So, in the interest of sharing with fellow trekking newbies where I shopped for my trek/outdoors gear and other shopping tips, I'm posting here my shopping tips/directory for the semi-budget-conscious trekker. Lol.
1. amazon.com
- women's leather boots: I chose a relatively inexpensive waterproof Timberland pair with ankle support. It was recommended by an experienced trekker friend of mine. I bought a half-size larger and I'm glad I did because it fits almost like my usual shoe size, and because I'll be wearing thick wool socks with it: one thick merino wool outer, and one liner sock...to minimize blisters. So it had to have extra room. It arrived today and I tried it on, and it fits great with the socks. Thank goodness. Hehe! I was afraid it might not fit me. Lol. I'm wearing it on a climb to a really well-known high-altitude mountain range overseas whose topography/climate arguably differs with that of the Philippines's so I'm not sure if it would be the best footwear to recommend for Philippine mountain climbs.
- merino wool socks: warm socks; anti-bacterial, can be worn more than once without having to wash them; more expensive than your usual or athletic socks
- point and shoot camera pouch: I chose a Lowepro Tasca 30 for my Olympus XZ-1
- poncho: covers yourself/bag if it rains torrentially up in the mountain, can do double duty as a makeshift tent with the right gear; possibly available in Metro Manila (supermarts or Ace Hardware maybe?)
2. my Deuter Act Trail 28 SL pack (includes pack rain cover): Recreational Outdoor Exchange, otherwise known as R.O.X., also available in Toby's Sports
3. trek pants
