Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

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Over the course of a long journey, trekking poles help to distribute your weight and reduce the accumulated pressure and weight put on your legs and knees. They are especially helpful in reducing fatigue on steep descents. Also, trekking poles stabilize your body during stream crossings. If you use them, be sure to adjust and use them while maintaining good posture.

GAITERS

Southern trails can get pretty muddy after a good, hard rain, and a pair of low-profile gaiters can help keep moisture, mud, and trail debris from sneaking into your shoes or boots.

SANDALS OR WATER SHOES

Slip on some sandals or water shoes for stream crossings to keep your hiking shoes or boots dry. They are also good to wear around camp because they allow swollen feet to breathe and recover.

CELL PHONE

I don’t really hear much debate anymore over whether cell phones belong on the trail, especially since people are using them as navigation devices. But if you carry a phone, don’t get a false sense of security, thinking that you can just call someone to bail you out of a jam. Rather, consider your phone a last resort for communication, not something to rely on. There’s always the possibility that the battery will die, so you might consider packing a portable charger (or an extra battery) if you pack a phone. Also, remember that you won’t be able to get a signal on many trails. If you pack your phone, avoid using it to call someone just to chat, and silence the ringer. A ringing cell phone is a real bummer for those trying to escape the noises of civilization.