Blog 4: Extending

Today I started to filter through the enormous amount of gear I have accumulated over the past few months. Having only practiced with my tent I knew it was important to do a shake down. This term is used frequently in the hiking groups, most often referring to a “shakedown hike” where you carry in everything and use it all, getting rid of items you just really are not going to use or don’t work like you hoped, etc. My shake down “hike” occurred in the home I am currently housesitting/petsitting in. It did not go as expected at all, but so far all I eliminated was a ton of anxiety and a sports bra (which I will need to find a replacement for). lol. Here is my experience as it unfolded.

• Don’t set up tent or air mattress inside if you have cats. They really like all the parts. ALL THE PARTS

• Definitely practice stuffing your sleeping bag into the compression bag, but don’t leave it there. Keep it loose and “happy” until you leave for your hike.

• If you purchased a self-inflating air mattress you need to train it’s memory, so it remembers and “prefers” being inflated. lol Not joking. 24 hours of training. Apparently. Also leave it inflated until you leave for your hike.

• Try on all the clothes you bought, if you can’t get out of your sports bra while clean, dry, and standing upright in a house, don’t bring it.

• Do not freak out if your stuff doesn’t fit into your pack as expected the first time. It’s like a “fun” puzzle. One you want to memorize and perfect before your first morning pack up on the trail.

• If you are not good with electronics, do not under any circumstances switch from trying to figure out and fit all your gear, to understanding how to set up your Garmin or understand what or how many f*cking “dongles” you are going to need for various devices.

• Stop, breathe, take a shower, come back with a clear head and start again. It’s way more manageable the second time.

Words of advice from a newbie.

You are welcome