Time spent in the great outdoors means a moment is never wasted. It can be difficult to explain, but there’s something like a sensation of belonging and peace that comes with time spent in the forest. Blame the way modern life has transformed us all into worker bees, packed tight in cities, where a tree is rare but the night sky is even more scarce. The way we live, where we wake up, goto work, come home too tired to care about much of anything, then back to bed only to repeat this process all over again, has taken its toll on all of humanity, because now we’re farther away from that which we came from.
Have you ever considered how future generations will grow up and maybe never see a forest or a star in the sky? Have you ever considered the weight of what that means? It’s a big deal and it affects all of us, and although it will take a lot of serious discussions and major changes to right the wrongs of our modern world, each of us individually can find our way back to the natural world, even if it’s only for a visit. My best suggestion for when stress, anxiety and tension work their ways into your bones and into your thoughts is to escape to the natural world, the real world, and to simply explore…
Because if you come to a place of unspoiled wilderness, you will feel different, like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders and you will feel like a different, better, and more at peace person than you had prior. So, pull on a pair of hiking boots, turn off the phone, and just wander, play, explore, and laugh, and see what the great forests of our world have to offer… before it’s too late, before they’re all gone.
If you’re new to venturing into the wild lands, then there’s some survival information you will want to research and learn. One is the importance of smart preparation, and that starts with what you wear. I have many articles tackling this subject throughout the Eye & Pen’s archives, and there are countless resources online and in books everywhere, but for now, I’d like to highlight the feet, and give you a suggestion that I personally work with when I explore the wilderness.
Wearing the right kind of shoe can save you from a load of problems that might arise when you’re out in it, like accidental injury and weather changes. If you’re working with mountainous terrain, the weather can flip in an instant, depending when and where you are. When planning a trip, it’s important to consider the terrain, the weather, the possibility of precipitation, the wildlife, and of course, your health. More often than not, you will want to focus on a versatile hiking boot that can handle the wear and tear of long hikes up and down varying terrain. While I like what a lot of the big brands make, there are some serious missteps out there on the market, so do your research.
As of recently, I’ve worked with KEEN’s Westward Leather Waterproof Mid Boots and found that I like them very much. It’s easy to cover the miles in comfort when you choose the best shoe for you. KEEN’s Westward model is a versatile hiking boot that marries stylish suede with breathable canvas, allowing for a comfortable, yet secure fit, that can handle a variety of weather situations. This boot offers a high-cut cushioned collar that fits snug around the ankles, with a strong stability shank that offers further support.
The breathable membrane lets vapor out without letting water in, which is a hugely important feature as you can hike with these just about anywhere, such as a tropical forest where it’s hot and humid, yet the rain could come down at any moment. KEEN put a lot of love into these boots, which shows in their metatomical footbed design, which is an internal support mechanism that is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support by cradling the natural contours of the foot. All in all, after a few long hikes with the Westward boot, I came away very impressed with the design and craftsmanship by KEEN. They focus on what’s best for the adventurer, and less on their own profit line. These are boots that will last a long time with proper use and care. If you would like to learn more about KEEN, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott
(Main photo by nicholas_t via Flickr – Product photo © KEEN Footwear.)
Because if you come to a place of unspoiled wilderness, you will feel different, like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders and you will feel like a different, better, and more at peace person than you had prior. So, pull on a pair of hiking boots, turn off the phone, and just wander, play, explore, and laugh, and see what the great forests of our world have to offer… before it’s too late, before they’re all gone.
If you’re new to venturing into the wild lands, then there’s some survival information you will want to research and learn. One is the importance of smart preparation, and that starts with what you wear. I have many articles tackling this subject throughout the Eye & Pen’s archives, and there are countless resources online and in books everywhere, but for now, I’d like to highlight the feet, and give you a suggestion that I personally work with when I explore the wilderness.
Wearing the right kind of shoe can save you from a load of problems that might arise when you’re out in it, like accidental injury and weather changes. If you’re working with mountainous terrain, the weather can flip in an instant, depending when and where you are. When planning a trip, it’s important to consider the terrain, the weather, the possibility of precipitation, the wildlife, and of course, your health. More often than not, you will want to focus on a versatile hiking boot that can handle the wear and tear of long hikes up and down varying terrain. While I like what a lot of the big brands make, there are some serious missteps out there on the market, so do your research.
As of recently, I’ve worked with KEEN’s Westward Leather Waterproof Mid Boots and found that I like them very much. It’s easy to cover the miles in comfort when you choose the best shoe for you. KEEN’s Westward model is a versatile hiking boot that marries stylish suede with breathable canvas, allowing for a comfortable, yet secure fit, that can handle a variety of weather situations. This boot offers a high-cut cushioned collar that fits snug around the ankles, with a strong stability shank that offers further support.
The breathable membrane lets vapor out without letting water in, which is a hugely important feature as you can hike with these just about anywhere, such as a tropical forest where it’s hot and humid, yet the rain could come down at any moment. KEEN put a lot of love into these boots, which shows in their metatomical footbed design, which is an internal support mechanism that is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support by cradling the natural contours of the foot. All in all, after a few long hikes with the Westward boot, I came away very impressed with the design and craftsmanship by KEEN. They focus on what’s best for the adventurer, and less on their own profit line. These are boots that will last a long time with proper use and care. If you would like to learn more about KEEN, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott
(Main photo by nicholas_t via Flickr – Product photo © KEEN Footwear.)
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