Category: gear

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Why I Don’t Use Trekking Poles – But You Should

Like JupiterHikes, I don’t use trekking poles.

IF I hiked longer than 3 weeks, I would add them to my kit. But the longest I’ve done — so far — is 17 nights.

My knees and ankles are still good. No pain at all.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Camping with PESKY Kiwi Keas 😀

The kea is a species of large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. …

Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.

Kea can solve logical puzzles, such as pushing and pulling things in a certain order to get to food, and will work together to achieve a certain objective.

They have been filmed preparing and using tools. …

Called “the clown of the mountains”, it will investigate backpacks, boots, skis, snowboards, and even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items.

Beware.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Learn to LOVE Hiking in the Rain 😀

Hiking in the rain can be miserable.

AND hiking in the rain can be wonderful.

You can hike the Pacific N.W. every day of the year. BUT many of those days will have a threat of rain. 

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. The joys and challenges of … wet weather.

TIPS:

  • the RIGHT clothing (layers)
  • long brim cap under long brim hood
  • the RIGHT footwear
  • the RIGHT backpack
  • gear protected in dry bags
  • electronics protected from water
  • the RIGHT attitude

Having tried many systems over the years, I’m happiest now with …

No blisters. The shoes dry quickly. )My feet do get wrinkled after a couple of hours, however.)

If the rain really starts coming down, I’ll add an inexpensive Frogg Toggs waterproof jacket on top. 

Since I bought a Hyperlite 3400 Windrider backpack, I’ve not used a pack cover. It’s quite rain resistant. Everything inside is protected from wet and water.

Check this REI post – How to Go Hiking in the Rain

Of course if lightning and thunder threaten, take shelter immediately. 

Camping in the rain is definitely more challenging.

related – Miranda has some thoughts on Frogg Toggs. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Mountain Warehouse Summit II Mens Baselayer T-Shirt

This is the t-shirt I wear most often the past couple of years.

Great price. IF you watch for a sale.

CAD $39.19 (USD $28.50) in 2023.

It’s only a Polyester & Wool blend — but seems to stay relatively odour free. For days.

Light weight. Doesn’t wrinkle in the backpack. Easy to wash. Very durable.

For that price, it can’t be beat.

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Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

My gear gurus — Dave and Kraig — consistently list Matador one of their favourite gear companies.

The Matador Freerain22 is an amazing pack at only 300g (10.6oz).

I’d call it water resistant, not submersible. It’s not a dry bag.

Not inexpensive (about $100), I bought the Freerain to replace my last Matador packable which I had used for hundreds of days of travel. Incredibly durable and useful.

It’s my second pack ➙ the one I use for a short day hike, picking up groceries, shopping, etc.

I don’t need any more frame or suspension for short day hikes. I typically push an extra layer down towards the lumbar portion of the bag — and that’s plenty of padding.

Click PLAY or watch the Matador video on YouTube.

Read the Packhacker detailed review.