[at-l] cheap equipment report

["Richard S. Lubitz" <lubitz@alpha.fdu.edu>]

This past weekend my daughter Marcy "How much further" & I got out
for the first time this year.  We hiked about 5 miles of rollercoaster 
on the Ramapo-Dunderburg trail ending up at the Fingerboard Shelter
in Harriman Park (NY).  The new cheap equipment I had was as follows:

Walking sticks:  last spring I purchased on closeout a pair of cross
country ski poles at Campmor ($7.99) and wrapped the handles and about
8" below with a roll each of the tape used for tennis rackets.  This gave
me a longer gripping area to adjust for terrain and a softer slip free
grip than the hard plastic handles.  These worked great and will be used
until they die or I can afford Lekis.  BTW they are much quieter than
Lekis since they are one piece and I think they are lighter (haven't weighed
them)

Tarp:  On the same trip to Campmor I picked up an 8 x 10 poly tarp ($4.99)
which was set up leanto fashion.  catalogue weight is 2.5 lbs but I think
it is much lighter including 6 skewer pegs and rope.  Poles are not necessary
since the ski poles work great with the ropes passed through the handle loops.
I will bring it into the office with the rope and pegs and weigh it on the 
postage scale and give an accurate weight.

Sleeping bags:  Picked up a couple of fleece bags at BJ's ($18.00).  They 
were quite comfy (temp just under 60 f) and big enough for my svelte (VBG) 
body.  They compact much smaller than the regular bags and were lighter.

This stroll proved how out of shape I am and that I must lose some weight.
Problem is that I have the appetite of a thru hiker but the lifestyle of
a forensic accountant.

Happy trails,

Rich 
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