In searching for the best hand warmer, I compared three types of hand warmer to decide which is best for my needs:

• OCOOPA USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer – best for ease of use, recharging and style
• Zippo Hand Warmer – Best for durability and lasting all day long
• Gel Hand Warmers – best for reusable ease and fun designs
• Little Hotties – best for ease of use and long lasting

USB Rechargeable Hand Warmers

The OCOOPA USB rechargeable hand warmer is the perfect solution for blending a phone charger with a hand warmer.
If you are outdoor enthusiasts, the hand warmer is good equipment to hike, camp, hunt, fish and other sport events.
And it’s also good choice for outdoor workers and those who have blood circulation problems.  For those of you who get painful white fingers in the cold and have had problems with your smartphone packing in in really cold conditions in the mountains, this USB hand warmer solves both problems. It takes a couple of hours to charge up fully using the included USB charge lead.
As a hand warmer it has 3 different heat settings. The highest setting is great for rapid warming when your hands have got freezing cold but the second or lowest setting is fine for maintaining temperature when placed in the palm of the glove or in a zip pouch in the back of mitts.
I am getting about 6 hours heat on the lowest setting (not 8 hrs claimed) and about 4 hours on the middle setting.
As a phone charger using a USB to lightening lead it works fine. When I go skiing or climbing in the extreme cold I plan to put it in a pouch alongside my phone on a low setting to keep the phone warm and I can switch it over to phone charge if I run low on battery.
I found it to be an ideal size for a man’s glove (large). My wife finds it fine in a mitt but on the large size for her small palms in a glove.
My only criticism is that it is possible to accidentally change the settings by knocking the button on the face of the warmer. A recessed button or slide switch might be better. However you soon realise it has got too cold or too warm and it is easy to correct.

The Best Durable Reusable Hand warmer

The Zippo Hand Warmer is built for winter warriors. It features a sleek and compact design and fits easily into pockets and gloves without the bulk of other warmers.

The Zippo Hand Warmer uses Zippo premium lighter fluid to produce more than ten times the heat as traditional models and lasts for up to 24 hours. Plus it comes with a one-year guarantee making the Zippo Hand Warmer a perfect fit for any outdoors activity such as golfing – fishing – hiking or walking.

It burns without a Flame – The platinum-catalysed glass fibre burner offers quick and sure lighting. It produces a radiant heat without a flame – Extra Warmth – Produces around 10 times more heat than most disposable warmers – Economical – Constant warmth for around 24 hours with just 0.4oz of zippo fuel – Environmentally friendly – Virtually polution free , low odour. Low cost replaceable burner after around 70-80 uses.

Easiest Hand Warmers to Use

Little Hotties hand warmers are the easiest hand warmers to use. They come in a plastic sachet that keeps the hand warmer ready to use. To activate the Little Hotties, all you have to do is to open the sachet. The hand warmer will quickly warm up once exposed to the air. They provide warmth and comfort in all cold conditions for approximately 8 hours. Once it has finished, it cannot be used again.
The pack of 40 Little Hotties hand warmers is the bestselling hand warmer on Amazon for Snowsports enthusiasts. They provide an average activated temperature of 135°F (57°C), can be used by athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, spectators, skiers, construction workers and anyone who wants warm hands.

The Best Reusable Hand Warmer for Convenience

Reusable gel hand warmers are in my opinion the best and easiest pocket hand warmers to use.
Gel hand warmers instantly heat up by simply clicking the metal disc inside the hand warmer and waiting for the liquid to crystalise and heat up. On the first go it may take a few clicks.
Gel hand warmers last for about 3 hours, which is more than enough to get you to work, and you can have another one ready for using on the way home.
To reuse gel hand warmers, you need to boil them in water for around 10 to 15 minutes. Another great thing about gel hand warmers is that you can buy them in a variety of shapes.

So, that was a quick comparison of the different types of hand warmer. I always keep a few Little Hotties hand warmers in my car for emergencies and holidays. We also have four gel hand warmers for those wintry school trips. Much appreciated by children to keep them toasty on the journey.

• OCOOPA USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer – best for ease of use, recharging and style
• Zippo Hand Warmer – Best for durability and lasting all day long
• Gel Hand Warmers – best for reusable ease and fun designs
• Little Hotties – best for ease of use and long lasting

The post Best Pocket Hand Warmers appeared first on Active Outdoors.

What is Snow Tubing or Doughnutting?

Most dry ski slopes and ski resorts now have snow tubing lanes so you can race your friends downhill.  You can also buy snow tubes Amazon to use at home when it snows.

Snow Tubing on snow is a wintertime activity that is similar to sledding. Snow Tubing involves sitting in a large inflated inner tube and launching yourself down a snowy hill. This is almost always performed on a hill or slope, using gravity to get you to the bottom. The low friction between most snow tubes and snow allows you to reach considerable speeds while riding, especially on steep slopes.

When you have snow tubed to the bottom of the hill, you either have to walk back up with the snow tube, or get pulled by a drag lift if you go snow tubing at a ski slope or snow tubing activity centre.

You can buy a snow tube, or use something similar. Tractor or truck inner tubes provide the same thrilling experience, but you may want to cover the hole in the middle with a sheet of polythene to keep yourself dry.

An inflatable dinghy will also give you a great downhill ride. The added bonus is that the bed of the boat will be inflated and cushion you from the bumps.

If you want to have control over where you go, perhaps you want to have a go at airboarding.

Lastly, wherever you go sledging or tubing, check where you will end up, and look out for obstacles. You are going to have some serious fun and go home with a massive grin.

Snow Tubing Parties

If you want to have a go or hold a snow tubing party (especially for stag and hen nights!), have a look at what is on offer at the snow tubing venues below.  The locations at ski resorts have specially carved lanes to keep you going in the right direction while you are snow tubing.

One of the best things about doughnutting is racing your friends. You get to bump them and have a real laugh. Guaranteed to end up at the bottom with a big grin.

You can have a snow tubing parties at ski slopes in the UK and US. Places include:

• London (Hemel Hempstead)
• Aldershot
• Chatham
• Trowse, Norwich
• Craigavon
• Chillfactore at Trafford nr Manchester
• Swadlincote Derbyshire
• Plymouth
• Glasgow
• Colorado

Where to buy your own Doughnutting and Snow Tubes

You can buy a great range of snow tubes from Amazonco.uk or Amazon.com
If you are looking for something faster, you have to get an airboard.

The post Snow Tubing and Doughnutting Parties appeared first on Active Outdoors.

If you are lucky enough to get snow, then take the opportunity to have fun outdoors. Some countries have significant amounts of snow throughout the year, and there isn’t the urgency to make a snowman before it all melts. It also depends upon your view on being outdoors in the snow. Some view it as too cold and wet. I view it as great fun!

There are many activities that can be done outdoors in winter. We’ll start with the easiest and most obvious and then move onto fun winter activities for teens that need a bit more organisation.

Snowball fights

Snowball Launchers

If you want to increase your throwing range, get yourself a Wildsling water bomb launcher. This is a large length of elastic with a holder in the middle. two friends hold each end while you pull back the holder with a snowball in it and let rip. You can also get the Wildsling Solo from Amazon which you can use by yourself.

Buy Snowball launchers

Snow Angels

This involves finding a nice patch of snow outdoors that no one has walked in yet. Lie down on your back and wave your arms up and down in the snow. When you stand up, you leave an impression in the snow that looks like an angel. It is one of those pointless activities that is just fun to do because you can.

Build a Snowman

There is a technique for making a huge snowball that not everyone knows about. I used to think everyone did, but I have come across several people who just haven’t spent enough time outdoors in the snow making snowmen.

The trick is to make a big snowball with you hands, and then just start rolling it about in the snow. As you roll the snowball about, it picks up the snow and gets bigger. Make sure that you roll the snowball about in different directions, otherwise you will end up with a big disc shape like a wheel.

Building snowmen can release that creative streak in you. How cool can you make your snowman look? Dress it up. Make yours the biggest snowman ever and astound your friends.

Sledging and toboggans

Now we’re onto the exciting action outdoor winter activities. The thrill of speeding down a hill with the wind in your face is great. You need a slope of at least 30 degrees to be able to go sledding properly. I spent a significant amount of my youth whizzing down a 45 degree slope on a wooden sledge without a hope of stopping until the hill ran out. What a buzz! Alas, there hasn’t been much snow in the UK over the last decade, but I still hold out hope for a decent winter snow fall.

If you don’t have a sledge to enjoy the snow this winter, then a tin tray will do the trick. You can also use a sheet of plastic. Survival bags from any outdoor shop will also work, but they are more comfortable with a cushion in them. I have discovered that wooden skim boards used for surfing at the edge of the sea work really well on snow if you sit on them. Body boards are a bit crap though.

If you don’t have a slope near you, you can make one. Build your own Cresta Run and slide down it on a tin tray or one of those plastic bumbles (round plastic tray with a hoop handle).

The trick to going fast on a sledge is to find a decent slope, then on the first few runs take care to compact the snow. you will then find that you can gain some high speeds. Use your feet to steer.

You are going to have some serious fun and go home with a massive grin.

For much more about sledges, how to make them and where to buy them, read Sledges and Toboggans.

Doughnutting and Snow Tubing

Places to go Snow Tubing and Where to buy

An inflatable dinghy will also give you a great downhill ride. The added bonus is that the bed of the boat will be inflated and cushion you from the bumps.

IMPORTANT! Lastly, wherever you go sledging or tubing, check where you will end up, and look out for obstacles such as trees, fences and posts. Make sure you can stop well in advance by using your feet. If all else fails, bail out early by rolling off the back of the sledge or snow tube.

Ice skating

In the UK, you are unlikely to be able to go ice skating outdoors in the winter. We don’t get cold enough temperatures any more to freeze ponds over with ice thick enough to be safe. Now, if you live in Canada, then you are bound to know somewhere where you can skate outdoors. Around Christmas time, several places set up outdoor skating rinks. These are great. Otherwise you may seek out the variety of indoor ice skating rinks at all times of the year, not just in the winter.

The best outdoor ice skating rinks in the world

Dog Sledding

Did you know that you can go dog sledding in the UK? There are places all over the world where you can speed along in the great outdoors behind a team of dogs. Perhaps you could train your own dog to pull you on your toboggan. For further info, read Dog Sledding

Skiing

The winter months send a lot of people of on skiing holidays. You have a large choice of winter destinations all over the world. Skiing holidays in Colorado, France, Canada , Austria or Italy will give you an experience you won’t forget. There are ski chalets, family ski holidays, group ski holidays & luxury chalets.

Before you go skiing on snow, you can learn or practice outdoors on a dry ski slope. A dry ski slope is made of nylon brush matting. It is kept slightly wet to make it more slippery. Once you can do linked plough turns, you will be allowed onto the slope on your own without a skiing instructor.

For more info on skiing and skiing holidays read Skiing and Skiing Holidays guide

Snowboarding

Snowboarding has a much more stylish air about it. The snow based version of skateboarding, snowboarding is now a recognised Olympic sport. For all you need to know about snowboarding, read our Snowboarding Guide. Go try it. Be cool outdoors.

More Outdoor Winter Fun

If you want yet more ideas for outdoor fun this winter, browse the Winter activity ideas list.

The post Fun Outdoor Winter Activities appeared first on Active Outdoors.

As we move into winter, the weather can change quite unexpectedly. If things become severe (torrential rain or deep snow), the best thing to do is leave your car at home and go sledging

Winter Driving Hazards

If you do go out driving in winter, expect other drivers to do something really stupid, as they will. Last winter in the snow, I saw people using mobile phones whilst skidding all over the place. People expect a 4×4 to have perfect grip and end up getting into trouble. You need to understand how your car behaves in different winter conditions. Watch out for these hazards:

Wet Leaves

Being a movable slippery carpet, these can be a right pain if you need to brake or turn, especially on a motorbike. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns or quick acceleration. Plan ahead by watching what is happening as far ahead of you as you can see. Also, leave a good distance between you and the car in front. If they stop suddenly, you want to make sure you don’t end up in the back of them.

Rain

Rain and spray from other cars can make it difficult to see and be seen. Slow down and give more room. Watch out for unexpected big puddles.

Floods

Big rain makes big puddles. Hitting puddles at speed will mean you are no longer in control of the car. If you have to drive through a flooded bit of road, drive slowly in first gear to avoid stalling the engine.

Fog

Fog can be solid or patchy. You can suddenly find yourself going from sunshine into thick fog, and if you aren’t paying attention, you may hit those in front who have most likely panicked and slammed on their brakes as they can’t see anymore. Slow down. Use your dipped headlights (the ones you normally use for night driving). Sidelights aren’t visible in fog. The high beam or main beam will just reflect off the fog. You also need your fog lights on, but remember to turn them off when it is not foggy.

Winter Sun

The sun is low in the sky in winter, and you often find yourself driving towards it. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car ready to hand.

Ice

Did you know it takes ten times longer to stop on ice than a dry road? Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front. If you get stuck on an icy or snowy bit of road, you can get moving by using first gear

The first gear trick on ice and snow

From standstill, press the clutch and put the car into first gear. DO NOT touch the accelerator! Then gently lift the clutch very slowly. It will seem as though the car is going to stall, but before you know it, you will find yourself moving. Then, carry on driving, carefully.

Carpets, mats and hessian sacks

Keep some old mats or pieces of carpet or sacks in the car boot. If you get stuck on ice, don’t go digging with a shovel. Just lay down your mats in front of the front wheels (or rear wheels if rear wheel drive – BMW), and slowly drive on. Don’t forget to go back and get the mats though, as you may need them again.

Snow

Slow and steady is the way to go on ice and snow. Be extremely careful on corners. Once you skid, you are supposed to steer in the direction of the skid, but I have experienced hitting ice at 15 mph on a corner and there is absolutely nothing you can do except ride it out. I did a 270 degree spin and the rear hit bushes at the edge of the road. No damage, but boy do I now be really careful. You can buy snowsocks to cover the tyres so that you have grip on ice and snow.

Don’t use Cruise control

Most cars sense slippery conditions and prevent you from using control. But, if you are using cruise control and hit water or ice, the car may sense that the wheels have slowed down and increase the accelerator, which means you take off like a rocket out of control. Modern sensing and traction control may now overcome this, but don’t risk it!

Gritting Lorries

Keep well away from grit lorries. They will shower your car with grit, which doesn’t do your paintwork any good. Also, don’t expect the road to be safe just because it has been gritted. The salt used only work down to -5c, so if it gets colder, then there will be ice!

Prepare your Car

As winter approaches, make sure your car is ready.

• Battery – This is the biggest problem drivers experience for car breakdown in winter. Make sure your battery is fully charged. replace it if it is unreliable.
• Antifreeze – Make sure you have the right amount of anti-freeze in your car’s cooling system. Also, use a screen wash that has anti-freeze in it to stop your windscreen from freezing. If you don’t, you are going to be in big trouble if you use your screen wash whilst driving as it will freeze on the windscreen and you will suddenly find you can’t see anything.
• Service your car – Make sure your car has been serviced regularly
• Lights – Check all of your lights work
• Tyres – Check that your tyres have enough tread. You can check this by running your finger in one of the grooves on the tread. Tyres have a little bump in the grooves that indicate the minimum tread depth. If the bump is at the same level as the top of the tread, then you need to replace your tyres
• Windscreen Wipers – Check that your wiper blades clear the water off the windscreen properly. When it gets below zero, you will find that your wipers freeze and don’t wipe properly. Before you get in your car, check that your wipers are not frozen to the windows, or you may break your wipers or wiping motor mechanism.
• Windows – Clear all of your windows and mirrors before you drive off. Remove all ice and snow. By law, your windows and mirrors must be clear and de-misted before driving.
• Emergency kit – Keep emergency kit in your car, and keep it stocked up!

Stuff to have in your car in winter

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1. Ice scraper
2. De-icer
3. First Aid Kit
4. Torch
5. Warm clothes, such as a thick woolly jumper and extra coat
6. Blanket
7. Sleeping bag
8. Snow shovel
9. Food and drink (thermos flask), chocolate
10. Jump leads
11. Tow rope
12. Welly boots
13. Warning triangle
14. Spare bulbs for car
15. A couple of carpet tiles or cloth sacks to use for grips in snow if you get stuck
16. Full tank of fuel

You can buy all of your winter car essentials from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

The post Winter Driving Safety Tips appeared first on Active Outdoors.

I have discovered you can buy textile snow chains that are easy to put on and cheaper than snow chains. This review of snow socks for tyres shows fabric snow chains provide a quick, easy to fit alternative to snow chains and mean that you don’t have to swap to winter tyres.

What are Snow Socks?

Snow socks are textile snow chains that you slip over the driving wheels on cars or light commercials. On 4×4 cars, you put the snow socks over the front tyres. These fabric snow chains provide grip on icy roads. There’s only one possible way to fit them, so no practice is needed. Snow socks for tires are reusable time and again and take up minimal space in the car.

How do Snow Socks work?

Snow and ice sticks to fabric, which is why many people still put woolly socks over their shoes when walking on ice or snow. The specially developed textile on a snow sock “wicks away” any water that’s found between the ground and the tyre, (generated e.g. by the warmth of the sun, or wheel spin), improving the dry friction grip. The textile also has an unusual weave which maximises the friction contact with the ground.

Are Snow Socks Any Good?

If you want to see if snow socks are any good, review the snow socks video below.

What do drivers think about Snow Socks?

Lots of people are raving about how great snow socks are, especially BMW drivers who have rear wheel drive on their cars. In icy conditions, rear wheel drive cars are nearly impossible to drive as the back end skids all over the place.

Snowsocks are being hailed as invaluable in snow socks reviews on the car forums. On the Pistonheads website, there are comments from rear wheels drive BMW drivers using snow socks; “fitted to my wife’s Laguna and my BMW – and as I promised to report back, they are utterly brilliant!”

“I took my wife and kids to school this morning in her fwd Laguna. The school is on a lane closed for the last 2 days and still a nightmare, thick sheet ice visible through a lot of now and mush in places. Most people parked up and walked in (which still looked iffy, my wife fell down there yesterday) but with these on I had absolutely no problems with steering, braking etc. They really are amazing.”

Snow Chains Vs Textile Snow Socks

So, which should you buy – snow chains or snow socks? If you are going to be driving where there is a constant amount of snow and ice, then you would be best to go for snow chains. If you are driving on a skiing holiday, you should buy snow chains as they are a legal requirement in most of the skiing resorts. Check before you go.

Where there is only snow now and then, such as in the UK and Western Europe, you may prefer to buy snow socks for your tires.. You can buy Autosock or Multi-Grip snow socks for cars. AutoSock provide an ideal “Get me Home” or “Get me to that meeting” solution. They work well in wet snow conditions and are therefore particularly appropriate for the UK where snowfall is sporadic and few people use winter tyres. Even 4 x 4s usually have wide tyres which are wholly unsuited to winter driving. The good news is that AutoSock have been shown by the TÜV to be more effective than winter tyres, with the further benefit that you only fit them when you need them.

Snow socks are good for cars with limited clearance around the wheels as there is nothing that will rub the back of the tyre. Fitting a snow sock is also easier than snow chains as there is nothing to adjust and they automatically self center as you drive. Since there is no metal chain in contact with the road, snow socks are totally smooth running with absolutely no vibrations or noise being apparent.

IMPORTANT: Snow socks should be removed once you get your car back onto tarmac, otherwise the fabric of the snow sock will soon get worn.

What Brands of Snow Socks can you buy for Grip in the Snow and Ice?

When you’ve had the opportunity to test snow socks for tyres, you’ll make sure you have a set in your boot in snowy weather. Most people are not only surprised but astonished at the difference fabric snow socks make to general traction, cornering, and braking.

Good brands to buy are:

• Autosock snow socks
• Weissenfels Weiss Sock
• Multi-grip snow socks from Rockshore
• Snow Gecko Snow Socks, which are similar to Autosocks

You can buy all makes of snowsocks from Amazon.co.uk in the UK with prices starting from £38 for a pair of snow socks.

In the US, you can get Snow Socks from Amazon.com

The post Snow Socks Alternative to Snow Chains appeared first on Active Outdoors.

How does a sledge work?

A sledge works by sliding over the snow, being pulled downhill by the force of gravity. The reason a sledge slides on snow is due to the low friction between the sledge and the snow. Friction stops things sliding. Sledges with thin runners, such as wooden sledges, are much better at sliding because the pressure of your weight in a very small area (the runners on the ground instead of the entire bottom of a plastic sledge) melts the snow a bit which creates a very thin layer of water between the runner and the snow. This really reduces the friction, and makes you go much faster. It is the same way that ice skates work.
Inflatable sledges work in the same way, but are also made from a low friction material which makes the sledge moves faster on the snow.

Choosing a Sledge or Toboggan

There are is a huge range of sledges and toboggans available. There are:

• wooden sledges,
• plastic sledges,
• inflatable sledges,
• pan sledges.

Wooden Sledges

Wooden sledges come in two main designs. the most common one is one with runners that keep the main deck about a foot above the ground. These types of wooden sledges are great where the snow is deep. The runners cut through the snow down to the more compact snow near the ground.

The second main design for wooden sledges is a flat sheet of wood that curls up at the front. This works very well on compact snow, and can hold several people.

Plastic Sledges

Plastic sledges usually have a flat bottom, or slight ridges to act as runners to keep it going in a straight line. They require compact snow to work. you may have to sit on your plastic sledge and push yourself down the slope several times before the snow is compact enough to get you some speed.

One of the challenges of plastic sledges is the steering. To steer a plastic sledge you either have to use your feet hanging over the sides to dig into the snow, or you can not worry about holding onto the sledge rope and use your hands. You could always just see where the hill takes you, but trees can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance.

Plastic Sledges With Brakes

So, it just so happens that you can buy a plastic sledge with brakes that you can use to control and steer. All you have to do is to hold onto the black levers on each side of the sledge. By pulling up the lever on the right it digs the right brake into the snow and you turn right. Same for the left brake on the sledge.
These sledges with brakes are brilliant because it means that you don’t end up with a face full of snow where you have dug your heels into the snow to steer your sledge.

Snow Tubes, Inflatable Sledges and Airboards

There has been a recent revolution in sledging, and that is the Airboard. An airboard is an inflatable sledge used in a similar way as a bodyboard used for surfing. The airboard is inflatable and has hard ridges on the bottom to keep it sledging in a straight line. You lie down on it on your stomach and hold onto the handles on either side. It is extremely lightweight and easy to carry back up the hill, and you can reach speeds of up to 80mph if the slope is right.

For more information on airboards, read my article and watch amazing videos of extreme downhill airboarding.

Pan Sledges

Pan sledges are the most compact and easiest to carry back up the hill. Trust me, your kids will very soon get fed up of having to walk back up the hill. These look like a frying pan, with a round disc shape that you sit on whilst holding onto the handle. They aren’t as quick as wooden, plastic or inflatable sledges, but are good fun for smaller children.

It is very easy to bail out if it gets too fast for them. Adults will find them a challenge, and they make your back ache after a while because you have to lean back to lift your feet up.

Using wax to make a sledge go faster

I have used candle wax on the runners of a sledge to make it go faster. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work. Normal candle wax increases the friction and will slow your sledge down. You can reduce the friction further by using ski and snowboard wax. Ski wax is specially designed to reduce the friction and will make your sledge go really fast. I usually keep a Zardoz Not Wax Pocket Puck in my pocket when snowboarding and sledging. This stuff is liquid Teflon, the same stuff used to make frying pans non-stick. Works great on sledge runners.

What Other Things Can I use to go Sledging and Tobogganing?

There are lots of things you can use as a sledge or toboggan. The obvious choice is a traditional wooden sledge. With high runners, they are great for use in deep snow.

If you have a plastic sledge, you will need to use it on more compact snow. This may take a few runs down the slope to get the snow firm enough to get some decent speed.

You can even get inflatables sledges. But if you can’t get hold of a sledge or toboggan, don’t worry as there are plenty of other things to use as a sledge.

Wooden skim boards are good for sledging as the curled up front enables you to surf over the snow. The board also takes out some of the bumps on your bottom. Bodyboards do not make good sledges. But if you put them inside an empty compost bag they work a treat.

Other things you can use for sledges are tin trays, canoes, large inner tubes or inflatable rings used in the swimming pool. An inflatable dinghy works very well, but watch out for any sharp things in the snow that could burst it. If you want the real things, then get yourself a snow tube.

You can buy a great range of snow tubes from Amazon

Hints and Tips on using Sledges and Toboggans

First you need a hill that is steeper than 30 degrees, and have snow on it.
Whatever sledge you get, you will need to be able to steer it. If you are sitting on your sledge, you can use your feet to steer by digging your heels into the snow on either side of you. Or you can use your hands behind the sledge to steer. There is a misconception that you can steer by leaning. In practice you are more likely to fall off your sledge sideways.

The most important thing is stopping. Use both feet to stop by digging your heels into the snow. Make sure you can stop before the bottom of the run. also check that there are no hazards such as fences, barbed wire, roads, water or drops at the bottom of the hill. If you find you cannot stop, bail out before the end by rolling off the back of the sledge.

To make your sledge go faster, you can rub ski wax onto the runners on the bottom of the sledge. The ski wax makes it go faster. Candle wax does not have the same effect.

There is so much choice when buying a sledge. Here is a list of the best sledges on the market.

Get yourself a sledge now before the shops run out again this year.

If you want some all round fun, try snowtubing in an inflatable inner tube.

The post How to Make Sledges and Toboggans go Faster appeared first on Active Outdoors.

What is an Airboard

An airboard is an inflatable bodyboard that is used for sledging. Popular in Switzerland, an airboard is provides an extreme sledging experience. The airboard is ridden just like a bodyboard. You steer the airboard by moving your bodyweight towards the direction you want to go.

An airboard has a handle on each side to hold onto. The bottom of the airboard has ridges that help to keep the airboard sliding in a straight line rather than spinning like snowtubes do.

How to Ride an Airboard

The first thing you need to ride an airboard is a hill that is steeper than 30 degrees, and has snow on it. The best place to use an airboard is on a proper ski slope.

Whatever airboard you get, you will need to be able to steer it. You lie down on your airboard and hold onto the handles. To get more of a start, you can run and dive onto the airboard.

To steer your airboard, you move your bodyweight to one side or the other. The most important thing is stopping. Use both feet to stop by digging your toes into the snow. Make sure you can stop before the bottom of the run. Also check that there are no hazards such as fences, barbed wire, roads, water or drops at the bottom of the hill. If you find you cannot stop, bail out before the end by rolling off the back of the airboard.

Due to the speeds attainable when using an airboard, we highly recommend using protective gear such as a skiing helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads.

Airboards are becoming more popular, and you can get one from a variety of online shops including Airboards from Amazon.

The post Airboarding High Speed Inflatable Sledges appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Would you believe it but you can buy nonslip grips that hook over the bottom of your shoes to give you grip on ice and snow? Well, there are a number of ice gripping shoe products on the market.
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Without having to resort to buying crampons for your shoes, you can get a more discreet grip. These snow chains for shoes provide grip on ice and snow. They work in the same way as snow chains for cars. It is a snow chain that fits over the sole of your shoe and stops you slipping on the ice. You can even buy ice grips for high heels and stiletto shoes.
Some nonslip shoe coverings consist of spikes on a piece of rubber. This is then put over your shoe to give grip. The Yeti Snow Claw or IceGrips are two great solutions. Others snow spikes for shoes include Springyard, Get-A-Grip, Yak Trax and Pogo.

Supatracks.com supply sets ice studs for hiking and work boots. They can be quickly and easily installed into any sturdy foot wear. They provide a massive increase in traction and grip. When the weather or conditions improve, they are just as easily removed with the provided tool.

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A cheap alternative to buying ice and snow grips for shoes that will stop you slipping on the ice is to wear a pair of woolly socks over the outside of your shoes when walking on ice and snow. It is the wetness of the ice that makes it slippy. Wool wicks away the moisture and sticks to ice and snow. If you make snowballs with woolly gloves on you will notice that the snow sticks to the wool in clumps.

So, if you want superb grip for your shoes when walking on ice and snow, put a pair of woolly socks over your shoes. If you want to look stylish, you might prefer to buy ice grips for your shoes from Amazon
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Grip in Ice and Snow in Your Car

Snow socks for car tyres – If you want to also stop slipping about on ice and snow while out driving without the hassle of snow chains, get yourself some clever fabric covers for your tyres for instant grip.

Snow Shovels – If you need to dig yourself out of the snow, make sure you have a decent snow shovel.

The post Yaktrax Snow Chains and Ice Grips for Shoes appeared first on Active Outdoors.

There are several different applications for snow shovels; clearing your path, clearing the road, digging your car out of the snow. Although you can use the same type of snow shovel for all of them, you might want to get one suitable for your use.

If you want to have a snow shovel in your car as an emergency snow shovel, a normal snow shovel or long handle snow shovel may not fit into your trunk. So, you will find a folding snow shovel ideal for the job. You may want to have a metal folding snow shovel as it is better at shovelling up frozen compact snow on roads.

I have seen people on their hands and knees with a dustpan and brush trying to clear snow from their paths. Don’t make life difficult for yourself. If you want to quickly get that path cleared of snow, buy yourself a snow shovel.

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