Hiking Skirts are the new shorts,

I would never have guessed that a tomboy like myself would fall in love with a hiking skirt! But I have and its one love affair that is here to stay!

In prepping for my John Muir Trail solo hike I was looking for complete comfort. So I thought I would give a hiking skirt a try.  I hit the jackpot! You can move freely. Climb up and over big objects with great mobility. The skirt keeps you cooler. In the rain it was like an umbrella for my legs, keeping them relatively dry.

The skirts that I am hiking in have shorts attached (skorts). Which allow you complete freedom on all levels. The brand that immediately caught my attention was Title Nine but there are many brand out there.

Girls go out and get your hiking skirts!

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter - 32 fl. oz.

If you are looking for a great lightweight filter, Sawyer will not disappoint. Weighing in at 3oz this squeeze bottle filter will remove Protozoa and bacteria from any water source. It come with two (Filter) 2 x 5 / (squeeze bag) 11 x 6 inches. Rolls up nice and compact.  It can be cleaned in the field easily. I used this filter for a month on the JMT and had no problems. The plus is that the water filter bags can also be used as extra water storage.

InReach SE Satellite communicator:

Released June 2013; A phenomenal upgrade! Features (Pros): 2-way text communication, SOS/ 24hour search and rescue, tracking with ability to share GPS location, 100% global coverage.  Fackbook & Twitter updates. Maps, when integrated with smart phone. IT allows tracking points and website location. Which was great when friends wanted to see my progress and know my location. I was also able to have a private password for invited friends only. Cons: lithium battery is not removable requiring use of solar devise. The maps, while getting unlimited international downloads, you need wifi to do so. I am still hoping they will provide thru-hiker trail maps and USGA map uploads to correspond with my paper maps (for compass use). None yet.

I used the InReach SE 30 days consecutively on a through hike. Proving invaluable. Great devise for its easy use and size.

Recommend: YES!

Northface Mica F1 tent

This feather weight streamlined tent has incredible interior space. The tent interior is almost 17 cubic feet.  The Vestibule has 10 cubic feet of space.  This is a must for the solo backpacker who is in many environments.  The total weight is 2 lbs 5oz. It is able to be set up with the foot print and the outer cover only, making it even lighter. I actually had several days of rain and due to the ability of setting up the outer cover first, I was then able to get inside and set up the tent portion keeping all my gear dry. (complete bonus) It also withstands high winds and heavy rains. When staked properly it had zero condensation.



Features Include

• Crossing ridge pole maximizes interior space and provides a dry entrance
• Large door and vestibule
• High-low ventilation

• Hubbed poles and color-coded webbing make for quick, easy setup

I love this tent!  A great purchase.