Sarah Dayman

                                                                                 


This is a bit of a last minute Blog post as I had prepared different topics for the month of October.

The reason I changed my mind, is that I am quickly realizing that I underestimated the amount of preparation that it was going to take for our Trek.  GAdvenures Lost City Trek.



After reading some blogs and articles, it quickly came to our attention that we may need to upgrade some of our gear and possibly purchase some additional pieces to add to our collection.  It got us thinking about the different situations that could occur and effect us individually.

Last week I turned my ankle on a trail run and needed a few days to recover.  It would be horrible for this to happen in the wilderness of Colombia.  
Perhaps, a more supportive boot is needed.  It is taking a bit for reality to sink in.  We are going to be Colombia... a third world/developing country in South America.  Healthcare will not be what we are accustomed to. Prevention is key.

On this trek in November, we are going to get wet!  We will need some quick drying clothes to wear that won't smell.  Each night we will be washing our clothes that we wore that day and hanging them on the back of our packs to dry for the duration of the next.  We won't be able to carry 5 days of clothes.  Smell is going to play a factor here.

I have put together a list of purchases that we will need to make (or are contemplating making.)  

If you are interested, I have linked in the corresponding webpages for each item that we have chosen (Just in case you wanted more information.)


Osprey Manata 36L Packs - For this trek, we are required to carry everything that we will need for 5 days.  They supply us with somewhere to sleep and food but we have to take care of everything else.  As we will be doing the Inca Trail next spring, we decided to invest into a good pack with a lifetime warranty.  An overnight pack that will have sufficient room would need to be at least 32L (depending on what you have to carry).  We did quite a bit of research and decided on the Manta 36L from Osprey.  

1. It is a good size and includes a water resevoir
2. It is versatile, as it has straps that will adjust the size of the pack if you don't fill it.
3. It is technical enough that it provides the framing structure to redistribute any weight onto the hips.

All of these will make this trek and the next much more comfortable!

       

What shoes to wear? - Salomon - This is a tough subject!  I have tried on so many wonderful boots and we have been very undecided on what to wear.  Ideally a good backpacking boot would be the best option for a multi day trek like this one.  Rich has pretty much decided that he would like the Salomon Quest Backpacking boot.  It is a really great fit for him and it offers the extra support and comfort that he will need.  Nice and easy!

I on the other hand, have not been so lucky.  About 4 years ago, I suffered a terrible injury to my left ankle and foot.  This is making my search a little more difficult.  I am having a really hard time finding a boot that will work for me.  There are a lot of great options out there that when I initially try them on, they feel great.  However,  once I am in them for an extended period of time, my foot starts to ache.  Obviously not an ideal fit.  
I have decided that I am going to update my current Salomon trail runners and wear them.  While they are a low shoe and do not have the ankle support, they are a great solid option.  They have taken me through many a swamp and river and up and over mountains.  I think I am going to stick with what works.

We also have to think of all the water crossings.  In the 5 days that we are out there we will have 20 river crossings.  This poses a bit of a problem as we will be in the very hot, humid jungle.  We will have to take care of our feet and keep them as dry as possible.  I have decided that I will take a slip on water sandals that I will change into each time we wade through water.  I will be wearing my Keen Uneeks to do this.




Leki Trekking Poles - There are a couple of reasons why we are going to carry poles on this trek.  Last year when we trekked the Presidential Travers in New Hampshire, we found that our biggest complaint was our knees and hips from the strenuous decent.  Trekking poles will actually reduce the impact on the joints.  They will also allow for your shoulders and forearms to bear more of the weight pack which will increase our endurance.  I feel that this will significantly reduce our recovery time so we can enjoy our last few days near the ocean!



Icebreaker Tshirts, underwear and socks - I can talk all day why everyone should invest in Merino Wool from the New Zealand mountains.  The are cooling...they don't stink...they wash easy and are quick to dry.  If I pick up some Merino wool tshirts, I only need a couple of each (one to wear, one to dry on the back of my pack).  The socks will also give us added protection to our feet.  I have not had a single blister since I started wearing Merino wool.



Camera - Nikon CoolPix P900 - Ok so this is a little frivolous.  I would really, really, really like to have one of these.  Especially for my travels. Now that I am blogging and writing travel exerts, it would be so nice to have some amazing photos to use.  Is it frivolous? or can I chalk it up to a smart business decision? ;)  Looks like it is sold out so ...... that saves us a bit of money! I am happy that we have the GoPro Hero 4!  It takes amazing photos in the outdoors!


I do have a favourite shop that I go to for my gear.  We have been shopping there for the best part of 10 years.  Every time I go, I know that I will receive great advice and the best customer service.  If you need anything like this or any travel items at all, please go and visit Angelo and his team.

Adventure Attic
28 King St West
Dundas ON
905 628 2929








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