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Gore-Tex Knee-high Gaiters
I hesitate to buy them when my good friends told me to.
But once I tried them, I will never go into the backcountry without them.
They prevent sand/water/snow/mud from entering into your boots
and protect you from cuts and scratches, and even mosquito bites
if you are wearing shorts.
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The mud would have been in or on my boots if I didn't use the gaiters.
It also keep my lower legs dry, warm and well ventilated.
Get a pair of gaiters made of Gore-tex and with a durable under strap.
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Waterproof Sombrero (round hat)
Remember the last time you put on your gore-tex jacket hood to cover your head.
It worked, right? But did you notice you couldn't hear anything that you friends
said. Your friend had to either yell very loudly or speak in front of you. It
is so nice to have a waterproof sombrero (or round hat) to cover your forehead,
ears and your neck, and more importantly you will hear more of what you friends
are trying to say.
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The sombrero protect me from rain and sun, and I can hear my friends from behind.
Get one with Gore-tex shell and mesh liner.
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Crazy Creek type Camp Chair
Notice that it is difficult to find a chair to support your back in the open
country so that you can lean back and relax. Most people will just sit on
the ground and lean against their backpacks. Bring a Crazy Creek type folding
Chair. You can sit on it, use it as a kneeling pad, a bump pad, a fan, a
windscreen or an umbrella if you need to. It is actually very handy and versatile.
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I can sit back and relax and I don't have
to worry about the wet ground and rocks
underneath my bump.
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2-way 14-channel Family Radios
If you in a large group or joining another group by yourself, it is very nice
to have your own radio. You can keep close contact while you are scouting for
new trails, skiing, paddling or going off camp for a day hike. You can use it
to talk to the other drivers for directions. It is worth bringing along.
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2-way radios become very handy when you have a very large group.
But having radios also encourage people to seperate from others, this could be a probelm.
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Communal Serving Spoon
It can be annoying trying to scoop/serve soup to your bowl in
the backcountry? Bring along a measuring spoon (1/2 or 1 cup size). You can
probably get a cheap one from the dollar store. You can use it for serving food/soups,
and even measuring ingredients.
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Serving with a deep measuring
spoon (1 cup size) really helps
a lot at camp.
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Trekking Poles
They basically function as your 3rd and 4th legs. In addition to helping you balance,
more importantly it takes some weight off your knees and feet while carrying your
heavy pack. I am sure you will appreciate bringing them the 3rd day into your hiking trip.
You can also use the poles as tarp poles, for hanging laundry or to test how deep a
creek is.
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