With summer budding slowly on the
horizon, it's time to shed a few layers of clothing and reconnect with your
favorite warm-weather activities. I love summer and I love lists so it only
makes sense that I've made a list of my new favorite gear. Over the next few days
I'll give you my suggestions for the best, most useful and even the quirkiest
gear out there from hats and multi-tools to solar powered bikinis.
I've based my list on one compiled in the
early 1900's by a group of explorers called The Mountaineers. This group of climbers
from Seattle and surrounding areas area, many
members of outdoor organizations including The Mazamas in Oregon
and the Sierra Club in California,
created a top ten list every person who ventures out into the wild should have
in their backpack.
They poured their years of experience on
the trail into this list, so who am I to tamper with it?
Feel free to add to this list. Whether
you're a dedicated boulderer, a crazed canoe-camper or an intrepid weekend
warrior, the items in these basic categories will get you through the trail.
What's in your pack?
James W. Coates,
National Park Expert
