Other Equipment

This blog is dealing with other hiking equipment

not yet covered.  It will not be dealing with safety

equipment that will be tomorrows blog.  First off

one of the things mentioned was the different

between what is put on the back and shoulders

and the difference on the legs.   Some people do

not use hiking poles, I however like them a lot.

  The main reason I like them is they make it easy

on my legs and have prevented me from falling

a few times.  I have no real preference for type

just a good solid built set that is light weight and

collapsible.  On my 2005 hike I used my skiing

poles and they worked great, they just weren’t

very collapsible and when you are in town to pick

up supplies it helps a lot.  For sleeping bags I

have no real preference this is however a very

tricky item.  I prefer down to foam as it packs

smaller, however price is an issue here because

the better and smaller the sleeping bag the

higher the cost.  For my 2005 hike a purchase

a +5 bag cheap, should of had a better lower

rated bag but I did not want to spend the

money on it and for the most part the bag

was okay, not great just okay.  So for the up

coming PCT hike I purchase a better bag

spent quit a lot doing it but I prefer comfort

and warmth over being cold.  Now under the

sleeping bag goes a pad either foam or air or

a combo of both.  Therma-rest makes several

types as does Big Agnes, Coleman and others.

Find one you like take it and all you equipment

into a field or backyard and try them out before

you do a big hike. You do not want to spend

an uncomfortable 6 months trying to look sane

as you go insane. Now as for bathing equipment

one towel, a bar of soap, tooth brush (shortened),

toothpaste and some baby wipes and that is it for

personal hygiene products and this blog.

See you all tomorrow.

P.S remember to buy a hiking backpack big enough for all

your stuff and not to heavy, for this check out Go-lite and

Granite Gear.