Gear Post #3 - Hiking Footwear

One of the most important items someone will need in during a hike in the woods is a good pair of hiking boots.  Walking is your mode of transportation to get you home, so you don't want to skimp on shoes that will cause you pain or blisters on your hike.

I recently picked up a pair of these - Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots.  I decided to go with a leather boot, which is a little heavier, but better for cold weather camping (which is what I will be doing mostly).  Pair these with some nice Thorlo Socks, and I will be able to cross streams and still have my feet be warm and dry.  

It is always a good idea to get your boots (and socks) in advance, and break them in together well before a hike.

Next post we will discuss cookware, stoves, and cuisine. 

Gear Post # 2 - Where to stay while on the AT

Where does one stay while hiking for several days, nights, and miles on the AT?  Well, there are 3 choices for accommodations:

1. Shelters
2. Tent
3. Under the stars

Shelters are a good choice - They are usually well maintained (generally by volunteers) and some have a water source nearby.  The only downside is that during the busy season, these can fill up fast.

Tents are always a good choice because you can go anywhere with them.  I usually carry one even if we are planning on shelter camping, just case one gets full up or for some reason or another we do not make it to a shelter or decide to push on past a shelter.  I just picked up a new tent - the REI Half Dome 2.

Very lightweight, roomy, and 2 doors - Hampton Inn has nothing on this baby.  It also has 2 vestibule areas to store gear outside the tent to make more room on the inside.  I already had a pretty decent tent that I really like, but the Half Dome 2 is about 2 1/2 pounds lighter, and at my age, every ounce counts.

I don't recommend option 3 due to unpredictable rain and animals.  nuf said.

Tune in next time........when we will discuss footwear.

Gear Post #1 - Compass, Temp, and Weather

Gear post #1 (this and all subsequent gear posts will not necessarily be posted in any order).

Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Watch.

Most of you are probably wondering why anyone would need a watch in the woods.  Well, this little baby (actually huge) does more than just tell time:

• Compass
• Finding direction on the trail.
• Altimeter
• Determining altitude on the trail helps with location.
• Barometer
• Barometric pressure can be used to predict weather conditions (important in the mountains).
• Thermometer
• Nice to know how cold it is

Plus, it kinda looks cool - makes me feel like Flava Flav.

But, it is an electronic device and can fail, so I never leave home without a backup or two :-)

Next Post: Where to Stay.