Highlight’s Top 5 Thru-hiker Favorites
My lessons in gear were learned the hard way and the fun way. If I had to narrow it down to my five favorite items that kept me safe, sane, and happy, this is it!
Highlight’s Top 5 Thru-Hiker Favorites
1. Sawyer water filter
My first pick is more like three pieces but for one purpose: a hands-free water filter system. On the Appalachian Trail, I loved the Sawyer Squeeze but I hated squeezing water bottle to water bottle. Eventually, I added a Cnoc 2L pouch in Marion, Virginia, and a Sawyer coupling piece and I finally nailed it. The Cnoc pouch makes it easy to roll and squeeze through the filter, coupling piece, and into the clean water bottle.
I would simply fill the 2L Cnoc pouch on my way into a shelter or campsite and hang the system on a tree or on the shelter. After a minute or so, the pouch gravity filters the water into a Smartwater bottle and it’s ready to use for drinking or cooking. I love this hands-free system and it sure comes in handy on those colder hiking days!
2. Ultrathon Insect Repellent
As a Southbound hiker on the Appalachian Trail, big concerns are the mosquitoes and black flies in Maine, yet with this lotion, I survived and thrived. It only takes a small amount to be effective. I dab it lightly around my face, neck, ears, and any exposed body parts. Re-apply as needed but this stuff is potent! I prefer this lotion over DEET spray any day. Don’t drive yourself bug crazy and pick up some Ultrathon.
Shop on Amazon: Ultrathon Insect Repellent 2 oz.
Shop on REI: Ultrathon Insect Repellent 2 oz.
3. Long Titanium spoon
I lost or broke at least 4 plastic spoons on my hike. Tired of breaking Light My Fire sporks, I used plastic ones from fast food joints. Until one day, Bubbles was gifted a beautiful hand-carved wooden spoon, courtesy of Jim Tabor, The Barefoot Carver. She passed on her titanium spoon to me and I used it the rest of the trek. With the long handle, you can scoop out the nooks and crannies of a salmon packet or a Knorrs Select. Plus, this titanium gem won’t snap scooping out peanut butter or near-frozen Nutella. For added security, I attached a hot pink zip tie to the handle so I’d easily spot it should I leave it around the campfire. I never thought I’d say this, but I won’t camp without this spoon.
Shop: Optimus Titanium Long Spoon or Toaks Titanium Long Spoon
4. Trekking Umbrella
I didn’t carry an umbrella until Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. That’s 1,194 miles into my hike. I stuck to a rain jacket and a hat, sometimes a poncho. Three months in and with Hurricane Florence on the horizon I thought I’d finally give it a try. Attach the umbrella to your shoulder strap or simply carry it and hike without sweating your butt off in a rain jacket. In Harper’s Ferry, I ditched my original Dollar General umbrella and opted for a lighter, smaller, $7.95 Wilcor umbrella from the local outfitters.
Shop: Unfortunately I couldn’t find a retailer for the Wilcor umbrella, but this looks like the next best option Fidus Compact Umbrella
2019 UPDATE: I’m now a huge fan of Six Moon Designs Carbon Shadow umbrella. I used it on the CDT and it’s a staple in my backpacking kit.
5. Highlighters aka My luxury item
Ah, my creative outlet. My namesake. While this is totally my own personal example, the idea here is a luxury item. Carry a ukulele for a while, a deck of cards, a Frisbee, whatever. Have fun with it. Play around. Bring something to build comradery.
You’re going to have these memories for the rest of your life. Look back fondly at the journey and remember how great it was to wake up in the woods and know that you had fun with it.
Happy trails,
Highlight
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