| One of the neatest things that I have come across | | | | together, and were designed for the backpacker. |
| is the Chinook Summit Bivy Bag. It takes the place of | | | | Chinook has the perfect tableware set, a plate, bowl |
| a tent, which is one of the bulkiest things I carry in | | | | and mug. The total weight for the set of tableware |
| my backpack. The Chinook Summit Bivy Bag weighs | | | | is just 8 ounces. There is a wide variety of eating |
| 2 pounds. It keeps you dry, and covered from head | | | | utensils from different manufacturers. The sleeping |
| to toe. It has a small tent like covering over your | | | | bag you choose will depend on the climate you will be |
| head, keeping you dry and protected from bugs. You | | | | in. The colder the weather, the heavier the bag |
| slip into this bivy bag with your sleeping bag. | | | | needs to be. |
| The must have items to carry with you in your | | | | You should choose some good hiking boots. This is |
| backpack are a compass, whistle, map, a few first | | | | not a good place to skimp, you need to spend a little |
| aid items, a water purifier, handiwipes, camping | | | | time choosing your boots and make sure you break |
| stove, firesticks or waterproof matches, mosquito | | | | them in very well before you go on your hike. They |
| repellent, utensils, food, soap, cooking supplies, | | | | should feel very comfortable, not too tight and not |
| pocket knife, sleeping bag, personal items and | | | | loose. A blister on your foot can take the fun out of |
| clothing. Not a must have, but a camp shower is | | | | your hike. |
| really nice to have along. | | | | The camp shower is not a necessity, but it sure is |
| I strongly recommend the Katadyn Hiker Microfilter. It | | | | nice to have one. They are solar heated and works |
| is absolutely perfect for the hiker. The Katadyn Hiker | | | | like a charm. After spending a hot day in the sun, a |
| Microfilter gets the job done for you and it weighs | | | | shower is very refreshing. The Chinook Raindance |
| just 11 ounces. It was chosen to be the "best of the | | | | shower weighs 8 ounces and folds up nicely in your |
| bunch" by Backpacker magazine field testers. | | | | backpack. |
| Choosing the right cooking supplies is as important as | | | | Your backpack should be a good one, one that is |
| anything else. The Brunton Raptor Butane stove folds | | | | adjustable so that it will fit you properly. As you pack |
| up very nicely and weighs just 5 ounces. It also has a | | | | try and keep things weight balanced. With careful and |
| handy electric Piezo ignition. Open Country offers a 5 | | | | thorough planning you can have a very successful |
| piece non-stick 11 ounce set of pans that all nestle | | | | and enjoyable backpacking adventure. |