Backpacks

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Most of our adventures only require a daypack to carry the gear you'll need while out walking. This typically includes: rain jacket, sweater, lunch, water bottle, camera, etc. It's a good idea to try and see what you can actually fit into the pack before you buy it. If your pack is too small your guide will offer to carry your lunch but she may hold your chocolate chip cookies as ransom.

The pack makes a great carry-on for flights. Keep items in it that you couldn't live without in the event your baggage is delayed, such as your; camera and money (well that's what we couldn't live without while traveling!). It's not a bad idea to throw in your toothbrush and a change of clothes if you are traveling to a different climate than the one you left. While everyone else is waiting for their luggage you can go and change into your tank top and shorts. That way you don't have to sweat in a turtle neck until you get to the hotel. Of course the reverse is true if you're leaving Florida for a cross-country ski vacation.

For hiking adventures it is important to have a pack that is large enough and fits you comfortably. Your granddaughter's book bag probably won't do the trick. Get yourself a well constructed pack with a hip belt, preferably a padded hip belt. A pack without a hip belt makes you carry all the weight on your shoulders. That may not seem like a big deal now, but after a day of walking you'll feel it. Look for a pack that stuffs from the top, rather than one with zippers all around. Packs without zippers pack better and you don't have to worry about the zippers getting stuck or broken. Outside pockets are great for organizing your smaller bits and pieces. If it helps any, a pack with 2,000 cubic inches of internal space should be plenty big enough for your needs.

Remember that a good pack will last for years.