Choosing gear:

When choosing gear and figuring out what to bring with you for the particular outdoor outing, ask your self a few questions first before you pack your bag…

1. •What is the length of your trip?
   

2. •Where is the destinations for your trip?
   

3. •What type of terrain will you be exploring?
   

4. •Always be prepared to encounter all types of weather. Remember that weather in the mountains and in the backcountry are much different and can change instantly. What was once a sunny day, has now become a cold and windy, with precipitation, so be prepared.
   

5. •Focus on simplicity not luxury - Is the gear easy to use & light weight? This is especially important when the day has grown long and fatigue has began to set in.
   

6. •Is it durable & dependable to last through the most difficult of times? - You do not want to sacrifice durability for lightness , flimsy gear that may not work when you need it most.
   

7. •The total weight of Gear & Essentials? - Be honest with this one. Will the overall weight of your gear (pack, gear essentials, boots, clothing, trekking poles, cameras, books, etc...) impede your progress, causing you to move slower and increasing your chance of an injury or spending an unexpected night out in the woods, etc...
   

8. •Always plan for the “what if’s” - Basically, always be prepared for the unexpected and pack accordingly.
   

9. •If packing in favor of Ultra Light or as a Maximalist - make sure you are up for the challenges that each impose on your travels. Seek solid advice from experienced backpackers and hikers.
   

10. •Figure out which style of backpacker or hiker suits you best. We break this down into four categories. View below.
    

1. 1.Minimalist - Light weight and simplicity out weights all other comforts. The bare essentials are taken and nothing more. This is for the experienced hiker and backpacker only.
   

2. 2.Ultra-Light - Still focused on light weight and simplicity but with durability and safety a priority. This is to allow for extended outings.
   

3. 3.Mid-weight - Most people fit into this category, since most gear falls within this realm. It can be easy to over do it here and fall into the next category. You will bring all of the gear essentials, a few non essentials and maybe a book, journal, camera or other small comforts.
   

4. 4.Maximalist - No comforts left behind and convenience is more important then weight. (if you fall into this category, be sure that you visit our Personal Training Page, so that you are prepared for the heavy demands you set before yourself. Make sure that you have the right backpack to support the weight.
   

Backpacks, Daypacks, lightweight packs, hydration packs….

You can choose from a small Camelback with minimum storage for shorter day hikes or you can use a larger Day Pack that is hydration compatible for longer hikes and overnight trips. Both of these are hydration compatible, meaning that you can use a bladder which has a hose that wraps along the shoulder strap where it will be easily accessible so that you can drink water easily along the way. These types of packs work best for most outings.

1. •A proper fitting backpack is the most important issue in regards to hiking comfort.  You can visit your local outdoor retailer such as Campmor or EMS to talk with a pack specialist and try on a few to see which one works best for your body type and intended use. At the store they will also be able to put weighted sand bags inside and let you walk around the store for a bit so that you can get a feeling as to what it would be like out on the trails.
   

2. •The brands we like to use are - Gregory, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Osprey, EMS and Camelback…
   

3. 
   

You will need to learn how to pack your back accordingly and wear it properly to have the most comfortable experience. When we meet at the trailhead we will discuss the packing of your pack and how to use your pack most effectively. Below is a great review of how to choose a backpack...

REI’s article on How to Choose a Backpack

Clothing...

Base layers, mid layers, outer layers (The three layer system) - You want to dress in a layering fashion. The more layers are needed, as the weather gets colder. This allows for layers to be taking on and off as your body temperature changes. The base layer should be a synthetic t-shirt or a form fitting long sleeve shirt, followed up by a fleece and then by a waterproof /breathable shell as the final layer. This will keep you comfortable and dry through out a hike know matter what the weather is like.

1. •Clothing needs to be comfortable and fit well. Cotton should never be worn unless otherwise noted or dry hot climates. A Synthetic material such as Polyester would be your best choice when heading outdoors. Polyester offers a soft feel against the skin, retains the least amount of odor, and is highly breathable and quick drying. You can find socks, t-shirts, shorts, underwear, sports-bra's, long sleeve shirts, pants, etc, all made from Polyester or other Synthetic materials. You will find that companies use a combination of Polyester, Nylon, lycra or their own synthetic material which allows for better resistance to weather, improved fitting and increased comfort when moving along the trails. Patagonia, EMS, Nike, The North Face, Under-Armor, Mountain Hardware are just a few companies that make a variety of synthetic clothing that is durable, breathable and quick drying.
   

2. •Most shells and clothing come with the benefits of being windproof/waterproof, breathable, lightweight, durable, and packable. When something is packable, it means that it can really be packed down small and fit nicely into your pack without the added bulk or weight. An example of this would be an outer shell that is windproof/waterproof and packs up into its own pocket or a 800 fill down jacket that does the same because its materials are so compressible that they can become the size of softball and still protect you against some of the harshest elements.
   

Clothing Protection against Lyme Disease and ticks:

Light colored clothing, long sleeves and paints with the shirt tucked in, along with a repellent containing DEET can help with prevention. However the only way to prevent the transmission of Lyme Disease if your a trail runner in the North East, is to be able to see a tick and remove them before they attach themselves to your skin. Be sure to keep an eye out for ticks throughout your run. Check each other if your running with another and wash your clothing as soon as you can when finished. Be sure to give yourself a whole body examination each day before bed, make it a ritual. Ticks also attach themselves to pets so be sure to check them as well because they can simply pass them along to you.

1. •Click here for more information about Lyme Disease and Ticks.
   

2. •Click here for a map of high risk areas for lyme disease.
   

3. •American Lyme Disease Foundation
   

Hats & Gloves – Hats and gloves are always essential to have. The hat will effectively help you regulate your body temperature by trapping the escaping heat. Your hat, just like your clothing should be synthetic. Gloves are needed to protect your hands. You can use windproof fleece gloves that have a nice gripping surface on the palm side. These will allow you to have adequate dexterity while keeping your hands warm. As the weather gets colder you can use a layering system, just like your clothes. Start with a perfect fitting glove liner that is fleece, then use a waterproof outer glove or mitten with a synthetic fill for added warmth.

Footwear:

Hiking boots or Trail Runners - These work best for day hikes and extended backcountry trips.

Proper fitting  shoes is the most important and is something that should never be overlooked.  You can go to your local outdoor retailer and try on many pairs and different styles. Take your time here and be sure to walk around a bit with them on at the store so that you get a better feel for them.  A few things to look for when trying on shoes...

1. •Do they have ample toe room?
   

2. •Is there any heel slippage?
   

3. •Does the lacing system work quickly & secures well?
   

4. •Does the shoe fit correctly with both a thinner & thicker sock on?
   

5. •Lastly, do you like them?
   

Again, comfort cannot be underestimated, most stores have an inclined ramp that you can walk up and down to get a feel for how the shoe would feel when used on the trails.

Most hiking boots & Trail runners come in models that are waterproof using a Gore-Tex membrane or something similar. This is a great option to have, especially during the colder months of the year and if you are hiking in rainy conditions. The waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry and at the same time allow them to breathe. As the fall and winter months approach, this is the best choice for any hiker or backpacker.

Protective water sandals – These are just needed for longer hikes where resting & breaks may include a jump in a stream, river, or just to give your feet a bit of fresh a rest.

Socks – Never cotton only synthetic.  Smartwool offers  a variety of sock choices for any occasion. Click below for basic information about the proper socks for your intended trip.

REI Article How to Choose Socks

Water and food:

Water – Hydration bladder, Nalgene bottle, water filtration, or treatment tablets.

REI Article on Quality of Backcountry Water

Food – Always an essential and bring plenty of it. You can make sandwiches or bring things such as Cliff Bars, Gu’s or the like. Pretty much anything that you enjoy that is healthy can be packed out easily and doesn’t add much weight to your pack.

Gear Essentials:

Headlamp & Flashlight – Look for one that is durable, easy to use, has sufficient battery life for its intended use as well as emergency time, one that is comfortable and has a clean light (without imperfections within the light beam. A headlamp and or flashlight should be carried at all times for safety. When your headed out at night be sure to have a backup light or extra batteries. We will have some hikes & trail runs that start late afternoon and takes us into the sunset and out through the darkness.

Extra Batteries – Many headlamps and flashlights use highly efficient technology that allow for a burn time of up to 100+ hours, but having an extra set of batteries ensures that you are adequately prepared for the time when the 100th hour is up.  It’s always smart to start a new hike in an unfamiliar area with a fresh set of batteries along with backups.

Water/windproof matches or Lighter & fire starter – Not much to say here other then never leave home with out them and learn how to properly use them.

Map & Compass or GPS – We will have ours on all hikes but you should as well but if you are interested in learning about how to navigate and take the helm up front, you may want to bring one.

Trekking poles – If the weight of your pack is leaning towards a maximalist or even the lightweight category and your trip is going to be a bit on the long side, these are wonderful to have. Trekking poles will keep you moving forward safely and swiftly, despite the load.

More essentials - Pocket Knife & or Multi tool, Whistle ,Space Blanket & Med kit – space blanket is great for a make shift shelter (blocks rain, reflects sun for easy spotting, etc…), Cell Phone, Sun block, Sunglasses, Bug repellant, Cameras, Identification - with a bit of money for those “what if’s”, Multifunction watch – that may include an altimeter, barometer, compass etc…

Beyond the essentials: Though not necessarily essential but can add to the overall experience .

Binoculars, Field Guide, Biodegradable Toilet Paper, Two way radios, Notepad or journal...

Soon to come more information about seasonal hiking...

•More about Fall Hiking

•More about Winter Hiking

•More about Spring Hiking

•More about Summer Hiking

•More about Hiking in the Elements

Remember it is better to be safe and aware of the dangers that lie before you.  Just as you would put on a helmet when you head out for a bike ride, its because you are aware of the dangers.

Always adventure...

Mountain Peak Fitness

Where to go for all your hiking essentials:

Our favorite place to shop for all the gear essentials is Campmor. You can also visit your local EMS or Ramsey Outdoor. These stores have a knowledgeable staff that can help you with your decision making based on your intended use.

Here are a few websites as well where you can purchase the gear essentials or even rent them. You can also search these sites to learn more about the gear, clothing and footwear that you will need to enjoy the backcountry safely and comfortable.

1. •Campmor.com
   

2. •Patagonia.com
   

3. •Paragonsports.com
   

4. •TentTrails.com
   

5. •www.zombierunners.com

1. •EMS.com
   

2. •SierraTradingpost.com
   

3. •REI.com
   

4. •Lowergear.com (To rent gear)