hikingafter40

I wrote this for a friend that is considering getting into backpacking.  I am posting it here so I can find it again. ~~~~ So here is a packing list of the things that I use.  Most of the thru hikers I've met use similar things.  Most of us belong to REI (http://rei.com).  It costs 20 dollars to join (one time fee), and some things are really expensive (so I buy those on Amazon), but for the BIG things (tent, sleeping bag, cook system), it's worth it because they have a 100 day return policy.  You can try gear and return it if it doesn't work for you.  For example, I started with an Osprey backpack, but bc I am a bigger girl, it cut into my waist and made me feel like I was in the magician's box getting sliced in half.  I returned it and got a Gregory pack which works for me.  They will measure you for a pack, and you want one that is about 60 liters. Here is a shopping list: BACKPACK: You definitely want to get fitted for this. ...

So, before we carry on with one of the most controversial of hiking topics, let me preface this by saying a few things.  First, I respect whatever you believe.  I see the sides of all gun arguments, and I respect you and your opinion, and I don't expect my opinion to change yours and your opinion, while I am happy to hear it, won't impact mine. One of things that is making this hike so memorable is that Rambo and I are complete opposites in many ways.  He sees the world as a place full of criminals because he is a prison officer, and his world is, literally, filled with criminals.  I am an English professor turned administrator, so I see the world in terms of literary devices (he would say sunshine and unicorn farts).  Fair enough. I am not opposed to gun ownership.  I was taught to shoot at a very young age, and I own long arms of my own.  I've won first place the last two years (the only two years I've participated) at the annual gun cl...