Equiping for Kilimanjaro


Backpacking Equipment

I started spending a lot of money for this trip. The plane tickets were cheap at $1500 for round trip. I needed to buy clothes in layers. I found out cotton is evil, synthetic is good. I bought new long underware, new middleware, new outerware and socks. I think I spent $100 on 4 pairs of socks. I got the best hiking boots I could and the best parka REI sold.

Then I decided I needed to practice hiking with a pack on my back. I thought it could be fun to get a backpack and do some overnight trips to make sure I had everything I needed for the climb up Kili. So I bought the backpack, a one-person micro tent (Deb had no interest in joining me), a good sleeping bag, food, first-aid kit, headlamp, mini stove and a pan and spork made of light-weight titanium. I also bought two ‘Platypus’ water bladders with a hose and valve that allow you to drink without stopping.

I learned what a balaklava is but could never remember the name so folks thought I was talking about a dessert or an instrument or a dancer or something else that I can’t remember right now.

I spent about $1000 on this equipment alone. I packed it all up and went for a walk around the neighborhood to get the feel for it. It weighed about 35 pounds. The route I took was about 4 miles long and I felt it. About half way through, a couple young boys riding bikes passed me from behind – one rather closely. After he got a hundred feet or so in front of me, he turned around and yelled, “BUM!” It took me a few seconds to realize what he said and when I did, I had to laugh – here I was with about $1000 worth of equipment strapped to my back and somebody calls me a bum! That poor boy has issues, already. My Parka

These boots are made for walking!
Practice

Sartoris Navigation Bar


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