That Bearded Hiker

I give a brief history of the AT along with news about our Southbound thru-hike. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

Join me as as talk the Blackalachian about his journey into the outdoors, his many outdoor adventures, and his perspective on race issues in the outdoor community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

Backpacks: Three types: External frame, Internal frame, and frameless --External Frame: Pros: Cheaper than internal frame models; great ventilation; good for carrying heavy loads on nice, even trails. Cons: Heavy; not as stable in off-trail conditions; larger profile means it's tougher to squeeze through tight gaps; -Internal Frame Pros: A closer fit means more stability when traversing uneven or rugged terrain; usually have thicker, more comfortable shoulder straps than frameless models; greater inner storage space means you have less strapped to the outside of your pack, thus less chance of snagging gear on branches, bushes, etc. Cons: No ventilation between hiker's back and pack; fancier, larger models tend to be on the expensive side; heavier than frameless packs. -Frameless: Pros: Simple; lightweight; ideal for smaller loads. Cons: Minimum support if packed indiscriminately; uncomfortable if carrying heavy loads for extended periods. Shelters: -Three types: Freestanding tents, non-freestanding tents, and hammocks -Freestanding Tents Pros: More Versatile – can be put up anywhere, Faster setup initially, Easily moveable, Can be put up in a shelter/on a tent platform, Trekking poles / additional gear unnecessary, Can be picked up and shaken to clean out debris, Sturdier, More space inside usually, Bigger vestibule Cons: More prone to bad weather conditions, esp. Wind, Heavier, More complicated assembly overall (debatable) -Non-Freestanding Tents Pros: Lighter, Easier to repair/find replacements, Faster set up once you are used to it, More Windproof Cons: Stakes may come out, Doesn't work on gravel, rock, poor surfaces, Harder to set up at first, Hard to move if your location is poor, May require you to have trekking poles, Less sturdy, Less space inside usually -Side Note: Double wall vs Single wall Most freestanding tents are double-walled, meaning that they have a separate rainfly. Many non-freestanding tent options are now trying a single-walled design, though (the rainfly is the roof of your tent). This saves on weight but can have some downsides as well. -Double Wall Pro: Less condensation on the inside, More ventilation, and Cooler Cons: More complicated design, More seams = less waterproof (debatable), Permeable bottom that requires a footprint, Cooler -Single Wall Pros: Less complicated design, Fewer seams = more waterproof (debatable), Fewer seams = more waterproof (debatable), Warmer Cons: Less ventilation, More condensation, and Warmer -Hammocks Pros: Easy to Set-Up(debatable), Comfortable, Leave No Trace(ground), Can double as a camp chair Cons: Quality vs Money, Getting used to suspended sleeping, cold(need insulation) Sleep Systems -Types of sleep systems: Sleeping Pads, Sleeping Bags, and Quilts Sleeping Pads -Types of sleeping pads: Foldable, self-inflating, inflatable -Foldable pads Pros: light, cheap, easily packed Cons: not much padding, wears down quickly -Self-Inflating Pros: easily packs down, easy setup, light Cons: not much padding, not good for side sleepers(hips) -Inflating Pros: very comfortable, keeps your body farther away from the ground, warmer(debatable) Cons: heavier, bulkier, pump needed to blow up pad, could get a small hole easily Sleeping Bags and double sleeping bags. Quilts Pros: They are compact and lighter than sleeping bags. They are versatile. You can use them as a cover, or strap them down for extra warmth. They come with down or synthetic fill. They are not restrictive. Cons: They don't wrap all the way around your body, so your back might get cold. In frigid temperatures, you may need extra protection for your head. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

Leave No Trace: -What is Leave No Trace? Website: https://www.lnt.org/ Philosophy Organization: LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics -Problems LNT tackles.: Trashed Natural Areas Polluted Water Misinformation about the Outdoors Wildlife at Risk Damaged Trails Destructive Fires Connecting Youth to Nature Crowded Parks -The 7 Principles(Framework of minimal impact practices) LNT 7 Principals -Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare -Why Is Trip Planning Important?. -Elements to Consider: Weather Terrain Regulations/restrictions Private land boundaries Average hiking speed of the group and anticipated food consumption (leftovers create waste which leaves a trace!) Group size (does it meet regulations, trip purpose, and Leave No Trace criteria?) -Example of Poor Planning- Sipsey Trip -Principal 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Travel on Trails: Trails are designed to keep from scaring the landscape. Provide space for other hikers. (may change to include social distancing measures during COVID-19) Traveling off-trail-  Remote areas, bathroom privacy, and campsite exploring. Factors that affect the land. Durability refers to the ability of surfaces or vegetation to withstand wear or remain in a stable condition(Rocks vs Ice/Snow). Frequency of use and large group size increases the likelihood that a large area will be trampled, or that a small area will be trampled multiple times. Camp on Durable Surfaces: High-use Areas vs. Undisturbed Remote Areas -Principal 3:Dispose of Waste Properly Trash: Pack in and Pack-out Human Waste: Bury or Pack Out Cat Holes: 6-8 deep/4-6 in wide, 200 ft (70 steps) away from water, 75-100 ft off-trail/away from the campsite. Toilet Paper: Only bury if plain, white, and non-perfumed. Tampons: Pack Out Urine: Wildlife Wastewater: 200 feet away from water. Soaps and Lotions: 200 feet away from water. -Principal 4: Leave what you find. Minimize Site Alterations Avoid Damaging Live Trees and Plants Leave Natural Objects and Cultural Artifacts -Principal 5:Minimize Campfire Impacts Should You Build a Fire? Lessening Impacts When Campfires Are Used Firewood and Cleanup -Principle 6: Respect Wildlife Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed, or force animals to flee. -Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors Technology Trail Traffic(people, bikes,  and equestrians) Pets --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

In this episode, I briefly discuss some great outdoor spaces in Mississippi.  Natchez Trace Parkway 1938-2005(Columbian Highway) History(Migration of Herds of Bison, hunter-gatherers and mound builders, Native Tribes: Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez., Kaintucks, and US Army. Activities: Hike(65 miles), Bike(thru-bike), camping, mounds, etc. Book: Guide to the Natchez Trace https://amzn.to/2YcCfe2 Website: https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm Tishomingo State Park(1935-1939 worked on, opened in 1939)-Located right off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tishomingo County the Northeastern most county in MS and also in the foothills of Appalachian Mountains. History: Named after Chief Tishomingo of the Chickasaw Nation. Recent archeological finds place Paleo Indians there 7000 BC. Activities: hiking, rock climbing, camping, frisbee golf, swimming, and kayaking Website: https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/tishomingo Red Bluffs(Little Grand Canyon)- Foxworth, MS (Marion County)Highway 587 History: privately owned, geologic formation caused by the Pearl River, because of the erosion Highway 587 moved twice. Activites: hike down into the formation and out to the Pearl River Clark Creek Natural Area: Woodville, MS(Southwest MS) History: Preserved and founded in 1978, 700 acres and 50 waterfalls(10-30ft) Activities: Hiking and photography Nature-uncommon trees (Southern sugar maple, serviceberry, umbrella tree, pyramid magnolia, chinquapin oak, big leaf snowball, silverbell, and witch-hazel) Endangered species- Carolina Magnolia Vine and Southern redbelly dace(fish). Website: https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/clark-creek Noxubee Hills Trail System (Choctaw Lake)-Located in Winston County and Choctaw County, MS History: The Nox(unknown) 100-acre lake Activities: hiking, swimming, biking, camping, backpacking, and fishing Send me some of your experiences with the outdoors in Mississippi Website: https://www.hikinginmississippi.com/?page_id=387 Leave a voice message for me: https://anchor.fm/thatbeardedhiker/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

My wife Kaci and I discuss the benefits of hiking along with risks to be aware of. We also scratch the surface on what you need to make the leap to the outdoors. Follow That Bearded Hiker: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatbeardedhiker/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/thatbeardedhiker Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mGnK6AYOHQ1k8eEvc33SA Twitter: https://twitter.com/datbeardedhiker Show Notes: Intro to That Bearded Hike (00:35) Benefits of Hiking (04:56) Risks of Hiking (19:15) Getting Started (24:30) Shoes and clothes (25:02) Website for Mississippi hikers: https://www.hikinginmississippi.com/  Leave No Trace Principles: https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm Leave me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thatbeardedhiker/message  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message