I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Things have been great and busy around here. Work at Awaken has been consuming all of my time lately. Which is why i’ve not been able to do a lot with AnthonyAwaken.com lately. I’m not complaining at all though…I’m working on some neat stuff that i’m really enjoying. And I am still finding time to keep photographing things. I just haven’t had a ton of time to post lately.
Speaking of finding time for things:
I can’t believe i’m just getting out to do some hiking for the year. (Hiking is easily my favorite outdoor activity if you didn’t know) Whether i’m with my kids, friends or by myself I always have a great time.
Last week I found myself on the trails all by my lonesome…Which is A-OK with me. I honestly enjoy getting away from everything to be by myself. It allows me to have some time to think, process things that are going on (not always negative things) and pray. There’s something about hiking and being away from modern-civilization that makes me think a lot more and I really enjoy that.
The purpose of this hike was part personal and part business.
- For starters: I needed to get my lazy butt out of my office chair that i’ve been glued to for weeks.
- I needed to get out and have some fun.
- I needed to take some pictures of a new bag that my buddy Jake @ RecycledFirefighter.com just released this week (more on this later).
I sit around so much during the course of the week, due to the nature of my work that I’m glad hiking is my hobby….Or else I would be pretty lazy & unhealthy. It’s also amazing what a hike does for my productivity and mood when I return back home. I’m almost always wore out when I return, but i’m in a better mood and feel better all around. I highly suggest hiking to anyone who can physically do it. It really is amazing what getting out into nature and away from distractions can do for you.
Top 10 Gear Essentials:
The thing that actually got me into hiking was the gear. (Oh man, do I love gear!) Whether it’s backpacks, knives, flashlights, rugged/durable clothing…Whatever. I’m into it.
On my last hike I got to thinking:
Hmmm – I wonder what most people view as their “essentials” in their hiking kit. So, I took the time to compile my Top 10 below:
- Tactical Pants:
Sure, these are made primarily for military and law enforcement. But I still love wearing them. They are the perfect hiking and camping pants. I personally love the LA Police Gear Urban Ops pants. They come in a variety of great colors, and they are extremely durable. I really like the way tactical pants fit when you’re hiking. They leave a lot of room to move around – Whether crouching, sitting or climbing. And they hold up really well to anything you’ll encounter. - U.S. Military Socks:
These socks are incredible! I actually wear U.S. Military Socks 100% of the time. They have silver thread in them which helps regulate temperature. They have a generous wool content in them. And the padding is superb. I have not had an uncomfortable hike because of socks since wearing these. - Hiking Boots (height: just above the ankle):
I am currently wearing some “Nord Trail” hiking boots that I picked up at Sportsmans Warehouse on clearance one year. They are incredible and provide excellent ankle support, which is a necessity when hiking. - Moisture Wicking Shirts:
I strongly advocate a good moisture wicking shirt when hiking. I personally wear either Under Armour or Russell. - Mora Bushcraft Black:
This knife is excellent and is always on my belt when i’m hiking. It is razor sharp, can handle multiple camp types of tasks and has a nice swiveling sheath. It’s one of my favorites. - Recycled Firefighter “Chief” Backpack:
I actually just tested this backpack last week for hiking, with a 20-25lb. load. It was EXCELLENT! Mind you – This is not a hiking backpack, but I keep it in my car as my emergency bag. So I wanted to test it as a hiking pack, just in case I ever truly need to rely on it in an emergency. It excelled! I was very pleased.
(more info about this pack in the coming week or so) - 511 ATac PL Flashlight:
I’m not sold on one particular flashlight. This just happened to be the one on me yesterday. It’s only 24 Lumens, which would light up a trail just fine. And it’s very lightweight which helps when hiking. If I really needed a flashlight for proper illumination I would’ve reached in my pack for a larger/brighter light (200+ lumens). I do not leave home without a couple of lights in my pack though, especially if i’m hiking near sunset. (plus spare batteries) - Klean Kanteen:
I will not use another drink carrier. I LOVE my Klean Kanteen’s. They are incredibly rugged, can be used over an open flame to boil water if necessary and the loop top makes it extremely comfy to carry. I love these for hiking. - First Aid Kit:
DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A FAK! I keep a well stocked med kit everywhere I go….Especially while hiking. I even keep a medical patch on my bag for identification purposes. - Nikon D3300:
I love my Nikon. I have started bringing it on my hikes and it’s been incredible. It’s so lightweight and takes incredible pictures!
Hiking Gear (what’s in my pack):
Above I listed some of my essentials that I bring along. But I carry A LOT more in my bag. Below I will provide a list of what’s in my pack:
- Tools:
Backup knife
Pocket Saw
Smith Pocket Pal (sharpener, ferro rod, whistle, compass)
Heavy duty gloves
Gorilla Tape - Food & Drink:
U.S. Military Canteen, Cup, Stove and Lid
Lite-My-Fire spork, spoon and knife combo
2 or more packs of Ramen Noodles
Large pack of rice and beans
Large Mountain House Meal
Sawyer water filter - Hygiene:
Roll of Toilet Paper
Blue shop towels
Germ-X antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer - Shelter & Cover:
S.O.L. 2 person survival blanket
Poncho
Heavy duty 8’x8′ tarp
Shemagh or a large bandana/scarf
100 feet of 550 paracord (dark colored)
Hiking Gear (continued):
- Fire Making:
Ferro Rod (typically 2)
2 adjustable flame lighters
Waterproof Matches
6 sticks of Fatwood wrapped in jute twine
Fatwood Shavings
Trioxane cubes - First Aid:
Multiple types of Gauze
Multiple bandaids of varying sizes
Gloves
Butterflies
Alcohol prep pads
Triple antibiotic w/ pain relief
Medical Tape
Gorilla Tape
Single Person Space Blanket
1 Bottle of Ibuprofen and Tylenol
* This pouch is clearly identified with a large red X. Both on the pouch itself, and a medical patch is presented on my bag. - MISC:
Emergency Candles
Aluminum Foil
A small baggie w/ 2-4 walmart bags folded up and 1 large trashbag (for trash collecting)
Field Notes or RiteInTheRain tablets
Fisher Space Pen
Spare Batteries
Extreme Sharpies
Stay tuned for more posts along this topic! I will have more to come this summer.
