SHOES and CLOTHES . . .
My first concern was my feet and a good pair of shoes. I read many reviews on hiking books versus trail running shoes . . . I went with Brooks PureGrit3 ($89 on sale) . . . from the minute I put them on my feet were happy! I am very picky on shoes and wanted a pair that were comfortable from the start; I was sold after trying them on! They were so comfortable, and I wore them everyday after I got them even if just around the house. I also bought a couple pairs of WrightSock double layer anti-blister socks ($9 each on sale) . . . again my feet were super happy with both products. I did get a small blister on the 'rest day' after doing the 1.7 mile hike but it was between my toes and never bothered me on the hike up; not sure how I got it, but I did. A few days after getting home, two of my toes on my left foot were very painful so I took off the polish. I also ended up with two purple bruised toes . . . they don't hurt that bad and thankfully I could wear flip flops to work this week! I think I came home pretty lucky since many people in the group had some really terrible blisters after the hike down! As far as clothes, I wore a pair of zip off pants and took one extra pair of just the zipped off shorts, two sleeveless shirts, two short sleeve shirts, and one long sleeved shirt with a hood. I wore the same clothes for a couple days and no one cared! It was all about being comfortable, and I was the entire time even sleeping in the same clothes . . . hey I did have deodorant!
SLEEPING . . .
When it came to supplies, I really wanted the lightest possible equipment (that did not cost a fortune) since it was on my back. Now sleeping in a tent is something that is totally foreign to me . . . I researched and most tents were expensive (between $150-$200) so I bought several inexpensive (less than $45) tents and set them up in my yard. I kept the Ozark Trail Ultra Light Back Packing Tent with full fly (discount store that starts with a 'W') which cost me $42 (never used the fly but had just in case), and for a sleeping bag spent $40 on the Ozark Trail 40F Lightweight Sleeping Bag also from the same store. I admit that I was a bit chilly the first night even though the rating was to 40 degrees and the temperature was in the 50s. I was fine after I put on a sweatshirt. I slept on a Klymit Static V mat which was awesome; I went cheap and bought it as a refurbished model on ebay ($32).
COOKING . . .
While we were with a group that would have super cool stoves to boil water, I took a small Esbit Solid Fuel Stove ($23) that used this solid compressed fuel cubes, man they smelled awful but did the job! As far as food, I took Kind bars, nuts, turkey jerky, instant grits, ramen noodles, cup of soup powder packets . . . things that were easy to eat or just required hot water. I even went so far to take items out of the original packages and put in a smaller bag to free up some weight. I tell you I was a bit obsessed with the number of pounds/ounces/grams at times! I also took a foil package of chicken breast (similar to tuna) with crackers to make chicken salad; if you look at the photo you will notice packets of mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and relish (thanks Chick-fil-a). Since I knew we had one dinner at Phantom Ranch, that meant I could take out a meal! I struggled to cut food because I knew I needed it too so took extra just in case! I will say that I did buy some of those 'energy gels' packets and they were awful! The one thing that did keep me going the last 3 miles on the hike up were Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews in Pink Lemonade flavor. I kept the bag in my pocket and would suck on one from time to time; they were yummy and apparently helped give me energy. I also took some energy gel that was awful! I took one taste and about gagged so in the baggie it went to throw away! I think it was best to take and eat safe foods that my body was used to and would not have a bad reaction or end up sick!
MISCELLANEOUS . . .
My backpack was the biggest expense but it really was amazingly comfortable and can see using it again. I researched this a lot because I was worried about my back hurting but finally went with the Osprey Tempest 40 ($140). It was roomy and never once hurt my back or shoulders! I did have a pair of trekking poles and had planned on taking them but they were super heavy. The night before I flew to Phoenix, I went to REI to see if I could find something lighter. I found two pair and 'trekked' around the store for a bit. While I had my mind set on the Black Diamond poles they were not adjustable and the height was a bit off so I settled on the REI Traverse Power Lock Cork Women's Trekking Poles ($89). They were lightweight and the cork grips were small which I liked. Now, I will say they did disappoint me many times on the hike but was so thankful to have them. I can't remember the number of times I had to adjust them to the correct height (105cm) because when I would use them they would collapse; they might be returned but man they were a lifesaver . . . however when I got home, I adjusted the screw on the locks and that seemed to fix the problem. These poles now have sentimental value so probably will keep them, LOL. Overall, I was very pleased with what I took and would make very few changes if I did this again. Again? Oh yes, just like childbirth you sort of forget about the pain and can't wait to do it again!
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