WARREN Hiking the scientific way, Cont/....

 I left off on the other post having discussed a stave or a trekking pole ---

So I'll continue here

So I was able to get quite a bit done this weekend, mainly 3 things: -

1) My gel-foam insteps for my hiking boots

2) My kit broken into 2 groups, OVERNIGHT BAG & DAY-HIKE BAG is now pretty much complete

3) Again, I’m looking at a way to “cart” my overnight bag, and got a (what I thought was) a lightweight golf-push-cart at the auction yesterday for R50

My gel-foam insteps for my hiking boots

Like I said foot-ware is probably the most important aspect of hiking / walking & in the past, I made all the mistakes, resulting in some pretty unpleasant adventures ---- not this time

The in-steps work very well (experience, They soften and conform to the shape of your foot, and also hygiene is easier, as you just pull them out & wash them

But first, I had to find where I could get them. Been looking for weeks-----Turns out Mr. Price sport at Hillfox (about 30Km from where I live) is the only place I could find. Now finally I can start to walk in my boots --- Doesn’t help walking boots in before, you will change the entire “settling in process”

And don’t for one moment think what works for your one foot’s gonna be right for the other--- So it’s complicated & takes a while Once I’m happy, I’ll go and get another pair

But at least I can get my boots seasoned

My Kit

Daypack

As mentioned, my uitstappie is not based on a “goal” or a ”have to walk x number of kilometres” type of thing, I’m about a gentle walk out, stop along the way, brew up some coffee, snack, walk on, stop cook a meal, and come back. All in fair weather

So here the goal is weight.

Day pack: - Total weight 8.13Kg. This is very manageable & I’m chuffed

Overnight pack

It might be an idea to go out, spend a night in a tent, then a gentle walk back the next day, especially if there is really something worth seeing that is just a bit further that a half day gentle walk away

So an overnight pack includes tent – sleeping bag and a self inflating mattress. The extra weight of this is 3.7Kg Total weight 11.84Kg (call it 12Kg) – Again manageable.

“Carting my overnight pack”

Here I ran into a wall --- To my surprise, the cart weighs in at a whopping 4.5Kg --- And I don’t see how I will be able to reduce that by any significant amount.

The question then need to be answered with a total pack weight of 16.5b Kg (cart included) is it worth having to carry the extra weight for (hopefully) short duration to have the covienience of “carting” an almost negligible amount of weight.

So more trials are on the cards

I've replaced cell phone and all that, so hopefully pictures should be soon.