What do most of you hike with? Do most of you come very prepared? Equipped with Camelbaks and trekking poles or are most of you just a water bottle and go at it?

I have never used the trekking poles before though I have used my tripod as a walking stick several times. So I recently bought me a hopefully decent set of trekking poles. I don't have a clue as to a "proper" way to use them so hopefully it either comes natural to me or you guys can give me advice... or at least don't laugh LOL. For those with trekking poles do you only use them for long strenuous hikes or do you use them for all hikes?

I have always just carried a water bottle with me but again I am venturing into new territory and have a smaller camelbak with water bladder. I ordered the Camelbak Rim Runner as it is a little bigger and I know I will eventually want to start bringing my large camera with me. So I wanted something that will hold it as well as the bladder. Anyway, do a lot of you use these or just bottles? Are they hard to get used to?

Is there any other gear that you hike with that you wouldn't go without? I will have some emergency stuff with me in my pack like first aid kit, knife, small section of paracord, and some other misc items. But as in main gear is there anything else you would suggest?

Good questions! I've never used the poles either unless I was fishing in the Hiwassee. I used to wear a Camelback bladder that had extra pockets for other items. I probably carried too much stuff, but I like to be prepared.

Yeah well I was hoping to give both a try out this weekend, but not going to happen now. So unless my work trip changes it may be a while before I get to use my new gear :( I hate having new toys and not getting to play LOL

I know that feeling. I was hoping to do a little hike on the John Muir trail (part of the Benton MacKay) and get a little fly fishing in while I was at it. Maybe tomorrow...

Good luck on that! I am not sure the weather is going to be a lot better tomorrow. Though if it is I may try to do a little fishing in the morning. I have not been on the John Muir trail before, I will definitely have to look it up!

It's near Reliance. You can park at Childers Creek and walk across the wooden bridge. It's a relatively easy trail that runs next to the Hiwassee River. It's not a loop so it's a in and out or try to catch a ride on the other side. I may be able to make this if the weather holds out and I can get the chores done this morning!

I know exactly what trail that is now! I have never hiked it but have taken some engagement photos on that bridge and of course fished at Childers Creek. I will have to hike it one day!

So did you get to hike it this weekend?

Unfortunately, no I didn't. Somethings here at home came up that I needed to take care of.

I use mine for every hike unless it's super easy but I still bring them. I'm clumsy. Also, when I don't use them sometimes my hands get a little swollen and I never have that problem using poles. One of my poles has a screw-off top to put my camera on for group shots, etc. I love my poles, never hike w/o them!

I use mine for every hike unless it's super easy but I still bring them. I'm clumsy. Also, when I don't use them sometimes my hands get a little swollen and I never have that problem using poles. One of my poles has a screw-off top to put my camera on for group shots, etc. I love my poles, never hike w/o them!

I have been using my trekking poles on some of the harder hikes and they have proved to be wonderful! They are especially nice toward the end of the hike when I am tired and going up hill. They help propel me up and takes a lot of the strain off my legs. They were def a good investment!

The camera attachment on top of the poles is a wonderful idea! Wished mine had that!