|
|
|
Buying Equipment
For first time buyers or even seasoned pros, it can sometimes be
tricky to determine what equipment is needed for your specific
adventure. What is listed below is only meant to help you get started.
Whichever store you decide to do your shopping at, make sure that you have
a knowledgeable salesperson. If you feel as though they do not know what they
are talking about, you are probably right.
Please feel free to contact the Program Manager if you have any questions.
It is important that the participant actually go to an outdoor or
camping store to try on the gear and get advice from the knowledgeable sales
associates, you can then go online at search for the best prices.
|
| |
Bring your lists/mention Camp Echo to receive 10% off non-sale
items at any of these retailers.
- Uncle Dan's (847-475-7100, 901 Church Street)
- Use the coupon code MOOSE at any Moosejaw retailer or online
at Moosejaw
REI and Campmor websites do not offer a
discount specifically for Camp Echo, but often have merchandise that
is disounted or on sale.
|
| |
Remember that layering clothing helps keep you warm and cuts down
on the amount of clothing needed.
For example: lightweight long underwear, a loose fitting wool or
fleece jacket, and rain gear will keep you warm in the mountain cold. Cotton is discouraged because it will lose almost all of its
insulating value when it gets wet and will remain wet and heavy for
extended periods of time.
|
| |
Choose a lightweight, synthetic or down filled bag that is rated 20
degrees or lower.
Types of synthetic material to look for include: Quallofil,
Hollofil, Polarguard.
Cotton-filled bags are too heavy and bulky (they do not pack down small enough)
|
| |
Don't underestimate the importance of staying dry!
A lightweight, sturdy rain jacket and pants are best.
Expensive Gore-Tex is not necessary but thin plastic does not
endure the rigors of trip use.
Coated nylon or rubberized coats will work well.
Do not bring ponchos.
Consider rain gear that is also wind proof (as stated on the tag.)
|
| |
A good backpack will offer many years of travel enjoyment!
Be sure to have your pack adjusted to your body and try it on with
weight in it.
It needs to be big enough to carry your own gear as well as a
portion of the group's equipment.
The pack can either be an internal or external frame - the size of
the pack you should carry depends on your height and weight, but
should be no larger than 5500 cubic inches.
Trailblazers do not need a pack with much much more than 3500-4800
cubic inches.
Female participants should consider buying a pack that is
specifically designed for women.
|
| |
Boots should be waterproof and fit while wearing a pair of wool
socks and sock liners.
They should be suitable for all terrain, while carrying a 50 lb pack.
Choose high quality boots to ensure they can withstand the wear
and tear of your trip.
The boot you select must also offer ankle support.
Also, purchasing insoles will greatly increase the
comfort and cushion of your boots.
|
| |
When choosing a tour bike, you should stay away from ultra light
racing frames.
These types of bikes do not have the required features for touring (i.e. ability
to handle a back rack plus panniers nor are they durable enough to handle the abuse
inherent to the trip.)
Most 10-speed bikes are suitable for touring, but when choosing
between a 10-speed bike and a mountain bike, give careful
consideration to what use you will have for the bike after the trip is
over.
10-speed bikes are not suitable for off-roading.
However, both types are suitable for Echo trips.
If you are planning on using a fat tire bike (like a mountain bike), you may want to
consider buying slick tires (most fat tire bikes come with thick, knobby tires. Thinner tires that have little or no knobs, known as slicks can easily replace the knobby ones).
Handlebars should be taped or padded.
Your seat is very important, it's your main contact point with the bike.
A padded seat is good, but too much padding is uncomfortable to ride with.
|
Use your browser's back button to return to previous page.
|
|
