"These Are a Few of My Favorite Things"

(The Walker's annual holiday shopping guide)

"The walking stick serves the purpose of an advertisement in that the bearer's hands are employed otherwise than in useful effort, and it therefore has utility as an evidence of leisure."

Thorstein Veblem

The Theory of the Leisure Class

As the holiday season approaches, we're faced with the traditional dilemma: What shall I get for (you name the person) for Christmas? From shoes to socks, shorts to shirts, sweaters to scarves, and sticks to sunglasses, we walkers have favorite things that make our walks even more enjoyable.

This is my list of walking things for 2003. Check it out when you shop for your favorite walker.

Shoes: The most important part of your walking wardrobe is your shoes. All your best intentions to walk more will be unrealized if your feet hurt. Get a good fit, and don't scrimp in cost. A few dollars extra can make a world of difference. Make sure they have a roomy toe box, a firm sole, and feel good when you try them on.

Socks: Blisters are the walker’s number one concern. While you will never toughen your skin so that it is completely blister-free, you can reduce the propensity to blister by keeping your feet dry. Several “wick-dry” walking socks that absorb moisture and transfer it to the outside of the sock are available. My favorite sock brands for hiking are by Thoro and Smart Wool. No matter what socks you wear, carry moleskin and Bandaids to cover tender spots before they get out of hand.

Shorts/Pants: On walk day, the major early morning decision is . . .walking shorts or long pants? My solution is 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. I like those by Ex-Officio best. The L.L. Bean catalog also carries an excellent one available in three lengths.

Shirts: I like a cotton T-shirt in summer and a sweatshirt over a cotton T-shirt in winter. Any shirt will do as long as it fits loosely and is comfortable.

Polartec: I have two, one lightweight and the other heavier. This high-tech fabric adds warmth, layers well, and feels comfortable near the skin. The North Face it combines multiple layers to resist wind and water, so it is comfortable in almost any weather.

Windbreaker: If I could carry only one extra item of clothing, it would be a windbreaker. Since most of my hiking is during periods of good weather, I prefer a pullover polyester shell. For those of you who enjoy walking in the rain, a treated shell or Gortex fabric is a must. With a Polartec pullover and a windbreaker, you can layer yourself into or out of any local climatic conditions.

Sticks, canes or staffs: The idea of carrying a stick is as old as history itself. When Jesus sent his disciples to spread the gospel, he instructed them to “take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.” Early shepherds used the staff to manage their flocks and chase away intruders.

Today, sticks serve a useful purpose in setting your stride, in pushing away vegetation encroaching on the trail, and in giving you a sense of protection and well-being. A walking stick is a great gift for any walker, and the new aluminum expandable sticks, especially by Leki, are very popular. On a personal note, I collect canes and staffs and have several dozen on hand. However, I often hike without a staff, preferring to keep my hands unencumbered, another personal choice that makes walking a truly individual sport.

Sunglasses: I don’t like to wear sunglasses but prefer a visor or a hat to shade my eyes. However, most of my fellow walkers use “shades” of various types Sunglasses make good gifts in a wide range of prices.

Scarf: Another essential item is a good cotton scarf. You can use it as a bandage, a headpiece for protection from the sun, a wet washcloth on hot days, as a neck cover for warmth, or as a handkerchief.

Hat: For those of us with less hair, a hat is a must. There is nothing more painful than a sunburned scalp. A hat also provides protection from 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: Many types are available, from the traditional over-the-should model to fanny packs. I currently use one that is very light but large enough to hold water, clothing, food, and a reasonable amount of extras. Don’t add more bulk than necessary when selecting a pack. Remember, you will be back in a few hours, and this isn’t an overnight trip.

Extras: A well-equipped daypack should include several small items:

• a small kit of moleskin, Bandaids, and a folding scissors

• a flashlight in case you stay out a little too long. Check out the new headband lights.

• a canteen

· a compact camera

• an "Ultrapod" tripod for your "in the frame” photos

• fun stuff like fold-up kites, collapsible Frisbees, haki-sacks, especially when hiking with children

• a good pair of rugged sandals such as Tevas to comfort your feet after a long hike

• a guidebook of Peninsula trails

Next week I will cover books, maps, and stocking stuffers.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

Email <tom@tomdavids.com>

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