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Useful Walking Equipment:

• Good Walking Boots are a necessity, of course. But nobody will tell you what boots are the most fitting for your feet, so you will have to try several brands and models before making a choice. Remember that boots should always feel comfortable even before they are broken in. Don't get seduced into buying boots that doesn't really fit very well, on the anticipation that they will feel much different when you have used them for a while. Most probable, you will not be in doubt when you have found YOUR boots...

Still, some general directions can be given: Boots should preferably be all-leather with GORE-TEX® (or equivalent), good ankle support and a VIBRAM® sole (or equivalent). Try to get them as light as possible, though. If you're not a mountaineer or a trekker that will carry a week or so of supplies around, you won't need anything extremely stiff. If the surface of the sole is too hard, it might feel very uncomfortable back down on concrete and tarmac roads, something which you are bound to encounter in Greece. The lacing on the ankle should be as independent from the lacing on the foot as possible. For hot climates it's good to have something that breathes really well. I suspect that Nubuk leather will be noticeably better in this respect.

Personally I recommend boots of Italian design, which in my opinion have unsurpassed quality and comfort. Good brands are e.g Crispi, La Sportiva and Trezeta.

I must warn you about "lightweight" walking boots. These do not have the stability nor durability needed. Usually not very good grip either. Salomon is an exception in the last respect (but only that). The Contagrip® soles keep every promise. I must especially warn you about the Ecco brand. E.g their "Receptor" series was pure garbage and should never even have reached the market in any form. In addition they should probably label their soles as Nogrip™!

My current boots are made by La Sportiva.

• Both for traveling and walking, a good Backpack of sorts is needed. Suitcases and bags are no good when you are embarking and disembarking ferries, walking to and from your hotel etc. Trekkers will need a very good carrying system, and even day trippers will need something decent for carrying water, picnic and other stuff. If the backpack is flexible enough, it will cover all your needs. I can personally recommend the Cyclops backbacks from Berghaus. You will find them in different sizes, making it a real match for your back (but it won't fit if you are very much smaller than an average male, I'm 181 cm and use the middle of the three available sizes). Bergans is another very good brand, with a truly excellent carrying system. But you should also consider a wheeled convertible pack, if you are not going to use it for trekking anyway. I personally own both a Meridian and a Sojourn from Osprey.

The case for my model (the "Cyclops II Atlas") is that the side pockets have a very good size, and that they are detachable and connectable, turning them into a very useful day pack. You can actually fit two big water bottles in each of these pockets. The main carrying system is perhaps not the ultimate, but among the better, and should be good enough for most long treks as well. Other details that you would expect from a backpack in this class are of course present, e.g good compression straps, carrying handles etc... But, as always, you should try different brands and models to find what fits YOUR back. Don't get seduced into buying something that is overly large, just because "everybody" is carrying a 90-100 litre backpack. It must match your own size.

Some backpacks have an adjustable length, but I think it's a better idea to buy one with a fixed size that really fits. Opinions may differ here. I would also advise you to buy a model with an internal frame. The more old-fashioned external frame type is only necessary with loads close to or exceeding 30 kg (if your knees can handle that sort of thing...). With a good internal frame type, bringing up to 20 kg should be ok for a reasonably average built male. Some people find anything over 10-12 kg uncomfortable, but they are probably just lacking good equipment...

One more thing: Rucksacks in this class are pretty expensive, but they should have a life-time warranty.

Some words about air travel with backpacks:

Some have asked about the possibility of getting an expensive backpack destroyed when traveling by plane. I have now done air travel with my backpack for some years, and so far everything has worked out fine for me. But there are a few precautions that one should make. First of all, if some kind of special luggage handling option is available, do use it. Otherwise take care not to let any straps that might get caught in the transport bands etc. hang loose, and always tighten everything down as much as possible. I do it like this: The stomach belt is wrapped backwards around the pack and securely fastened on the back side. The main carrying system is shortened as much as possible, and the loose ends of the compression straps are pushed underneath the stomach belt. Ends of the compression straps on the back are folded together and fastened inside two utility/ice-axe loops which then are tightened good. The side pockets are taken off and carried as hand luggage. Hopefully you will be able to do something similar with your backpack!

Also, modern airports may have the option to shrink-wrap your pack in plastic.

But again the Osprey convertible packs show their excellence, no problem at all flying with these!

Ok, so check out Berghaus and Bergans! And be sure to see if not Osprey could have something for you, as well.

• A Walking Stick is often useful for added security, especially in steep climbs downhill in gravel and stone. Both uphill and downhill they can also provide great relief for your knees. Telescopic carbon fibre is recommended.

My old and trusted walking stick is made by McKinley.

• A good Map or Description of the route, most preferably both. Even equipped with these it is best to stay on clearly marked paths, and NEVER wander out in totally unchartered terrain.

• A Compass is a safe choice, in companionship with your map, of course. May not be needed for every trip, but it is still a small weight to carry just in case. But make sure you know how to use it BEFORE you go...

These three entries have been resolved all-in-one by the clever Japanese at Casio, or the equally clever Finns at Suunto. More stylish, but also more expensive options are the T-Touch watches from Tissot. Especially the new Expert model is good.

• Respect the heat, carry a Thermometer to advise you on what kind of hauls you will be able to manage, and how much water you will need.

• A Watch is essential. You must always keep track of time. If your progress is not according to schedule, you might have to reevaluate your plans.

• Make sure you have plenty of Water for the whole walk. Never rely on finding a specific source on the way. They are always a nice supplement, but do not depend on them.

• A Whistle might come in handy. A small weight to carry around for that extra level of security, it could save your life some day.

• Even if you do not carry it at all times, you must have a Personal Medical Kit with you on your vacation.

• Salt Tablets may be useful for keeping your metabolism in order when you sweat and drink a lot. Some extra salt on your food is usually sufficient, if the climate is not too hot.

• Protective Sun Lotion is essential, not only for sunbathers, but actually even more so for walkers. ALWAYS use sun block or lotion strength 15-30 on your arms, neck and face. Remember that you will perhaps be out in full sun for the most part of the day. In sum the attack on your skin will be extreme. A long sleeved shirt (with collar) as a backup, if your arms (or neck) still gets red, is a sensible extra option. Legs are usually more tough, but need attention as well.

• Sun Glasses is needed to protect your eyes, and the light is so intensive in Greece in summer that you can hardly go outside at all without them. And please do not buy cheap fakes that will only damage your eyes in the long run. Are your eyes not more important than that? For the walker I think one interesting development lately are glasses without a rim at the bottom for uninhibited view of the surface you are walking on. Designed for golfers, I guess, but so what.

My current glasses are made by Tag Heuer.

• Always wear a Hat for even more sun protection, and do choose a model with a chin strap so it will not blow away in the wind. The Greek Islands can be very windy even in high summer. Hats of Australian design are among the best choices, as they always seem to have a brim with sufficient width. Even the ones made from straw can be alright! But I find that a leather hat is much better, it can handle rough treatment, it will fit very well and it'll look great too! Canvas bucket hats are also recommended, they are both stylish, lightweight and crushable. Be careful using caps, they are really not very good, your neck will be toasted.

MrWalker's Equipment List: