Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is unknown. Make today meaningful, and life is worthwhile.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Buddies and gear

Had a wonderful day off-trail visiting Wildcat, a hiking buddy and great human being. You meet amazing people on the trail, and Wildcat is one of the best.

We tuned up the gear, including waterproofing a rain coat, cleaning and repairing hiking poles, repairing worn pack fabric and replacing a belt buckle. I used the same gear on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail, and now the Appalachian Trail. 

Somehow it is satisfying for the same setup to make it through the full Triple Crown. Maybe I'm just cheap, or like the familiarity, but I think the satisfaction relates more to seeing ultra light gear last that many miles. Ironically most retail gear is much more rugged (and heavy) but is used only a few times a year. Kudos to companies like ULA, Western Mountaineering and TarpTent that find that sweet spot with ultra light durability.

Buddies are like gear. Select for high quality, give care when needed, and you have a durable friendship.

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