@seabrightener wrote: I'm moving to central Norway where the winters are wetter and snowier than what I'm used to. I'm trying to decide if it's worth buying a winter-specific boot like the Keen Revel IV for walking around town and going hiking or if I would be fine with my trusty Vasque Breeze IIIs (and a good pair of gators?). Any thoughts from experienced winter hikers? Another option may be to wait until you get to Norway then ask the locals what they use. In "wetter" environments waterproofing is far more important than in colder but drier  environment you may be used to. ... View more

@Corrie wrote: Hello,   Has anyone hiked the Dolomites in Italy?   We are going the first of September for a 3 day and I am looking to get new boots and possibly a pole if you think one is needed.  Any advise on brands would be so helpful as it appears to be a different terrain then I am used to hiking.  Thanks Hiking in the Dolomites isn't any different than hiking in the mountains elsewhere. Depending on where you go and how high, expect everything from flat grassy areas to steep rocky terrain with fixed metal cables or chains. One big difference is that the food is much, much better, even in remote mountain huts, let alone restaurants at the top of cable cars. If you're going to get poles, I'd get a pair. They have to be collapsible and fit in checked baggage because you usually can't have them in carry-on in the plane cabin. That applies both to TSA as well as EU regulations. ... View more

@Marc_OV_AZ wrote: Serious Answer Now! Having backpacked for 20+ years in North Idaho and Northwest Montana, Grizzly Bears were always a potential threat.  Common sense was the best #1 Option in bear country. Storing food correctly was a given.  Keep you dog on a leash or at least on a 20’ lead. On the trail or at camp, never be in “Code White” (Oblivious of potential threats from beast or man). If we observed fresh Grizzly Bear scat on the trail, we would turn around and go home.  If we saw a Grizzly Bear, we would immediately leave the area (Downwind) and break trail if needed to go home. We would be extra cautious when picking huckleberries when they were in season, because Grizzly Bears like huckleberries as much as we do.  When on the trail, have something that rattles or makes some kind of noise while you trek. If a bear hears you approaching from a distance, they will probably avoid you and exit. If you surprise a Grizzly Bear with your sudden approach, trouble happens quickly. The same goes when Momma Bear is with her cubs.  You cannot outrun a Grizzly Bear.  Bear Spray is standard equipment when backpacking in this region of the Northwest.  If you carry a sidearm for protection from potentially bad people, carry it concealed if permitted by local, state and federal agencies.  Seeing someone with a gun on the trail, other than during hunting season, makes people nervous.  Reminds me of this advice:     ... View more

@karoger wrote: So have I missed anything?  Depending on the time of year and how hot it gets, midges may be an issue. See A Guide To Midges in Scotland  Insect repellent and a face mask can be invaluable. The locals use a product called Smidge. Its active ingredient is Saltidin. You can find similar products on this side of the pond using trade name Picaridin. ... View more

@Marc_OV_AZ wrote: Have you ever embellished the facts of your outdoor adventures or just told a flat out whopper? If I said no, would you believe me? ... View more

@New2hiking wrote: I'm unsure why the change but I personally miss the metal buttons which kept the pants secured.  Why do you prefer metal buttons vs. snaps -- or plastic buttons for that matter? And by metal buttons I assume the ones that are riveted to the fabric rather than sewn on? I don't have a strong preference for any of the above. I suppose the metal options are more durable. OTOH they (and metal zippers) are more likely to trip metal detectors than plastic options. ... View more

@New2hiking wrote: I feel the burn and use Cerave cream and it seems  to go away and stops the burn quickly. Good to know. I carry a small plastic jar of Cerave to treat another skin condition so now I'll try it on this sort of rash too. Thanks for the suggestion. ... View more

In no particular order... Classic Eddie Bauer Windfoil jacket from the '80s. The fleece keeps the warmth in. The nylon shell keeps the wind (and light rain) out. Mine is still in great shape.   Lowa Renegade hiking boots. Better support than low cut "approach" shoes without the weight and stiffness of traditional full grain leather boots. Deuter Futura 32 back pack. Holds everything you need for a day hike and even a weekend in huts. Small enough to qualify as carry-on baggage. Light, yet durable.   Leki folding carbon fibre hiking poles. Light, strong, foldable.     ... View more

Many years ago I bought a hat made of terry cloth, the same material that's used to make towels. What was "cool" about this hat was that on a hot summer day you could dip it in water, wring it out and the put on the damp hat. Then as the water evaporated it would literally cool your head. As I recall I bought the hat at Eddie Bauer or maybe LL Bean. It was made in Australia. Anyway I haven't seen them on sale in years. I wonder why? Your post prompted me to do do some googling. I came up with this: https://www.theterryaustralia.com.au/    Now I just have to decide if I really need yet another wide brim hat... P.S. I too had a pair of Dachstein boiled wool gloves that I used for XC skiing and winter camping. ... View more

@Jeff_Baierlein  It's worth noting that $18,000 in 1962 (when the book was published) is worth about $170,000 in today's money. ... View more

Hi @Kikaida There are a few Daiso stores in the US and Canada. For example in the Bay Area, Vancouver BC, New York. I've never visited any of them since they aren't near me, but I intend to next time I'm in any of those cities.    ... View more