My Gear Favs

Here are some of Blissful Hiking's favorite gear picks - I love this stuff...

As I tell others, some collect shoes and what-have-you - I collect gear!
(And I've got a series of great adventures on our National Scenic Trails!) 


Sea to Summit Ether Light Insulated Sleep Pad - Check out a full review of it on SectionHiker. Nice pad, very comfy, sleeps a bit cold though compared to Neoair X Lite in my opinion.

The Evernew water bottle. Compatible with the Sawyer squeeze filter (see below which has blown out my Platypus and a substitution for the Sawyer bags which also fail. Bombproof, works great.

Socks are a hiker's best friend, and it might as well be a pair that works great and lasts forever. Hence our fav pick is Darn Tough. They are pricey but a high-quality sock with an unlimited guarantee to boot. In fact, they dare you to wear out their socks! Pretty cool.

Assorted cuben fiber stuff sacks. Waterproof, durable, great for adding protection in your backpack or for keeping sleeping bags and clothes dry. We have used them in all shapes and sizes (they make a good hiker wallet too). The thicker the material, the more durable Z Packs has a great selection. Cuben fiber (now referred to as Dyneema) has also been used in ultralight tents and backpacks as well (but they are pricey).
Other gear websites: Mountain Laurel Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Basic rain gear is a must in a hiker's backpack. If only out for short jaunts, Frogg Toggs makes an ultralight and cheap means to stay dry with a jacket and pants for around $30 bucks (though be warned, they are NOT durable for lengthy ventures). We find the jacket also provides good warmth in windy weather. Another fav is the rain kilt or rain wrap that does a great job of protecting without the need for cumbersome and hot rain pants.
Some gear shops for a rain kilt:
Lightheart Gear,  ULA

The Sawyer Filter -  a fav for Appalachian Trail adventures. We use the bigger model that filters water much quicker than its smaller mini model for a mere ounce or two more (though some like to have the smaller Sawyer mini filter attached to a Smartwater bottle for quick drinking).

Of all the eating utensils, the simple titanium spoon is our fav. Unlike the Light My Fire sporks that seem to break on a whim (and we've gone through many), This has been on dozens of trips and remains tried and true (gets out gooey stuff like PB from a jar without breaking), and good also for scraping away food while cleaning the pot, too.

National Scenic Trail Adventures - for the Wanderer in All of Us!

To a backpacker who dreams of hiking the Appalachian Trail or just someone who wants to read a tale of adventure, especially with a mom and son, this one-of-a-kind book covers the trail north and south, including ideas from a teen son hiking with his mom, a solo adventure, and the spiritual aspects gleaned on a long distance adventure! Endorsed by long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis. Available on Kindle or paperback.

ORDER

So what's it like doing a long-distance hike in Florida of all places, among the palms and palmettos, and yeah, the gators, cotton mouths, and other critters? Check out Gators, Guts, and Glory! An adventure on the wild side!


ORDER

What Worked and Didn’t Work for Me on a Long Distance Trek

Things I have heard to take on a long distance trek that just don’t work for me. Sorry.

Case in point -

1. Duct Tape – this is the proverbial go-to for first aid on all types of blisters, holes and / or broken gear, 

I’ve used it for years with poor results. I’ve put it on only to have it fall off, rub my other toes or skin, bunch up, causing more issues. I’ve tried to repair gear with it to have it fall off or bunch up. 

The stuff stinks. Period. And can leave glue marks on gear, sometimes negating a warranty

Solution: For hot spots I have been using moleskin which does pretty good, doesn't irritate like duct tape, can though it can also come off if it gets wet.
For bombproof Rx of blisters, my treatment is the Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister bandages.

There is nothing like it out there (including stuff I have seen sold in outfitters)! I used them in the swamps and sand of the Florida Trail. They are awesome. I tried other blister brands too. They fell off. Not these. Well worth the money and may save your hike. They are waterproof. When they begin to peel back after a few days, remove the bits slowly, a little at a time. When they fall off, the blister area is healed. Amazing.

As for gear? Tear-Aid Type B works for holes in tents. Carry some. Dental floss and a needle could repair tear in a pinch. Wait for an outfitter or call the manufacturer from the trail to have gear replaced up the trail (lots of manufacturers will work with you).

2. Trash bag liner to line your pack and protect gear from getting wet.

Been there, done that. A cheapo version that protects in light rain, sure. But if you are a long distance backpacking, you’re gonna get soakers. As a ridgerunner I have seen hikers pull out their wet stuff from a trash bag liner in their backpack after enduring a heavy thunderstorm. I’ve had my stuff soaked on the Long Trail in a heavy, three inch all day rain. 

Solution: Try to go with the heavy duty contractor's bag if you go that route. Better yet, invest in Z Packs cuben fiber liners and /or stuff sacks. They are awesome. I have had a puddle inside my pack and the stuff in these is dry. Worth the money.

3. Sawyer Mini to filter water.

TOO slow for me. The regular Sawyer squeeze filter is bigger and works faster – letting you quench that thirst for an ounce more. And I also used the Evernew water bags. They work awesome with the Squeeze filter. No more blowing out Sawyer bags!

Conversely, things I said – “Nah” only to find DO work -

4. A map app on a cell phone. 

I’ve argued – Inaccurate. Wastes your phone charge. Hard to read. May fail.

Nope!

I used it exclusively for the Florida Trail. Worked great. You do need to know how to work it and read a map, though. On recommendation from hikers, I got a good Anker charger for my phone so I can now keep it charged (the cords are light too for recharging everything when in town). I love phone map apps. They are awesome.

5. Darn Tough socks. Everyone raves about them. I’ve used all kinds of other socks. Are they really that great?

YES they are.

These socks are Bombproof. And they have an unlimited guarantee. They dare you to wear them out. No joke. They have an amazing warranty.

Anything you care to share about gear you now like or don’t like? 

Gift Considerations for the Outdoorsy One

Pondering what to get yourself or someone on your list that is outdoorsy? Here are six

recommendations from Blissful Hiking:

A three-in-one jacket – while a bit heavy for ultralight backpacking, a three-in-one jacket is great for the outdoorsy type who may find themselves in all kinds of weather. The liner zips out so that you have three jackets for any kind of weather – a rain parka, a fleece jacket, or a combination of the two for those cold, wintry days in the woods. Check outdoor websites like Backcountry.com, Sierra Trading Post, REI, etc. for the best deals (I recently found a Columbia brand jacket for half price).

You can’t go wrong with good quality hiking socks. For example, I’ve been trying out the new Ecosox – made of bamboo (!) and had found them terrific for outdoor use. On several extended day hikes I had no blisters, no stink. They proved durable and washed well. From the manufacturer: “…

the spun bamboo viscose fibers make Ecosox ultra soft, moisture wicking, odor resistant, and help prevent blisters.” They are reasonably priced also. (Update) I discovered after only a few weeks use they developed holes in them. The durability for long term use is questionable.

A Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter – this is THE thing for filtration among backpackers. Whether using the mini that can attach to your drinking system such as the Platypus or Camelback or the regular size, these on-the-go water purifiers are great for making sure water is safe to drink.

Anything Cuben Fiber – Check the Z Packs site for the one who may have everything but is looking to lighten their load. Z packs has a whole line of cuben fiber type gear, great for those looking to cut out extra ounces from their bags, packs, liners, etc. but with the durability and water resistance you expect from a good fabric. I used my pack liner from Z Packs in a pouring rain and all the contents remained bone dry. That makes for one happy hiker.

A Lifeproof Case – most are going to a cell phone for all things phone, music, and camera-wise on the trail. Make sure to protect the investment with a waterproof and bombproof case like this one. But avoid the imitations sold on other websites and buy from reputable places (we got ours at Best Buy).

How about investing in a backpacking course that can offer ideas on backpacking, gear, food, first aid, safety, and more? We are holding a backpacking seminar here through Blissful Hiking. What a

great way to make a happy hiker by offering to pay his or her tuition to this great one day seminar for only $45! Or treat yourself and a friend or spouse? Check it out and see the great reviews from last year's participants. Registration is now open but seating is limited. If you want to give this as a gift, we’ll send a card to that special person, announcing your gift of a hiking workshop! Just let us know via e-mail on the registration page that it is a gift, and add in your email the address where to send the special card!