I’ve been researching the trail, gear and have now figured out a training plan that helps me prep for the trail in the following ways:
- Testing out my gear. Duh.
- Building ankle and leg strength
- Improving overall mobility
- Getting the right posture with all my gear
- Building strength in my legs, hips and back
- Getting used to long hikes with my pack, both on flat ground and on an incline
- Zone 2 cardio training
I purchased some trail shoes since that seems to be a thing now instead of boots. They were really comfortable when I first put them on but I ended up HATING them. They were supposed to help with underpronation and force you to put more weight equally on the foot, but my feet hurt so much and so did my left hip after 2 hikes, so the shoe search continues. I’m glad I’m doing this now so that I will be super confident in my gear once I get to the trail!
I also purchased a Gossamer Gear backpack but I really didn’t like it so I’m returning that as well. I actually love my basic REI backpack even though it’s a little bit heavier and isn’t really an ultralight bag, but it’s comfortable and has a lot more padding in the shoulder straps and pockets. I’d rather be comfortable and be carrying an extra 10 ounces than to be miserable and in pain. In general, my goal is to be as comfortable as possible so I’ll want to keep going!
I purchased my first Patagonia jacket, and I can’t believe I didn’t own any Patagucci before this. I guess I’m a real Pacific Northwest girl now – LOL. I am loving all the pre-holiday sales and have a ton of things saved in various shopping carts and am buying things once they go on sale. It’s worth checking different color variations of things because they aren’t always the same price! My jacket isn’t a color I normally would have chosen for myself, but it was $100 cheaper!! I also just bought a very nice used sleeping pad through REI for $70, so there are many ways to save money.
Brand name gear isn’t always the best gear though. I purchased my sailing jacket from West Marine for $100 and it looks and functions like a $600 Helly Hansen jacket, and my favorite sailing pants were $35 from Amazon and I’ve had them for several years and still going strong. I might even bring them on the trail since they’re super comfy and also great in snow or rain. If something is good quality, and it fits your needs and is comfortable, you really don’t need the “best” brand name thing that everyone else is using just because it’s trendy.
I just want my gear to be the best. For me.
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