Overall, your gear looks pretty good.

In terms of your clothing (UPF shirt, wicking underlayer, stuffable wind jacket), those are all excellent choices. You might consider adding a light weight fleece depending on the predicted overnight low. I always bring a light weight fleece cap and some lightweight gloves. You could probably dispense with the gloves depending on the predicted wx, but I bring the little cap even in the summer. One loses a lot of heat through one's head. Were I wet and were it windy, that cap could be a real life saver for mere ounces and not much bulk.

In terms of footwear I think I'll disagree with dchinell's recommendation to go with running shoes or Tevas. I think you'll get a lot more support and protection with boots than Tevas. Gortex boots will keep you way drier than running shoes. Were I in FL like dchinell, I might go with running shoes; it's warm in FL. In the Pacific NW, it can be cold and wet. Better dry feet I think.

You're right on with carrying a dry pair of socks. If there's a real chance of getting wet, I'll sometimes carry three pair. Two pair to swap out depending on which pair is wettest and one additional pair that is just for an overnight bivvy if things "go south." Maybe not so important in summer, but on a cold, wet fall day, I want at least one pair of dry socks in case "something" happens. I wouldn't carry dry socks on an "if they fit" basis. I think they're really more important than we might give them credit for. If space or weight were an issue, than I'd drop the CPR mask and the SAM splint. Both good pieces of kit, but to my mind not as necessary as dry socks. One of the perils of being well equipped is to neglect the basics and to carry a lot of good but less fundamental gear.

The hickory staff will also be a bit heavy, although it's a nice weapon if needed. I personally have some of those new fangled aluminum trekking poles which work well for me and could be used to jab/spear but wouldn't work as a quarter staff like your hickory would.

Regarding tinder, Wetfire is of course excellent stuff. However if the packaging is compromised, Wetfire quickly becomes useless. It's a good idea to periodically inspect/rotate Wetfire. I notice that you carry a Spark-lite kit. If by kit you mean that you carry some Tinder-qwik (or the equivalent) in addition to the Spark-lite, then I think that's a good back up to the potentially finicky Wetfire.

In the Wilderness First Aid class I took last year, they recommended soap and water over antiseptics. Apparently antiseptics slow the healing process whereas soap and water do not. Antibiotic ointment definitely, but you might just carry a small bar of soap rather than an antiseptic wipe. Something to consider anyway.

Regarding military ponchos, I still use mine. However, in a rainy place like the Pacific NW, you might want to either wear full raingear (pants and coat) particularly in cooler wx or to augment your poncho with rain chaps or rain pants. I find that when it rains hard or when I go through wet vegetation, my legs get really soaked, sometimes to the point that my socks get soaked too.

With regard to a spork, I think a couple of people have mentioned it already, but I personally prefer a spoon. It's hard to get into the corners of my bowl with a spork: the food often slips through the tines. A spoon can get those last drops of soup and small bits of food. If I really need to have jabbing capability, I use my knife. Uncivilized I know, but practical.

I'm +1 on headlamps. A flashlight held in the mouth is a pain in the proverbial butt. Outdoors, with no ceiling and walls to reflect off of, a mini-mag might have problems serving as an area light, and I'm not sure you'll always find a good way to prop it up. Experiment around and see what you like. Perhaps that Nite-Ize head band that Frankie recommended is a good compromise and would allow you to go either way.

One thing I don't see is a potty trowel (did I miss it?). One really should bury human waste about 6" down or so. You could use your knife or possibly even your staff, but a plastic potty trowel weighs little and would work quite a bit better than either. In some areas, potty trowels are required; check your local regs.

With all of this stuff, time and experience are good teachers. Try new things, ask what works for others, etc. After 40+ years of hiking, I'm still experimenting and fine tuning.

Have a great time; the Pac NW is great hiking country.


Edited by Hikin_Jim (08/01/08 01:12 AM)
Edit Reason: correct spelling error
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Adventures In Stoving