Thread: Underrated but Valuable Kit

Originally Posted by Ranger 888

You need to decide if you are after items to make your trip more enjoyable/comfortable, or are you seeking survival equipment? If it's comfort you're after, how heavy a pack are you prepared to carry? In 50 years of tramping, I discovered that one of the most vital pieces of equipment is a sound pair of boots. I had a sole detach from a boot on day 5 of a 10 day Fiordland trip. That was tricky! Now I ALWAYS carry alternative footwear. Ask yourself, what do you really need, and what can you truly do without. If you tramp with a group, you can rationalise equipment- you don't all need a tent- why not share? Remember, you can't carry equipment to cover every possible contingency, but you need to be warm, dry, well fed, and have the ability to cope if you are held up for an extra day or two. Ask yourself, what if...

Tricks of the trade, more or less. I'm a fan of packing to suit the location e.g) terrain type, snow, water resources, and length of time I'll be in that location, number of people I'm with (solo or partnered or group) etc.Interested in hearing tips from others from their own experiences - things that are both maybe comfort enhancing, or maybe different things that help in a jiffy so you can be self-reliant at best without being caught out.

I've seen people say that an inflatable pillow is a "pack essential" - that's just an example of what I'm not looking for I'd rather use my boots as a pillow than carry something that only has one non-essential use....