Sometimes it feels like my journey to an AT thru-hike is in slow motion. Then I remember that my realistic start date is still probably years away. So, I continue to take my AT journey a few bites at a time. This past month I was able to snack on a few conditioning day hikes; four to be exact for a total of 21 miles. Today’s hike was again at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, which has become my favorite group of day hiking trails. Jug Bay also checks off a site on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. And to cap it off, today’s hike completes all the various trails at Jug Bay. Little bites; yet forward progress. These conditioning hikes have also provided an opportunity to do minor gear field-tests. During my AT section hike last year, I decided that I really want to have a water bottle conveniently attached to my pack strap. I have been using two Nite-Ize 12” Gear Ties, which have been a functional yet imperfect option. I recently viewed a YouTube video in which I saw the Aqua Clip in use and decided to give those a try. I still need to add a shock cord band (instead of one Nite-Ize Gear Tie) to keep the bottle from swinging; nevertheless, I think this will be the best solution. And I finally have tired of using the REI Co-op Packmod Rainshield Pocket on the opposite pack strap for my mobile phone. I still want a pocket on that strap to keep my phone, but the REI pocket simply is about a ¼ inch too short to hold my Samsung S8 in a Defender Otterbox. Searching the internet, I can find ultralight pack strap pockets that are either too big or with an attachment system that will not match my Osprey Kestrel pack straps. So, going back to Nite-Ize, I picked-up a Clip Case Cargo Holster for a mobile phone. This holster comes in various sizes to fit mobile phones with a protective case and worked exactly as I want on my pack strap. Unfortunately, it is fairly heavy (3.2 oz) for backpacking purposes; however, since I cannot find an acceptable ultralight option, I will have to pay the weight penalty. If a company like REI, ULA, ZPacks, or Gossamer Gear made a pocket with ultralight materials and this mobile phone holster design, I am certain it would be a profitable effort. Hey, free idea; all I ask is to get one free!
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Quiet Man
I don't have a bucket list. At 61 years old, I have already had the adventures of a lifetime, especially after a 30-year Army career, five years of teaching high school, and a 37 year marriage still going strong. But I still have this deep desire to complete the Appalachian Trial. Archives
February 2022
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