BOOTS, SANDALS & SOCKS: Choosing your boots and socks is best done as a single selection. Sock thickness and design can effect the fit of a boot, so be careful when buying socks. Bring your hiking socks with you. I also recommend sock liners or under socks for anyone who endures blisters. They are an excellent preventive measure. Always buy your boots from a reputable, professional Outdoor Gear store. Big 5, Kmart, Walmart, and similar stores MAY not have experts on their staffs. Also, many stores have slant boards on which to stand, thereby testing the boot's downhill toe room. See Chapter Five on Blisters & Boot Selection for expert advice. Consider footbed (inserts may be useful); heel cup fit; soles (usage will dictate whether you choose rugged tread for rocky hiking or lighter tread for dirt trail hiking). Also test the connection between sole tread and the boot – cemented welt vs. stitch welt); above, below or ankle high construction. I prefer above ankle style for ankle support. Leather vs. synthetic uppers? I prefer synthetics for lightweight, breathability and cost. I also look for Gore-tex or other proprietary water proof fabrics in my uppers. I also look at internal lining and materials, checking for comfort and durability. Manufacturers such as Asolo, Beck NA, Danner, Garmont, Gronell, Hi-tec Sports USA, L.L. Bean, La Sportiva USA, Lowa Boots, Merrell Footwear, Montrail, Raichle Meliter USA, Salomon North America, Tecnica, Timberland, and Vasque provide a wide assortment, but your goal is not name association, it’s fit, comfort, and utility. Finally, while what you pay doesn’t guarantee quality, paying less often means getting less. Don’t scrimp on your boots. If you can't spend enough for this year's top quality boots, then look for last year's models, which should be on clearance sale. Sandals can double as stream forders and camp shoes, but do not offer sufficient arch support for extended use on the trail. Buy sandals of sufficient size (length) to protect feet against sharp rocks and roots. Attach to pack with a large carabiner. Columbia, Tecnica and Teva are major manufacturers. Never dry boots by fire or direct heat, lest the heat separate parts.
CLOTHING: Pants & Shorts. Shirts. Hats & Balaclavas. Socks. Gloves. Gaiters. Bandannas. Underwear. Layering is the way to go. Layers of thin material work best in keeping you warm, and they also allow you to remove only as much protection as necessary. Blue jeans and other cotton pants do not dry quickly – avoid them. New nylon mix shirts and pants work great, and even the long sleeve shirts allow you to be cool, while also keeping the sun off of your skin. A simple pocket storage windbreaker is also a great thing to carry, though most are not water proof. Breathability is a priority in rain gear and cold weather gear. See Parkas and Raingear below. Mud Gaiters work well to keep feet dry; Snow Gaiters keep snow out. In winter, be sure to have a stocking cap or balaclava to protect head and face. Gloves should include an inner glove of wicking material, covered by a heavier water proof glove or mitten. Fleece wear works wonderfully in providing warmth and wicking moisture. In cold temperatures, add a turtleneck style polyester shirt to keep neck warm. Read labels carefully. Stay away from cotton (socks, shirts, pants, etc.), or at least know the negatives associated with them. Desert use in hot weather may be OK, though avoid Tee Shirts due to insufficient skin protection. Look for words such as wicking, breathable, synthetic. If you’re headed high into snow, research mountaineering gear. I do not deal with this specialty sport.
COMPASSES: If you are not going to fully learn how to use a compass, both with and without a map, I recommend purchasing an inexpensive protractor compass for under $10.00. You will need nothing more. If you intend to learn orienting, then go for the hi-tech Protractor or Prismatic models. Brunton, Silva, Suunto are major manufacturers. Some compasses allow you to preset magnetic declination.
EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KITS by www.HikingwithMke.com : Keep your Emergency Survival Kit with you at all times!
Compass;
Topographical Map;
Water treatment tablets – iodine;
Backpacker’s First aid kit (see Backpacker's First Aid Kit, Tip #25);
50'rope;
2 emergency candles - great as fire start aid;
Waterproof matches;
Flint (scrape knife blade against it to create sparks);
Butane lighter as backup;
Signal Mirror;
Good pocket knife (Swiss Army style) or Multi Tool;
Emergency solar blanket;
Emergency tent (optional) (plastic fold-up);
Emergency poncho;
Emergency whistle;
Sunscreen (optional);
1 pair wool socks;
Small flashlight & spare batteries;
2 Granola Bars or Power Bars;
Medication you may need, including Aspirin or non-aspirin pain killer;
Extra bootlaces (may second as small ropes);
Sewing kit & safety pins;
A yard of thin wire (for repairs);
Small bag of salt (for body's dietary needs);
Cellular Phone - note that most of the time they will be useless in the mountains, unless you have the very expensive iridium type; check with local Ranger Station.
note #1: Bear Pepper Spray might be applicable - use only approved spray specifically formulated for bears - more powerful spray and more potent. It's more expensive than that made for people - using people spray may only enrage the bear without deterring an attack.
note #2: In winter (snow/freeze conditions) - always have extra clothing, even on day hikes, and a little more food.
note #3: In hot weather, where water may be scarce, carry no less than a quart per hour on trail. |
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发表于 2007-5-22 10:06