable workday.  We only get one life on this earth so let’s look after it.Best Standing Shoes

There are quite a few postural issues that you can develop if you don’t have the right footwear – you can read about them below.

Check out our top picks.  We cover the most essential features, quality and durability of standing shoes that will help you make the right choice and prevent future injuries.

Top 5 Shoes for Standing All Day

1 – Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

At the high end of the market, we find the Brooks Addiction Walker Shoes.  These shoes will not disappoint.   Often times, spending a bit more can pay off in the long run; that is if you have the budget.

These shoes are known for their durability and through their strong design provide great support.

A slightly narrower heel adds to the support, which sometimes makes them a little snug on the inside.  Always check the size guides to ensure an accurate fit.

Strong and supportive can at times equate to a loss of comfort.  Perhaps one downside to these Brooks shoes is that they are slightly warmer than other similar walking shoes as they are loaded with comfort on the inside.

They are fantastic shoes with superior comfort and quality design.  They have exceeded the durability test and have built up a great reputation in the market.

If you have a job that involves a lot of walking, we recommend you check out these Brooks Addiction Walker Shoes.

2 – Sketchers Sport Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up

For quite some time, Sketchers has made a name for itself by delivering quality shoes at a great price.

One thing that stands out above all others for Sketchers fans is comfort!  As a matter of fact, they pass the comfort test with flying colors!  These Sketchers are not your typical everyday shoes.

An interesting fact about the women’s pair is that they feature a small amount of glitter, which isn’t obvious in pictures.

They have an appealing clean design and are considerably softer than other similar styles.

They promise to not disappoint while also being reasonably priced.  See the latest pricing below.

3 – Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Pro Grip Work Shoe

Let’s be clear here, the name clearly doesn’t mislead with these Merrell’s.

Since they come without laces, these Pro Grip Work Shoes can be slipped on with ease.

They are made with full grain leather and a breathable mesh lining guaranteed to keep your feet cool in warmer climates.

Even still, these shoes don’t lack in the comfort department.  They are great shoes for standing all day, particularly in an outdoor working environment.

The thick rubber soles and comfortable interiors really make for a pleasant workday, even if you do spend all day on a paved surface.

Again, if you are out on your feet all day and want some nice-looking dark work shoes, we think this pair from Merrell might be just the right shoes for you!

4 – Sketchers for Work Men’s Rockland Systemic Slip Resistant Lace-Up

Another great pair of work shoes are the Sketchers Rockland Lace-Up Shoes.

Sold at a competitive price (at the time of writing), these Sketchers are a great bang for your buck.

They are very durable and hold up well over time.  This, of course, stretches your investment and makes it worthwhile.

They are known for their fantastic exterior grip as they perform well in outdoor environments for people like you, who are on their feet all day.

Some users have reported that they are not the most comfortable shoes, so make sure to keep that in mind before buying.  We, on the other hand, have found them to be quite comfortable.

Finally, they are great-looking shoes guaranteed to fit just about any work environment.

5 – Sketchers for Work Men’s Cottonwood Elks Slip-Resistant Shoe

Yet one more pair of Sketchers makes our list of the best shoes for standing all day.

They are sold at a fantastic price and with the help of memory foam interiors are supremely comfortable and provide great support on any tough surface such as concrete.

One slight downside we noticed is that they can lack in durability at times.  A common complaint from some users is that they wear out quickly.

However, for those doing a lot of work outside, these shoes would be perfect as they are very slip resistant and have a steel safety toe.  If you are an electrical engineer or construction worker, this might be the shoe for you.

An important thing to pay attention to with these shoes is the sizing – make sure you get the best fit.

If you need some great work shoes for standing all day in a job like construction, look no further than these excellent Sketcher shoes.

Posture Issues Resulting from Improper Footwear

Here’s a word of advice if you are considering buying just any old pair of shoes for your job.

Poor footwear is responsible for many postural issues.best shoes for back pain

When this is neglected, it can manifest into more serious ailments that can be time-consuming to correct.

Choosing one of these best shoes for standing is crucial for preventing long-term issues that could come up down the road (if they haven’t already).

It is not natural to be on concrete all day so it’s important to do your best to counteract it.

Comfortable shoes that hold up against the elements can assist in minimizing (and absorbing) the rough surface.

Your walking gait is altered by what you put on your feet.  Listen to your body and the feedback it gives you.

If you are noticing consistent pain, then it is your body telling you something is wrong.  You must do something to counteract the pain.

Get the ultimate comfort, support, and style that fit your requirements in body and budget without paying the price physically in the future.

What are the Best Shoes for Standing All Day (for you)?

Think about the overall quality and durability of the shoes. A lower-priced shoe often wears out quicker and in the end, costs you more money.

However, if you are looking for a short-term fix, then great!

Wondering what our personal favorites are?  We really liked the Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip Work Shoes.

Our second choice would be the Sketchers for Work Men’s Rockland Systemic shoe as they are a durable no-nonsense option that works well for the everyday guy or gal.

Figure out what style and brand are most appealing for the work you are doing.  If you do a lot of tough, physical work outside, make sure to get durable steel toe work shoes as opposed to the walking shoes outlined at the beginning.

Now check out a few pairs and get started.

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Best Mens shoes for high arches
Walking Shoes

5 Best Men’s Shoes for High Arches in 2019

Last Updated: September 19th, 2019

Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store or a swift jog around the track, everyone needs some comfy shoes to keep your feet happy and healthy.

Finding the best shoes for high arches can be a difficult task. Most shoes are made for people with flat feet and very few serve the less common high arch market.

People with high arches are what doctors call “pes cavus.” It’s caused by a bone or nerve condition.

Every aspect of a shoe’s design has an impact on the way you walk, the way your feet bend, and your foots overall health. It’s imperative that you buy the right shoes otherwise you’ll have long term issues.

What follows is a list of 5 of the best high arch shoes on the market (for men). We hope you find our carefully crafted list helpful!

Top 5 Shoes for People With High Arches

1. Saucony Men’s Grid Omni Walking Shoe

Saucony shoes are known for their simplistic design and signature simple aesthetic.

The Saucony Omni is designed for walkers, so it excels in comfortability for people on their feet all day.Yet, what we like most is the arch support that these shoes provide.

Yet, what we like most is the arch support that these shoes provide.

The ultra-responsive HRC cushioning provide the wearer with an EVA/rubber compound that provides superior cushioning where you need it most.

In short, this means the shoe excels at cushioning your feet during the landing stations of the walking cycle.

Do you find yourself experiencing the most foot pain when you place your foot down to the ground? Or is it when you are lifting your foot up?

For those with pain on impact, these are the perfect shoes for you. To date, you will see many people raving about the quality of these shoes!

2. New Balance Men’s M890v4 Neutral Light Running Shoe

Always a reliable choice, New Balance’s M890v4 is great for jogs, walks in the rain, or the occasional visit to the gym.

While these shoes don’t offer the same cushioning as the Saucony mentioned above, they do provide benefits in other key areas.

Here are two ways they primarily make up for this difference.

First, they offer strong heel support (saving you money on costly Dr. Sholl’s paddings). Second, thanks to the lightweight design, they don’t weigh you down during your daily jog.

If you have a propensity for New Balance lightweight design, I recommend you check these out.

3. ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe

A personal favorite of mine, the Venture 5 is a perfect combination of quality and durability.

These are without a doubt the best trail running shoes for high arches.

This particular model excels in off-roading. They keep you on two feet while you’re taking a stroll through the wilderness.

The gel cushioning at the base of the shoe keeps you upright when running through the slickest of terrains.

If you’re looking for shoes that will keep on kicking even after one hundred expeditions, this is the pair to add to your arsenal.

Besides, studies have shown that spending daily time with mother earth every once in awhile is twice as productive as running in a gym.

Spending time in nature is essential to your daily health and happiness. So take a step back and smell the roses with these fantastic trail running shoes for high arches.

4. Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 33

The Nike Air Zooms are an elite shoe from a world renown brand.

The Pegasus 33 was tailor made by professionals with long distance running at its focus. It’s a common track athletes go to for competitive events.

The mesh exterior brings a nice breathability often missing in most shoes. The zoom air units provide the all important heel cushioning. Meaning, when your feet hit the ground it’s an enjoyable experience.

By deflecting the landing impact of the foot to the ground, it allows for a more aggressive running style.

Just to be clear, these shoes are the big guns. To a serious runner, this is breaking out the fine china for when the mayor comes over to have dinner.

If you’re considering taking the next step in your running career, this is the place to start. Make no mistake about it, it is one of the best running shoes for high arches you can buy.

5. Brooks Men’s Beast 14

Finally, the Brooks Men’s Beast 14 coasts into our last (but not least) spot on our high arch shoes review list.

The Beast 14 is designed for the comfiest, most relaxed run that technology has to offer.

The top part of the shoe is lightweight, breathable, and offers unparalleled air circulation to the user.

Thanks to the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar, these shoes counteract the foot movement in overpronators. This allows for tight control to take the walker wherever they want to go.

Thanks to this versatile design, the structure can accommodate users with both flat feet and high arches.

Furthermore, these shoes are a great starting point for anyone getting into running with the aim of losing weight.

Save yourself a couple trips to physical therapy by keeping your feet healthy with a shoe like the Beast 14. Brooks is well known for making great walking and running shoes.

Conclusion

We all have our own style of running. Whether you blitz down the track or stroll through the park, you should always feel comfortable on your feet. Running is a great way to get fit, lose weight, and relieve stress after a long day in the office.

Why not keep yourself comfy and happy in the meantime?

Don’t let your high arches be a hindrance to your daily grind. Living an active lifestyle sure is a lot easier to follow when you have the right shoes.

We hope you like our list of the best men’s shoes for high arches.

Try a pair that you are comfortable with and don’t let your defects become a liability.

Now it’s your turn… What’s your favorite shoes for high arches?

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Most Important Camp Foods
Outdoors

7 Important Camping Food List Items (You Can’t Go Without)

When you go camping, you are usually foregoing your ability to indulge in your favorite meals and takeout items.

Sometimes, you are even taking yourself so far into the wilderness that you won’t be near a grocery store for the duration of your trip. Packing good food for camping is essential if you want to have an enjoyable adventure.

important camp drinks

Camping inspires minimalist packing. However, that doesn't mean you skimp on the necessities like nutritious camp food.

If anything, food and water should be what you pack the most of.

You can survive wearing one shirt for two or three days, but you can’t last without daily sustenance especially with all the calories you will be burning in the wild.

The following camping food list will touch on some basic (and important!) items that you mustn’t forget to bring with you.

Camping Food Checklist | 7 Good Camp Foods

1. Easy-to-Cook Meats

camping foods packing list

Protein is such an important part of the diet that you would be silly to go without it.

It will fill you up and give you the energy you need as you go hiking. Most proteins can be bought in bulk and in the family size if needed.

Sausage, hot dogs, and beef patties can all be brought along and kept in a cooler until the time is right. They are affordable and can easily be cooked all at once.

Hot dogs are a classic camping food item so make sure you don't go with them.​

They are quite easy to cook and all you need is a fire pits or grille. I have found that most camp grounds come with an easy to operate grille.​

Just don't forget the lighter!​

2. Carbs, Carbs, Carbs

Camping activities, such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming all require a lot of energy.

essential camp foods

Be sure to pack some dry cereal, instant oatmeal, and energy bars to have with you as meals or snacks during the day.

Often it’s not a great thing to stack up on carbs if you are trying to keep your waistline in check.

However, if you are out in nature hiking away and burning lots of calories, I think it’s okay to stack up on some carbs. I would still stay away from refined carbs like bread which provide only short term energy bursts.

If you love bread it would be a good idea to get a 100% whole wheat and make yourself some PB&J sandwiches to take with you. The peanut butter provides some excellent protein.

If jelly isn't your thing you can always swap that out with cup up banana.

Carbs are essential to your diet, but just make sure you are getting the right ones!​

3. On-the-Go Snacks

If your moving around from place to place, it’s important to bring along some on-the-go snacks.

Best camping snacks

Be sure to have something everyone can eat on the move without having to prepare in the moment.

Some good examples are protein bars, granola bars, trail mix, and peanut butter crackers. These are all great foods for everyone should have on hand.

As with the previous selection above, try and stay clear of overly sugary snacks. They will give you a quick sugar rush but then leave you high and dry a few hours later.

That’s one reason why I prefer water over Gatorade. Gatorade might give you some extra electrolytes but it is also heavily saturated with sugar.

A good trail mix that has lots of high fiber nuts like almonds and cashews is usually my go to snack. Make sure you don’t pick up a bag that is pure M&M’s and chocolate chips.

Just because it says "trail mix" doesn't mean it isn't just candy bag disguised in different packaging.​

4. Dried Fruits and Vegetables

If you are looking for healthier options, your local grocery store is sure to have some dried fruits and vegetables for your next trip.

Dried Fruits

Fruits are natures candy. It is important to note that even if you do get dried fruits without added sugar, it is still going to have quite a bit of natural sugar.

Dried fruit is a heck of a lot better than eating a candy bar, but that still doesn’t mean that you can eat a mountain of it! Keep it in moderation and you will get a nice energy boost.

Vegetables should be a big part of everyone’s diet whether you are going camping or staying at home. World class football quarterback Tom Brady is known for eating vegetables 80% of the time!

Make sure to bring along some carrot sticks or dried vegetables on the trip.

It will be hard to bring along your greens, but if you have a cooler, why not do what I’ve done and pack some spinach and mix them with your morning eggs. Delicious!

5. Nuts

Nuts are another great source of protein and will fill you up rather quickly. Anything from walnuts, to almonds, pistachios, or peanuts can be bought at any gas station or grocery store.

best camping foods

These are all fantastic nuts that provide fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants to keep you healthy and sustained on your journey.

Nuts are my go-to snack in the office so I would be a fool not to bring them along on my next camping trip.

They are easy to eat and you don’t have to prepare anything to consume them. You just pop a few in your mouth on the go and you will get some essential vitamins and minerals.

They also taste great when mixed in with other foods! See the trail mix mentioned above.

They are truly the ultimate hiking snack.​

6. S’mores!

Camp food list

Every now and then you can splurge, right?

I know my list so far has steered towards healthy foods. This one most certainly does not.

What would a camping trip even be without s’mores?

No kids? No problem! It’s never wrong to have the classic ingredients on hand for those nights around the fire.

If not s’mores, be sure to have something sweet on hand to help you unwind and enjoy your trip.

These are the perfect camp foods when you need a sweet treat on hand.

7. Drinks

Water should be the foundation of what you drink on your camping trip. In fact, if it was the only thing you drink, I would be okay with that.

However, I imagine you want to drink something with a little more flavor at times.

Best Camp Food beverages

If you have a way of heating up your beverage by the campfire than I highly recommend bringing some tea packs or coffee to give you that nice morning burst that you likely have at home.

Often you can get water additives that aren’t loaded with sugar and can be added to any ordinary water bottles. Stay clear of soda as it is unfortunately just sugar water.

Use cold packs and coolers to keep your beverages cold. Adults should be okay bringing alcohol such as beer and wine if you enjoy a cold one from time to time.

Make sure you are at a campsite that allows for bottles though as it might be best to bring cans as glass tends to break.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are generally discouraged, but if you must I would say it’s okay to drink sparingly after working up a full days swat. This is for those doing a lot of daily activity and needing those extra electrolytes.

Any Important Camp Food Items I left Out?

Before you go, plan your big meals and account for each person so you aren’t short on food!

Best camp foods

Ramon noodles, canned meats, and eggs have all been solid choices for most camp goers. They are easy to prepare and provide some much-needed nutrition.

If you are staying at popular campgrounds, most will include a fire pit or cooking stove to use. Just make sure to bring the matches and fire starters.

If you are hiking to remote locations for your trip, be very certain of how much food you are packing. Go with the lighter options like the ramon noodles mentioned above.

Pack extra to accommodate for when things go wrong. You really never know! If you are sleeping outside, make sure to bring animal-proof storage that locks the food tight at night.

top camping food

Hopefully, this camping food list gave you some basics and essentials for having a great camping experience.

Head to your local supermarket and pick up some of the best camp food you can buy.


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Best shoes for back pain 2017
Walking Shoes

5 Best Shoes for Back Pain in 2019

Last Updated: September 19th, 2019


The Center for Disease Control says that lower back pain is the second most common cause of disability in the U.S. In addition to discomfort, lower back pain can result in missed work days.

That means losing vacation days and in some cases without pay!best shoes for back pain

Having the right shoes can make a big difference in helping to mitigate back pain, especially if you are on your feet all day.  Among the important things to consider when choosing your shoes is the level of arch support.

If you happen to be an under or an overpronator, we’ve got you covered. Below are the five best shoes for back pain in 2017.

Top 5 Shoes for Back Pain

1) Brooks Addiction Walker Shoes

The Brooks Addiction Walker shoes are the best shoes for lower back pain on the market today.  They are particularly ideal if you do a lot of walking during the day.

People with or without back pain love these shoes.

They provide support for flat arches and are specifically designed for overpronators. The HydroFlow technology provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption while the MoGo technology provides stability.

In addition to being one of the best shoes for back pain, they are also great if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or knee, foot, or ankle pain.

These leather shoes have a roomy toe box but tend to run narrow, so keep that in mind if you have wider feet.  If you do a lot of walking, I highly recommend you check out these fantastic Brooks Addiction Walker Shoes.

2) Rockport Eureka Walking Shoe

The Rockport Eureka Walking Shoes are great if you spend a good portion of your day on your feet.

While they do require an initial break-in period, these Rockports are incredibly comfortable due in part to the latex foam design.  They also help align your feet which is important to note.

If you have wide feet, these are the shoes for you. We found that they perform well with custom orthotics and also feature a comfortable leather exterior.

These Rockports are much nicer than your everyday run of the mill casual shoes. While they may not be as durable as other Rockport models on the market, they are sold at a great price.

Check out the latest pricing and reviews with the button below.

3) Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip Work Shoe

The Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip Work Shoes are lighter than the two previous shoes mentioned.

They are marketed more towards ordinary workers as opposed to the walking shoes listed above.  However, we found these shoes to provide excellent support if you are suffering from back pain.

For those with high arches, they feature an air cushion midsole.  This midsole will keep you pain-free even after a full day on your feet.

Like the Rockport shoes, these require a break-in period.  Unless you have wide feet or a high instep, they are likely to be loose except in the heel area.

These leather shoes are slip-on, which is great if your back pain makes it hard for you to bend down.

4) Skechers Performance Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoes

Like the Merrell shoes, the Skechers Performance Go Walk 4 Walking Shoes are slip-on, which makes getting up and going a simple task.  You don’t even have to bend down to put them on.

They are made of cloth and are considerably more breathable than the previous three listings.

They come with memory foam which makes them feel soft and spongy.  As with the other back pain shoes, these Sketchers are comfortable for standing for long periods or during your long daily walks in the morning.

One thing to note is that these shoes tend to run small. So keep that in mind if you want to give them a try.

Overall, we have been very satisfied with the Skechers walking shoe brand and find their shoes to be extremely comfortable.

5) Adidas NEO Lite Racer Casual Sneaker

The Adidas NEO Lite Racer Casual Sneakers are the lightest of our five best shoes for back pain as they weigh in at only 10 ounces.

The FitFOAM insole molds to your feet which make you feel like you are walking on a cloud, even if you spend all day on your feet.

These shoes are comfortable and provide great support. However, if you are looking for running shoes, you may want to go with a lighter option.

The NEO Lite Racers are breathable, but the thinness of the upper textile material means that they are not the most durable. Another thing to note is these shoes tend to run large.

If you are used to Nike’s smaller sizes, make sure not to overestimate the size of these shoes. Regardless, you can always exchange for a different size with free return shipping if needed.

What Are the Best Shoes for Back Pain (for You)?

Having the right shoes can make all the difference in the world if you suffer from back pain.

With all the options to choose from, it can be hard to find the right pair.top shoes for back pain

That is why we put together this review guide so that you can make your decision with a little more confidence.  All of the shoes listed offer great support and cushioning, which can help if you have a history of a bad back.

Whether at work or walking the dog, it’s important to put on the right shoes before heading out.

With the right shoes, you can lessen your back pain and expand what you can do physically.  Don’t underestimate the power of high-quality shoes.

We hope that this article has helped.  Let us know what your favorite shoes for back pain are?  What are you doing to lessen the impact?

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Best mens walking shoes
Walking Shoes

Best Walking Shoes for Men in 2019

Last Updated: September 19th, 2019

Walking is one of the simplest and most effective aerobic exercises you can do. While it isn’t socially acceptable to walk barefoot everywhere, there are certain shoes that can make you feel like you are walking on air.

Today, I am going to explore the best men’s walking shoes in 2019 based on a range of factors like functionality, comfort, visual appeal, and of course, durability.top walking shoes for men

Choosing the right shoes can become overwhelming as some are designed for looks, while others are made for comfort.

It’s important to navigate between different categories such as those for athletes, people who are injury-prone, and those with foot, knee, or lower back problems.

Selecting the correct shoes for walking can mean the difference between an enjoyable walk and a painful one that leads to devastating injuries down the road.

5 Best Men’s Walking Shoes of 2019

Comfort and visual appeal are what most walkers first look for when purchasing a new pair of shoes.

However, there are a plethora of other factors to take into consideration before buying. For example, durability and functionality.mens walking shoes review

We have taken these factors into account, along with others such as back pain relief and compiled a list of the top 5 men’s walking shoes.

Ranking these walking shoes was not an easy task as each pair provides unique benefits. For instance, the Brooks Addiction Walker is great for knee pain relief, while the Sketchers Go Walk has comfortability that is second to none.

Without further ado, here are our 5 best men’s walking shoes from 2019. Get ready to embark an epic trek.

1. New Balance Men’s MW411V2 Walking Shoe

I’m going to start with the only negative, if you stand more than you walk, this isn’t the shoe for you.

However, you are here for walking shoes!  If you want some great men’s walking shoes then look no further than this excellent New Balance offering.

The top part of the shoe is made with durable mesh that allows for better air circulation, while the inside of the shoe is roomy and comfortable.

They have been tested to be extremely durable for those habitual walkers out there. Many users mentioned that it lowered their back pain by 80%!

With a simple classic look like this, you truly can’t go wrong with these shoes.

The MW411V2, in my opinion, is the best walking shoe New Balance has ever made.

2. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoe

The Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker is ideal for those suffering from knee pain and plantar fasciitis.

If needed, use the Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles to provide better arch support. The combination of these high-quality walkers and the gel insoles are sure to reduce foot, knee, and lower back pain.

The Addiction Walker is also great for those with wider feet, and the shoes keep your stride straight and your feet aligned throughout the entire walk.

Unlike the previously mentioned New Balance, the Addiction Walker is not only good for walking, but also great for those who need to stand for long periods of time.

Brooks has quickly become a high-end name in the walking industry so if you haven’t tried them out you are sure to be pleasantly surprised.

3. New Balance Men’s MW877 Walking Shoe

One more New Balance shoe makes the list of our top men’s walking shoes.

The MW877 is perfect for those who experience sweaty feet while walking. It is made with suede and mesh instead of leather, which earns a spot for the best air circulation on our list. They air out very well.

These shoes are built with a lower heel compared to your typical running shoes. This allows for a better walking stride and comfortability as your feet make contact with the ground.

Although it isn’t the coolest looking shoe on the market, it’s very functional, comfortable, and has a lightweight design.

If you are a fan of New Balance, we recommend you check out these walking shoes.

4. Adidas NEO Men’s Cloudfoam VS City Shoes

These Adidas shoes are in my opinion the most stylish walking shoe on our list.

True to Adidas fashion, they come in a variety of colors and the newly developed EVA compound “Cloudfoam” provides a heel pad in the midsection.

These shoes take a little while to break in as they start off a bit stiff. I’d say give them a couple days and they should loosen up from there.

The Cloudfoam VS City Shoe also earned our choice for the best bang for your bucks (best value).

However, we did notice a couple drawbacks which should be noted. If 6-8 hour walks are common for you, this won’t be the best buy for you.

They are comfortable, but don’t seem to hold true to form with those more dedicated long distance walkers.

In short, the Adidas NEO Men’s Cloudfoam VS City Shoe is a lightweight, stylish shoe that is sold at a great price. We advocate it as an excellent option for short to medium-duration walks.

5. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk

The design of the last pair on our list is a hit or miss: you will either love the look of the Skechers Go Walk or hate it.

Despite having a grandpa look, which is maybe not a bad thing, it makes up for it in comfort. These Skechers are also geared towards shorter walking distances and have been described as cloud walkers.

One area in which the Skechers Go Walk shoe excels is the comfort it provides when standing for long periods. With its delightful soft insoles, it is perfect for people who spend many hours on their feet.

The Skechers Performance Go Walk makes standing on concrete all day seem like a much more accomplishable task!

Walking Shoes Buyers Guide

There are many factors to consider when purchasing your next pair of walking shoes. It is important to take each into consideration before buying.

Choosing the right shoes will result in a better walking experience and you won’t have to head to the store (or Amazon) a few weeks later if they don’t hold up.

Comfort – Your walking shoes should be comfortable enough for whatever distance you are planning on embarking.

Be sure to test the comfort of each shoe as what’s comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for you. Thankfully, Amazon does provide a great return policy in case you decide to buy them online.

best walking shoes for men 2017

Durability – One thing many people overlook is the durability of the shoe. You want a shoe that can last many walks and not fall apart midway through your first walk.

If you are buying new walking shoes every 3 months, then you are choosing the wrong shoes. We did our best to only recommend the most durable options on the market.

Support & Functionality – The most important features to consider for any shoe is the overall support.

Not only is it important that your ankle and the arch of your foot are supported, but is also imperative that you find a shoe that supports your lower back and minimizes knee pain.

The right shoes can prevent injuries and can even help heal ongoing injuries.

Visual Appeal – Lastly, if fashion is something you regard highly, then the visual appeal of a walking shoe is one last thing to consider. We put the least stock in this category as a good walking shoe is a good walking shoe. To be honest, the style shouldn’t matter as much as the other features above.

Still, don’t overlook this section completely because if you don’t like the design, you might not feel comfortable wearing them.

What’s the Best Men’s Walking Shoes for You?

We have now laid out the top walking shoes for men of all ages. We hope you have a better understanding of what the right pair is for you.

Picking the right shoes can save you time and money down the road. Whether that’s money saved from purchasing new shoes or time saved at the doctor’s office.

Determine what matters most to you and pick a pair that you like. Our personal favorite was the Brooks Men’s Addiction as they proved to be supremely comfortable.

However, go with what you feel most comfortable with (pun intended).

If you are still unsure after reading this article, leave a comment and we will try to help.

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Backpacking Essentials
Hiking

Overnight Backpacking Checklist [PDF & Infographic] | Most Important Gear and Tips!

Do you love to go backpacking as much as I do?

I love exploring the great outdoors with friends.  There is nothing quite like the self-sufficiency and natural beauty you experience when you are away from the city.

Want The 1- Page Backpacking Checklist PDF? 

However, there is one big problem I always have.  I never know what to pack or prepare for and always seem to leave something important at home.​ I'm often scrambling trying to figure out what to pack and whether or not something will travel on a plane.

That's why I created this infographic.  It is to help you (and me) with a visual representation of everything you should bring on a backpacking adventure.  We have included some helpful tips at the bottom to make sure it is a smashing success.

Overnight Backpacking Checklist

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Most Important Backpacking Gear [Checklist]

Ready to backpack into the unknown?  Below you will find a list of the most important backpacking travel items to take with you along with the top tips for backpacking like a pro.

Want The 1- Page Backpacking Checklist PDF? 

If you are anything like me you are always wondering how to pack before you go on each backpacking trip.  I am always scrambling, looking on the internet and wondering if I am forgetting something.

This simple backpacking checklist was created so you can quickly scan to make sure you have everything!​

  • Google Maps Application - Whether you are on an IOS or an Android device, make sure you have Google Maps installed.  Trust me, if you get lost, it will come in handy.  Pirates had maps, you have your cellphone.
  • Sunscreen - Take sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses with you.  Backpackers walk a lot and you don't want to ruin your pretty skin due to excessive sun exposure.
  • Portable Charger - Want to capture the best moments?  Bring along a lightweight portable charger to keep your phone on during the long journey.  You never know if you'll need it for an emergency.
  • First Aid Kit - Try to have a small first aid kit with you.  It's always better to be safe than sorry!
  • Flashlight - Keep a flashlight with you.  A flashlight makes evening cooking and settling in at night a lot more enjoyable.  Finally, it helps during late night trips to the bathroom.
  • Food/Snacks - Make sure to bring lots of lightweight nutritional foods and snacks like ramen noodles, trail mix, canned tuna, and beef jerky.  Stick with lightweight high-calorie items!
  • Water - Dehydration is deadly and you don't want it to happen to you.  It's important to keep more water than you think you'll need.  Small water purifying devices come in handy as well!
  • Tent or Hammock - Bring a lightweight tent or hammock so you can have a place to lay your head at night.
  • Backpacking Stove & Spork - Get a small portable stove like a Bunsen Burner or canister stove.  These will come in handy when cooking your ramen noodles in the wilderness.

Special Note: There is no end to this list.  Depending on where you are visiting you might have to take more items.  These are the essentials, don't forget them!

​7 Essential Backpacking Tips

Ready to go on your next backpacking trip?  The below tips will help make sure it's a successful one!​

  • Hostel, Not Hotel - Backpackers should not stay in a hotel.  Go for hostels!  They are not only cheaper, but you will also meet other like minded backpackers to swap stories with.
  • Keep Extra Cash In A Safe Place - Always remember to keep extra cash in a safe place in case of emergencies.  This is especially true when traveling abroad as often times you must pay unexpected tourist taxes like park entrances and Visa fees.
  • Avoid Tourist Traps - Every country has tourist traps.  Read about them before you travel and if you are confident in what to expect, being conned becomes much less likely to happen to you.
  • Buy Passes - Don't buy train or bus tickets each time you need one.  Save money and go for weekly or monthly passes!  They'll save you money and you won't have the hassle of buying new tickets each day.  Take public transportation when available.
  • One Backpack Is Enough - There's a reason it's called backpacking.  Don't take more than you need and pack lightly.  One sturdy backpack with lots of zippers and pockets should get the job done.
  • Camp Out - Save money and camp outside whenever possible.  Take a sleeping bag and you will be just fine in the wilderness.  Obviously, make sure to know about your surroundings before plopping down for the night.
  • Start Thinking About Your Next Trip on the Ride Home - Put it on your calendar and plan out your next outdoor excursion on the way home.  There is always more to explore!

What's On Your Backpacking Checklist

We hope you found our backpacking essentials checklist useful.  It's important to have a durable, comfortable backpacking bag to take with you every time you go out.

In case you are on the market for a new backpacking backpack we put together an in-depth guide right here.

If you want to put together your own DIY backpacking gear, we recommend you check out our lightweight backpacking equipment article and lightweight hiking backpacks in case you need to pick up some high-quality gear before heading out.

Ultimately, our list of backpacking must haves has probably fallen short somewhere.  Let us know what backpacking essentials we should add to our next updated list.

Want The 1- Page Backpacking Checklist PDF

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will you survive a zombie apocalypse
Survival

Would You Survive a Zombie Apocalypse? [Infographic]

Want to know if you have what it takes to survive a zombie attack?  We actually had so much fun writing about this question that we decided to create an infographic.​

This Zombie Survival Guide Infographic seeks to answer the question, "Will you survive a Zombie Apocalypse?"  It's a visual representation that walks you through all the important information you need to know as to whether or not you are fit to survive the Zombie Apocalypse. 

Have a look at it below.  Keep in mind it is a lighthearted representation of a somewhat frightening topic!​

If you want to download the Zombie Survival Guide PDF and share it on your site, you can do so at the bottom by sharing it with the HTML Embed code below.

Zombie Attack Survival Guide - Infographic

​Zombie Survival Guide PDF & Embed Code

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Zombie Apocalypse Survival Weapons and Tools

It's important to have the right post apocalyptic clothing as you must have the proper zombie tools to fight off an invasion.  This is important zombie ​survival gear and zombie weapons, so don't take them lightly!

Here are a few of the zombie survival gear essentials.

  • Dry Survival Food
  • Cell Phone & Power Bank
  • First Aid Kit
  • Good Shoes
  • Zombie Weapons (Knife, Axe, Pepper Spray)
  • Flashlight
  • Lighter & Matches... Zombies hate fire.
  • GPS

How To Locate a Zombie

​They often say, you'll never find them.  But that is not necessarily true!  Remember this guide on how to locate a zombie and you'll be more than fit to find one.

Here's four things you can do to find a zombie.​

1) Ask Questions

Zombies don't talk. They don't understand the human language.  Ask questions and if you don't get an answer, that could be a good indication.​

2) Look For Blood

Zombies are not the cleanest of creatures. If they have done something, there will be marks.  Look for blood marks on their hands and body!

3) Zombies Don't Like Lights

They prefer to stay away from lights.  Use your flashlight and if they look scared, you just might have identified them.

4) Zombies Are Slow

Zombies are slow runners!  Test this one at your own risk

Where To Hide During A Zombie Attack

​It is crucial to seek out that perfect hiding spot to stay safe! Remember, help is on the way and the important thing is to stay alive.

Now, where should you hide?  Research has shown that these are the best places to hide.

  • Zoo - Zombies don't like animals. That's a good place to hide.
  • Under Water - Take your scuba gear and go under water. There is no conclusive evidence that zombies can swim.
  • Restaurants - Zombies don't eat. So they will probably avoid restaurants too!
  • Go to Asia - Zombies only attach onto North America!  You will be safe in Asia.

How To Fight A Zombie

The last option is to fight a zombie. You are human. But that doesn't mean you can't win. Here are 5 tips to increase your odds of victory.

Tip#1 - Don't Look Into the Zombies' Eyes

In Fact, don't ever look into the eyes of a zombie.  Some zombies have that hypnotizing power.

​Tip #2 - Hit & Run

Zombies can't run.  Use that against them and hit them with a zombie bat.  Throw stuff at them or hit them from behind and then run off. Let them come. They won't be able to catch you.

​Tip #3 - Use Lasers

Yes, you read that right! Not only cats,but zombies also hate lasers.  Lasers make them confused so use that power.

Tip #4 - Eat in Front of Them

Zombies can't eat. If you eat in front of them, they will be jealous and their jealousy will demoralize them.

​Tip #5 - Tell Happy Stories

Tell the funniest of stories to the zombies. If possible, use an air horn to do so!  Zombies don't like to be funny.  This will surely help.​

Extra Zombie Survival Tips Worth Considering​

Zombie Survival tips
  • Always Use Your Brain - You are smarter than them.  They don't have brains...
  • Firing Doesn't Work - So there is no point in shooting zombies.
  • Use a Drone to Watch Them From Above -  If you don't have a drone, get one now... They are totally cool.
  • Complete an Outdoor Survival Course - This can save your life.

​Do You Have What It Takes to Survive a Zombie Attack?

For those that have made it to the end, congratulations!  Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?  Is a real Zombie Apocalypse possible?  What does a zombie look like?  Only time will tell the answer to these questions.

zombie apocalypse survivals guide

We cannot say when will the Zombie Apocalypse happen.  

However, if it does, we have no doubt you have what it takes to outlast whatever comes your way!

How long would you survive in a Zombie Apocalypse?  Name something you know about zombies in the comments below.

Do You Have an Appetite for More Survival Gear?

If you are ready to get after it with new top of the line survival gear then check out our articles on the top military gear and the 5 best survival backpacks.  These 3 survival books will help you prepare for whatever comes your way!

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Best Survival Gear Equipment
Survival

11 Best Survival Gear Items in 2019

Last Updated: September 19th, 2019


When you are out in the wild, it’s imperative to be ready for whatever comes your way.

In this article, I’ll be detailing out the most important survival gear on the market in 2019.  When you think survival gear you may be thinking: wilderness survival backpacksessential foods, and a field compass… What more is there?

These days, survival gear is much more than just those old classics. Technology has advanced to high-end gadgets and gear made to withstand the toughest of situations.

Top Survival Gear Equipment

Whether you’re on a camping trip to a remote primitive location or just hiking with some friends, it’s important to be prepared for the occasion.

There’s a big world of military grade survival gadgets that you won’t find at the military surplus store.

I know I can’t be the only one who’s dreamt of these survival tools. If you’re interested in buying the coolest and most important survival gear out there then look no further.

The below gear is perfect for any outdoorsman or woman, whether it be the occasional weekend camping trip or for those spending a week or more out in the wild.

11 Most Important Survival Items

This must have survival gear list was based on the following four factors: reliability, usefulness, simplicity, and price.

top survival gear 2017These four things were essential to us as it was important to pick gear and gadgets with a high reputation in the marketplace and the simplicity to be used by the novice camper or an experienced wilderness guide.

Often times the best survival tools are not necessarily the most expensive and customer testimonials will often back that up.

Of all of the top survival gear that we recommend below, it’s important to factor in your future destination and the potential worst case scenario that you might face. Thankfully, just about every item on our list can be used wherever your travels take you.

1) Off-Grid 5-in-1 Survival Knife

This Off-Grid survival knife is easily one of the best survival gadgets that we found.

It’s super handy as it is made with a high-quality corrosion resistant steel blade.  The knife is truly unique as it features a paracord or seat belt cutter at the bottom of the handle and even features a detachable rod to spark a campfire if needed.

You never know when you will need to start a fire so it is important to have something on hand in case the situation becomes dire.  Or maybe you just need to cook some food over a campfire.

Finally, the 5-in-1 includes a mini LED flashlight.  I can’t tell you enough how much a small LED flashlight like this one has helped when I am out in the wild.

This is one of the coolest survival gear items out there so you would be silly to not include this 5-in-1 on your next trip.

Pretty soon, you’ll be the guy or gal that your friends count on come next falls camping trip.

Although it wasn’t our favorite survival knife, it was most certainly our top survival equipment choice due to its versatility and usefulness at an affordable price.

Click the button below to check out the latest reviews on Amazon.

2) Survivor Filter Reusable Water Filter

What’s something our bodies can’t live without?  Food and water is definitely two of those things.

I have gone on many long outdoor camping trips while using up a significant amount of energy carrying big, heavy jugs of water.  It can be exhausting and not really all that feasible if your trip extends for more than a couple days.

Experts say we should drink more than 2 liters of water a day! If you are exerting a lot of energy outdoors, chances are you are likely going to need to drink more than that to stay properly hydrated.

Rather than trying to pack a couple large Nalgene bottles, why not just bring a water filter.

To be honest, I wish I discovered this handy water filter sooner!  More than likely, unless you are out in the desert, you will be nearby some natural water source.

This reusable water filter can be used to cleanse whatever water source that may be.  It is truly amazing how well this filter blocks out harmful bacteria.

In case you are hesitant by its ability to purify a local stream or lake, please know that the Survivor Filter was tested and guarantees that it blocks out 99.9% of viruses.

That’s very comforting because when I am out in the wild, the last thing I want to think about is the possibility of getting sick off the water.

It’s been proven to last 100,000 liters before needing to be replaced!

Beyond the fact that it is lightweight (remember you aren’t carrying the water with you until you need it) it includes a nice protective mouthpiece to keep the bacteria out.

Ok, in case you still aren’t convinced, you can get it with a 100% money back guarantee.  You would be silly not to give it a shot on your next primitive camping trip.

3) Kangaroo Emergency Thermal Blankets

Emergency thermal blankets will always make my list of the best survival gear equipment.  It may not be flashy like the latest 5-in-1 knife listed above but it does serve its purpose.

Personally, I bought an affordable thermal survival blanket like this one and keep in in my hiking bag for every journey I make.  Even though I haven’t needed to use it yet, it gives me the peace of mind to know I am safe in case something does go awry.

At under $10 at the time of writing, it is one of the cheapest survival gear items you can buy and perhaps one of the most important!

At less than a pound in weight, this waterproof rescue blanket retains 90% of your body heat.  When conditions go from bad to worse, a blanket like this can keep you operating.

The weather can be completely unpredictable at times so it is important to make sure you stay warm and dry if temperatures drop below optimal levels.

If I haven’t convinced you yet, consider this, Kangaroo has been kind enough to include a 10 pack in every box that they send out.  This is enough to last you many trips with you and your family.

Be ready before disaster strikes with this great survival blanket.

4) Vigor Waterproof Rainfly Tarp

What’s yet another thing you can’t live without?

Shelter.

If you don’t have a proper place to lay your head at night, you’re in trouble.  Sleep is essential to our survival and to maintaining a well-functioning body.

That’s why we recommend this superb Vigor Waterproof Rainfly Tarp.

The tarp is lightweight and portable weighing in at under 2 pounds.  Beyond the fact that it is waterproof, it can also be used as a sun protector in hotter climates where there isn’t great tree cover.

It’s made of a high-quality parachute nylon fabric.  Take a look at the reviews and you will find that hikers and campers alike are finding this Vigor Waterproof rain tarp to be perfect for just about any occasion.

5) Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock

Going off the shelter theme listed above, we wanted to make sure you were equipped with a good place to lay your head at night.

One thing you can’t forget is a lightweight tent or camping hammock like this superb one from Wise Owl Outfitters.

If you’re like me, there’s absolutely nothing better than sleeping under the open sky.

These hammocks from Wise Owl Outfitters are the best bet if you want to forgo the tent and truly sleep under the stars.

Wise Owl’s hammocks are made of parachute nylon, the same ones that skydivers use, so not only are they strong enough that you’ll feel comfortable trusting it to support you, but it’s lightweight, weighing in at only 16oz!

It features triple interlocking stitching so you don’t have to worry about it ripping while you’re asleep.

That’s not to mention that it comes with a set of ropes and 2 heavy duty steel carabiners so you don’t need a single tool to set it up!

If you’ve got someone you like to share the outdoors with, Wise Owl’s got you covered as this hammock comes in a double as well!

6) CQR Lightweight Tactical Pants

These pants are a must if you want what you’re wearing to survive an extended stay in the wild.

From CQR, these pants feature slash pockets, meaning you can fit your hand in them even while wearing bulky gloves and they won’t give out from clip-on accessories.

One of the materials used to make these pants is Duratex, which functions the same as Teflon in repelling liquid and dirt, meaning you won’t end up walking around the woods in soaked pants.

For me, these pants are a must buy solely for the fact that they have a whopping eight pockets, all reinforced to prevent tearing at the seams.

7) MISSION ELITE Tactical Web Belt

Now that I’ve covered the pants, it only seems right that I recommend a belt to go along with them.

The Heavy Duty Tactical Web Belt from Mission Elite stands out as the definitive standard as far as survival belts go.

What makes this belt so impressive is primarily the fact that it’s two layers of Nylon, measuring a whole 1.5 inches thick.

This belt won’t wear out on you and there are no holes in it, meaning you can adjust it to whatever size you need, accommodating for a holster, pouches, sheaths, and whatever else you may need!

Another perk of this belt is that its creator, Mission Elite, is backing their belt with a total money back guarantee.  They’re that confident in its ability to resist the elements.

8) Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern

One of the best survival items you can own is a good, trustworthy lantern. If you’re going to buy a lantern, there’s no other way to go besides Tough Light’s rechargeable LED lantern.

This lantern is not only good for 200 hours on a single charge, but it comes with all the electronic accessories you could possibly need.

It comes with an adapter to charge your phone should you find yourself in an emergency and the lamp itself can be charged via any USB port.

Best yet, the lantern is waterproof and has storage inside for the cords and any other small items you may need to keep away from water.

Amazingly, this USB charged lantern puts out a shocking 400 lumens! To me, this lantern from Tough Light is a must buy.

9) Enji Prime USB Rechargeable Lighter

When it comes to survival gadgets, the more rechargeable, the better.

This lighter, from Enji Prime, is part necessity, part sci-fi.

This fascinating little lighter can be recharged via USB and features a LED indicator, notifying you when the battery is low.

What makes this lighter so useful for survivalists is the fact that it is not only windproof, but also splash proof.

Rather than a traditional flame, it uses an electric plasma beam, which means it lacks the cons of traditional lighters or matches.

Not to mention that if you order one, Enji Prime throws in a free money clip!

10) iRonsnow Solar Hand Crank Self Powered Weather Radio

For you techie survivalists out there we wanted to make sure to provide some cool survival gear options that you can use in a practical setting.

Without a doubt, the iRonsnow model above is the best survival radio on the market today.

At the cost of a night out with friends, you can have this awesome emergency radio at a low price.  That being said it doesn’t fall under the typical cheap survival gear category when it comes to value.

It can easily be self-charged with a crank or if it is a sunny day it can be charged with its handy dandy solar panels.  With just a minute of hand cranking, you’ve got yourself 30 minutes of continuous torch light.

Whether you use it as a radio or for any emergency we think you will absolutely love this IRonsnow Radio.

11) Ready America Deluxe Emergency Kit

This Ready America Kit is the best survival kit on the market and is sold at a very reasonable price.

With enough supplies to last three days, it is US Coast Guard approved, so rest assured you will be kept safe when you need it most.

The backpack is filled with plenty of food, blankets, tools, a first aid kit, whatever you need you got it!  It has you covered all the way from A to Z.

The food and water even has a 5-year shelf life span so you don’t have to constantly re-up on new rations every year. 

In this day and age with all the crazy things going on in the world today, we most certainly do not recommend going without our top survival kit, the Ready America Deluxe.

Whether you are going on an outdoor adventure or staying close to home, this kit has you covered.

This must have survival item is not something you can go without.  Rather than going to the store with a list of all the items you need, why not just order an all in one pack like this one?

One more option for you…

GERBER Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of options that we threw at you?

We wanted to give you an all in one solution for those out there starting from scratch and needing to stock up on everything at once.

We found this awesome Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit to be the all encompassing solution.

This kit has 16 essential survival tools such as a mini-light, fire starters, and a useful multi-tool.  It even includes a pocket guide with Bears top survival tips.

Check out the fantastic reviews by clicking on the button below.

Some Final Things to Consider…

No matter how impressive your array of survival equipment, you should always keep some things in mind.

Best Survival Gear

The best survival tools on the market will only do so much for your if you do not have a survival mindset and the knowledge to persevere in any environment.

We believe that all the gear outlined above is truly the best items you can buy, but that doesn’t mean you can just purchase them and neglect the training aspect.

Do you have a knack for more information and tips? Check out Bear Grylls show Man Vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel.  Dude’s got some killer survival training featured in a fun and interesting way.

I grew up loving that show and still find it quite interesting even if it is a bit staged at times.

In addition to these tips, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Survival Gear TipsAlways keep your gear up to date. No matter what it is, lighter, lantern, tent, or hammock.  If you’ve used the same tool for a long time, consider it time to think about updating before heading out.
  • Only buy the best. The gear we laid out is recommended because of the overwhelming support of these products by people who use them and through personal testing (in some cases). Don’t trust your life in the hands of an inferior product.
  • Research before you buy. Make sure the item you’ve got your eye on fits your personal needs. Read the product descriptions and reviews for yourself, make sure you’re going into the wilderness with exactly what you’re looking for.
  • Make sure it’s properly maintained. Before heading out, check that your lantern is charged and other items are in good working condition. Check clothes, sleeping bags, or tents for possible wear and tear.
  • Keep the weight of the gear in mind.  Your first reaction might be to pack up all the top quality gadgets and heavy gear. I specifically only recommended lightweight and easy to carry equipment for this exact purpose. If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking with your gear, make sure it’s a weight that you’re comfortable with before heading out.

What’s The Best Survival Gear Equipment To Buy?

We hope you like our list of the 11 (+1) most essential survival gear items.

If you’re a survivalist or are interested in becoming one, carefully pick your gear. You never know what may happen while you are out in the wild and it’s important to be prepared.best survival items 2017

It can be hard to pick what to take with you since there are so many items to choose from.

Our personal favorite items were the 5-in-1 multi-purpose knife and the useful Survivor Filter.

An expert survivalist is a humble one.  They pack carefully, plan thoroughly, and do not rest on their laurels expecting to be safe when disaster strikes.

Be confident in your gear and in your prior training.  All experts have thought out the worst case scenarios before heading out.

Think calmly and craft a good action plan and you will be fine no matter what comes your way.

In case your appetite still hungers for more, I recommend you check out Bear Grylls Top 10 Insane moments below:

https://youtu.be/zxQU55pItxU

[thrive_text_block color=”light” headline=”On the Lookout For More Survival Gear?”]

Check out our blog posts on the Top 5 Survival Backpacks and the Top Military Survival Items.  If you are really looking to up your survival knowledge then check out our review of the Top 25 Survival Bloggers and purchase a book from the list of the Top 3 Survival Books article.

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Best Survival Backpacks
Survival

Best Survival Backpacks – 5 Packs To Keep You Going

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of life skills in my free time exploring the open plains.

We would always be doing some type of outdoor activity as that was part of the culture.  I, like so many others, grew up in an environment that stressed being prepared for any environment.

If something goes wrong when you’re out in the woods hunting or camping you need to be able to cope with whatever comes your way. A good survival backpack could make all the difference for you in that moment of crisis.best backpacks for Survival

The best backpacks for survival are are lightweight, sturdy, and hold all the equipment you’ll need for the trip.

The following list below contains the best of the best survival backpacks on the market today guaranteed to help keep you safe when you need them most.

Top 5 Survival Backpacks

1) Tenzing CF 13 Carbon Frame Pack System

If somebody told me that there was a pack and frame that could carry well over 100 times its 3lb weight, I’d immediately have to call bologna on it, but that is exactly what Tenzing has done with their state of the art survival pack.

Made with an aerospace carbon fiber frame with over 11 pockets and compartments, an H2O container, and multiple compression straps help you carry your equipment along with whatever game you’re hunting without straining yourself.

Famed bow hunter and long-distance runner, Cameron Hanes claims that this is the best pack for survival on the market today.

If it’s good enough for a known avid hunter like Cameron, then I think you could get some great use out of this pack for a weeklong journey.

2) Venture Pal Lightweight Travel Hiking Daypack

As I type out this list, this particular back is selling at a killer price right now and I suggest you jump on it right away if you need a great pack at an affordable price.

Lightweight, with multiple compartments, and a 35-liter water container make this pack roomy and handy enough for any environment.

For those of you concerned about style, it comes in 5 different colors. The pack is simple and has all you need for an afternoon stroll to a weeklong trip out in the woods.

It was a no-brainer for us to name it our “Best Value” survival backpack choice.

3) TETON Sports Scout 3400

Now for those of you that aren’t hunters and just love to hike or campout, this TETON Sports model is a great option for you.

It comes at a very reasonable price and has proven to be very durable over time. This is one of the top selling and reviewed backpacks on Amazon due to its low price point and weight of only 4.5lbs.

It has a 55-liter container and multi-position torso adjustment to fit any body type whether you are large or small.

If you’re going on an adventure for a few days out in the wilderness, then I don’t think this would be a bad investment for you to make.

4) 11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack

This 5.11 pack was designed for 3-day outdoor trips for people that like to recreationally wander around the outdoors and explore.

If you’re in an area that rains heavily, then this a great survival pack for you since both the outside and inside are coated with high-grade water resistance.

It can serve as a tactical assault pack to a hunting backpack to a survival backpack if needed.  Whatever your need is, this pack has got you covered.

The makers of 5.11 guarantee that this pack will last a long time and from what we have seen after extensive meta-data analysis it does indeed hold up over time.

Finally, the pack has a nice military look to it and a rough feel perfect for the outdoorsmen in you.

5) ALPS Outdoorz Commander Freighter Frame + Pack

To wrap up the list, we have this yet another durable, highly rated survival pack.

If you plan on going out in a remote area hunting for a week or 2, then this pack is a great buy. It has 5K cubic inches of space and is complete with a durable rifle holder.

This pack can easily be adjusted and has many compartments to carry whatever you need for your trip.

Whatever comes your way along your journey, you’ll be ready.

What’s the Best Survival Backpack For You?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these top of the line survival packs.

Personally, I really like the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack as it has a killer look and functionality to it.  At a great price, I am sure you will love it too.

Mother nature has a way of striking when you least expect it so it is very important that you have the right gear and training to handle whatever gets thrown at you.

Be crafty in your approach and confident in your gear and you will find that there is just about nothing that can take you down.

Whether you’re going out for a short weekend trip or escaping the real world for a week or two, these packs will more than do the job for you.

Take the time and make the investment today.  We promise you won’t regret it.

[thrive_text_block color=”light” headline=”Ready To Up Your Survival Gear?”]

Then check out our updated list of the latest and greatest survival gear items on the market today or on the 5 Essential Military Survival Items.[/thrive_text_block]

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Benefits of Hiking Once a Week
Hiking

Top 7 Benefits of Hiking Once a Week

This probably won’t come as much of a surprise, but hiking just once a week can have numerous health benefits!

It’s truly one of the best exercises you can do so you would be foolish to not try and implement it into your weekly routine at least one day a week.  Studies have found a vast array of benefits for people that spend consistent time with good ole mother nature.

Nate Alger

My hope in writing this article is that you will have a greater desire to get out there and begin hiking on a consistent basis.

I’m not talking about just the usual once a year trip to a nearby National Park.

7 Best Benefits of Hiking Regularly (at least once a week)

When you get out there and start hiking each week you will start to see positive changes to your overall mood and stress levels.

Not to mention your long term health will be greatly enhanced.

Below, we discuss the 7 best benefits of hiking once a week starting with perhaps the most important one!

Benefits of Hiking

1) Hiking Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes

benefits of hiking weight loss

Do you know someone in your family who has diabetes? If your family is anything like mine, you might have a few different people that struggle with these limiting diseases.

This benefit alone gives me the desire to get out there and get moving.

Being active in any capacity helps lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes. In fact, research has shown that there were 58% fewer cases of diabetes for groups that showed increased aerobic exercise.

hiking health benefits

Not a place I want to be...

So you’re telling me I can cut my risk of diabetes in half just by doing some aerobic exercise?  Sign me up!

Personally, I don’t find much excitement in running the treadmill, so why not do an aerobic activity that you do like doing.

For me that is hiking.  It is one of the best aerobic exercises you can do, so we would be silly not to implement it into our weeks plans.

2) Hiking Improves Your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels

benefits of hiking alone

I have quite the sweet tooth. I love to eat cookies and cakes. If you are anything like me, I am sure you do too.  If you aren’t, congratulations!

Studies have shown that 61% of the food we buy is highly processed foods!  Ouch!  I think it is time to start eating  some normal everyday whole foods (not the grocery store).

Ok, now let me hit you with some encouraging facts.

health benefits of hiking

Regular physical activity like hiking or walking lowers your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury.  

This increase in insulin sensitivity means you are better able to regulate the sugar in your bloodstream in a natural way.

It also helps your muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contraction.  This keeps your blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low.

That’s what I like to hear!

3) Hiking Builds Strength in Your Legs and Hips

Hiking benefits legs

The benefits of incline walking in an exercise like hiking can be compared to using a Stairmaster over and over again.

Just like on the treadmill, I don’t find much enjoyment using the Stairmaster at a gym. That thing will put you to sleep in boredom.

Best Benefits of hiking

Quite frankly, there isn’t enough TV’s at the gym to grab my attention using that thing!

Ascending up a mountain makes the pain and struggle worth it as I am seeing the beauty all around me. The struggle feels as though it is nothing.  

Well, not exactly, but you get the point.

That’s not to say it won’t be a challenge. In hiking, you are are creating an intense burnout in your quads, glutes, and calves.

Even more, hiking downwards gets your legs sculpted and sore. You work your legs hard on the way up and sculpt them on the way down.

Finally, the stabilization in your knees and hips gives you a full lower body workout.

Now that my friends, is a comprehensive session at the gym that I actually enjoy doing.

4) Hiking Strengthens Your Core

Hiking Helps you get abs

Every time you turn on the television you see another infomercial with the latest ab chiseling machine.

The reason these “revolutionary” ab machines and exercises do so well is because people have a burning desire for flat belly’s and six pack abs.  What guy doesn’t want to look like Gerard Butler in the movie 300?

Not surprisingly, the core is one of the most important parts of your body to keep under control.  A little extra built up fat in your stomach can have some bad lingering effects on your body down the road.

Hiking builds abs

How does hiking strengthen your core you might ask?

Moving around in difficult terrain forces your abs, oblique’s, and lower back to work harder to keep your body stabilized and upright and even more so if you're carrying a backpack.

A weighted bag, at just 5 to 10 pounds makes you unstable up top so your core muscles are forced to work that much harder.

This is the reason why many trainers at the gym recommend doing walking lunges with the weight above your head and not at your side.  It forces your core to work harder.

Fact of the matter is, your stomach muscles needs to work that much more to balance the heavier than normal upper body.

Instead of doing a bunch of crunches at home, why not grab your backpack and hit the trail?

5) Hiking Improves Your Balance

top benefits of hiking

Going off that last benefit on core strength, hiking also helps improve your overall balance.

How does it improve your balance?

Hiking helps build up your lower body strength which is an important element to balance.  This simple act of moving around reduces the risk of you taking a tumble due to an improved equilibrium.

hiking helps balance

I have noticed the more I go hiking the better my overall stability is. The benefits aren’t incredibly obvious, but I have slowly noticed that I am much less likely to trip and fall when I have done some solid stepping.

Over time, I have built up an unstoppable force that won’t allow me to fall.  This has helped me out a ton!

I am, by nature, on the tall and clumsy side.

Even though I do hit my head often on things above me, I rarely do fall to the ground when I am walking and get tripped up.

Clearly, the benefits of stability are an often underrated advantage from hiking that should not be overlooked.

6) Hiking Helps Control Your Weight

Hiking helps you lose weight

Have you ever had an issue with controlling your weight?

If you are anything like most Americans, you will probably find that maintaining your weight and staying in shape can be quite the difficult task.  Sadly, studies have shown that only about 18% of Americans are at their ideal weight!

In today’s busy, sedentary world, sitting down seems to be the norm.

Most people, like myself, spend over half the day sitting at a desk job so naturally our metabolism slows down to an inhumane level.

hiking benefits lose weight

Thankfully, here’s where the hiking comes in.

The brisk pace of hiking boosts your metabolism and gets the blood flowing.  By doing this, you increase the number of mitochondria and how efficiently they burn fat throughout the day.

Burning fat throughout the day, with the help of your metabolism, is crucial to keeping that dangerous visceral belly fat kept at bay. Visceral fat can be the source of many issues down the road.

If you include a nice aerobic exercise like hiking to your weekly routine, you will burn fat easier and also speed up that all-important metabolism.

This is yet another way to keep that vital tummy in check.

7) Hiking Boosts Your Mood and Makes You A Happier Person

Hiking makes you happier

This last benefit is definitely not one we can overlook.

In fact, it might be the most important of all the benefits listed above. Especially if you or your family has a history with depression.  Sadly, many do.

In today’s always on digital age, it’s easy to grow depressed looking at other people’s status updates and social media posts throughout the day.

hiking improves your mood

However, studies have shown that just a few minutes in the outdoors will brighten your day.

The fresh air, the beautiful trees, and the other beautiful elements that you encounter on your hike is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Exercise produces endorphins, which takes away your stress and replaces it with happiness! 

Next time you have a big report to finish for work or a big exam to study for, why not schedule a quick hike the morning of?

It is sure to lower your stress and increase your focus when you do get back to the office.

Just 15-20 minutes a day in nature can have long term benefits on your health.

Set a Goal to Go Hiking One Day This Week

top Benefits of hiking

I know finding the time to go hiking can be difficult. However, the benefits of hiking once a week are all too important to overlook.  Schedule time to spend a couple hours in nature this week!

My hope is you build up a consistent weekly routine, whether that be every Sunday afternoon or every Tuesday morning.

Power of Habit

The time isn’t the important thing, the consistent routine and the built-up habit (check out the book) is what is most important.

Some of these hiking benefits might not come as much of a surprise to you.  But that’s not to say they are not imperative to your overall long term well-being.

I hope this article has created in you a greater appreciation for this wonderful exercise.

I know for me, just understanding the benefits makes me realize that this is something that I should be taking serious for more than just the pleasure factor.

It has numerous preventative benefits and improves your overall mood.

hiking in nature benefits

Although it’s great to go in groups, don’t let hiking alone stop you from getting out there.

One of the benefits of hiking alone is you can go at your own pace and experience nature in a whole new way.

I love putting on an insightful Podcast or audiobook during my hike alone.

Next time you find yourself lacking motivation to head to the gym, grab your hiking shoes and hit up a local trail.

We want to hear from you, what do you enjoy most about hiking?

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