CamelBak Annadel Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com

If you're not a member at the gym or just really like the outdoors, chances are good that, now and again, you go for a run/walk/hike/bike ride that requires you to bring more water than just a little bottle. Or, you might just want to keep your hands free -- I know I have a really hard time reaching for a water bottle while on a bike without eating dirt.

There's a simple (and affordable) solution to all of these -- a hydration pack. CamelBak has been making a wide range of hydration packs over the years to suit a variety of needs. They have options for an expanding array of sports and sizes. The latest women's design is the Annadel, which I just tried out.

The Annadel ($45) is fairly compact, holding one to two hours of hydration (50 oz) and not a whole lot else. There's a pocket for keys, phone and a few other basics. My husband went with the Rogue ($55), which is also fairly streamlined but holds over two hours of hydration (70 oz) and a little more cargo than mine.

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There's nothing wrong with giving a standard Father's Day tie as a gift. But if you really want to make dad happy, plan some active time together with the family.

Hiking is a great option as June weather is perfect for it. Plus, a hike can be adjusted to work for any fitness level/family structure. Have little kids or is dad new to hiking? Pick an easy, well-groomed trail. If everyone is up for something more challenging, there are trails that will provide that in spades. Not only is hiking an excellent workout, it's an escape from the day-to-day grind, a chance to connect with family, and it does wonders for your stress level... all things dad would appreciate.

To find a hiking trail, you can check with your local parks and recreation office. You can also search an online database such as GORP's trail listing.

If you also want to give dad something wrapped with a bow, why not choose a gift that fits with the day's activity? There are plenty of hiking-themed gifts that will inspire dad to be active all year. A summer or year-long pass to area or state parks would be great, a Roll-a-Table is perfect for hiking or camping trips, and a water bottle or Camelbak hydration pack is always a good idea.

Check out Jacki's post for some more fit Father's Day ideas.

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Mark Allen Church

Age: 42

Occupation: IT Project Manager

How often do you exercise? Most of the time, I train four times a week.

What type of exercise do you do? Cardio and weights twice a week. I also play racquetball and mountain hike once each week.

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? Knowing I can avoid the energy drop that comes from missing exercise.

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In case this video compels you to book a fit vacation, I thought I'd include these links for my favorite healthy vacation spots!

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That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Name: Chuck Marshall

Age: 44

Occupation: Programmer

How often do you exercise? Five to six days a week .

What type of exercise do you do? Body weight strength training and cardio. I like to do intervals, elliptical, rowing, and running (when I'm not injured).

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Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

As a three-time Sports Illustrated cover model and world famous supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs knows quite a bit about being beautiful. I suppose this makes her a perfect fit for her role as judge on ABC's new reality show True Beauty, which debuts this Monday, January 5 at 10 PM. Instead of really judging the unsuspecting contestants on their physical beauty, though, Cheryl and her cohorts will be removing folks who act really ugly. That should be fun to watch.

In the gallery below, you'll find more about the show and Cheryl's beauty tricks. You just might learn something new about Cheryl Tiegs -- for example, did you know she once gained a good deal of weight? Click below for more!

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KEEN Footwear offers some of the coolest most comfortable fashions for everything from long hikes to date nights. KEEN shoes are fun, sporty, and versatile and you may just be able to score yourself a free pair! In fact, if you win the giveaway, you could win anything on the KEEN website. Socks, shoes, purses, laptop bags and backpacks are up for grabs.

Oh ... and entering is ridiculously easy. All you have to do is visit KEENFootwear.com and decide which pair of shoes you like best and then write in this comment section which style you love and what you would want to go do in them.

And just so nobody walks away feeling like a loser, KEEN has offered That's Fit readers a special promo code to get free shipping on anything you purchase. That code is FITFREE and you deserve every penny that you save!

Keep reading for official Giveaway Guidelines ...

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Do you have people in your life who just aren't satisfied with a jog around the neighborhood? You can foster your loved ones' adventurous spirits with holiday gifts that are as rugged as they are.

You can find adventure sport gear or accessories that fit any budget. Do keep in mind that certain items -- especially wearables such as helmets -- require a certain fit, so be sure to purchase items that can be easily exchanged if they don't fit correctly. Check out the gallery for some ideas.

So what are your plans for Labor Day? Frankly, the holiday sneaked up on me this year. What with back-to-school and work deadlines and other things I have on my mind, I completely forgot about it. My son and I will find something fun to do, though. We'll probably visit with family and maybe go to the BMX track (my son's favorite activity).

When making your Labor Day plans, keep health in mind. Some ideas:

• When grilling for your Labor Day BBQ, choose leaner cuts of meat and grill plenty of vegetables. You can also grill some fruits (peaches, plums, pineapple) for dessert. Remember to keep grilling safety in mind, too.
  
• Skip the chips and mayo-laden salads. Instead offer more healthful choices like veggie trays, yummy mixed green salads, and fruit salad.
• Plan some active time with family and friends. You can set up a volleyball net in the backyard, hold a basketball competition, or swim. Kids would also enjoy relay races and active games like red light, green light.
  
• Go on a Labor Day outing. Hike along a nature trail, bike on a rail trail, or visit a nearby beach (and don't just lay around -- swim and be active).

This weekend my son and I are going on a vacation. While we're staying in a cabin, we'll be spending most of our time outdoors -- at the beach, sand dunes, nature trails, and hiking paths. Both my son and I love to explore and check out what nature has to offer. A new web portal, Andy Camper, is all about outdoor adventures for kids.

The site offers dozens of how-to videos for kids; from geocaching to watching the stars. The site aims to get kids excited about the outdoors and to reconnect them with nature through fun, engaging ideas and activities.

My son is really into bugs right now (except spiders... they freak him out). Tonight, we're going to make this cool water viewer to help us look for bugs and other critters in the lake this weekend. Check it out! You're sure to find fun activities for you and your kids whether you're heading out on a special outdoor adventure, or just want to do some exploring in your own backyard.

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Is exercising naked all the rage? I don't know about that, but when Fitz posted about doing naked push-ups, readers sure had a lot to say about it!

Naked push-ups in the privacy of your own bathroom are one thing, but what about hiking naked? Yep, out in the woods, where they'll be more of you to see than the nature surrounding you.

Are there advantages? For one, you'd be cooler! I think, though, that the real impetus behind the hiking naked movement is about the state of mind, the freedom, the becoming one with nature as opposed to being a backpacking tourist.

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After reading this story about a girl could become paralyzed because of Lyme Disease, I started to feel a little bit of panic coming on. After all, I live in one of the most stunning places in the world and spend a fair bit of time outdoors, camping and biking and hiking and such. I've never really been aware of Lyme disease, and started to wonder if I should be more worried about it.

Luckily, our friends over at Fitsugar recently explored this topic. Turns out there's not any need to panic ... well, sort of.

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Camping -- especially when you hike into back country -- is not only a fun summer activity, it's health-promoting as well. Cooking when you're in the back country can be a bit of an adventure. You need to have food that's easily portable, prepared with minimal tools, has only waste that can be easily carried out with you, and is energizing. On top of all that, you don't want to sacrifice flavor.

The American Hiking Society is searching for your best camping recipes. Submit your recipes with a photo and a short story about how you created the recipe. If your recipe is selected, it will be used in a Volunteer Vacation cookbook. Submissions are being accepted through July 31st.

[via SmarterFitter blog]

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Until I adopted my son last summer, I had never really gone hiking. At least not where hiking was the main reason for going out -- I had reluctantly hiked to campgrounds and other destinations, but I'd never hiked strictly for the sake of hiking. I just didn't see the point.

Then, last summer, my son and I discovered a wooded area in a neighboring town. It's right off the main drag, but there are acres and acres of protected woods. The trails are groomed and the inclines are gentle, so it's definitely a playground for the novice hiker.

I thought I was doing it for some quality time with my son. To my great surprise, I found that I enjoyed it for myself. There's something about hiking that is a true escape from your life. Deadlines, bills, dirty dishes, and life's other little stresses just seem so far away when you're surrounded by nature. Even on the easy trails my son and I choose, I still get a great workout.

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While any kind of exercise is good for your health, a hike on a nature trail has added perks. Many people who live in cities or towns are rarely exposed to nature. And even those who live in a more natural setting often spend their days packed into office cubicles like so many sardines. Escaping to a park or nature preserve for your daily dose of exercise not only does your body good, it also soothes your mind.

While there may not be actual medical evidence pointing to the benefits of nature, you can do your own "study" of sorts. Exercise on a treadmill one day and then go for a hike on a wooded trail another. Just see what type of exercise leaves you feeling more energized, more at peace, and more in stress free.

The gym has a place in our lives. It serves its purpose. But there's something to be said for a jaunt through the woods -- so head outside and enjoy!

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