Yesterday’s big task {after doing a 50 minute power walk} was to get everything I need for my 5 day hiking trip that’s coming up next month.
The list was somewhat long and mostly full of clothing I don’t own.
I like cotton and linen. And pretty much every piece of clothing I own is made from those fabrics. So spending bookoo bucks on a bunch of quick drying synthetic fabrics was not something I was excited about.
Luckily though, I was able to borrow all but 4 items on the packing list. And thank goodness for that!
Everything from walking pants, to shirts that wick moisture away. And a backpack too! I may not win any fashion awards on this trip, but hey, who cares, right? I’m just glad I didn’t have to buy a ton of things I’m only going to use once.
The four things I needed to buy:
- Waterproof pants {in case it rains on our trip}
- Hiking shoes
- Water sandals {the idea of them still makes me shiver}
- Dumb sports bras {I can’t stand those either}
Right off the bat I was able to find a pair of waterproof pants. The plan is to keep the tags on and hope that it doesn’t rain on the trip so I won’t have to use them {and I’ll be able to return them}.
Next up was hiking shoes.
I don’t think I’ve been hiking in 30+ years and way back then they were super clunky and uncomfortable so I wasn’t looking forward to spending money on something I was only going to wear for 5 days.
I knew I didn’t want a boot so I tried on a hiking “shoe” and instantly knew it wasn’t going to work for me.
They were way too rigid and uncomfortable.
The salesperson at REI suggested the Lone Peak 9+ hiking/trail shoe.
I LOVED IT! The sole is more ridged than a regular shoe, but still super comfortable.
It instantly felt comfortable, lot’s of grip. I was in!
Next up was water shoes.
I tried on 4 different pairs and finally decided on a pair of really unattractive Keens simply because they felt the most comfortable.
I would have bought the black ones but the gray sandals were 25% off so I bought those instead. There was an even bigger discount on the lilac colored ones but I just couldn’t do it. 😉 I do have some standards.
I understand the concept of closed toe water shoes, but what’s the point of the holes on the side if tiny rocks can squeeze in there? Grr. They make me cranky. Even the HH was surprised I bought them.
I also stopped by Costco and picked up some dumb sports bras. I’m sure they’ll be fine.
The HH suggested I also buy some Liquid I.V. {packets of electrolytes}. He said I would need them. Do you think those are really necessary? I’m not one for flavored water, and really, wouldn’t it be better to eat something {dried fruit, salted nuts?} than buying packets of something?
This hiking trip, on one hand I think it will be really fun. But on the other hand, I’m beginning to wonder what I got myself into.
~Mavis
Tracey says
Mavis, I am so looking forward to your reports from out West. I hope you find that you love hiking, and that you get to use your new gear more than once! You live so very close to my most favorite place in the country to hike, Acadia National Park. I can’t say I’ve read that you’ve gone over to Mt Desert Island – but you should. Our family camped there every summer, and our most treasured memories include Seal Cove, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mt., biking the bridle paths and of course all there were all those tidepools the kids scoured for hours for little urchins and octopi. Heaven being there at the edge of the world. Makes you glad to be alive!
Brianna says
I have those altra shoes and when it gets cold or wet outside, my feet are freezing in them. I wear a thick performance sock with them. I have a set of those Costco puma sports bras and they are fine, not good for high intensity exercise, but good for low or moderate. I do find they do not wick away the sweat as good as other brands, but they would probably be perfect for hiking. Rain pants are overrated. I find them to be muggy and stiff. I hate the fabric and feel of waterproof thin rain jackets and pants and the noise drives me crazy. Hopefully they never see the light out of your backpack and you don’t have to experience the joy of wearing rain pants. If you do wear them, then you can always use them later for gardening on a wet day or over your regular pants when shoveling snow.
Erin says
My hubby is an avid backpacker & I help make all his food – he makes spreadsheets & approaches the calories like science since his hikes are usually 7+ days. We always add collagen to his tea & his breakfast oats, to add protein. And the electrolytes are a must for him when he’s doing 15-20 mi a day. He could never get enough minerals from food alone. He does bring multiple flavors because he gets really sick of drinking the same flavor all day. He hikes in shoes similar to the ones you bought. He does break them in before a trip. And he always brings moleskin patches to have on hand for any blisters that may still pop up.
Mavis Butterfield says
Moleskin. I’m going to need to add that to my list. Thanks Erin!
Mel says
Why were water sandals specifically needed? Couldn’t you do water shoes that don’t have any gaps if you’re worried about rocks?