[pct-l] More Super Secrets of Backpacking

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

Just to make sure you did not think I had forgotten about you, here are some 
more "Switchback's Super Secrets of Backpacking".

1.  My current recommendation for a backpacking camera is the ultra compact 
Cannon PowerShot SD300 Digital Elph. It is a 4 MP, 3X optical zoom, 2-inch LCD 
view camera that takes EXCELLENT pictures.  It's menus are not quite as good 
as the Casino ultra compacts, but still very good.  Built like a tank and about 
$350.
2.  Radio to consider is the Delphi XM2go satellite radio.  You can take it 
anywhere and get over 150 channels 100% commercial free music.
3.  For lots of extra comfort use seat belt shoulder pads from Walmart.  The 
ones I use are the black Auto Expressions Sherpa pads.  They are about $3.00 
each and weigh less than one ounce.  I put them on my waist belt and pack 
shoulder straps.  You can cut them for sizing.  Use double sided tape or Velcro to 
attach.  Very, very nice.
4.  Go to the store and buy a pair of large women's white stockings.  
Depending on the size of your water bottle (small stockings for intake hoses), cut 
off the foot section of the stocking.  You now have an excellent stretch 
fine-mesh prefilter for your container.  Just slip it over the container when you dip 
it into the stream, etc. Weight is hardly readable on the electronic scale.
5.  Most people are heel stompers when they backpack.  The heel really takes 
a beating at every step.  Under or over your SuperFeet insoles, that I know 
you use in all your shoes, put the Spenco Gel Heel Cups.  Much better protection 
for your heel and the continual jarring and pressure of hiking.  Like walking 
on a cushion with the SuperFeet.
6.  Speaking of feet, never forget to customize your footwear with heel 
crippers like the ones from Kiwi.  These will really help to protect you from heel 
blisters.  They help make your footwear fit more securely.
7.  Consider the reversible Thermasrest Stuff Sack Pillow.  I use the small 
size for my clothes.  On one side is a soft material for your head and on the 
other is regular silcone-treated Cordura nylon.  Very clever.  Very nice.  The 
small size weighs around an ounce.

That's enough for today.  Your hiking buddy, Switchback