Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo PA Anti-Shock Trekking Poles

Less can be more, especially in the case of these lightweight, three-section telescopic trekking poles designed for demanding hikers and mountaineers.

• High-tech alloy allows the shaft walls to be thinner without losing strength, significantly reducing weight

• Soft anti-shock system adds a little spring to your uphill steps and absorbs jarring bumps when you're hiking back down

• Air Ergo Long Grip extends 8-inches down the shaft giving you a padded grip zone if the route steepens for short sections--great for mountaineers

• Easy Lock adjustment system provides optimum lock with less tightening torque

• Positive-angle grips tilt forward at an ergonomically correct 15° angle

• Adjustable wrist straps are lined in soft moisture-wicking fabric to prevent chafing

• Durable carbide tips stand up to rough and rocky trails

• Comes equipped with summer trekking baskets; inter-changeable basket system

Gear List

Clothing

Base Layer: Long underwear top & bottom. Non-cotton wicking layer.

Recommended: Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Zip-T and Bottoms.

Approx Price: Top: $43.00  Bottoms $30.00

This fabric doesn't stick to you when sweating, which makes it breathe a lot better than most base layers. Zip T's offer additional ventilation when needed.

Middle Layer: 100 weight fleece shirt.

Recommended: The North Face TKA 100 Glacier

Approx Price: $45.95

No Windblocker fleece. It doesn't breathe well enough to be used as a middle layer. Heavier (200+) fleece is too hot and bulky.

Outside/Shell Layer: Lighweight waterproof (Gore-Tex) with hood and pants.

Recommended: North Face Lightspeed Jacket and Marmot Precip Pants.

Approx Price: Jacket: $299 Pants: $70

For most trips, lightweight Gore-Tex works fine. If you are going to be out for an extended period of time and can expect rough weather, go for the tougher 3-ply gore text jacket and pant.

Softshell Jacket: Make sure to get one that is 100% waterproof.

Recommended: Mount Hardwear Synchro Jacket

Approx Price: $220

Some come with an optional hood, which will keep you dryer when the rain pours down.

Trekking Pants:  Convertible "zip-out" legs offer more flexibility.

Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pants

Approx Price: $100

At $100, these pants are expensive, but they have a lifetime guarantee, so you can just keep replacing them for free as they wear out. These pants also come in a version with built-in gaiters. 

Headware

Sun Hat: Made of Nylon or some other water resistant material. Must have a visor to shade the face.

Recommended: OR Prism Cap

Approx Price: $35.00

This is a nice hat because it dries quickly and has earflaps that can fold down if needed.

Balaclava: Lightweight balaclava 

Recommended: The North Face Power Stretch balaclava.

Approx Price: $22.00

Also triples as a hat or a neck gaiter.

Handware

Synthetic Glove Liners: Polypropylene is best.

Recommended: Cloudveil Liner Gloves

Approx Price: $22.00

These work well on their own, or as glove liners for fleece and/or shell gloves when it is colder.

Fleece Gloves: Windstopper fleece is best.

Recommended: The North Face Pamir Windstopper

Approx Price: $50.00

Make sure they have a wear resistant palm.

Footware

Sock Liners: Thin wool, nylon or Capilene.

Recommended: Wigwam Liners

Approx Price: $5.00

Warn under hiking socks to prevent blisters and hot spots.

Pile Socks: Wool or synthetic socks.

Recommended: Smartwool Hiking Sock

Approx Price: $16.95

Wool is warmer but can also be too itchy for some people. Synthetic socks tend to wick a little better.

Hiking Boots: Lightweight boots that are mid-ankle height are best. Make sure they are water proof.

Recommended: Asolo FSN 95 GTX

Approx Price: $164

These are great for approaches and trekking. If carrying a huge pack that requires more support, wear leather climbing boots instead

Gaiters: Waterproof and breathable. Should fit over the calf.

Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Ascent Ventigaiter

Approx Price: $50.00

Helps keep water from getting your boots. I like the Ventigaiters because they breathe the best.

Backpack

Daypack:  1750 - 3000 cu. in.

Recommended: Arc'Teryx Bora 50 (2800 cu. in.; 4 lbs 6 oz)

Approx Price: $245.00

Constructed with rain repellent urethaned fabric and storm sealing WaterTight™ zips. Thermoformed suspension makes light of heavy loads of gear.

Hydration Bladder: Buy an insulating hose so that it doesn't freeze when its cold.

Recommended: Platypus Big Zip Hoser 3

Approx Price: $20.95

The Platypus is easier to fill and clean than the kinds with screw-on lids on them. This will fit both the Bora 40 and the Bora 80 .When it's super cold, ditch the bladder and use Nalgene bottles.

Accessories

Trekking Poles: Get the lightweight, telescoping kind

Recommended: Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo

Approx Price: $149

Saves the knees when descending and helps keep your balance when carrying a heavy pack. These poles are very light and telescope down to the smallest size around.

Compass: Make sure it has a sighting mirror and a declination adjuster

Recommendation: Silva Ranger CL Compass

Approx Price: $75.00

The best all around compass available. If you don't know wilderness navigation, buy a good book and read it. It's a one night read and worth the time. Don't forget a map!

Watch/Altimeter

Recommended: Suunto Vector

Approx Price: $199

Never leave home without it. It is a watch, alarm clock, compass, altimeter & barometer. My favorite feature is that it calculates your ascent rate on a climb.

Swiss Army Knife: Look for knife, scissors, Phillips/screw driver, tweezers, etc. Keep it light.

Recommended: Swiss Army Mountaineer

Approx Price: $40.00

This is a small knife but has all the essentials you will need for camping, trekking and climbing.

Headlamp: Keep it small simple and light

Recommended: Petzl Tikka Plus LED Headlamp

Approx Price: $37.95

The Tikka Plus is tiny, has a really strong beam, is adjustable, and lasts forever on one set of batteries. Has an emergency strobe setting. Remember. you don't need a spotlight.

First Aid Kit: Keep it basic and light

Recommended: Adventure Medical Kits

Approx Price: $10 - $60

For taking care of cuts, scrapes and blisters. If going unguided climbing or on an extended multi-day trip, bring a comprehensive first aid kit. Know what's inside the kit and how to use it.

Stuff Sacks: Look for water resistant stuff sacks with compression straps

Recommended: Granite Gear Air Compressor

Approx Price: $22 - $29

I like the Granite Gear bags because you can see your stuff inside them. Consider a drybag for your sleeping bag when traveling to wet places, so you can still take a down sleeping bag with you.

Camera: Disposable camera are a nice option

Recommended: Kodak Max Outdoor Camera - 27 Exposure

Approx Price: $10

Disposable cameras are a good option for several reasons: they take good pictures; they are light; no one will steal them. Get a waterproof one for the Milford Track!