What’s in your backpack? Ten…Eleven Essential and No Machete
May 2021: Harpers Ferry Hike
It’s been a year since Arizona Eagle, our son, was in Ohio. He flew back for a two-week break between semesters using a soon-to-expire Southwest Airline ticket (Southwest had allowed a one-year extension for the ticket due to COVID). The winter season had brought another round of COVID infections that increased the number of hospitalizations and deaths. When May finally came with its sunshine and flowers, it felt different to me. The world felt hopeful and we (universal we) would get through this. Spring was a good reason to celebrate and we decided on a family vacation. I suggested Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: the mecca for the Appalachian Trail, for history (Ohioan, Abolitionist John Brown’s raid of the Federal Armory), and for baked goods (Bolivar Bakery).
Back in May 2021, we didn’t have an actual start date for our flip-flop. Our flip-flop was a vague adventure to happen somewhere in the future. I wanted to see the Appalachian Trail Conservatory Headquarters; watch AT thru hikers posing for their celebratory halfway photo; talk to volunteers at the conservatory, and place my hiking boots on the trail for this future dream.
The first day in Harpers Ferry, we planned a day hike in Virginia. The three of us slung on our daypacks filled with “The 10 Essentials for Hiking” (The American Hiking Society and The Mountaineers recommend ten pieces of equipment for hikers. These items have been identified as “lifesavers” in an emergency). The three of us have used the “Essentials” as a foundation for building out our gear for either a day hike or an extended backpacking adventure. That day we ate my go-to lunch menu: Curried Chicken Salad served on Triscuits, Girl Scout Cookies, and apples.
February 10, 2025
The Trek Editors
We are the word nerds of The Trek who want nothing more than to infuse some hiking and backpacking joy into your day.
Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
We zeroed in on Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent in particular because its smart, compact bottle design makes it easy to apply evenly and accurately.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
“[Sawyer Permethrin] is a leave-in treatment solution, will last for up to six washings, and can treat up to five different outfits!”
Kutoka kwa kikosi
Mazungumzo ya Campfire na jamii yetu, kutoka kwa Wanachama wa Squad na Mabalozi kwa Washirika wa Brand na timu ya Sawyer.
