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Post by peakbagger on Jan 29, 2023 15:17:44 GMT -8
Hey all, So last year I really filled out any remaining hiking and backpacking needs I had, plus upgraded several major pieces of equipment for equal to better functionality while also cutting weight. I don't need anything now, but am always looking for a trick to make life funner, more comfortable and/or more convenient. Are there any items that, while aren't typically required, you would recommend to others? What are they?
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 29, 2023 15:25:51 GMT -8
Many hikers mention a home dehydrator, to make their own meals tastier. I'm perfectly happy with what I can buy, but each to their own.
Actual gear for the field? The best down you can afford. Bag, quilt, puffy, whatever.
Really good socks. Darn Tough, Duluth Trading Post, whatever works.
A good pillow and pad. Your sleep affects your hike.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 29, 2023 17:13:28 GMT -8
Hiking guides. Lots and lots of hiking guides. Plus maps, big maps covering interesting areas so that you can see interesting routes to add to the list.
Then I like natural history books. University of California Press does great ones for that state, often the conservancy associated with a particular park or national forest will stock or publish relevant ones.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 29, 2023 19:21:58 GMT -8
The extras that most increase my enjoyment the most on the trail are consumable. My favorites are shelf-stable bacon, hot chocolate, and electrolyte drink mix. Strictly limiting myself to gear, my favorite little extras are good earplugs and an small inflatable pillow. I find the latter earns its keep despite years of just using my other clothes as pillow.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 29, 2023 20:36:34 GMT -8
I agree on the inflatable pillow. My Exped gave out this fall after many years and I’ll definitely get another. Makes all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. The other item that makes a difference for me is a smallish square of closed cell foam pad for use as a sit pad.
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cweston
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Post by cweston on Jan 30, 2023 6:07:27 GMT -8
Hiking guides. Lots and lots of hiking guides. Plus maps, big maps covering interesting areas so that you can see interesting routes to add to the list. I second, third, and fourth this. My hiking guides and maps have given so many hours (at home) of pleasure and dreaming over the years. In terms of actual on-trail gear, I agree about the inflatable pillow. A couple other "luxuries" I carry are camp/crossing shoes and a 4L gravity filter rig, which is totally overkill for solo, but it's so nice to be able to filter a lot of water when the situatiopn calls for it, especially for basecamps.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jan 30, 2023 8:50:00 GMT -8
I've really enjoyed those LED string lights for your tent. I always read at night and don't really like wearing a handlamp while i'm laying down.
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Post by Coolkat on Jan 30, 2023 9:45:48 GMT -8
and don't really like wearing a handlamp while i'm laying down. And this is why I sometimes bring my Nook Glowlight.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jan 30, 2023 11:39:46 GMT -8
I'm gonna "pull an Ory", and say that I need 8 inch fringe on my suede jacket.
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Post by trinity on Jan 30, 2023 15:19:52 GMT -8
I have numerous guilty pleasures. My most recent is a coffee mug. Doesn't come on all my trips, but it is a delight to drink my morning coffee from. A few others: pillow, camp chair, e-reader, and bourbon. And, depending on the trip, a flyrod.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jan 30, 2023 15:24:46 GMT -8
Now that you mention it, I think that I have a double wall titanium coffee cup. Some things are important. Snow Peak Ti-Double 450ml.
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Post by trinity on Jan 30, 2023 17:09:39 GMT -8
Now that you mention it, I think that I have a double wall titanium coffee cup. Some things are important. I've only been eyeing this item for a decade or so. I'm definitely a believer now.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 30, 2023 17:33:20 GMT -8
I'm gonna "pull an Ory", and say that I need 8 inch fringe on my suede jacket.
That's a lot of fringe. It's almost a ghillie suit.
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Post by peakbagger on Jan 30, 2023 19:44:09 GMT -8
Well a pillow seems to be a common theme. Probably one of the first items I ever bought was a (likely cheap) pillow, but hated the way it felt on my face. I've since learned to like putting some clothes in my sleeping bag's stuff sack and using it as a pillow. Maybe getting back to the real thing is a good idea. I'll look at the Exped hikerjer mentioned. A lot of other great ideas in here to mull. The down items mentioned was actually part of my upgrades the past two years, and very happy to have made that move. I've had one coffee in the last 5 years, and that wasn't on the trail, so those won't be a fit for me. I'll have to consider an ultra-light ghillie suit. trinity mentions a flyrod, some kind of fishing rod has been in the back of my mind. Lots of other good thoughts. For me the fringe item (though not fringe in all situations) I've liked the most is a low-end down parka. Most of my trail time is in the southeast where it can get cold, but usually not the crazy cold. I bought the parka in preparation for a summit climb of Rainier. Since I've decided to carry it "just in case" on a couple trips in the Great Smokies this winter and it ended up being worn for good chunks of the trip. It's really nice to be fully warm, and not, I guess, get by at the edge of comfort.
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nickhowes
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Post by nickhowes on Jan 31, 2023 5:32:49 GMT -8
On the subject of pillows: I recently upgraded to the luxury of a Nemo Fillo pillow - not the lightest, but so comfy.
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