While researching Christmas gift ideas for hikers that I know need updated hiking gear, I came across a couple of posts that may help others with similar shopping objectives. So here they are:
Editors of Backpacker Magazine select the most rugged, durable outdoor gear based on their 170 collective years of backpacking, hiking and camping. Most items are still on the market, but others must be searched for on sites like Ebay Gear.
25 Toughest of the Tough
So here’s a partial list of the adventure gear items that survived Alaskan grizzlies, bug infestations, howling storms, arctic freezes and even battery acid (battery acid?!):
Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag
Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
CamelBak Omega Hydration Bladder
Trails Illustrated Maps
Arc’teryx Bora Backpack
Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiters
Ibex Icefall Jacket
ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
MSR XGK-EX Stove
Sierra Designs Tiros Tent & MSR Tough Gear
Leatherman Juice C2 Multitool
And 14 other toughest outdoor gear items. Again, many of these gear picks can be found on catalog sites like this.
Kathy Ceceri of GeekMom fame and author of The Silk Road laments her lack of “high-tech” hiking gear as she and her family tackle the Adirondack’s Algonquin High Peak.
So, after a four mile hike to New York’s second highest mountain, then a 3,000 foot climb up the Algonquin …. and then the return hike back, here’s her list of ” I wish we had this gear with us”:
Anti-shock trekking poles. Oh, my. Don’t care what kind of walking stick you own, it’s always a must-have for us as we head out on any kind of hike. And as one commenter mentioned, adjustable straps on a trek pole are a must.
Waterproof gaiters. Oh yes. Having lived most of my life along the spine of the Appalachians and Adirondacks, gaiters have long been a hiking equipment staple. At the end of the day it’s great to have dry shins … no matter how damp the underbrush.
Nylon zip-off waterproof pants. Oh, it really depends on the hike trail terrain, the weather, and possible off-trail adventures. Love wool.
Walkie talkies. Oh no. You start as a group, you hike as group, you end your day as a group. Period. I understand family “hiking dynamics”, different skill levels of friends, etc. Been there. Always enjoy the hike together.
GPS. Oh yes. Although I’ll always be a map and compass hiker, a gps must be part of your basic hiking gear. Your best shoes and socks, a sharp knife, a sturdy hiking pole, high-energy snacks, a hat and jacket, your cell phone …. and a gps. That’s how you start. If you think you may meet other hikers on the trail, include a pair of shorts. Oh yeah!
Most readers of this blog already own these hiking gear essentials. But for the novice outdoors-person to-be, her post is a great hike-off point.
And …
There is one “no-brainer” item that does need further emphasis: sunscreens. Eco-friendly, effective, sunscreens.
With one basal cell cancer cut from my cheek(face!), a good sunscreen is now part of my basic hiking pack. So what are some good sunscreen choices for the green hiker?
Eco Friendly Sunscreens
Of course, if you want fail-proof, eco-friendliest sun-block protection, wear a hat and a shirt. No joke.
Good news! CampSaver has decided to extend its Spring Fever Sale through the weekend (offer now valid through 4/4/11). If you haven’t already, be sure to take advantage of this awesome sale. Save up to 40% on tons of climbing gear, footwear, backpacks and much more!
And … free shipping for orders over $50!
Just click the banner below to check out the fantastic deals.
laments her lack of “high-tech” hiking gear as she and her family tackle the Adirondack’s Algonquin High Peak.
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