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Fakahatchee ferns

The Essentials

Reviews of items that fall into the essentials of what you should be carrying when hiking or backpacking, which include insect repellent and sun protection, water filtration, rain jacket or poncho, and a light source.

The Essentials

Dorcy 41-2093 Headlamp

February 1, 2013    John Keatley

After months of using my Dorcy headlamp as just an everyday flashlight, the opportunity finally came to give it a real test.  I headed off on the Florida Trail with the Dorcy 41-2093 as my do-everything light. Winter is the best time to hike in Florida.  Cooler, and often with less bugs.  But with winter …

LightStar LED Flashlight

July 16, 2012    Sandra Friend

Before we left for the AT, I gave John a few pieces of gear to test for us, which were sent along for my inspection by the manufacturer. Here’s one that we used while backpacking in Florida but it didn’t make the cut for our AT hike – we stuck with headlamps instead. For our …

Sawyer Mini Water Filter

Drinking from the Sawyer Mini

March 27, 2014    John Keatley

A made-in-Florida product that we first saw on the Appalachian Trail two years ago, the Sawyer Mini is a lightweight filtration option we highly recommend after our trials.

SmartShield

Smartshield

November 24, 2008    Sandra Friend

Smartshield sticks to you, which is essential when you’re hiking in Florida and sweating often. We’re impressed with its longevity after application.

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