No one gear tests like a guide! Their heavy use allows them to put apparel and gear to the test as well as try out a lot of different options along the way. So, who better than our guides and wranglers to provide some insider tips for all of you!
If you were to ask our wranglers their biggest insider secret to riding horses all summer long, they would say a good pair of jeans. Look for jeans that have no gap waistbands and flat seams, so they don’t chafe your leg. Some stretch is good for a little extra give to make those hours spent in the saddle comfortable! But too much stretch can make for saggy riding pants, and overheated legs. Worried about an uncomfortable hind end? Wear a pair of padded biking shorts under your jeans, and you will be as comfortable as an old cow hand!
Sunglasses are a must for mountain biking. Our guides never leave for the trail without them! They say they are perfect for keeping dust and debris from getting in your eyes and keep the tears from forming as you zoom down those hills. And, of course, don’t even think about getting on that bike without a pair of padded bike shorts! You can thank us later for that suggestion.
Did you know that fish can see you standing in the river? To help you catch that Instagram-worthy fish, our fishing guides recommend wearing colors found in nature–think greens and browns. Our guides also recommend protection from the sun in the forms of hats, buffs, and sun shirts. Oh, don’t forget that sunscreen; the sun reflecting off the river is mighty powerful.
While tennis shoes or sneakers are great for walking around the ranch, if you are planning on an all-day hike around the Zirkel Circle or racing the guides up Hahns Peak, we recommend footwear with a bit stiffer sole and more tread for traction. The uneven and rocky terrain makes stumbling and sliding an unavoidable part of any hike. If hiking boots are too bulky or you want something a little more versatile for wear outside the ranch, then check out trail running shoes. They look more like a sneaker but are designed for the ever-changing terrain.
The post Insider Tips from the Pros first appeared on Vista Verde Ranch.
Horseback Riding
If you were to ask our wranglers their biggest insider secret to riding horses all summer long, they would say a good pair of jeans. Look for jeans that have no gap waistbands and flat seams, so they don’t chafe your leg. Some stretch is good for a little extra give to make those hours spent in the saddle comfortable! But too much stretch can make for saggy riding pants, and overheated legs. Worried about an uncomfortable hind end? Wear a pair of padded biking shorts under your jeans, and you will be as comfortable as an old cow hand!
Mountain Biking
Sunglasses are a must for mountain biking. Our guides never leave for the trail without them! They say they are perfect for keeping dust and debris from getting in your eyes and keep the tears from forming as you zoom down those hills. And, of course, don’t even think about getting on that bike without a pair of padded bike shorts! You can thank us later for that suggestion.
Fly Fishing
Did you know that fish can see you standing in the river? To help you catch that Instagram-worthy fish, our fishing guides recommend wearing colors found in nature–think greens and browns. Our guides also recommend protection from the sun in the forms of hats, buffs, and sun shirts. Oh, don’t forget that sunscreen; the sun reflecting off the river is mighty powerful.
Hiking
While tennis shoes or sneakers are great for walking around the ranch, if you are planning on an all-day hike around the Zirkel Circle or racing the guides up Hahns Peak, we recommend footwear with a bit stiffer sole and more tread for traction. The uneven and rocky terrain makes stumbling and sliding an unavoidable part of any hike. If hiking boots are too bulky or you want something a little more versatile for wear outside the ranch, then check out trail running shoes. They look more like a sneaker but are designed for the ever-changing terrain.
The post Insider Tips from the Pros first appeared on Vista Verde Ranch.