“These Are a Few of My Favorite Things”

The Hiker's Annual Shopping Guide - 2004

"If it’s chariots or sandals, I’ll take sandals." - Denise Levertov, “A Traveler”

Each year I give you my gift recommendations for your favorite hiker--or for yourself, if that person happens to be you. Here is my list of hiking things for 2004--from walking sticks to sunglasses, shirts to shorts, shoes to socks, and sweaters to scarves.

Shoes: The message stays the same. Don’t skimp on cost or quality: the toe box should be roomy, the sole stiff, and the material breathable. Walk around in them at home before testing them on the trail.

Socks: Choose good quality “wick-dry” walking socks. Get a good fit that doesn’t bunch up in your shoe. My favorite sock brands for hiking are by Thoro and Smart Wool.

Shorts/Pants: For all-day hikes, especially, I like zip-on/off pants. If you expect cold weather or fear heavy brush or poison oak, this combination is invaluable. Several varieties are now available at major sporting goods stores.

Sticks, canes or staffs: While hiking in Switzerland a few years ago, I bought a cane that is now part of my dress code for all trail hikes. The adjustable aluminum sticks (such as Leki) are very popular, and many hikers rave about them.

Sunglasses: I don’t like to wear sunglasses but prefer a visor or a hat to shade my eyes, but sunglasses make good gifts in a wide range of prices.

Hat: For those of us focically challenged, a hat is a must. A hat also provides protection from sun or rain and keeps you warm on cool windy days. My choice is a "slouch" type with a brim that also protects my ears.

Day Packs: On a Peninsula day hike, you may need nothing but a snack and water, so you can travel light. Many use a fanny pack, but I prefer a lightweight, over-the-shoulder pack.

Maps: These are the maps I have found most helpful during my years of hiking. They are available at many sporting goods stores, including REI and Redwood Trading Post.

· "Trail Map of the Santa Cruz Mountains," a set of two maps published by the Sempervirens Fund. Map 1 features the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from Castle Rock to Big Basin, with connecting trails between Big Basin and Pescadero Creek County Park and between Portola Redwoods State Park and Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Map 2 covers Big Basin to Waddell Beach, plus connecting trails to Butano State Park and Pescadero Creek County Park. Both maps have an overlapping match line, so they can be put together for a wall display.

· “Trail Map of the Central Peninsula and the Southern Peninsula” is another set of two maps published by the Trail Center in Palo Alto. The first map, published in 1996, includes two dozen parks from Windy Hill south along Skyline to the northern part of Castle Rock. The second map is of the central Peninsula from Windy Hill north to Laurelwood Park in San Mateo. The trails are nicely marked--from multi-use to wheelchair-accessible. Contours are easy to read, and a color scheme designates forest, grassland, and urban areas. A brief description of each park and preserve is also included.

· “Trails of the Coastside and Northern Peninsula,” published by Pease Press, features San Bruno Mountain, Milagra and Sweeney Ridge, Montara Mountain, and beaches from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay. The back of the map includes brief descriptions of destination points and hiking tips.

· “San Francisco Bay Trail” map series covers the Bay Trail in six individual maps that lay out this 400-mile, shared path around the San Francisco Bay.

And you can expect to find maps for each park or preserve at principal trailheads. For the most part, they are free, up-to-date, and easy to follow.

Books and Guides

· "Peninsula Trails," by Rusmore, Spangle, and Crowder, published by Wilderness Press. It is probably the best guide to the most trails on the Peninsula. The authors have a companion book, "South Bay Trails."

· "The Bay Area Ridge Trail," by Rusmore, published by Wilderness Press. This is an excellent review of trails that are part of the planned 400-mile Ridge Trail.

· "San Francisco Shoreline Guide," published by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The guide follows the Bay Trail in its 400-mile ramble around the Bay at or near the water's edge. It includes interesting sections on history, plants, animals, birds, and special features.

· "101 Great Hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area," by Ann Marie Brown, published by Foghorn Outdoors. A well-written guide to favorite hikes from Napa to the South Bay and east to Mount Diablo.

· "The Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Book" by Tom Taber, published by the Oak Valley Press. Now in its eighth edition, this guide includes many trails and 20 unique "special sections," such as "Banana Slugs," "Where to Walk Your Dog," "Wildlife Tracks," plus many others.

· "Plants of the Coast Redwood Region," by Lyons and Cooney-Lazaneo, published by Looking Press. This is my favorite plant book. It has good pictures and readable descriptions, including how Native Americans and pioneers used the plants.

· "San Mateo County Parks," by Svanevik and Burgett, published by San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation. A very readable and interesting history of how the county park system developed during the last 80 years.

· "Sawmills in the Redwoods," by Frank Stanger, published by the San Mateo County Historical Association. This book helps you to identify sites of old sawmills as you hike Peninsula trails.

And if you are looking for stocking stuffers, consider these indispensable items:

· Moleskin, Band-Aids, and a folding scissors in a small plastic container

· A small flashlight--just in case

· A lightweight, aluminum water bottle

· An "Ultrapod" tripod--it allows the hiker to be part of the pictures.

· A cotton scarf--for use as a bandage, a wet washcloth, or head protection

· A small, weatherproof blank notebook

Happy holiday, and good hiking in 2005!

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

E-mail tom@tomdavids.com.

Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web site at www.weeklywalker.com.