Why it is so amazing to be part of 'Team Hi-Tec'

We have Global Launches twice a year, one in April for the Spring/Summer season and another in October for the Autumn/Winter season. At these launches, Hi-Tec Subsidiaries and Distributors from around the world are brought together and shown the new product and marketing initiatives for the coming season. As a business, we work a year ahead of ourselves, so when we are in Spring/Summer 2010, we begin launching the products for Spring/Summer 2011. This gives the subsidiaries and distributors a whole year to sell these new products in to the trade before it finally hits the consumer market.

I got involved in my first Global Launch (which was for AW09) after 18 months of working in the Hi-Tec Marketing Department. We held it in Manchester in October 2008 and it was my job to co-ordinate all of our delegates; from organising their hotel accommodation to arranging their airport transfers to ensuring everyone was in the right room during the meetings and had a place at the table for dinner. Since then, I've been involved in organising our SS10 Global Launch in Turkey, and our AW10 Regional Launches (3 Global Launches on a smaller scale) in Southend-on-Sea (Essex), Hong Kong and Las Vegas.

Last week saw the Global Launch of our new SS11 Range out in Cape Town. After months of preparation for what promised to be the BIGGEST and BEST launch to-date, a volcano in Iceland erupted, grounding planes all over Europe, intent on ruining everything we had done. Both the Global Product and Marketing teams, and many of the key managers for our International business, were left stranded in the UK Head Office, unable to fly out to South Africa.

BUT, in true Hi-Tec style, colleagues from around the world who'd made it to South Africa pulled together and the show went on! It was such a relief knowing that all our hard work didn't go to waste and I feel so proud and lucky to be part of such an amazing team. With everyone pitching in and lending a hand, we were able to have the BIGGEST and BEST launch the world of Hi-Tec has ever seen. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until early next year to see what all the fuss was about!

Laura Greenaway

Group Marketing Coordinator 

Hiking Kit for a Successful Adventure

In the inimitable words of the Scouts, "Be Prepared" - this is a good ethos for those heading out on hikes over the next few months. Choosing your hiking kit prior to heading out is part of the enjoyment of the expedition and taking a look at the sort of equipment that you need is the best way of planning a hike in the UK or abroad.

Hiking kit can typically be applied to any accessory or piece of equipment that you will either literally require or which it would be a good idea to have during a hiking expedition in the wilderness. First and foremost, it is generally the done thing to compile a hiking kit checklist before strapping up your hiking boots and hitting those dirt trails. Understanding the sort of hiking kit typically required is a good jumping off point for anyone new to the pursuit of adventure hiking.

Hiking Kit Checklist 

Preparation is half the battle, so to speak, and being prepared is imperative when it comes to hiking. Looking in the backpacks of the majority of hikers reveals that the most hiking kit checklists should include the following items:

· Waterproofs - Any seasoned hiker will tell you just how quickly the weather can turn against you and even the sunniest days can turn into absolute stinkers in the blink of an eye. Waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket should be one of the first pieces of hiking kit that is put on the checklist.

· First Aid - Hiking can be quite demanding and, as such, it is important to have a well stocked first aid kit should any scrapes or cuts occur. In order to reduce the likelihood of injuries such as sprains, it is a good idea to purchase a pair of good hiking boots, such as the Hi-Tec Altitude IV Enviro WP.

· Food and Drink - Obviously, hiking a long distance will require considerable reserves of energy and this is something which can be replenished through food and drink at various intervals of the hike. Having a good range of energy boosting foods is a must for all hiking kits.

· Map/GPS - Whether you opt for an old fashioned map or the modern incarnation, GPS, it is imperative to have some form of navigational tool when embarking a hike - particularly if your chosen location is remote.

Hiking kits will differ from person to person but the above list is a good starting point for the sort of hiking equipment that you will require on the average expedition. Ensuring that you are comfortable during a hike is the most crucial aspect and this is typically achieved with well chosen and fitting hiking boots.

Renegade Trail and Altitude Ultra Luxe Review

Eleven-year-old daughters are notoriously difficult to please. Little Miss Outdoors is no different and she knows what she likes, especially when it comes to clothing.

"Funky, black, pink and purple are good," says Little Miss. "Brown, blue and boring are not."

Right!

Thank goodness then that outdoor clothing has come such a long way since my childhood when brown, blue and boring were about as funky as it ever got. These days jackets, rucksacks, fleeces - and even socks, gloves, hats and walking boots come in bright colours, pretty patterns, trendy designs and with a great deal of child-appeal.

Over the years I have been known to bribe Little Miss Outdoors into walking a hill by buying her a flowery fleece or a bright pink kagool. There was a beautiful lilac and purple rucksack that did the trick, too.

Then with the Easter hols looming the kind people at Hi-tec decided to pop a nice new pair of girls' walking boots in the post. The Junior Renegrade Trail Walking boots were timed well on two counts: firstly Little Miss had grown out of last year's boots (children do that annoying growing thing a little too often sometimes!) and secondly I was keen to get Little Miss away from the computer and up a hill.

At the same time those nice Hi-tec people also sent me a new pair of leather V-lite Altitude walking boots.

And so one one warm-ish and not too wet afternoon Little Miss and MumOutdoors set off to summit one of our local hills, Conic at Balmaha.

Said Little Miss of the boots; "Yeh, these look kinda cool. Not too boring and the pink is nice, especially on the bottom of the boot (she meant the chunky, grippy sole).

"They don't slip on my heel, either, and they are comfortable and I've tied the laces tight. All those things I know you're going to ask." she added, cheekily.

During the walk itself Little Miss answered my further quizzing: "Yes, they are light enough. No, they don't feel too heavy. Yes,are gripping the ground. No, I'm not getting wet feet even in the puddles. No, I don't mind if they get muddy because I'm now 11 and not a baby who worries about the pink getting splashed. Yes, they make walking downhill and uphill easy. Yes, I definitely like these. I really do. MUM! Are there any more questions?"

So, I'm thinking, that if the boots are pleasing to an 11-year-old girl who can be short on patience and big on style then they must be pretty good boots, eh?

And mine? Surprisingly I found the leather boots to be really comfy, too. I'd memories of those leather walking boots from my teen years that took months of blisters to turn into something vaguely comfy. The Hi-tec V-lite Altitudes also felt light on my feet and despite having long, thin feet they remained snug for the full hill walk. In particular I thought the padding on the tongue and the inner sole was really generous. The soles were good and grippy. And the leather kept my feet really dry even when I joined Little Miss in a bit of mud wallowing and puddle paddling (well, any excuse really!).

If you want to read all about the technical attributes of these Hi-tec boots - and there are plenty of great details for the very reasonable price tag of £35 for the junior boots and the reasonably reasonable £100 for the women's leather boots - then click on the links above.

I prefer to talk about outdoor kit in terms of comfort and practicalities (and, of course. looks). Both these boots scored well if you're looking for comfortable, no-need-to-wear-in footwear that will handle spring and summer walking on good-to-better trails (puddles and mud included). For stockist check out the website.

 

by Fiona Russell

Take a look at her Blog!

Ways to Take Unforgettable Hiking Pictures

Hiking is an immensely rewarding and enjoyable pursuit and it is natural people will want reminders of their time in the wilderness, which is why most will take dozens of hiking pictures whilst they make their way through the forests or mountain trails. Hiking pictures are something that are easy to get right if you follow a few simple steps - and you are likely to snap some spectacular sights on your hiking walks whether they be in the UK or abroad.

Hiking equipment will always invariably include a camera because there are so many memorable settings to be captured when trekking through the wilderness and these can be captured by considering a few basic principles of taking outdoor photographs. Hiking adventures will be undertaken by thousands of people over the next few months - and once all the hiking gear is sorted and the trails chosen, you can focus on taking hiking pictures which will look great.

Hints For Success With Your Hiking Pictures 
With spring now in full swing and summer fast approaching, there really are few better times to consider hitting the hiking trails - and the opportunities for taking spectacular hiking pictures really are maximised at this time of year. A few tips which will help you capture your hiking memories include:

Depth Perception - When taking hiking pictures with people in them, try to get them to stand at various distances away from the camera as this will really help with improving the sense of depth of a photograph.

Close Ups - Some amazing aspects of nature reveal themselves during hiking treks and taking close ups of things you encounter will give a whole new perspective. For example, flowers, ferns and wildlife can all be captured with extreme close-up photos.

Timing - Generally speaking, most hikers will aim to take their hiking pictures around the late afternoon or early in the morning because this tends to generate the most eye-catching backdrops. The colours and textures of the sky tend to be at their most impressive around this time and can really bring a photo to life.

Making the Most of the Day 

Hiking adventures are there to be enjoyed and taking pictures is something which is done to make sure you have something to remember the day by. It is, of course,, important to get other elements of the day right, such as having the right hiking equipment and footwear. Many hikers today are liking the Hi-Tec V-Lite Fasthike II Low WP for hikes of all lengths and intensities. 

Product Link - http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/55668-product-v_lite_fasthike_ii_low_wp-mens.html

Golfing Shoes - Fairway to Heaven

Finding suitable golf shoes is likely to become a priority for many Brits over the next few months, as the weather begins to improve and they no longer have to face driving rain on the fairway.

Golf shoes are a must for any serious golfer as they have the capacity to improve your performance significantly by making sure your stance and balance are correct. Here are some things to consider when choosing the pair of golf shoes that are best suited to you:

Traction

Essentially, the overriding objective of most forms of golf shoe is to lessen the likelihood of sliding during the backswing, which can have a big impact on the final destination of your golf ball! As spikes are now not permitted at many courses, most golf shoes are sold with cleats. Therefore it is important to check your local course's rules before taking to the tee in spikes. However if you are looking to purchase a pair with cleats, it is still important to get good quality cleats with many types boasting performance and power enhancing properties. An example of this is Hi-Tec's own CDT technology which not only gives great traction, but is also customisable to the player's game, in order to get maximum grip and create traction with their current swing.

Conditions

It is inevitable that any golfer playing in the UK will run into a rainy day out on the course at some point, and so choosing shoes which offer a degree of water resilience is obviously a good idea. Another consideration will be with the terrain of the golf course that you regularly play at. For example ankle support maybe priority for those playing on courses with steep inclines.

Comfort/Support
Comfort and support is another area in which golf shoes need to excel. There is an awful lot of walking involved when playing golf and having an uncomfortable shoe can cause lapses of concentration and even affect the players stance. Good support can also help prevent injury and keep you on the golf course!

Ultimately, choosing golfing shoes is something which will be dependent on budget, style preferences and the type of course you will be playing on. Hopefully by thinking about the various features mentioned here and by speaking to experts within the field you can make the right decision on your golf footwear.

Tips for Where to Head on that Hiking Vacation

Many Brits will head off on a hiking vacation this summer but the question is - where's best to go? Hiking trips are extremely popular in the UK and it is easy to see why we love them because, in terms of exhilaration and freedom, there really are few pursuits which can compare. For anyone looking to book a hiking vacation in the next few weeks, you may do well to consider some of these spectacular locations - where the hiking trails are certainly amongst the most breathtaking out there;

Zion Narrows, Utah - One of the world's most breathtaking places to hike - it is easy to see why so many head here for their hiking vacation. The colourful, sculptured sandstone that you make your way through it utterly spectacular and this is one hiking experiences that won't be soon forgotten.

Inca Trail, Peru - Unquestionably one of the most recognisable backdrops in the world, the Inca trails in Peru serve as the perfect location for an unforgettable hiking vacation. Taking in sights and sounds from ancient civilisations, you will be in a constant state of awe during this hiking adventure.

North Island, New Zealand - Well known for its excellent hiking vacations, the North Island in New Zealand is likely to see another influx of eager hikers in 2010. Taking in volcanic and desert type terrains, this certainly isn't a hike for the feint-hearted but those who do go will be rewarded with some of the best hiking trails out there.

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii - A truly spectacular spot for a hiking vacation - the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii is some 4,000 feet above the ocean in places and boasts multiple valleys to be traversed during the 11 mile hiking trail. Definitely not one to be missed.

Once you've decided where to actually head to on your hiking vacation, it makes sense to turn one's attention to the hiking equipment that you will require. Most of the trails mentioned above are fairly rigorous treks and may need a high quality selection of equipment. The most important piece of kit to get right is that of hiking boots - and many people will opt for all round performer such as the Hi-Tec V-Lite Trail Eruption HPi.

Product Link - V-Lite Trail Eruption HPi