I have spent some time outdoors walking a couple of Labs (a black English Lab 2 years old and a Chocolate Lab 7 years old and a rescue dog) and they can give you a cardiovascular workout like you cannot believe. I have gotten into some workouts where I was probably over my head literally – steep hills can really hurt if you are not prepared for them.
How can you get around being surprised by a steep hill or even a cliff? Easy! Get a set of topographical maps for the area you are hiking and review where the dogs wish to take you next. There is a drawback to this: topographic maps are not too fun.
AHHHH! Let’s get a gadget that will make it fun! GPS units have been around for years. The first ones had numeric displays and told you the coordinates of where you were presently located. Before you ask me in jest if the voice was sexy, yes, some of those early ones did speak to you in monotone robotic voices. They were definitely not the Popcorn Lady.
Today, the really good GPS units have graphical built-in topographical maps and you download more maps than you can shake a walking stick at. Now, topographical maps are FUN!
Just remember that lines close together indicate steep hills. Lines that are really, really, really close are probably shear cliffs. Look at the edges of the Grand Canyon if you don’t believe me. Lines that are widely spaced indicate relatively flat terrain.
I have found a real good GPS unit for walking the dogs or even serious hiking called the Lowrance Endura Sierra. From the name, it implies it is rugged (Endurance) and good for the outdoors, particularly mountainous areas (Sierra). It has a slot for additional memory and maps and a plethora of additional features.
Weighing in at just under a pound and priced for the moment at Hiking GPS Store for just under $500, it would suit any person who is serious about hiking.
[via HikingGPSstore]
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