Bryan June 14th, 2008
I just happened to be catching up on my blog reading and ran across this post on 10 Essentials for Happy Hiking from Tom Mangan at Two Heel Drive. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newbie, you’re sure to pick up something from the article.
What did I pick up? Nylon hiking pants. I always wear jeans or cotton cargo pants or shorts hiking. I’m gonna have to get a pair Tom.
Bryan May 30th, 2008
Let’s face it, if you’re in Tennessee and waiting for a spring or early summer day where the forecast doesn’t mention rain or showers to go hiking, well, you probably won’t do much hiking. Tennessee weather is so unpredictable. Someone once told me that weathermen are right often enough that you can’t ignore them, but wrong often enough you can’t depend on them.
My advice: pick a day and go prepared. Here’s what I suggest:
for longer, rougher treks. For most shallow puddles, I just walk right through. For shorter, lighter hiking, I just wear water sandals like Teva, Chaco, or Keen. My feet will be wet, but at least they will drain quickly. in my day pack, sunny and clear or not. But you don’t have to spend that much money. For a short walk, a cheap $2 poncho or a trash bag will suffice. They don’t breathe very well though, so you might end up soaked with sweat instead of rain. as a Christmas gift and it is perfect for keeping the head dry.I avoid severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail, tornadoes, high winds or other such severe weather. But I’ve found that hiking in a light rain shower can be downright enjoyable. I saw quite a few frogs out and about on my last drizzly hike.
What are YOUR suggestions for hiking in the rain? What did I miss?
Bryan May 26th, 2007
My high school friend Billy has a pretty cool blog post over on his myspace page.
For all our technological advances I still think there are three basic implements of civilization that every person should carry with them:
A knife, matches or a lighter, and a pen.
Your pockets are what you make them. I choose to make mine a triune testimonial to human achievement.
Read more HERE
Bryan January 20th, 2007
The Happy Hiker is another of my favorite stores in Gatlinburg and I just had to stop by. Everyone is so friendly here and always ready to talk about gear. I must have spent an hour there browsing and talking SureFire flashlights. Very friendly and helpful. They were nice enough to say that MSR’s pricing on titanium products is going up. Apparently, the price of titanium has gone up drastically to support the war effort.
Items purchased: SureFire G2 flashlight, and MSR Titanium Mini Cookset
Bryan January 19th, 2007
Smoky Mountain Outfitters is always one of my stops when I’m in the Smoky Mountains. They’ve got a wide selection of gear, are very knowledgeable, and take their time with you. The owners have lived in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, so we’ve had an instant connection since I met them.
Toll Free: 866-430-HIKE
Items purchased: Day Hikes of the Smokies book, pocket can opener, Mountain Kitchen DVD, Ila Hatter.
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