The Reavis hike (4 of 5) was enough to warrant a trekking pole, staff or support of some kind. I laughed (not aloud) at one of the guys for using two of them. On the way out, I wished I had both of mine! When not in use, they are light enough to stow under a strap. One of our friends just picked up ...

Oh yeah...the old buzzing in the bush! Had that happen in Martinez Canyon about midday. We were looking for a bit of shade and most of it was infested. I have never heard so much racket! Yes, they were snakes; not locusts. The trails were evident all over the place. Seemed an odd place for them to c...

Compass, yes, topo? Go with the software versions. I have yet to need or use one(as in being lost), but with the DeLorme Topo that I have, I can burn my own scale and size to suit each need. While I'm on the trail? NO! Takes a bit of prior planning. It is nice to be able to ZOOM into an area for det...

Chandler and East Mesa stores are gone...

I use a shovel with pick attachment and saw notching. Weighs in at 12oz. Nothing goes in my pack until it's weighed first! The shovel was too heavy , so I removed the extended handle. Much better now. I only carry it if I KNOW there will be a need for it. Otherwise, I don't need the extra weight...

OOOH! OOOH! Mr. Kotter! I like the horn idea.

Thanks for the heads-up MWAZ. I hadn't heard about this until now, but will try to keep abreast of it for now.

I'm with Bullzeye here. I always carry-concealed-and the Reavis hike last weekend had me up in arms over what to carry. Since few predatory animals would care to tangle with the noise, I chose the lightest thing in my inventory with multiple rounds. Kel-Tec P-32. 8-rounds, DAO, one in the pipe "...

Also, I plan to get a couple of pockets to add later. I just strapped my 1st Aid kit and rope to the side anchors for the first trip out. Pockets would be a nice expansion.

How about the CT (camp trails) Eiger 36 offered by Eureka? They have a clearance sight where I bought mine a few weeks ago. Hiked Reavis Fall with it last weekend and it performed admirably. The price was better than I thought I'd find from Eureka. $64 + $10 flat fee for shipping. Took about 10 days...