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View Full Version : What is your one piece of "GEAR" you can't do without?



Dash
08-19-2012, 12:17
.........................?

coach lou
08-19-2012, 12:22
Reading Glasses

driver
08-19-2012, 12:34
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Trekker

Papa D
08-19-2012, 12:40
Eyeglasses followed by shoes

johnnybgood
08-19-2012, 12:44
Good pair of comfortable hiking shoes.

Maddog
08-19-2012, 12:50
Cell phone! :bse

Rasty
08-19-2012, 12:58
Car Keys are really really important to remember.

Insect repellant is a the most important piece of gear for me. If I wore eyeglasses that would be first.

avalonmorn
08-19-2012, 13:28
Glasses, headlamp, extra pair of glasses, in that order.

Train Wreck
08-19-2012, 13:32
uh, ... feet? :D

Mountaintop
08-19-2012, 16:41
uh, ... feet? :D

I just spewed coffee on my keyboard.
My answer would be my knife.

Sarcasm the elf
08-19-2012, 17:21
Glock 18C...

Sarcasm the elf
08-19-2012, 17:22
My real answer?

If you are asking what one piece of "optional" gear do I consider essential, then my answer hands down is my Black Diamond hiking poles.

Biggie Master
08-19-2012, 19:36
Since you put "GEAR" in quotes, I consider that a wide open question and I'll respond with "my brain" or "uncommon sense**". There are too many pieces of gear that we all need (good footwear, shelter, proper clothing, and food), and it changes depending on specific conditions, but in a pinch (aka emergency), the best resource is your mental ability to deal with it. Other than a life threatening medical emergency, you can usually walk your way out of trouble, and find help -- if you know what you're doing.

** you know why... too few today have what should be common sense, so it's actually more accurately described as uncommon

atmilkman
08-19-2012, 20:15
I can do without them but the piece of gear I miss the most are my slip-n-snip scissors.

kayak karl
08-19-2012, 20:29
Reading Glasses
ain't that the truth. :)

Mountain Mojo
08-19-2012, 20:32
My Buff! Keeps the sweat, as well as my hair, outta my eyes, without feeling like my head is totally covered...

OzJacko
08-19-2012, 21:44
Ziplock bag with cash and cards.....

Bonepile2
08-20-2012, 09:04
My backpack of course.

colorado_rob
08-20-2012, 13:02
Hello Folks! I'm brand new to this forum, (this is my very first post) and planning to be a NOBO thru-hiker in 2013, starting in mid/late April. I'll be brand new to eastern US hiking, but spend nearly every weekend in the mountains of Colorado.

My favorite piece of gear is hands down my sleeping bag (I own 7 of them, ridiculous, I know). Having that little haven of warmth and comfort at the end of the day makes this all possible, IMHO. Truly humble opinion... perhaps in the warmer climate back east sleeping bags take on less importance, at least for the middle 3/4ths of the AT.

moocow
08-20-2012, 13:16
glasses and shoes.

If you're referring to items that are not crucial to my hike but I just can't see myself going without them, then I need hiking poles.

AKBOb
08-20-2012, 13:19
pfft... easy my Wenger 16999 Giant Swiss Army Knife
17102
http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-16999-Giant-Swiss-Knife/dp/B001DZTJRQ/ref=pd_ybh_23

Odd Man Out
08-20-2012, 13:29
"No it never complains, and it never cries, and it looks so good, and it fits just right. But if it's her you want I don't care about that. You can have my girl but don't touch my hat." (Lyle Lovett)

http://www.barmahhats.com.au/images/1018HS_w_text.jpg

Maddog
08-20-2012, 13:35
Cell phone! :bse

Seriously though...as I get older, it's probably my Leki's! Maddog:D

GSLeader_in_NC
08-20-2012, 15:35
Insect repellant. I will never, never leave home without it. I am a bug magnet - I've ALWAYS been a bug magnet...

Last trip on the AT was March and I took my sunscreen, but didn't think I'd need my DEET. Wow, was I ever wrong. The gnats were so bad they were like a cloud around my head from morning until evening. Made my trip a lot less enjoyable than it could have been if I only brought along a small squirt bottle of Off...

Buffalo Skipper
08-20-2012, 15:43
.........................?

Yea, I have some simple, but great gear that I would not hike without. I love every item of my Big "4,", pack , hammock, tarp and quilts. But somehow, everyone has these in one form or another, so that is nothing unique, and I will skip it.


Good pair of comfortable hiking shoes.

Some people may hike barefoot, but barring those rare people, everyone has some sort of footwear. I love my boots, but they are nothing special.


...my answer hands down is my Black Diamond hiking poles.

Yea, I love my BD poles. Ergo-Corks. Really great piece of gear that I would not want to be without. :)

Canyonero
08-20-2012, 16:34
Cheese. Guns. Dog (no leash though). Cell phone. Bible (for trail "magic" purposes only).

But seriously, a plain old Life is Good cap. I almost never wear a hat outside of hiking but I always have it on when I am on the trail.

Tharwood
08-24-2012, 07:09
Zip Ties......

Train Wreck
08-24-2012, 07:15
pfft... easy my Wenger 16999 Giant Swiss Army Knife
17102
http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-16999-Giant-Swiss-Knife/dp/B001DZTJRQ/ref=pd_ybh_23



That's not a knife, that's a porcupine wearing a suit of armor!

Hairbear
08-24-2012, 07:29
That's not a knife, that's a porcupine wearing a suit of armor!if you look close you can see the kitchen sink in the middle

Hairbear
08-24-2012, 07:33
glasses ,i cant see being without them

RED-DOG
08-24-2012, 10:21
I think i would have to say my FOOD BAG.

Gray Blazer
08-24-2012, 10:24
My lightweight waterproof hooded windbreaker-Prolly saved my life a coupla times.

Drybones
08-24-2012, 16:01
.........................?

Toilet paper

AKBOb
08-24-2012, 19:11
Toilet paper

Toilet paper!! :confused: Wiping is what my pappy said my hands was for.

Praha4
08-24-2012, 22:16
the waffle iron of course is first, got to cook a hot breakfast each day.... followed closely by the boombox you can play loudly at shelters ... then the Snow Peak U/L chopsticks required at all those AYCE Chinese buffets in town.

coach lou
08-24-2012, 22:20
the waffle iron of course is first, got to cook a hot breakfast each day.... followed closely by the boombox you can play loudly at shelters ... then the Snow Peak U/L chopsticks required at all those AYCE Chinese buffets in town.

I showed HB57 the sticks, I keep them in the fish car!

Donde
08-25-2012, 02:53
Cheese

If out west a Shemagh is pretty damn useful.

SassyWindsor
08-25-2012, 02:56
either my Fabiano or Scarpa Leather Hiking Boots.

moytoy
08-25-2012, 06:00
It's really hard to say. The question reminds me of a quote my John Muir.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else."

coach lou
08-25-2012, 09:22
It's really hard to say. The question reminds me of a quote my John Muir.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else."

Yes, I see that. 'This is all the crap I need to have to feel comfortable being out there, and if I'm missing something, I know it, so I'm not comfortable.'

hikerboy57
08-25-2012, 10:23
On my section hike I had everything I needed and needed everything I had.

LadybugPicnic
08-25-2012, 10:24
I wouldn't want to do without several pieces of my gear - my hammock, rain tarp, insulation, sleeping bag, backpack, and hiking poles. My luxury item I wouldn't want to do without is my Kindle Reader :)

Panzer1
08-25-2012, 12:31
pants.....

WingedMonkey
08-25-2012, 13:52
On my section hike I had everything I needed and needed everything I had.

Then why did you quit?

hikerboy57
08-25-2012, 14:08
Then why did you quit?i got hurt.smashed my shin right above the ankle on a log when i had slipped just 4 days out, kept hiking on it for probably 50 miles more than i should have till it worked its way to a full blown sprain. i hiked to chairback through a full day of torrential rain, took a zero the next day, was running low on food, tried to push on to monson, but finally got off at third mtn, took a side trail to a logging road which brought me to the amc gorman lodge where an amc guy gave me a ride into greenville. itook 4 days off, coach lou came up and we did 2 nights in the bigelows,didnt feel i was strong enough to get to gorham on the stlll sore ankle, decided to catch a ride home from lou.i had a great time for the 3 weeks i was on the trail, and was satisfied to go home at that point. my biggest disappointment however was accidently erasing some 150+ pictures the very last night i was out. im going to have another try at it next year.
im still on the learning curve with poles as i had only hiked with them 3 times before maine, and im still learning when i should be using them and when to put them away. i think using them at the wrong time contributed to my slipping, where before using poles i was always pretty sure footed, i became a bit tentative looking for places to put both poles and feet.even when i was scrambling up chairback, i first was looking how to use the poles, then put them away and just used my hands, felt much more secure. i guess if there was one piece of equipment i could have used would have been a medic.

Drybones
08-25-2012, 14:24
pfft... easy my Wenger 16999 Giant Swiss Army Knife
17102
http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-16999-Giant-Swiss-Knife/dp/B001DZTJRQ/ref=pd_ybh_23



Is the UL version all they offer?

Wise Old Owl
08-25-2012, 14:28
Leash..............................

Sarcasm the elf
08-25-2012, 14:31
Is the UL version all they offer?http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000J4U4LM/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1345919503&sr=8-10 ;-)

AKBOb
08-25-2012, 16:26
i got hurt.smashed my shin right above the ankle on a log when i had slipped just 4 days out, kept hiking on it for probably 50 miles more than i should have till it worked its way to a full blown sprain. i hiked to chairback through a full day of torrential rain, took a zero the next day, was running low on food, tried to push on to monson, but finally got off at third mtn, took a side trail to a logging road which brought me to the amc gorman lodge where an amc guy gave me a ride into greenville. itook 4 days off, coach lou came up and we did 2 nights in the bigelows,didnt feel i was strong enough to get to gorham on the stlll sore ankle, decided to catch a ride home from lou.i had a great time for the 3 weeks i was on the trail, and was satisfied to go home at that point. my biggest disappointment however was accidently erasing some 150+ pictures the very last night i was out. im going to have another try at it next year.
im still on the learning curve with poles as i had only hiked with them 3 times before maine, and im still learning when i should be using them and when to put them away. i think using them at the wrong time contributed to my slipping, where before using poles i was always pretty sure footed, i became a bit tentative looking for places to put both poles and feet.even when i was scrambling up chairback, i first was looking how to use the poles, then put them away and just used my hands, felt much more secure. i guess if there was one piece of equipment i could have used would have been a medic.


I feel your pain! I took a pair of Lekis on a trip into the back country for a 2 week trip once (no trails) and they finally ended up lashed to my pack when got one of them stuck between boulders and nearly to a 6,000ft ride down a scree coved mt.

AKBOb
08-25-2012, 16:27
I feel your pain! I took a pair of Lekis on a trip into the back country for a 2 week trip once (no trails) and they finally ended up lashed to my pack when got one of them stuck between boulders and nearly to a 6,000ft ride down a scree coved mt.

Need to fix my spell checker

hikerboy57
08-25-2012, 16:31
I feel your pain! I took a pair of Lekis on a trip into the back country for a 2 week trip once (no trails) and they finally ended up lashed to my pack when got one of them stuck between boulders and nearly to a 6,000ft ride down a scree coved mt. I'm going to try using office shoes next time.

AKBOb
08-25-2012, 16:32
I'm going to try using office shoes next time.

LOL, office or official?

q-tip
08-26-2012, 10:40
Steripen---Mont Bell Puff Jacket

Rasty
08-26-2012, 11:06
I'm going to try using office shoes next time.

Black or Brown? It matters!

Water Rat
08-26-2012, 11:07
Black or Brown? It matters!

The black shoes would go so much better, with many more outfits. The brown shoes might clash with some of the dirt on the trail...

Rasty
08-26-2012, 11:08
The black shoes would go so much better, with many more outfits. The brown shoes might clash with some of the dirt on the trail...

You carry more than one outfit? :confused:

Water Rat
08-26-2012, 11:33
You carry more than one outfit? :confused:

Ha ha! I never said I carry more than one outfit. Good grief, no! But, if HB carries more than one outfit, he will definitely be in good shape. Just don't wear white after Labor Day!

Longstrike
08-29-2012, 04:14
My Buff! Keeps the sweat, as well as my hair, outta my eyes, without feeling like my head is totally covered...
+1 My buff goes with me everywhere
next up would be my field knife. I can survive for at least a litte while with just that and my brain

kombiguy
08-31-2012, 22:11
Coffee maker.

Water Rat
08-31-2012, 22:12
New item I apparently will not be going anywhere without... Stuffed lobster. Louie Louie is my new hiking buddy.

GraniteStater
09-06-2012, 00:31
Sleeping pad... been there, done that.. doesn't make for a good night without one!

takethisbread
09-06-2012, 09:32
There are several necessary pieces gear: shelter, sleep system , pack. As far as extra's that arnt necessary but I always try to carry: extra socks and a knife. Especially if you are in backcountry

Suckerfish
09-06-2012, 11:03
My hammock.

turtle fast
09-06-2012, 12:49
Toilet paper or as some call it mountain currency.

Pathfinder1
09-06-2012, 13:10
Hi...


Something to put all my stuff in.

EcoWarrior
09-06-2012, 13:39
My Limmers

Suckerfish
09-06-2012, 14:57
Everything in my pack is what I can't live without. If I could I wouldnt pack it. I had to rething my origional post and I was doing a mental check of my inventory and everything in my pack right now is something i need on the trail. If I realized I don't need it I take it out and leave it.

RED-DOG
09-06-2012, 18:04
Bro i am going to say my PACK.

Mulungu
09-07-2012, 15:30
My trusted coffee mug, keeps me warm in the early morning, brings good cheer at tea time, a cold rink at lunch time, more tea if you are that way inclined, a touch of wine at supper and hot chocolate before bed time, that's the way I hike and hope will be hiking next year. I never leave for a hike without my trusted coffee mug. We go back a long way.I have told my mug things that I have not told my best friend or my wife. Late at night we have stared at the stars together. My mug has seen the fish that I caught and let go ( my wife still does not believe me)Hands down. My mug is the most important bit of hiking kit. It is always the first to be packed and the first to be unpacked at any stop.I love my mug.

mag
09-07-2012, 19:58
Best invention ever - ziplock bags. One extravagance - TP.

fireneck
09-07-2012, 20:38
Trekking poles!

Not Sunshine
09-08-2012, 08:34
My trusted coffee mug, keeps me warm in the early morning, brings good cheer at tea time, a cold rink at lunch time, more tea if you are that way inclined, a touch of wine at supper and hot chocolate before bed time, that's the way I hike and hope will be hiking next year. I never leave for a hike without my trusted coffee mug. We go back a long way.I have told my mug things that I have not told my best friend or my wife. Late at night we have stared at the stars together. My mug has seen the fish that I caught and let go ( my wife still does not believe me)Hands down. My mug is the most important bit of hiking kit. It is always the first to be packed and the first to be unpacked at any stop.I love my mug.

Now THAT was a post! Ode to mug. Does your mug have a buddy named "rum"?? I take one of those 1/2 pint water bottles (Deer Park) with me on longer hikes, fill it with Spiced Rum and mix in some deliciousness to my Hot Cocoa/Apple Cider before turning in.

So that's my UN-necessary item: Captain Morgan.

My pack, feet, shoes/socks, clothes, tent, sleeping bag, cook stove, pot, water, water filter, food, sleeping pad, and even my trekking poles (necessary to pop my tent) are all "necessary" in my book. My pack weight [without food/water but with clothing I was wearing/carrying] was 14lbs last trip. At one point I carried nearly 9lbs of water [since there was no water for 14 miles]. I probably carry 5lbs of food easily for any 3-4 day hike. So rough average of 25 lbs.

My pack is a Osprey Talon 44L. Love love love love it.
Plans to purchase the Osprey Talon 33L soon - for shorter hikes.

Mulungu
09-08-2012, 12:20
[QUOTE=Not Sunshine;1335488]Now THAT was a post! Ode to mug. Does your mug have a buddy named "rum"?? I take one of those 1/2 pint water bottles (Deer Park) with me on longer hikes, fill it with Spiced Rum and mix in some deliciousness to my Hot Cocoa/Apple Cider before turning in.So that's my UN-necessary item: Captain Morgan. My mug is partial to a wee drop of whiskey now and again. Depending on how far we have to walk I have been known to bring a hip flask just for those cold nights. That said with good company, around a blazing fire, talking the night away, a bit of rum with the hot chocolate sounds like a fantastic idea. Perhaps we can share. I will bring the mug and the hot chocolate...

Slow n' Steady
09-22-2012, 08:50
Hands down, my Leki hiking poles! I'd be on the ground without them. They have saved me from many possible falls.

Many Moons
09-22-2012, 11:46
.........................?

Lots of Advil!!!! Hike On!!!

Miller

bspycc79
09-22-2012, 17:41
Body Glide (anti-chafing gel)

Hill Ape
09-25-2012, 17:32
Silk briefs

T-Rx
09-25-2012, 17:48
Hands down, my Leki hiking poles! I'd be on the ground without them. They have saved me from many possible falls.

+1 on the Leki hiking poles. I never used poles until the last couple of years. Now I can't imagine hiking without them. They have become almost like another set of legs.

Zmaidment
10-25-2012, 19:49
Erb n lighter

SunnyWalker
10-25-2012, 21:16
Knife. Rght now its the Bear Grylls Gerber Scout knife.

Papa D
10-25-2012, 21:24
toilet paper or as some call it mountain currency.

sh%t tickets

Papa D
10-25-2012, 21:25
Water Bottle, Rain Jacket, Headlamp, shoes - everything else is luxury -

oh, yeah, I'd be totally fwcked without my eyeglasses

mrcoffeect
10-26-2012, 08:32
Coffee maker.

+1 gotta have it :)

oldbear
10-26-2012, 08:36
Beyond the essentials ?
My candle lantern
Maybe bc I'm a solo hiker But my candle lantern always has effect of making any enclosed space that I'm in feel homier

poopsy
10-26-2012, 12:17
Its funny, Dad and I were just talking about this and we both agree that with a fire starter (matches lighter whatever), snare wire, and an axe (Iltis Oxhead), we could probably survive in the bush anywhere in North America

doritotex
10-26-2012, 19:10
I never leave home without my camera.

HermesUL
10-26-2012, 20:09
Poncho Tarp. Planning on buying the Golite 7 oz version soon.

Sarcasm the elf
10-26-2012, 20:48
Definitely my Glock 18c :sun

Dogwood
10-26-2012, 23:55
That thing between my ears. NO, not my nose. My brain.

Dogwood
10-26-2012, 23:59
I like that post Mulungu. Tom\ Hanks had Mr Wilson the volley ball and you have the coffee mug. Have a name?

Josh Calhoun
10-30-2012, 09:38
besides my big 4 i would have to go with hiking poles as well. saved my ankles more times than i can count

Josh Calhoun
10-30-2012, 09:47
Its funny, Dad and I were just talking about this and we both agree that with a fire starter (matches lighter whatever), snare wire, and an axe (Iltis Oxhead), we could probably survive in the bush anywhere in North America

poopsy, i like the idea of a snare wire. if your a good trapper you will never go hungry

hikerhobs
10-31-2012, 16:16
my therm-a-seat cushion, nothing worse then a wet A$$

HermesUL
10-31-2012, 17:17
Kitchen sink. Hands down.

RJ Lewis
11-02-2012, 00:06
For me, the piece of gear I couldn't do without are 2 things- my really light hiking poles- they save my ankles and help on the uphills too!! The other thing is my comfy hiking boots...with sore feet, you aren't going very far. :)

hbc2194
11-02-2012, 01:21
My ear plugs and gaiters.

darkage
11-09-2012, 19:44
Not sure if anyone else has said this ... but i'll go with my backpack ... carrying everything in my arms would suck. LOL

OzJacko
11-09-2012, 20:05
poopsy, i like the idea of a snare wire. if your a good trapper you will never go hungry
While you're waiting for something to stick it's head in your wire, I'll nip down the road with my ziplock bag of cash and cards and buy a pizza.:D

jimmyjam
11-09-2012, 20:33
My exped mat. Can't do the closed cell foam anymore.

darkage
11-09-2012, 23:38
While you're waiting for something to stick it's head in your wire, I'll nip down the road with my ziplock bag of cash and cards and buy a pizza.:D

pretty much .... lmao

Spirit Bear
11-10-2012, 00:18
A Bank Card, you're not going to travel far without it.

fishing
11-12-2012, 16:19
Boots. Too clumsy for shoes.

G-FOURce
11-12-2012, 19:11
http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb415/moughinman/83559f7c03edde90c8baf55274895a72.jpg

Camel2012
11-14-2012, 03:31
My HH, without it, i have a hard time getting a good nights sleep.

lobotomized
11-22-2012, 14:59
I have a love/hate relationship with rope. It's so heavy....

THE DANGLER
11-22-2012, 18:58
My HH, without it, i have a hard time getting a good nights sleep.

Agreed, HH ftw :cool: Or my DIY I just made...Hammocks are sweet...

lkn4air
11-23-2012, 02:03
I have to go with My Brain.


Happy Hiking
HYOH

SawnieRobertson
11-23-2012, 10:46
My Leki fellas.

Thunderbird
11-23-2012, 14:22
My Gerber knife.

Dodds1990
11-24-2012, 00:33
ULA Circuit. Best pack ever! GAME 2013 leggooooo!!!!

miami
12-03-2012, 22:29
Dehydrated baby wipes. Definitely.

Trail.BlazR
12-18-2012, 13:27
Must have a first aid kit of some sort, containing enough Ibuprofen to allow for 3 or 4 doses a day if needed. I don't normally need any, but one time, I hurt my knee and didn't have but 10. By day two of the knee.... I was hurtin bad. Fortunately I acquired some from a better prepared hiker and my pace went from a crawl back up to a normal.

Luxury: iPod & juice(lightweight charger). I love classical music at night, in the hammock, looking up at the stars. The juice pack can allow over 72 hrs of music. I can make that last a week, even if I slip up and fall asleep one night with it playing. Then it's time to find a usb source to recharge. Now a-days, that's quite easy.

TrailTrekr
12-18-2012, 18:58
My diva cup and the dohicky that let's me pee like a dude!

TheBigHiker
12-18-2012, 19:06
My diva cup and the dohicky that let's me pee like a dude!

I was hoping someone would rock this on the trail this year! Glad to see you represent!

TheBigHiker
12-18-2012, 19:07
Must have a first aid kit of some sort, containing enough Ibuprofen to allow for 3 or 4 doses a day if needed. I don't normally need any, but one time, I hurt my knee and didn't have but 10. By day two of the knee.... I was hurtin bad. Fortunately I acquired some from a better prepared hiker and my pace went from a crawl back up to a normal.

Luxury: iPod & juice(lightweight charger). I love classical music at night, in the hammock, looking up at the stars. The juice pack can allow over 72 hrs of music. I can make that last a week, even if I slip up and fall asleep one night with it playing. Then it's time to find a usb source to recharge. Now a-days, that's quite easy.

what juice pack are you using and would it work for a phone?

Trail.BlazR
12-19-2012, 08:45
what juice pack are you using and would it work for a phone?

Mophie. it will work for apple connections.

middle to middle
12-19-2012, 15:30
YQUOTE=oldbear;1353787]Beyond the essentials ?
My candle lantern
Maybe bc I'm a solo hiker But my candle lantern always has effect of making any enclosed space that I'm in feel homier[/QUOTE]
Yes on a cold day or in the dark a candle makes it all ok.
Second is coffee.

coach lou
12-19-2012, 16:39
YQUOTE=oldbear;1353787]Beyond the essentials ?
My candle lantern
Maybe bc I'm a solo hiker But my candle lantern always has effect of making any enclosed space that I'm in feel homier
Yes on a cold day or in the dark a candle makes it all ok.
Second is coffee.[/QUOTE]


I have been reconsidering taking my candle lantern again for the same reasons.