Hard to pick new gear before heading on trek

Planning a trip to the Boundary Waters in 2023, I recently resorted to cycling as a means of physically preparing myself for the upcoming and much anticipated excursion.

My bike had sat idle for a couple of years, and after getting back in the saddle, I began pondering why I ever quit riding in the first place. Although not remotely as physically fit as I was, I am already seeing a drastic change.

I am losing weight, my heart rate is lower and my recovery time is far better. Let alone the fact that my energy level has increased exponentially. I have truly enjoyed cycling thus far. And I suspect that the benefits will continue to outweigh the reasons that I should quit riding, even after our excursion into the far most northern reaches of the United States is over.

However, cycling is not the only outdoor activity that I have recently found intriguing after a long sabbatical. There was a time when I truly enjoyed strapping on a pack and striking out for an extended stay in the midst of Mother Nature.

But again, years have passed since I partook in such an activity. In fact, my pack has sat idle for in excess of 20 years, as the last excursion began where the Ouachita National Trail crosses highway 27, just north of Lake Ouachita and ended 57 miles later, where it crosses U.S. highway 71, between Mena and Y-City.

I suppose most folks would be quick to agree that this is hardly the season to backpack. I, too, share the same sentiment. However, the fall season is but a few months down the road. That in mind, Sandy and I are already in the process of choosing routes, ranging from 15 to 30 miles, that can easily be completed during a weekend.

I am truly excited to get back out on the trail. And the fact that Sandy is also anticipating the opportunity to share the experience is icing on the proverbial cake. In fact, I can’t think of anyone that I would rather share the experience with than my wife.

However, there is one issue that we must both address. That’s right, I’m talking gear. Of course, I still have a bulk of the gear that I used more than two decades ago. But things have since changed.

Bulk has always been an issue, as there is only so much room in a pack. However, there was a time when weight was hardly a concern. But I have since grown a little older, and hopefully a little wiser. In turn, I am presently far more aware of the importance of minimizing the pounds that will be strapped to my back.

That in mind, I recently went shopping for a new pack that would prove noticeably lighter and far more comfortable than the model that I used during the turn of the century.

Well, it didn’t take long to figure out that technology had lent to drastic changes in the backpacking industry. Not only were the packs far more ergonomic and lighter than what I was accustomed to, but much of the gear had undergone change as well.

Up-to-date cook systems were noticeably lighter and far less bulky than I was accustomed to carrying, and even something as simple as a light source lent to greater performance with less weight and was more compact.

And as for sleep systems? The options are somewhat daunting. So do I go with the convenience of a hammock? Or would it prove most beneficial to choose a quality, lightweight, three-season tent?

So once I choose a specific type of shelter, then comes other questions of equal importance. Would a sleeping bag prove most efficient, or would I prefer a top quilt? And how about a sleeping pad? There are several options, all of which have their pros and cons.

Well, Sandy and I have waded through all of these questions. Although not all have been answered, several decisions have been made. And I am confident that our packs will be loaded and ready before the arrival of backpacker friendly weather.

I am also confident that regardless of what we choose to carry, we will question some of our decisions along the way. But in spite of a few bumps along the road, I suspect we’ll savor the opportunity to share the experiences awaiting us during our extended stays in the midst of the wonderful outdoors.