Just when I think everything is covered!

Preparations and inspiration

Brick and mortar

When we are in the final stages of preparing for a long hike, sometimes brick and mortar is the way! I do a lot of research on the internet about gear, footwear, and clothing layers. I listen to podcasts, watch vlogs, and YouTube gear reviews. I find it useful to research directly on the manufacturers’ websites and find more detailed details of each individual product in relation to the exact size and model desired. I make it a point to make backpack and prep checklists before a big hike, but like most, I’ll inevitably forget something. Generally harmless but still annoying.

I find that internet research and checklists are limited to what you are thinking at the time. When walking through a clothing store you see things that you probably would have overlooked. This weekend I took an impromptu trip to Cabala’s in Scarborough Maine. It’s not my favorite supplier, but sometimes you find gold in strange places. This isn’t the first time I’ve looked for inspiration or answers in an actual brick-and-mortar store. There is a definite benefit to being able to see, touch, compare and reflect in a physical environment.

https://www.rei.com/stores/bedford It’s one of my favorite places for a physical visit. They have extensive hands-on displays, helpful staff, and plenty of quality names and options. However, especially ahead of the spring and summer season in the Northeast, these places have a limited supply of popular items. In past seasons I have found that some fishing and hunting outfitters still offer a solid selection of camping and backpacking gear, sometimes at a cheaper price because it doesn’t sell out as quickly in a sporting environment.

There is always room to innovate and improve

During my trip to the popular outdoor store, I scored a pre-treated lightweight insect net from one of my favorite hiking brands – on sale! This item sold out everywhere else I looked before I completely forgot about it; success! While there, I took the opportunity to review advice received from numerous sources. Tips not to overlook the importance of a good backpacking pillow. While we are conscious of weight and bulk, a pillow always seemed like an unnecessary luxury item to us. A bag of clothes was always enough. Now, with more efficiency in the way I pack and more technical layers, I find myself with fewer clothes. Therefore, less pillow. Journal!

I was once in the scenario where I wore most of my clothes to sleep at night due to the extreme temperatures, so I had no padding for my clunky pillow. Which made a cold night downright uncomfortable. I discarded it and absorbed it. Reasoning that it’s not always that cold. However, given time to reflect; I asked myself a question: «Why be so stubborn about an ultralight pillow, when you would gladly add a lot more weight for luxury snacks or your camping hammock?»

The internal debate began. My recent base weight with microspikes, extra layers for shoulder season, and a 15-degree sleeping bag was 23.6 pounds. With that in mind, I figured another 1.5 ounces was no big deal. Bottom line: I won the debate with myself, if that’s possible, and now I have a super sweet pillow that attaches to my mat and doesn’t sound like a plastic bag full of air.

Brianstrom

Giving myself time to evaluate options, confirm with research, and execute my process had paid off. For me, a big step in staying on track has been allocating time in the off-season and, more importantly, in the weeks leading up to a busy season or big hike. I talk about this in depth in my last blog post https://thetrek.co/how-i-am-preparing-myself-for-thru-hiking. Taking time to reaffirm not only increases confidence in the process but also provides the necessary opportunity to see gaps. This has saved me numerous times.

Overstimulation is real

Getting going has definitely opened me up to a sense of overwhelming urgency in the past. It took me a while to learn how to build or update my setup slowly and intentionally. Starting with a well-researched baseline and making improvements based on actual performance in the field. I add elements that I believe are crucial, whether permanently or due to circumstances. I deny items that are not used or that the season does not warrant. I replace items that simply don’t work (they’re too heavy, inefficient, take up too much volume, or just don’t hold up). At first I had a hard time trying to make everything happen at the same time. It won’t! You can get 170 percent of what you need from one supplier, 50 percent of which you will keep and the other half of which you will replace. It is a process without a perfect recipe.

The proof is in the hiking

When I started spending days at a time in the woods, I used to strive for the perfect load. I would doubt the equipment and the weight. Google advice at 2am (don’t do that). The reality became very clear on the first major trip I took. It’s trial and error. I have been open to learning new things, listening, observing and being honest with myself. I establish budgetary, objective and non-negotiable limits. In the end I just left. That’s the important part: the freedom of the trail.

Minuteman

“Here and now, where everything begins.”

Until next time

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