[pct-l] Gear for 2008

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

For the new hiking campaign, one thing that is really neat to do each year  
is to upgrade your gear.  Something that will make you excited for the new  
hiking season.  
 
It might be going lighter with some piece of gear or improving the quality  
of a gear item.  For the 2008 campaign I am thinking of upgrading my  optics 
and my umbrella.  I can test them out on the February Grand Canyon  expedition 
to Phantom Ranch.
 
1. If you have ever looked through a high quality binocular or monocular,  
you know exactly what I mean.  It is breathtaking compared to the normal  optics 
you usually find along the trail. I  am considering the Zeiss 10X25 
monocular.  I carry a  monocular now and it cost about $30-40 from REI.  It is not bad 
and I use  it to scout out bears, mountain lions and renegade Indians.  Plus, 
it is  cool to checkout natural features along the trail.  A full moon is neat 
 through it too at higher elevations. The new monocular weighs just over 3  
ounces.  I am not happy about the weight, but it is not too bad.  My  current 
monocular weighs a little less than that.  Super quality optics  weigh more.
 
2. The other item is a new Senz wind resistant mini umbrella  
(_www.totes-isotoner.com_ (http://www.totes-isotoner.com) ).  It  weighs 10 ounces and is 
rated up to 40 MPH.  The original is rated up to 70  MPH, but weighs 15 ounces.  
I bought some silver mylar (in the medical  section/emergency blanket) from 
REI today to cover it with.  
 
Your pal, RustyKnees aka RustyCan



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