September / October
VIA AAA Traveler's Companion
VIA cover
Home  |  Weekenders  |  Events  |  Archives
July/August 2007
Take a hike
with a well-equipped pack


hiking gear  

By Amy Graff

Sure, you’ll carry a peanut butter sandwich and a bottle of water on a day hike, but there’s more. What if you get a blister or, worse, lose your way? For your comfort and safety on the trail, we’ve come up with 10 essentials that fit well in a pack—for instance, one like Mountainsmith’s pocket-rich Clover (above). It’s $60, available at www.ebags.com; AAA members get 15 percent off.

1. GoLite’s Gamut Jacket blocks wind and rain—and makes a great picnic blanket. $100. www.golite.com.

2. Coghlan’s Wind and Waterproof Matches, just in case. Two packs for $3.99. www.campmor.com.

3. Lost? The Suunto A-10 Compass (and a trail map) can point you back to where you want to go. $13. www.rei.com.

4. Plastic residues won’t leach into your H2O with a stainless steel Klean Kanteen. $24. www.kleankanteen.com.

5. Nuts, dried fruits, spices, and nothing more are packed into Larabars. $2 at many markets. www.larabar.com.

6. Scraped knee? Bee sting? Never fear: Lifeline’s First-Aid Kit is here. $6. AAA Travel stores, (888) 386-5386.

7. Leatherman Juice S2’s four ounces of steel are all you need to slice salami and tweeze a tick. $40. www.toolup.com.

8. Teko’s Ultralight Crew socks combine organic cotton and recycled pop bottles. $17. www.tekosocks.com.

9. With four LED bulbs, Petzl’s Tikka Plus Headlamp can help you find your way in the dark. $35. www.rei.com.

10. Neutrogena SPF 55 Sunblock fends off sun damage with its Helioplex formula. $10. www.drugstore.com.

 


Photography by Kevin Candland

Back to Top

This article was first published in July 2007. Some facts
may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.


Related Stories

National Parks: Escaping the Crowds

Mt. Tam’s Scenic Trail

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail

Seven Easy Hikes in California State Parks

Avoids the Crowds on BLM Land

Good Tips for Day Hiking

Travel Tools

Plan a cruise

AAA Directions (maps, driving directions)

Send to a friend

AAA Members Only

Planning a roadtrip?
Use TripTik


Order a Map or TourBook

Reserve air, car, & hotel

Related links

American Hiking Society

Letters

Fire off a Letter

Read other Letters

Home   |   Weekenders   |   Events   |   Archives   |   About VIA Magazine   |   Map Stories   |    online
Copyright © 1996-2008 VIA Magazine   Contact Us  | Terms and Conditions  | Privacy Policy