Today I decided to start trying on and getting familiar with gear. So where do I go? REI. Hikers Heaven.
Before today my only experience with REI was when I was on a last minute search for a rash guard and someone suggested I check at REI. I was not familiar with the store and it was a quick visit to the swim section after I was given direction from an amazingly helpful woman who worked there. It was a quick in and out visit. Today was not a quick visit. After researching where to find gear for the hike every vlog, blog and website suggested or linked you to REI.
I walked in with my friend Leah and began my adventure in the sleeping bag and packs section. Like my last visit I am greeted by a very helpful associate who is ready to answer questions and help me find what I am looking for. I knew I wasn’t ready to purchase big ticket items since I am still awaiting fertility results but I wanted to do my research.
REI had everything on my list I had questions about. It was truly hikers heaven. Everything in one place. Even with help the start is overwhelming and each item has so many different version its hard to decide on one.
For a newbie like myself its hard to just go in and purchase an item because some vlogger said they loved it. One thing I have taken away from my hours and hours of research is ITS ALL PERSONAL PREFERENCE. This is a hard concept to wrap my head around because I don’t know my personal preference, having no experience with hiking.
SO for my fellow newbies I suggest pick one thing at a time and take a day to focus on that item. Research online, find reviews then go into REI with your top three and try the products out, get others opinions and make a decision about one thing at a time. This is a hike that can be 6 months long, take your time to make a decision and figure out what works for you.
I went in thinking Salomon brand was going to be my shoe but after trying on numerous brands and meeting this amazing couple I ended up with Altra. They were two friendly hikers gearing up for the PT. Thanks to this amazing couple who gave me more websites, blogs and info to help prepare. Mind you at this point I had spent over three hours in REI.
Three plus hours in hikers heaven and only left with a pair of trail runners.