Gear to use on the Trail

This page is dedicated to what gear should make your Trail experience that little bit easier, or more comfortable. If you have any suggestions, and photos, you want to share with your fellow Trail adventurers, please e-mail us.

Map & Compass

Trail Contributor: KristenG

For all you wanted to know about using a map and compass, but were too afraid to ask, this is the ultimate Web site - a feature of Rick Curtis’ book, The Backpacker’s Field Manual.

Blisters

Trail contributor: LanceA

If a blister has already formed, cut a square of moleskin (or Spenco 2nd skin) large enough so that it covers the blister and an extra 1 to 2 inches (2-5cm) surrounding the blister. Fold the moleskin in half. On the folded edge cut a half-circle the size of the blister. Unfold and peel the adhesive back and place the moleskin over the blister. Repeat with another piece of moleskin to add extra padding. I’ve used the Spenco 2nd Skin and it works very well - apply the same way as moleskin.

Trail contributor: LoriR

My favorite blister protection has got to be Compeed. It adds a gel-like cover to the blister and you can walk for hours with it. It’s hard to find in the US, but worth it if you can.

Duct Tape

Trail contributor: KrisQ

“God made the world, but it’s held together with duct tape". I don’t know who originally said this, but I stole it from The Duct Tape Page who stole it from someone named Alan Ferrante.

If you carry anything in your pack for all those little emergencies that invariably happen, it’s got to be duct tape. Whether it’s a hole in your tent, need a flashlight as a headlamp, poles popping from their holes, torn clothing or a hole in your pack, duck tape will keep you out on the Trail. I’ve even used it for covering blisters.

To save space and weight, wrap a few feet of tape around your walking poles, water bottle or a film case.

Foot Care

Trail contributor: LanceA

Wear properly fitting boots and lace them up to prevent socks from sliding. A pair of polypro liner socks under hiking socks will reduce friction and prevent blisters from forming. If you feel a hot spot forming, stop and apply a little vaseline petroleum jelly to the ‘hot spot’ area.... on your feet! Better to stop early and spend 10 minutes treating and preventing than to spend the remainder of your trip in misery.

Avoid cotton socks. They bunch up when wet/damp and the ‘folds’ will inevitably rub against your feet resulting in blisters.

The Ten Essentials

Trail contributor: LanceA

Here’s the Ten Essentials I always ensure I have on me when heading out on the Trail:

1. Map
2. Compass/altimeter
3. Water/purification/filter
4. Extra food (candy bars)
5. Rain gear/extra clothing
6. Fire starter/candle and matches/lighter
7. First aid kit (include toilet paper)
8. Knife or multi-purpose tool
9. Headlamp/flashlight and extra bulb/batteries
10.Sun screen and sunglasses.

Happy Trails!

Walking Poles

Trail contributor: KristenG

I have always used trekking, or walking, poles. I love them. I’m convinced that I’ll still be hiking when I reach 90, just because of my poles. When hiking in Europe, no one bats an eye, as everyone uses them. But in the US I often get stopped and asked why I’m using them, or what benefits do I get from them. I never mind being stopped as I just love to try and make a few converts to their benefits.

Medical research carried out by Dr. Muller of the Institute of Sports Sciences at the University of Salzburg in Austria, specifically found that:

• Knees:
  When descending with poles the strain on the knee was 22% lower compared to walking without poles.

• Muscles:
  The strain on the thigh muscles - having the function of ‘shock absorbers’ - has been especially examined. When walking with poles the required energy was reduced by 21%. This proves that walking with poles is less tiring for muscles and tendons.

With telescopic poles you increase your stamina when going uphill. The muscular systems of arms and shoulders are fundamentally supported. The regular walking rhythm with the pole leads to calm breathing, increasing your stamina. Due to hiking in a more upright position, the lungs’ function is ameliorated.

In accordance with the test results the following recommendations are given for trekking:

• The use of telescopic poles takes the strain off joints and reduces the strain on the leg stretching muscles and therefore is recommended for preventative reasons.

• Conclusion: by using telescopic poles the strain on the knees is reduced up to 250 tons, the equivalent to the weight of 31 male African bush elephants accompanied by 31 females, give or take an elephant or two!

Furthermore, a pair of poles gives you the extra stability and safety of four-point contact, distributing your weight distribution and shock. Many’s the time I’ve had a heavy pack on my back and been buffeted by strong winds – my poles kept me on my feet.

Also ask yourself, when you’re out walking in warmer conditions, do your fingers swell up because you’re walking with your hands down? By using a pair of walking poles, they won’t, particularly for women.

Using your poles correctly on varied terrain will further help your progress. When walking downhill, increase the length of your poles to avoid overstretching; and when walking uphill, reduce their length to again avoid overstretching. On the flat, keep your lower arms at a 90-degree angle.

There is a lot of choice of poles out in the market now, covering materials, grips and their angle, sections, baskets, tips, price, etc. As a basic rule, choose two section poles for extra durability and three section poles for their compactness. And spend a little more on a good pair – if looked after, they’ll last a very long time.

If you walk with poles now, you’ll still be walking the older you get!

More information

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