Reddit mentions of Black Diamond Trail Compact Trekking Pole

We also have two trips for sure scheduled (one 3-4 day and one 9 day trip). We are also looking to add about 2 more long weekends if possible. My work schedule with being on call every 3rd weekend and limited PTO/vacation time is difficult to manage and coordinate with my husband's vacation/pto time, but we are making due.

We also redid some parts of our kits. Namely a cook pot, socks, & trekking poles. We are also still on the hunt for husbands footwear. Nothing is more fun to me than gear testing and shopping. :)

I have always just used my iphone for pictures. My husband does own a small point and shoot so we may take that along and give it a try this year. I always regret not taking enough photos on our trips. Especially photos of the people on the trip! I love the scenery shots too but those are less meaningful to me when I look back on the trip months later. I will try to be better about it this year. What sort of camera do you use?

Good luck bringing in new hiker friends. A tip to remember is to start at their level the first time they go out. If they are miserable the first time out you will loose your hiking buddy as fast as you got him/her. Help them be very prepared and it will go smooth.

I also have been reading up. I don't actually have a library that is close or convenient enough for me to use. But online information has been reliable and helpful thus far. Heck I find myself on reddit checking all the hiking/backpacking/camping subreddits more often then not.

I am so jealous of your hopeful 2 thru hikes. The AT has been a lifelong dream, but I just can't swing it with my current career. I resign myself to reading others blogs and various books on the trail. I have been hooked ever since I did a small section in Tennessee and clingman's dome.

As for your debate with trekking poles - go for it. That is one of our new pieces of equipment this year. So far I give both thumbs up. We have been using them on our nightly walks and now with our little practice hikes with full packs. LOVE them so far. these are the ones we are currently using. I did not pay full price. Ended up finding them on campsavor over president's day and got a huge sale price. Been using them ever since they were delivered.

I have also read a lot on the debate between quilt vs sleeping bag. So far I have decided to just stick with the bags we have. I have no need to upgrade at this point. The idea of a lighter quilt seems fantastic but the money required to save those ounces is out of my range for an "unneeded" product at the moment. I will wait until someone convinces me otherwise.

Kayaks are a ton of FUN! I am guessing that adding camping to that equation only doubles the fun!! I do not personally own one, but I have rented them and they are super cool. Don't forget your dry bags if you do bring camping gear along. ;)

Thank you for the great response. I am so excited for this summer it is fun to share that with other MI folks. Good luck with all your planning!

edit: fixed typo