The Winehiker’s Trail Tips No. 2: Optional Hiking Gear
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about basic gear – those hiking and travel items that I consider to be the most essential items for having with you every time you venture outdoors.
Basic gear items, I believe, fall into the “need” category, because sooner or later, in some remote location, you’re going to need every item of basic gear that you carry. Naturally, assuming you still have room in your pack, you’re going to want to carry additional items that don’t quite fall into the “need” category, but certainly fill the bill within an optional, or “want” category.
Therefore today I discuss optional hiking gear – those things that can enhance your outdoor experience when you carry them along with you, but are OK to be without. Some of you may think you need some or all of these things, but that’s largely going to be a matter of personal preference. Unlike basic gear, the question concerning optional gear is not “will I need this?” but “do I want to carry this with the expectation of not using it?”
The truth is, all things being equal, that you can’t apply the same level of value to your need for a camera or a pair of gloves as compared to your more important need for water or sunscreen.
Some people find optional gear useful on the trail, if not entirely essential, especially on some of the more lengthy, rigorous, or multi-day hikes. Often, the type of hike you are planning will determine the necessity of certain items that might otherwise be considered optional gear; examples include gaiters for descending talus slopes, a spotting scope for birding, and headlamps for caving.
As you prepare for an outdoor adventure, and after you are certain that you’ve packed all of your basic gear, consider adding the following items to your pack or your person.
- Baseball cap or similar (as a substitute for a wide-brimmed hat)
- Binoculars or spotting scope
- Bivouac sack (often called a “bivy sack”)
- Book (bird, tree, and flower finders, for example)
- Camera, film
- Change of underwear (could be considered essential)
- Digital Compact Flash recording device (for taking verbal notes/voice recording)
- First aid kit, including moleskin (could be considered essential)
- Gaiters
- Gloves, glove liners
- Guidebook (in addition to an essential trail map)
- Headlamp (essential at times)
- Insect repellent with DEET (or without, depending on your allergenic response)
- Journal & pen
- Matches
- Nutrition bars (e.g., Clif Bars or Luna; GU works well as a pick-me-up on the trail)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Rain poncho
- Signal mirror (some might consider this item essential; most don’t own one)
- Small hairbrush/comb
- Trekking poles
- Water purifying tablets or water filtration kit
- Wool shirt or fleece vest (i.e., warm clothing)
- Ziploc bags or plastic grocery bags for food and trash
Special considerations
They may not seem necessary when you’re out on the trail, but the following items can be more than necessary at times, and are therefore worth considering.
- Contact lens solution or back-up glasses
- Ibuprofen, antihistamine, aspirin, prescription medications
- Foot remedies
In my next Trail Tips post, I’ll discuss “best practice” guidelines for enjoying the outdoors, which some folks collectively term wilderness etiquette. Meanwhile, if you have questions about the above lists or believe that they’re missing something crucial, I invite your input; just click Join the discussion below.
And while you’re anticipating my next Trail Tip, take a look at my current list of 2007 winehiking tours,** to be guided by yours truly along the trails and the tasting rooms of the California wine country.
