Gear for the Gear-Minded

Due to popular request (James "Simba" Park) here is the actual list of gear I am taking. Obviously this is an abridged list as there is no way anyone wants to read about the type of pants I am taking or what is going in the first aid kid (hint: band-aids).

1. REI Mars 80 Pack: Technically the pack I have is a "Mars 85" as I have the large version. Apparently 6'1" is considered giant status in the world of backpacking so mine is a little longer to accommodate my exceptionally elongated torso. Incidentally, the extra length provides more space for gear- 85 liters versus 80 liters for the "normal" people pack. I also took a serious look at the Grand Tour 85 which has a really cool detachable backpack feature.

Ultimately I went with the Mars 80 for the following reasons: (1) I don't really use a backpack when touring cities- I can fit everything I need in my pockets; (2) the Mars 80 is made more for longer expeditions and is more durable, has better waterproofing, more adjustable fitting options, and better more comfortable straps; and (3) the Grand Tour is designed to carry around 15 liters of the 85 in the backpack which creates a horizontal loading versus the vertical loading of the Mars 80. Both are great packs though and I went with REI over other companies because of the lifetime warranty, great reviews, and the fact that there is one 20 mins from my Dad's house.

2. Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot: This boot is outstanding. It's fully waterproofed with Gore-Tex and has a medium-flexible ankle support. And of course, two boots are better than one. After trying on numerous boots, I found I like a little bit of flexibility versus the very stiff support some of the heavier leather-clad boots were equipped with. This boot also has breathable meshing (another feature lacking in some of the heavier boots) and they weigh in at a paltry 2 pounds compared to 3+ for some of the other ones I tried on. I've taken them on three short pack hikes (3, 6, and 9 miles) and they require very little breaking in. Sure wish I had something like these when I backpacked as a youngster!


I also picked up a couple pairs of Smartwool PhD Outdoor Socks. Two pairs of light and one medium (for colder days). These are excellent well-fitting socks. Upon trying them out with the Vasque boots I think you could easily get by with the light socks for all but very cold days. The heavy ones must be designed for Everest summit attempts.

3. Marmot Ridgetop Component Jacket: Holy balls this jacket is tremendous! Let me start by saying I have always wanted a component jacket with a fleece inner lining and waterproof exterior. Well, as John Madden famously said: BOOM! This is probably my favorite item I've purchased. Fully waterproof outershell with waterproof zippers, interlocking liner, removable hood, lots of compartments, and of course- it comes in black. The neon green was intriguing but at the end of the day I'm a back in black kind of guy. I highly recommend this jacket and its components for hiking, camping, strolling around, watching tv, drinking in a bar, or for use as a makeshift shelter in the event of a cross-state police pursuit.


4. REI Passage 2 Tent: I know what you're thinking- "Mike, you are actually planning to CAMP while in Europe??" Yes, and not only that, I'm planning to do some free-camping (camping outside of designated campsites) when possible. Obviously it's very important to ASK if you can camp somewhere before you just plop down, but from what I have read sunset-to-sunrise free-camping is generally allowed provided you ask. In many places it seems that the owners of the land are more likely to insist you stay with them than camp on their land. Can't wait to throw back a few rounds of fire-water with the locals in a rustic farmhouse.

Anyway, I like this particular tent because it has a dual vestibule entryway and is around 90 inches long. It is also around 5 lbs which was average for most tents but on the lower end for two person tents (all of the one-person tents are pretty cramped). I haven't tried it out yet but from what I read it seems like a perfectly suitable tent. I only hope I can lure a sexy young coed into the tent so that I can get in a verbal tussle with her, storm out and slam the flap a la Mitch Hedberg. And with two entrances, I'll have multiple escapes to choose from.

5. North Face Dolomite 2S Sleeping Bag: I had a couple requirements when it came to a sleeping bag: (1) it had to be more than 6'1" long (there is nothing more annoying than your head sticking part of the way out); (2) it had to be rectangular (not mummy) as I have foot claustrophobia; (3) it had to be lighter than 3 lbs; and (4) it had to be less than $100 as spending more than that seemed absurd. After sifting through those requirements, the Dolomite 2S was pretty much the obvious choice. It comes in a "long" version that's 6'5" and weights in at 2.2 lbs. I would have preferred the down version which is lighter and arguably more comfortable but it was also double the price so f that noise.

I'm also bringing my old Slumberjack camp pillow. I was not originally going to take a pillow but considering I already have it and it weighs less than half a pound it seems to make sense to bring it along. The last time I used that pillow on a backpacking trip my friend Zack Garrett tripped along the trail while carrying the bags of garbage and somehow managed to fall and pin himself down underneath a pile of trash. Good memories.

6. CamelBak All Clear UV Water Purifying Bottle: One of the most important things to bring when you are doing extended hikes through rough or unsettled terrain is a way to purify water from local sources. When I was a youngster we used tablets which turned the water an unsavory light brown and had an equally unsavory taste. Since those formative years there have been great advances in water purification. The most easy to use option is UV purification. Until recently one of the better options appears to have been the SteriPEN which is exactly as it sounds- a "pen" you swirl around in the water for a minute or so until it is purified.

Within the last month or so, however, CamelBak released a bottle with a purifying top. You simply fill with water, press the button and agitate for 60 seconds. The best part is that the cap fits any standard CamelBak water bottle (of which I happen to have another) so you just purify one bottle, fill any other CamelBak bottle, and then transfer the cap and purify that. It also comes with a regular cap and a case to keep the purifying top. I think it is good for 10,000 cycles and it was about $10 more than the SteriPEN. Clearly this is THE water purifying option of choice.

Other than those items, most of the remaining gear is relatively standard. I did buy a pair of New Balance 993's for general walking around but that was less about the trip and more the product of me not having bought a new pair of sneakers in about 3 years.