Gear
I use a few gear items that I am particularly happy with. In some cases, it took me a while to find the right gear for my style of activity. I list my most favorite items here. The optimal gear can in some cases be different for everybody, but perhaps it can help you make a decision.
- Headlamp: Silva Headlamp
- Trail running shoes: Hoka Speedgoat
- Approach shoes: Scarpa Mescalito
- Rescue device: Garmin InReach
Maps and Route Finding
TODO
Weather Forecast
TODO
Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent
The MSR Lighting Ascent is a very well known snowshoe for technical activities and it is not a shocking choice of gear here in the Pacific Northwest. It works particularly well on consolidated, icy snow ('cascade concrete') as we often see here in the coastal mountains.
Traction: Kahtoola Microspikes
Microspikes are very common in the Pacific Northwest for icy trail conditions. Kahtoola microspikes have no real competition in quality and effectiveness.
When I traveled to Kauai for the first time, I read about the slippery trails and thought that microspikes might be a good idea. This turned out to work amazingly well. I highly recommend bringing microspikes if you go to Hawaii or other places with slippery muddy trails.
Backpack: Hyperlite Porter
For many years I used conventional backpacks. Unfortunately the packs are generally not remotely waterproof though and are fairly heavy. I finally switched to a Hyperlite Porter (the precise brand and model is less important than the style). I am very happy with how it has handled in very diverse conditions. The pack has performed great in Costa Rica rainforest, Hawaii, extremely cold British Columbia and wet Washington State weather. I usually carry a professional camera with me, and I need to keep that gear dry.
The bag has just one large compartment. It encourages you to use stuff sacks or pods in the bag. This works great. Typically I would have 3-4 pods in my bag and I can immediately pull out whatever I need on a break.
Gloves: Hestra Army Leather
I always have problems with keeping my extremities warm. Essentially I go through life with cold hands and feet. This became a more serious problem on long snowshoe adventures in cold weather. It is particularly important to me that I can still reliably handle an ice axe with my gloves on. Eventually I found that the Hestra Army Leather finger gloves work best for me. Below 10F, I still need additional liner gloves.