Monday, February 11, 2013

Hiking and More Hiking

I just noticed that I hadn't posted much in the last few weeks.  Of course there were some things to write about, namely the huge blizzard that hit folks on the east coast a few days ago, but with living in the desert southwest, cold, snowy days seem to be light years away from here.  Instead, I spend my days hiking in 60-70 degree weather (with the occasional 20 degree morning).  If you are new to a place, there is no better way to learn about the area than to walk with organized groups which will not only show you around unfamiliar trails, but also let you in on knowledge you may not otherwise gain.
To wit, you can usually find me hiking with these guys, these guys, and these guys with occasional forays into the Mt Charleston and Valley of Fire State Park areas.

This is what I carry for day hiking:

  • Day pack (this one was picked up for $7.95 at Ross)
  • Thin plastic rain poncho
  • Mylar emergency blanket
  • Notebook
  • Pen/highlighter
  • Zipties
  • Rubberband
  • Safety pin
  • $1.50 in quarters/$20 cash
  • Wet wipes
  • Tylenol
  • Alcohol pad
  • Bandaids
  • Floss
  • Spare memory card for camera
  • Matches
  • Lighter
  • Chapstick
  • Suntan lotion
  • Carabiner
  • Thumb drive with backup files
  • Ziploc bag
  • Multi tool
  • Pocket knife
  • Flashlight
  • Whistle/compass/magnifying glass combo
  • Granola bar/candy
  • Tissue packet
  • Sunglasses
  • Paracord
  • Bandana
  • Grippy gloves (useful for the cold and for bouldering)

Now shown:

  • Clothing according to the weather, spare jacket
  • Digital camera
  • Cell phone
  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Bottle of water
  • Lunch if the hike is longer than a couple of hours
  • Small .380 handgun/extra magazine


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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:50 AM

    I enjoyed perusing your links and wish there were walking groups in my area. There is opportunity to hike with a group here several times a year but only a handful of people show up or else we could go more often. Your posts have caused me to think about what I should have with me every day and especially when I go out for activities such as hiking. I do appreciate you taking the time to share and inform!

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  2. patagon9203February 12, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    I'm a hiker but during the week (if no rain) I walk 4 kilometers to my work ( one Way) when i'm lazy I do catch a ride back home. Thats plenty of exercise weekly and then I go trekking on sundays, with the customers at the hostel. That the only way I can get hard to find items like those multi tool pocket knives, carabiners, thumb drives, etc.. Here in Argentina they got to be ordered and the freight it cost more than the product. The guest at the hostel always sell items to subsidize their vacation (tour). Their prices are not bad at all.
    Got excellent torches (NIB) for 15.00 USD (3of them).
    We dont have those big name stores but we have their products used but cheaper. A note about yuor car. Here everything is used but fuel is about the same as in Europa, one benefit we have is that we dont have to travel much to go any place. Cars are only use for traveling to another province and that really hurts, unless you find car poolers to offset the cost.
    Like your Blog. I really hope I can move one day to Las Vegas.
    Here we dont have the resources you guys have. You can find anything you need for your protection, we just have to wait several years to find someone that want to get rid of theirs.
    Not that we need it, but it is a great feeling of security to have "something" you can rely on.

    congratulations on every financial move you have made. I appears that you got the upper hand in the game.

    Patagon9203
    Trevelin, Chubut Province, Argentina.

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