I just got back from my usual trip to New England and I made two mistakes that had me saying out loud "this is going to haunt me on this trip". I wanted to share with others as a sort of public service announcement.
Both issues were caused by heavy rain in Maine. I did not pack a rain coat and I didn't take a pair of water proof or resistant day hikers with me for my walking shoes. I expect rain on these summer trips but with the idea of packing light firmly in my head, and the goal of no check on bags for the first time being my goal, I cut corners and decided against the rain coat because it rarely gets used. Never again.
The problem with a rain coat is even though you may never use it, when you need it, you really really need it. A light rain is something I can stand no problem but a heavy rain just kills the fun without a coat. A heavy rain isn't what I'd call fun no matter what but a simple walk becomes a pain without a coat.
The shoes were a problem for the same reason. I wanted to buy new ones but never found something I liked so I took a risk and went with a sandal / moccasin cross instead. Well that was dumb too because once the rain clears you still need to walk and wet feet are not fun.
I ended up buying a poncho at a gift store for $5, which of course caused the rain to end about 30 minutes later. I then bought some shoes and had them shipped home so next time I should be good. But I learned my lesson and will at least pack that dang raincoat now no matter what.
Both issues were caused by heavy rain in Maine. I did not pack a rain coat and I didn't take a pair of water proof or resistant day hikers with me for my walking shoes. I expect rain on these summer trips but with the idea of packing light firmly in my head, and the goal of no check on bags for the first time being my goal, I cut corners and decided against the rain coat because it rarely gets used. Never again.
The problem with a rain coat is even though you may never use it, when you need it, you really really need it. A light rain is something I can stand no problem but a heavy rain just kills the fun without a coat. A heavy rain isn't what I'd call fun no matter what but a simple walk becomes a pain without a coat.
The shoes were a problem for the same reason. I wanted to buy new ones but never found something I liked so I took a risk and went with a sandal / moccasin cross instead. Well that was dumb too because once the rain clears you still need to walk and wet feet are not fun.
I ended up buying a poncho at a gift store for $5, which of course caused the rain to end about 30 minutes later. I then bought some shoes and had them shipped home so next time I should be good. But I learned my lesson and will at least pack that dang raincoat now no matter what.
assorted Stuff Sacks/Pouches/Key Straps, 4 Shop Bags. 2 Absolutes, 2 Strap Wraps, a #5 Brain Cell, 3 Clear Quarter Packing Cubes , 3 Aeronaut cubes, a 3D, a Kit, a Convertible Shoulder Bag and Convertible Backpack for my Indigo/Solar Aeronaut. Last, 3 Lifefactory Bottles and my Plum Field Journal! Plus a blue (natch) FOT. All bags decked out with Tom Bihn luggage tags 
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