Wmcatty - Continental Divide Trail Journal - 2017

Journal Entry

Our Gear Update: The Little Monkey and I have been accumulating hiking equipment for about a month now. "We" started researching all the available website reviews I could find. After what seemed like an eternity, I decided to purchase the Teton Sports Scout 3400 backpack, due to it relatively low cost and high ratings. We will use this for our short hikes, as it does not contain adequate internal storage space for all the gear/clothing/food we will need to pack for the long haul coming up this next summer. For the CDT hike, I am pretty sure I will be buying the Gregory Baltoro pack. It has consistantly been rated one of the best and testimonials from hikers that use this pack are stellar. Next, I bought the Camelbak 3 liter hydration bladder for our training periods. I also picked up a couple of Brunton Lensatic compasses, two Therma Rest sleeping pads, Timberlake 40 degree mummy bags, and a good, stainless steel Buck lock blade knive. I have been training in my Nike cross-trainers recently, but have myself convinced that I need Solomon hiking shoes, for no other reason than to provide the ankle support needed for my old, worn our knees. In that respect, I picked up a Donjoy hinged knee brace after discussing my future quest with my ortho surgeon (who scoped both of my knees for a torn miniscus sveral years ago. I picked these up on-line for just over a C-note, as the orthopaedic center was going to charge me and my insurance $ 680 for the exact same brace. You gotta love Capitalism! I topped off the list with a couple of pairs of Leki trekking poles and we started training. I am still researching the titanium cookware we will need, as well as the stove. I am undecided as to whether a gas stove is better than alcohol, but I am sure there will be some folks that are sold on one or the other. Clothing has not been purchased at this time either, as it is still almost 100 degrees here in Central Texas...which necessitates cotton shorts and tees. If anyone has any suggestions as to their recommendations for equipment, please feel free to either email me or post it here. Thanks and remember to hike safely.

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