Since my last Gear Blog, I have made several changes and/or additions, as follows:

Boots:   I thought the Vasque boots were going to be the ones I wore in Peru-  I was wrong.  During February, I continued to suffer discomfort.  The toeboxes on the boots were simply too tight.  Even on short walks, the two smallest toes on each foot hurt.  Although they never blistered, I finally decided I couldn’t stand another month of training in these boots and that they were too uncomfortable to wear on the Peru trip.  I went to Google, and ended up reading several articles about boots that are best for people with wide feet.  On such article recommended Keen.  Although I was dubious (they were inexpensive and didn’t seem to have much in the way of ankle support), I looked up stores in the area (there were 3) that stocked Keen.  None of the three stores had any significant stock, but the last store I visited (Gruene Outfitters) had a bunch of Salomon boots on sale for half price.  I tried on a pair of  “Quest 4D GTX” and they felt great.  I  had worn the Vasque boots to the store and could visually tell the Salomon had more room in the toebox.  I also liked the lacing structure, which is very effective at holding my foot in place against the heel/back portion of the boot, which should be beneficial on downhills.  I bought these boots on March 3, 2217 and have put many miles on them without any discomfort.  These are the boots I will wear in Peru!

Daypack:  I thought I was settled on the Ultimate Direction pack, but as I began to up my training in terms of miles, weight and time in the pack, I discovered I was beginning to experience some pain in my upper back.  I decided I needed a daypack that had a substantial hip belt system so I could transfer more of the weight to my hips.  After investigating several alternatives, I settled on an Osprey Talon 33.  It is much more comfortable and I am very happy with the way it performs.  Although I will have to take a rain cover and it does not have the storage on the upper straps that the Ultimate Direction did,  it is a much more comfortable pack and I think it will do fine for the Peru trip.

Knee Support:  As I began to add miles and elevation (ascents/descents) to my training regimen, my knees began to ache under the added weight and miles.  I had knee braces that I used when climbing Emory Peak and Guadalupe Peak, but they were bulky and not very comfortable.  After some research, I bought a pair of “Incrediwear” compression knee supports.  They work very well for my needs-  they are light, comfortable, and offer enough support so that my knees don’t ache anymore.

Clothing Treatment:  Week before last I went to Passport Health in San Antonio for a consultation about immunizations.  I ended up getting a Tetnus Booster and Hepatitus A and Typhoid (oral- 4 pills) vacinations.  I was very impressed with the RN who I consulted with and she made several recommendations in addition to the immunizations.  She recommended that I treat my clothing and gear with Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect repellent.  Since my brother in law had told me that a friend of his had a terrible time with sand flies in Peru, I decided it would probably be a good idea.   It took a while, but I treated my clothes, my pack, and my sleeping bag liner.  The treatment is odorless, colorless and lasts for six months or six washings.  She also recommended a diarrhea treatment called “DiaResQ” that is very effective and was developed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  I puchased some and it will be a part of my kit.

In six days I leave for Peru.  I feel good about my gear and my training.  I will let you know how it all works out!