The Hercules Glades Wilderness is a 12,413-acre wilderness in southern Missouri located about seventy miles southeast of Springfield.
One thing we under appreciate as backpackers is the value of an overnight. For those who are mortals in the backpacking world (work a job), our schedules don’t allow for big hikes.
But an overnight will allow us to get our legs in shape, test gear, and see incredible things!
Here are my favorite gear additions from 2020. While it was a rough year, there were opportunities to get out on the trail. Shorter hikes were a great chance to try new gear in preparation for 2021.
It was hard to forsake my favorite cooking pot, but it was just too big. I never needed to boil 6 cups of water!
At a little over three ounces including the lid, tea cup handles and ability to store a small fuel canister, it was a good addition!
Because of its size, I was concerned about cooking in it. Like most things, all that was needed was practice. My first Ramen Bomb on the Ozark Highland Trail was a culinary triumph!
The one downside, the pot gets too hot to drink your morning coffee without burning your lips. I need tougher lips or a pair of hot lips!
This was more of an upgrade than addition. I had previously used a Swayer Mini. While it worked well, the slow flow rate made it frustrating to use. The problem compounded when the filter got sediment in it. Its rare to find clear water in the Ozarks.
I read that the full-size Squeeze was more efficient. I upgraded mid-Summer and was amazed at the difference.
With the Mini, filtering two liters of water took four to five minutes of heavy squeezing. The Squeeze completed the task in a little over one minute.
I purchased this liner for an early spring hike. I am a warm sleeper and was concerned my 20-degree bag would be pushing the limits.
As I took the flimsy liner out of the stuff sack, I had my doubts.
The first night using the liner I was beyond pleased! The temperature dropped into the mid-twenties and I was almost too warm!
While the liner adds some difficulty getting in and out of the sleeping bag, the extra warmth and the softness of the fabric was a welcome addition!
To me, the comfort to weight ratio is worth the extra ounces.
Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Trail Runners
A gift from friends (the best friends give you gear), the Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Trail Runners were my favorite gear addition of 2020.
It was hard to forsake my favorite hiking boots, but I could not believe the difference these shoes made! My first hike in the Altras felt like I was hiking in bedroom slippers.
The wide toe box kept me from the normal blisters I experience between my toes and my legs were noticeably less fatigued at the end of the day!
The rock plate protected my feet on the rocky Ozark trails. The thin upper fabric does not provide much protection if you are a stumble bum like me.
Still, at the end of the day, my favorite gear addition of 2020!
