Daleswear Outdoors conquer the mountain in our V-Lite Altitude Ultra boots

The Daleswear Outdoor Clothing store staff embarked on a leisurely team trek of the very beautiful surroundings of the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk on Wednesday 5th May 2010. Their mission involved trying and testing the Hi-Tec 'V-Lite Altitude Ultra Luxe Wpi' boots with a revolutionary new technology called ION MASK! This new substance works like Gore-tex, (as it is waterproof and breathable). The best thing about it is you do not have to spend added pennies on re-proofing them, such as wax, special cleaning solutions etc. Simply rinse any mud or dirt straight off under a tap. Simple! The ION MASK looks after itself and continues to protect the surface of the boot without a helping hand. A revolution for most hikers out there, as the last thing you wish to do after a hard days hike is to spend time scrubbing your boots clean to then start treating them to keep them in good condition.

How does it do this? Well, the ION MASK liquid is applied to the surface of the very traditional style Hi-Tec boot. The ION MASK is everywhere, on the leather, in the stitching, on the laces and tongue. It is invisible as a finished result and works on a molecular level to make the boot 'hydrophobic'.

Along with two representatives from Hi-Tec, a representative accompanied the Daleswear team from 'Sidas' who provided custom made insoles of which you can have made in store (see our website). The 'Bridgedale' Sock Company kindly supplied us with 'Comfort Trekker' (Midweight) socks to finish off the trial experience. The very well known Waterfalls Walk in Ingleton provided the perfect terrain for our first venture out in the new boots. With a variety of men, women, feisty teenagers and keen kids of all fitness levels we set off from the central village square to walk the reverse directional route up through the falls. The River Doe produces the mesmerizing sights of Snow Falls right up to Beezley Falls. Staff stood in the shallower areas to test waterproofness, which most definitely worked. From road to gentle wooded area the pathway then leads to the base and start of the falls. Lots and lots of steps and winding pathway that changes underfoot from gravel and shale to hard (and sometimes slippery) rock to soft mud that tested both the temperament of both staff and boots! After crossing Oddies Lane we did one last ascent up to Twistleton Farm to head up to the top (sadly the ice cream van had long gone by this time) before heading down slippery gravel paths as the weather took a brief turn to rain. The waterproofs came out and the boots once a gain were successfully tested for their waterproof capability.

As we reached the impressive Thornton Force waterfall (caused by the River Twiss), some of the younger staff decided to walk on the wild side. They ventured the intrepid slippery rocks to climb and conquer the unusually large square rock that sits in the pool at the base of the waterfall. I think it was because of my vanity that I did not want to dare scuff my lovely new, shiny boots that I did the worst impression of a seal beaching itself onto the rock with all the elegance of a sumo wrestler attempting ballet. The boots most certainly put up with the slipperiness of the rocks. I think it could have been more that my adventurous streak mixed with the fact that fitness levels are certainly not at their peak that I didn't allow the boots to assist me at that point!

The trek evened out over to Kingsdale Road which led us down towards the Marton Arms Pub at Thornton-in-Lonsdale (funny how the pace quickened as soon as the pub was spotted!) We were welcomed at the door by Auntie Sue (Landlady of this lovely 17th Century pub) just as we were losing light. The Hi-Tec representative surprised us all by popping a bottle of champagne at the end of the walk and we had a great meal and well deserved beer in the pub to celebrate the end of a very successful testing experience.

The Daleswear staff recommend the boots to customers looking or a good all round boot. I have to say to conclude this report that I was most impressed that it's the first time my heels have not suffered with fifty pence sized blisters especially seeing as we took the risk of not breaking the boots in before hand. This is another of the boasts of the Hi-Tec 'Altitude Ultra Luxe Wpi' ION MASK boot and I am glad to say it did what it said on the box!

When Was Hiking Invented?

The hiking we know and love today has been around for many years. It might not have crossed many people's minds, but for some, the question of 'when was hiking invented?' is a curious one that still needs answering. People who are passionate about hiking genuinely want to know how it all started, where it all came from, and who had the crazy idea to start trekking for miles and miles!

Of course, hiking wasn't really 'invented' as such; it was more a case of discovering it. A German named Philipp Bussemer from the quaint city of Baden-Baden is said to have opened the first tourist information centre in the Black Forest at the end of the 19th century. He generated huge interest in hiking and general exploration by publishing hiking maps and guides and soon started signposting hiking trails in the Black Forest. This was his love; his passion and he had a loyal set of followers who were curious to know more about hiking and how they could explore various locations through the simple art of, well, walking.

It sounds simple and it is; hiking doesn't require any skills as such, it's a hobby for people that want to get more out of life and Philipp Bussemer was keen on promoting the wonders of hiking. He lectured about hiking trails and provided estimated times of when people could be expected to finish a hiking trail.

There is in fact a crossover between hiking, power walking and trekking, and this is something that is still evident today. People fulfil their love of walking by turning it into something more exhilarating, which is where hiking and trekking come in. Walking enthusiasts know that you have to develop your walking skills to become an excellent hiker / trekker, and this is a sport in itself.

Philipp Bussemer helped the German community to discover hiking, and we're grateful to people like him that the spirit of hiking is still very much alive, all over the world.

Help! I Want To Go Hiking But I Don’t Know Where To Start…

This is something we hear a lot of people say. They tell us that they are keen to get started with hiking but simply don't know where to begin and what they need to learn. In truth, there's not a lot you need to learn when it comes to hiking, the main thing is just preparing your body mentally and physically for what could be a challenging event.

If you have never been hiking before, or indeed on a long walk, the best advice is to start small and work your way up. Walk around your local area for a bit just loosening your muscles and getting your body used to working harder. For those that sit in an office all day, it's understandable that the smallest amount of exercise can make some people stiff as a board, so it's important that you don’t overdo it to start with.

Once you have been walking around your local area, try power-walking. This means you'll be putting a bit more effort into the walk and making your body work harder than before. It doesn't mean you have to jog; it's simply walking with intent and purpose and training your brain to believe that you are capable and ready for walking long distances that you once weren't used to.

If you're nervous about doing this on your own, get your friends together and make a day of it. Aim for the slightly cooler days as opposed to the really sunny ones, as your body will have to work much harder in warmer weather and this isn't always easy for those just starting out with learning the basics of hiking. Rallying your friends together to go walking or power-walking will help you with confidence and make the exercise seem easier and more relaxed.

Once you've mastered the art of power-walking and training your body and mind to be able to handle a variety of walking situations, you should be able to manage a proper hike. It can take a few months of preparation, but once you go hiking, you're sure to find it an exhilarating experience. Don't aim too high to start with and gradually build up your strength and stamina. At the end of it all, you're sure to feel the hike was worth it.

Summer Hiking Is All The Rage

If you fancy doing something a bit different this year, why not consider summer hiking. Team up with your friends and make your hike an exhilarating experience. A lot of people do this to get some much needed fresh air and also take advantage of the good weather. Summer hiking is always preferable to winter hiking, as there are far less dangers that lie ahead during summer.

In the winter, there are pitfalls such as rocky mountain ranges covered in snow that can lead to accidents. People often underestimate the dangers of winter hiking, but still they choose to do it. In the summer, the days stay lighter for longer and the warmer weather inevitably means you don't have to carry as many items with you. Layer upon layer of winter clothing often makes a winter hike more difficult to endure. The great thing about summer though is that you can pack much lighter.

More people are quite literally 'warming' to the idea of summer hiking as they find it an inexpensive way to enjoy the weather without having to go abroad and spend a fortune. People of all ages are getting their friends together to go hiking, and they are genuinely making a weekend of the event. Hiking has become popular again and men and women are enjoying the fresh air and the sights they get to see when out and about.

Some assume that hiking is just for the middle-aged, but people in their early twenties are now keen to get involved too. The traditional rambler can be of any age these days and it shows that hiking really has transcended the age barriers. It's something everyone can get involved in and it makes people feel good.

At Hi-Tec, we’re big advocates of summer hiking and we have just the hiking boots you need for the journey. Get in on the experience by inviting your friends and family on a summer hike and revel in the summer sun.

Spring Is In The Air: are you back in prime hiking shape?

The hiking enthusiasts amongst us can't fail to have noticed a significant improvement in the weather over the past couple of weeks. The snowy January days seem long behind us and suddenly there's sunshine at the end of this rather cloudy tunnel we've found ourselves in for the past few months. Winter's been pretty awful this year so more than a few of us fair weather hikers may well have clocked up a few months of near inactivity. So if you haven't been working on getting yourself back in prime shape over these past few weeks, you're lagging behind and you'll only have yourself to blame when you discover too late that a winter of hot chocolate and mince pies has rendered you unfit. It's time to get back into shape!

The simple and unforgettable rule is that the fitter you are, the longer you,ll be able to walk for and the more enjoyment you'll get out of hiking. If you have been inactive to say the least over the past few months you need to start focusing on cardio and strength building exercises. Bear in mind that depending on just how indulgent you've been through the winter it could take you six weeks to get your fitness levels back up: there is no time to lose.

For strength have a go at working out with weights in the gym twice a week. Keep the weights low to begin with and build up gradually. Don't just concentrate on your legs: your general fitness will improve with a little work on your arms, chest and back.

For cardio, have a go at the treadmill or exercise bike three or four times each week. Don't exert yourself but keep your heart rate up. You could also have a go at walking or jogging outside but invest in some good running shoes first: the last thing you need is a running injury that was entirely preventable spoiling the hiking season for you!

As well as checking that you're in good shape, spare a thought for all your hiking equipment. Are your hiking boots up to another year’s hard work or should they be replaced? Is your backpack still in good nick? And do you have all the hiking equipment you need for your safety?

Here’s to another summer of great hiking!

Golf Shoes That Can Be Functional As Well As Fashionable

In a world of fashion conscious fitness fanatics, the standard golf shoes are no longer bland and basic. Just take a look at the latest range of Hi-Tec golf shoes that cater for both men and women looking for functional footwear with a fashionable edge.

So what has suddenly made golf shoes so popular? And how are they different to normal trainers?

In truth, it is the celebrity magazines and elevated celebrity status that has made women in particular lean more to the stylish footwear for their sporting activities. Golf is one of those sports that some people just can't get into, but others are passionate about it. From seeing the top golfing names succeed in America, golf is now the new 'must-play' sport, and people want golf shoes that complement their inimitable style and presence on the golfing green. At Hi-Tec, we know that golf shoes need to look good and offer the comfort and support needed when playing golf. As you know, precision is everything when it comes to golfing, and that's why we take our golf shoe design seriously. You'll find an impressive selection of golf shoes for both men and women, and the best part is knowing they are from a sports brand with years of experience in creating the very best shoes for all active needs.

Normal trainers are designed for those that are very active and need extra comfort and support when they are exercising, but golf shoes are designed specifically for golfers. Hi-Tec knows what the golfer needs, and we're proud to go the extra mile with our golf shoes. We've even launched the impressive Picadilly WPi golf shoes, which are designed with ion-mask treatment to prevent them getting wet and soaking your feet when you're out on the golfing green. Little extras like this make our golf shoes quite special. But don't just take our word for it - check out our latest golf shoes and indulge in functional and fashionable footwear.

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