New to day hikes!
I started “walking” as a way to get healthier. Which led to venturing out further. I’m lucky I can leave my house and be in solitude in minutes or drive a short distance and be in multiple trails in southern Oregon.
I’ve pieced together various things, as I realized I needed better then what I had, and I was losing weight so buying clothes to fit me became a thing. I was doing second hand stores as buying new I did not know where I was going to land. Footwear I found a color being discontinued of Moab 3, low cut hiking shoes, took a chance and ordered online. What a difference! They are awesome! So much so I bought a pair of mid cut water proof ones for fall and winter.
My first hydropack I borrowed from teen, my second one was a $20 coupon special from Big 5 (and technically that pack is great if it had load bearing anywhere but shoulders!). I came to conclusion I needed a better day pack as I carry a lot of “what if’s” gear as I’m in areas anything could happen and even in my town an ambulance is up to an hour away.
My point is I’ve “cheaply” put together things I needed. Some stuff I had, borrowed, coupons, sales, and 2nd hand (I’ve got some great clothing that people probably outgrew and since I shrank it was a win win!).
My biggest purchase to date is this pack. I even went to REI to test out several brands. This one won my personal choice for comfort with 15 lbs loaded in it! Mind you with water my usual is about 10-11lbs. Was not a clearance or sale, just needed it after my attempt to summit a local mountain I realized how much my hydropack hurt! This will allow me more “if I get stuck out overnight” supplies and rest that weight on my hips!
I enjoying reading the posts here!