Month: June 2016

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First of all, what is a firefighter turnout gear? Firefighter turnout gear also known as a "bunker gear" is the term used by firefighters to describe the different protective clothing they use when fighting a fire. The term bunker gear is derived from the fact that fire fighter will keep their boots, trousers and jackets are commonly stored at the "bunk". In the UK and Ireland they use the term Fire Kit, while in Hong Kong they call it the Incident Gear. Later on, the term turnout gear is then adapted.

In the early days of fire fighting around the mid 19th century, the firefighters would use trousers and red shirt made of wool. Wool is the choice of material to ward off the heat from fire flames and keep the firefighter warm during the winter. Rubber slickers or rubber coats that extend to the fire fighters mid thigh are worn over trousers and shirt. They will also use a helmet and their own leather gloves and leather boots. Later on, the leather boots were replaced with rubber boots mostly just above the knees but some of these rubber boots can be worn up to the hips just like modern waders and this was termed three-quarter boots. This ensemble later on was changed to a combination of pants with suspenders, jacket and shorter boots made of rubber or leather.

After the second world war, various organizations have pushed the standardization of turnout gears to be implemented. This issue required all fire departments to adhere to the minimum standard design, performance safety testing and certificates were required for all components of the gear. Some of this standards includes a first layer withstanding 500 ° F for five minutes. The second layer that prevents moisture from penetrating the gear. The third layer should provide insulation from high levels of heat.

By the 1980s, a new gear was introduced this is composed of three layers of materials. The first outer layer material can withstand 1,200 ° F before breaking down. The second layer is a moisture releasing material from within the gear. The third material is a synthetic layer that is fire resistant that can withstand fire for seven seconds. Just enough time for the fire fighter to get to safety. In addition to all that, once out of the fire this material will self extinguish. After this is introduced all American fire houses have adapted this as their standards for their turnout gears.

This has been the start of the Modern Firefighting Era. And now on the 20th century, modern turnout jackets and pants are made of fire resistant fabrics (from Aramids like Nomex or Kevlar) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers. These multi layer turnout gears are now equipped with (SCBA) self-contained breathing apparatus, (PASS) Personal Alert Safety System device, thermal imaging cameras and modern communications equipments that made it more feasible and survivable to enter burning buildings.

Looking back, we have come so far with the help of technology. We can only hope that this can further develop since a firefighter turnout gear can be a lifeline for our firefighters.

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Source by Tyler Burns

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Smelly boots, chintzy bindings, and rock-beaten decks; this is the common snowboard rental experience. How long do you have to use this second-hand crap anyway?

Plus, renting equipment is generally a hassle and can get expensive fast. Would not it just be cheaper and easier to invest in your own gear and pay a one-time fee?

Keep these tips in mind as you consider whether or not owning your own snowboard equipment would be worth it …

1. For first-timers

If you've never been snowboarding before, you should always rent – in fact, you may want to rent the first few times you head to the hill.

Rental boards are tailor-made to help a new rider through the learning process. Plus, with a rental board you do not have to worry about damage when you ride off of the trail and into the dirt.

Even if you are planning a longer vacation and the price of renting seems greater than buying, you are better off sticking with the rental equipment. You might find that after the first few full days of snowboarding, you need a few days off to recuperate; you will not be needing a board the entire vacation after all.

2. Do not rent, demo

If you can shape turns down a green slope, it might be time to start thinking about customized gear as you start to further advance your skills.

But if you do not get that many days on the hill, maybe you do not need to spend all of that money just yet?

A renter who is looking for an upgrade without making a commitment should consider demoing. Demos are legit, name-brand board, boot and binding models available for rent from most rental shops.

Demos usually cost a bit more than average rentals, but they are a great way to start shopping for your first setup by testing several available-for-purchase models. Demos are like sticking your toe in the pool, instead of just jumping in.

3. Go feet first

You really are On the if itching to get out of your rental gear, but you are On unsure how much you will ride or you simply do not have the cash for a decent full setup , Consider spending some dough on your first pair of snowboard boots.

Boots are the single worst part of the rental experience. Most rental books reek something fierce; they are all packed out from having so many pairs of feet in them and usually the liners are so beat that the boot offers virtually no support.

Probably 80% of the difficulties people experience when using rentals come from poor boot fit.

One thing in snowboarding you will hear over and over, "Boots are the most important piece of your equipment". Since boots are the first step in relaying your movements into snowboarding, they should be the first piece of equipment you invest in.

I guarantee that owning your own pair of custom-fit boots will make more of difference on snow than any board or binding will. Following article from this the Angry Snowboarder features excellent tips on getting a boot That's practically made ​​for you.

One final tip: you will know when you need to buy your own snowboard gear. You will feel like your rental gear does not turn hard enough, or go fast enough, or pop high enough; and depending on which of those it is, you will also have a good idea of ​​what to look for in your first setup.

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Source by Lou G

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The horsey-set is back in vogue. According to Advertising Age Mad Men has all of the fashion world buzzing, "The 1960s-era AMC series is causing a stir in the fashion world this fall, with designers citing it as their muse and retailers stocking their shelves accordingly. Thanks to Don Draper , Joan Holloway and the gang, slim suits, skinny ties, sheath dresses and pearls are finding their way into the closets of consumers. "

Most sought after is Betty's equestrian style, which is on track to inspire a barn size wardrobe.

However, one must start somewhere, and in clothing, one must start at the bottom and work up, which means a dandy pair of riding boots. Wikipedia defines riding boots as a "classic boot comes high enough up the leg to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the leg of the rider, has a sturdy toe to protect the rider's foot when on the ground, and has a distinct heel to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. "

Translation? That means looking good, while being prepared for anything! Safety first, according to Wikipedia! "The modern riding boot is relatively low-heeled, with a heel of less than one inch, though historically a higher heel was common, as it has always been critically important for riding boots to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup.

Today, only some styles of cowboy boot retain a higher heel than other modern riding boots. "Now you have an excuse for buying new riding attire, it's fashionable AND sensible. Here is a typical fall ensemble: Lots of layers, European-inspired, print-on-print equestrian outfits that scream old money and of course a posh pair of riding boots.

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Source by Vanessa Constanti

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Christmas is just around the corner, and gift-buying season beckons (that is, if it has not already started in earnest in your locality yet)! So start thinking and looking for gifts now, or else you'll end up doing 11th-hour Christmas shopping, just when prices have already gone up!

Thinking of buying shoes as gifts for Christmas? Sheepskin boots would make for an ideal gift at this time of the year, because of the ice-cool temperatures brought about by winter. And if you and me are on the same "wavelength", what better sheepskin boots to give than a pair of genuine, honest-to-goodness "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots, right? As they say, "give nothing but the best!" But the problem is, where should you look for authentic "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots? Sure, you might say that 't here are actually lots of stores in my area selling authentic "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots, but are you sure that they are, indeed, authentic "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots? And are you even remotely aware of the "controversy" or "" dispute "between Australian bootmakers and the American company that makes the authentic" UGG Australia "sheepskin boots? If you are not aware of this so-called" controversy or "dispute" , then check out the Wikipedia article about UGG Boots.

Now that you have spent some time educating yourself about the American and Australian "interpretation" of the word "UGGs" and the background behind the "UGG Australia" controversy, let's move forward as I show you the ways by which you can distinguish a pair of genuine "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots from fake ones. Let me begin, however, by saying that all of my "hints", "pointers", notes and remarks that follow are applicable ONLY to "UGG Australia" boots found in an "actual" store and not a "virtual" one (such as those "online" stores and / or "retailers"), okey? For purposes of conciseness or brevity, I "ll talk about spotting fake UGGs among" virtual "or" online "stores in another discussion.

Let's start the ball rolling by talking about the PRICE. Genuine "UGG Australia" sheepskin boots are quite expensive. I will not mention any figures, because prices vary and change from time to time. But here's what I sUGGest you can do to "root out" obvious fakes: if there are several stores offering UGGs in your area, check out each and everyone's prices. If they "re all bunched together within a small range, that means 1.) Either they are all selling genuine UGGs, which is good; or 2.) They are all selling fakes, which is too bad. My point is, if one store offers a price that is significantly much , much lower than the others, then, in any language, that's a giveaway that that store is selling fake UGGs.

Now, suppose they all indeed sell UGGs in a tightly-bunched price range. What should you do next? Check out their LOOKS. Here are several visible 'telltale signs "that give away fakes:

• If one or all of a particular boot's labels (both outside and inside) show "Made in Australia" or "Made in New Zealand", then those definitely are fakes. Because Deckers has been manufacturing them in China for quite some time now.
• If the quality of the stitching is very bad, then it's a fake. Of course, it might be difficult to distinguish "very bad" from "bad" and from "good", but if it is obviously very bad, then the boots are fakes.
• Look at the store's black-colored UGGs. Geniune black-colored UGGs have black-colored soles and black labels with the "UGG" logo in white, whereas fake "black" UGGs have tan-colored soles and brown (or non-black) labels.
• Ask for the "Nightfall" model. If the "Nightfall" presented to you is any other color but Chestnut, it is a fake. Deckers only makes "Nightfall" in Chestnut.
• Ask for a "Sundance" model. If you see a "Sundance" in any other color but Chestnut Sand or Chocolate, it is a fake. Deckers has stopped making it in Black. There may be old stock around, but anyone selling large amounts of them is probably selling fakes.
• While still on the subject of boot color, take note that there are no "camel" -colored UGGgs. So if someone offers you one, bingo!
• In a genuine UGG, the sheepskin fur around the boot matches the colour of the boot but the sheepskin fur at the bottom of the boot, where your foot sits, is always natural (or "cream") in color.
• The sole of a genuine UGG is about a half-inch or more, while the soles of fakes are very thin, like maybe ¼-inch.
• Now try looking at the "size" label of their women's and kid's UGGs, if they have any. All the Euro, UK, and US sizes are shown on a kid's UGG, whereas the women's UGG only shows the US size on it.
• If a blue card or a brown "leather" pinned-on tag (some of these might say "Made by CGM Co. Ltd."), or a dust bag in a light brown or beige colour saying "UGG" or sometimes "Snow Boots "goes with the pair of UGGs, then it's a fake. Most "innocent" purchasers are fooled by this seeming "attention to detail" or "extra touches". The truth is that no pair of genuine "UGG Australia" boot has a pinned-on label (or with "sample fur" attached) or comes with a dust / protection bag or shopping bag!
• If you happen to bring with you (or wear) a pair of genuine UGGs, or one of your companions brought with him his genuine UGGs, try to compare your genuine UGGs with a fake side-by-side; a fake one that is the same "model" as your genuine UGGs either will be taller or shorter than yours.
• Also, while still on the subject of side-by-side comparison, the "UGG" label on the rear of the boots is higher up on a fake and the lettering is different from the genuine UGG. The letters may have gaps between them in the fake, while in the real, they are overlapping. Lastly, the word "australia" on the "UGG Australia" logo is in a bolder font on the fake than on a genuine UGG.

Now, suppose that the counterfeiters have exceedingly gotten better, and, so far, the UGGs you are looking at have passed all the "visual" tests above. There are yet some more 'tests "that you can do to" root out "the fakes. For instance, try this FIT TEST: If you know your boot size, try asking for a pair of UGGs whose size is higher up by one" notch "than your size, then try wearing them. If they are genuine UGGs, they should fit snugly, or they should even be a little loose-fitting. Fake UGGs, on the other hand, are notoriously ill-fitting!

Want more 'tests "? Try these simple FUR TESTS: Look at the boot's interior fur. Genuine UGG fur are fluffy-looking and thick, and they should have a rich cream color. Fake UGG fur, on the other hand, are synthetic and are thin- and delicate-looking, and they are "greyish" or "white", instead of being cream-colored. Now "feel" the fur with your hands. They should "feel" very soft. Next, try rubbing your fingers against them. You could tell the fakes because bits of them would "come off" or "come away" even with just a slight "rubbing." Lastly, smell the boot's interior and the fur. If there's even just a slight paint or " lacquer "smell to them, then that's your indication that the boots are fake. Genuine UGG fur do not have even just a slight hint of that" lacquery "smell, because genuine fur does not have to be dyed to" pass "it off as the "real thing".

Let's try a "new" approach to these 'tests "; instead of testing the boots, let's TEST THE SELLER. Here are some ways by which it can be done:

1. Strike up a conversation with the seller about UGGs and where they are made. If he / she mentions that the genuine ones are made in Australia and / or New Zealand, then he / she is selling fakes. Likewise, if the seller fails to mention the Deckers Outdoor Corporation (or Deckers, Inc.) as the "parent" company, then that's another sign that he / she is selling fakes.
2. Try "feigning" a slight disappointment with the "model" or boot size that was presented to you, like perhaps it's just not what you want. If the seller says, "Take your time choosing. I have lots of different" models "and sizes for you to choose from.", Then, chances are, he / she is selling fakes, because UGGs are, by the very nature of their "raw" materials, scarce or in limited supplies. Anyone who has a truckload of them at this time of the year is highly suspicious!
3. Next, look around the place and try mentioning a "model" that is not there, asking him / her if he can "order" it, how many days it will take, and from where does he / she get it. If the seller mentions getting it directly from his supplier in China, then he / she is selling fakes. While it is true that all of Deckers "UGGs are manufactured in China, a seller / reseller does not get them directly from China.

That's it. I have already covered the bases here. By no means this is a "comprehensive" list of 'tips "on discerning a genuine UGG from a fake one; in fact, a fake UGG may pass all of the" visual "telltale signs which I mentioned above (perhaps because the counterfeiters themselves have "wised up"), but, for sure, a lot of fake UGGs fail the "FIT TEST" and the "FUR tESTS" mentioned above, while a lot of their sellers fail the 'tEST tHE SELLER "tests.

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Source by Jennifer B Ashton

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Red Wing shoes can be worn with jeans, in fact it is actively encouraged! Boot-cut style jeans look the best as their slightly flared bottoms give plenty of space to comfortably fit over the shoes and allow them to naturally show off their shape and form.

Generally speaking, you should avoid skinny-fit and slim-cut style jeans when you wear Red Wing shoes. Skinny jeans are designed to fit straight to your skin, giving no room for your boots or to move around in. One exception to this rule, is if you're going for an alpine-punk look, in which case distressed skinnies would look great with your Red Wing shoes. If you have a pear shape body, or if your legs are a little chubby, you can wear slouchy or baggy jeans. Pear shaped and larger people should generally try to avoid skinny and tight jeans as they fit to your legs very tightly and so it's a very unflattering look for them. If you're in doubt, leave them out!

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the best look comes from boot cut jeans as they have a slight flare at the bottom which allows even the largest models of Red Wing boots to fit snugly underneath. However, if you do not like boot cuts or feel that the weather is too hot or otherwise unsuitable for them, there are a couple of other options. Firstly, you can wear cropped jeans or pants – these are jeans that are designed so that they stop above your feet, often just three quarters of the way down your leg. When paired with Red Wing shoes, these will appear to stop just above where your shoe begins, giving a very natural looking transition from pants to shoes.

The second way of getting around the boot-cut jeans problem is to roll the bottoms up. This can be done on any style except for the tightest styles of jeans and pants, but is especially good on straight-cut jeans as they give an even roll-up. If your jeans are a raw denim style, dark color or feature a very distinctive or dominant selvage, it is already very on-trend and fashionable to wear your jeans with roll-ups. The best roll-ups are those about 3-4 inches in height, and sit just on the peak or slightly below the top of the shoe. If you are wearing Red Wing boots rather than shoes, take take to overlap a few inches of the boots as otherwise you will look unbalanced and disproportionate. If you're wearing Red Wing shoes, feel free to wear the jeans rolled up so that they are sitting just above the top of the shoe.

If you're wearing your Red Wing shoes in a casual way, be sure to accessorize correctly. Try to wear a belt that matches the shade of your boots or shoes. They need not be an exact match, but avoid mistakes like wearing a green belt with a mahogany colored shoe. If the weather demands it, do not forget to match up your outfit with a hat and scarf. If you are not sure what color your hat and scarves should be, try this to begin with. Match your scarf with your belt – the more exact the match the better. For the hat, you'll need a similar (but not identical) color and a similar 'spirit'. Extravagant scarves require extravagant hats. Do not match a 3-tone, goose feather, body-curler scarf with a blue and red baseball cap. Keep things simple to start with too. Once we you gain a little confidence you can start experimenting with different colors and styles. If you insist on wearing gloves, try to get those that match with the belt and scarf.

When shopping for Red Wing shoes, it is vital that you get the right size. They must not be too tight around your feet and legs as that would detract from the flexibility it would offer. On the other hand, they must not be too loose so that they slop behind you as you walk. This would lead to blisters, uncomfortable feet and potentially risking falling over and injuring yourself.

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Source by Dave Kerr

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Are you looking for women's brown riding boots? Or maybe women's black riding boots? Did you already decide what color you want? If so, you definitely need to know some facts about these colors, it might change your mind. So keep on reading and I will reveal you a secret and where to find them.

Brown color also known as a cognac look. And the texture of the leather shows up much better on the cognac than on black especially if you look for a somewhat rugged looking rider boots.

So many people choose black color boots, because it goes well with almost any color except the very dark. It has conflicting connotations, can be serious and conventional. Women usually choose black color boots because it's mysterious, sexy and sophisticated. So we can say that black boots look more "money" than the brown boots. If you're short or have short legs than black boots with black pants will elongate your legs and also take away attention from your hips.

If you choose brown color than you probably are down-to-earth. It's a warm color, can stimulate appetite, so many women choose brown boots to stand out of the crowd. If you love attention and loads of compliments than this color is definitely for you because brown boots will make your feet stand out more. Also brown leather boots look better when you wear them slouchy.

But if you're typical girl and still do not know what color riding boots to buy than simply open your wardrobe and decide what would be most versatile. The majority of women's rider boots are black, but the question is do you want to be like most people? We girls, like to be unique and how fantastic feel would be to have a unique pair of black or brown boots within next 48 hrs?

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Source by Amanda Coole

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For those style conscious ladies who always want to show their charm by taking all advantages of their slim figures and tempting curves, what a pity when winter sets in as such a cold season is definitely not suitable for exposure! Nevertheless, creative and active human beings never get trapped here. Every season comes along with its own enticement and this is a belief that withstands the test of time. Winter fashion trends are seen with a rich variety of warm clothes and cozy accessories. You can buy clothing that are made from warmer materials like wool and cashmere and that also reflect the colors and patterns from this season 's clothing trends. At any rate the trendiest fashion sense will also relay partially on the timeless winter classics thereby you won 't need to replace your entire winter wardrobe to keep in fashion.

To update a stylish winter wardrobe that fits the current winter fashion trends, your footwear is surely the starter. Browsing through winter footwear choices available in the market, cute sheepskin winter boots are set to give a hint for the trendiest fashion sense. Honestly speaking, it is not uncommon to see girls wearing some big bulky looking boots walking down the streets with head held high. Whatever, the ensemble look is so cool and cute. Over the past decades, modern people have been buzzing in shoe stores for these boots at the beginning of every winter season. Probably you may not think that winter boots offer much flexibility when it comes to fashion choices there are really a lot of great options for these sheepskin boot styles. Moreover, these cute sheepskin boots will never let you down when it comes to boost your winter pleasure as well as accomplish your aspiration to be a savvy fashion guru.

Sheepskin fashion motif is all about a multitude of color choices, unequal comfort and warmth and unadorned fashion expression of versatility. And these cute sheepskin winter boots can be easily figured out with that cartoon cute looks. Pure and simple, only high end furry sheepskin is adopted to craft these shoes and their flat soled, fluffy appearance is streamlined with sleek yet sophisticated sheepskin leather. The ensemble look is big but really lovely for any type of true fashion statement. Tried and true, these boots are matchless to comfort freezing toes and keep feet extremely warm even in inclement weather. Actually, these boots have stirred up a hot tide in the world of fashion which used to be fraught with fashion over comfortable shoes. The appearance of these boots is revealing for both fashion mavens and ordinary people, indeed.

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Source by Aonnie Green

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Understanding the anatomy of a ski boot will allow you to make an educated purchase as well as improve your ability to use your ski equipment effectively. The ski boot is the integral link between you and your ski. The movement and energy your body initiates is translated to the ski through the boot. Each component of a ski boot plays a specific role in both fit and performance.

Buckles

The buckles are what latch the ski boot closed. While there are many styles of buckles, the key components are the ladder, the bail, and the buckle itself. The ladder is the graduated rung that the bail, or wire, hooks onto so that the buckle can close to latch the boot tightly around the foot or ankle. Ski boots may have as many as four buckles, each drawing the boot tightly around a different segment of the foot or ankle.

Flex Adjustment

The flex of a boot is determined by the shins ability to move forward against the resistance the upper cuff of the boot provides. A stiffer boot will increase performance but is often less comfortable. A softer, more flexible boot will absorb more impact from the terrain but at the cost of performance. The flex adjustment allows the skier to fine-tune the stiffness of the boot to balance comfort and performance.

Forward Lean Adjustment

Simply explained, the forward lean of a boot is the amount the boot forces your ankle to bend when you are standing in it. Boots equipped with a forward lean adjustment can be fine-tuned to your own neutral athletic stance, where your knees and ankles are bent and your weight is primarily on the balls of your feet but evenly balanced from side to side so you are ready to respond quickly and move in any direction. (This is not a very comfortable way to stand for long periods of time but then you should not be standing around in your boots anyway!).

Footbed

The footbed of a ski boot provides the support for the sole of the foot. The greater the surface area of ​​the foot making contact with the footbed the better the control and performance of the boot. For this reason, many skiers turn to custom moldable footbeds that match the contours of the foot perfectly.

Inner Liner

The inner liner provides both comfort and protection while increasing the performance of the ski. The padding of the inner liner cushions the foot and ankle, protects it from friction, impact and cold as well as creating full foot contact, which forms the foundation for energy to transfer from the body to the ski. Ski performance is directly related to how well the foot contacts the inner liner of the boot and how well the inner liner integrates with the outer shell.

Lateral Upper-Cuff Adjustment

The lateral upper-cuff adjustment is used to improve the lateral alignment of the leg in order to create a stable stance compensating for misalignment of the upper and lower leg.

Outer Shell

Typically made of plastic or composite, the outer shell provides stability to the boot and is primarily responsible for the transfer of energy from the body to the ski. The rigidity of the boot also provides foot and ankle protection.

Power Strap

The power strap is a Velcro at the top rim of the boot that secures the upper cuff comfortably around the calf.

Ramp Angle Adjustment

The ramp angle is the angle between your heel and the ball of your foot in relation to the ski. This angle is created primarily by the boot and on some boots may be adjusted to shift your center of mass either forward or backward in order to maintain a neutral athletic stance with the weight balanced on the balls of the feet while still allowing for the use of the entire foot to apply pressure to the ski.

Ski / Walk Feature

A ski / walk feature is included on many recreational boot models. It is a hinge on the boot cuff that opens the upper cuff, reducing the forward lean allowing for more comfort off the slopes without compromising on the slope performance.

Sole

The bottom of the boot that makes contact with the ski and binding is called the boot sole. Since this is the primary junction point between the boot and the ski it is critical to preserve its condition. Walking on hard surfaces can damage the boots sole changing the interaction between the boot and the binding reducing performance and safety. Toe and heel lugs are the portion of the sole that the binding grips onto. Some ski boots have replaceable lugs. This can save you some money if your boots sustain substantial wear and tear but it is better to simply protect the soles of your boots by covering them (Cat Tracks are a great product that cover and protect the soles of your boots) or refraining from walking around in your boots.

Upper Cuff

The upper cuff of a ski boot is the portion that wraps around the calf, upper ankle and shin. It is typically connected to the lower boot by a hinge and is responsible for the overall stiffness, lateral stability and forward lean of the boot.

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Source by Kjerstin Klein

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Throughout the world, people are living, working and playing in venomous snake territory every day. Venomous snakes are found in every continent besides Antarctica and are responsible for 2.5 million envenoming snake bites, resulting in up to 125,000 deaths each year. While most bites are nonlethal with the help of medical treatment and antivenin, most are also preventable. Aside from avoidance, the most effective means of snake bite prevention is by using snake protective clothing such as snake boots, snake gaiters, chaps, and gloves.

Unfortunately, the parts of the world with the most snake bites and deaths are also parts of the world where poverty is very prevalent and antivenins are very limited in supply. To make matters worse, the average person can not even fathom spending money on snake proof clothing as food and water are more important. The countries that have the highest snake bite occurrences as well as deaths are those that are located in Southern Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and most of all India.

In the United States, every state besides Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii are home to at least one of the 20 venomous snakes that are native to North America. That puts many people in contact with venomous snakes every day. North Carolina is the state that experiences the highest amount of bites with 19 of 100,000 people being bitten per year. Even though the national average is much lower at 4 per 100,000 people, the risk is still there and needs to be addressed. As stated earlier, the best defense against snake bites is avoidance of the areas that they call home. This though is tough when the places you live, work and play are the same areas that snake do the same. For these situations there is snake protective clothing that has been responsible for preventing innumerous painful, if not fatal, snake bites.

Here is a list of the different types of snake protective clothing and the ways in which it prevents bites:

Snake Boots

Perhaps the common method of snake protection is through the use of snake boots. Most snake boots that are designed to stand alone in snake bite prevention are more than twice the height of regular boots. The common length is between 16 and 18 inches, which is beyond the most common striking height when it comes to the lower extremities. Most boots will resist penetration of snake bites without any special fabrics, but many of the higher end products claim to use puncture proof materials. Even though snake boots are substantially taller than standard boots, the difference in comfort goes mostly unnoticed unless the temperatures are hot. Even when noticed though, the piece of mind that snake boots give a person is worth any downside they may experience.

Snake Gaiters

A close second in snake bite prevention are Snake Gaiters. These are basically gaiters that are designed to stop the penetration of fangs. There are many different brands out there and most of them are effective at heights similar to snake boots at about 16-18 inches. Snake gaiters differ from manufacture to manufacture with the cheaper examples made out of hard plastics and PVC and the more expensive ones made out of high quality puncture proof fabrics. Obviously the more expensive fabric models are more comfortable, but they will cost a person twice as much. The main consideration when buying snake gaiters is that they are something you will wear. Most of the less expensive models are far less comfortable, hotter, and sweatier than the more expensive models. If you buy the cheap pair but do not wear them then they will not do you much good.

Snake Chaps

Designed to protect more than just the lower half of the leg, snake chaps, also known as snake leggings, typically attach to a belt or belt loop and run the entire length of the leg clear down to the boot. Snake chaps are good for areas that are home to the longer species of venomous snakes such as Diamondback Rattlesnakes and Cobras, as their reach can easily exceed that of a person's knee. Again, like gaiters, there are both expensive and less expensive brands of snake chaps. One thing that is common among the lower priced models is that many only offer snake protection to the knee and not above. This is even the case on some expensive models as well so it is important to find this information out before you buy. Protection below the knee is no better that the less restrictive and less expensive snake gaiters.

Snake Gloves

When most people think of snake bites they think of stepping on a snake and getting bit. What many fail to realize is that many snake bites occur to the fingers and hands of people. This is why snake gloves are also an important part of snake bite prevention. Most bites to the hands occur when doing such activities as gardening, picking up brush, or sticking hands in places where snakes might be hiding. As you probably already know, snakes blend into their environment very well and unless they hiss or rattle, most will not ever be seen.

Conclusion:

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Source by Chris N Jackson

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Wellington boots have come on a long way, and are now very versatile. Knowing how often you envisage wearing your boots, what for, for how long, and where, will help you to decide which ones are right for you.

What will you use your wellies for?

Taking the dog for a walk in the rain? Playing in puddles with your toddler? Watching your children's football matches? Keeping your feet dry whilst fishing on a boat at sea?

How often will you wear your wellington boots ?

If you're looking a for a pair of wellies just for wearing at one of this year's music festivals, or a camping weekend, then you're not going to want to spend a lot of money on them. If you're a farmer and practically live in your wellies, then you'll want to make sure that you get the right sort of boots that are comfortable all day long, and will last you.

Where will you wear your wellies?

If you're wearing your wellies for walking to the shops in the rain, or the school run, then your requirements will be different to someone who'll be wearing boots whilst fishing from a riverbank, or a farmer who is constantly walking in mud on the farm.

Are your wellies a good fit?

If your wellies are too loose, and you're walking in mud, or on a sandy beach, then you risk getting your welly stuck in the mud. If you wellies are too tight, then there may be circulation issues. If the wellies you choose are too small, you will not be able to wear them with thicker socks in the winter, but if they are too loose, they could fall off.

Features

You might think that wellies are just wellies, and that there is not really a great deal to choose between brands. You might be surprised though. With quick drying lining, removable inner soles for winter and summer use, and neoprene for additional warmth, wellies are perfect for all seasons, and all weathers. Do you need to be able to take your wellies off easily? What about if you have cold or dirty hands?

Colors

Wellington boots do not have to be green or black. There are many colors to choose from, and you can stand out from the crowd in loud colorful wellies, or stick with traditional colors.

If you want to keep your feet warm and dry, and comfortable all day long, in all weathers and in all conditions, why not choose Wellington boots, and know you've made a good choice?

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Source by M James