Gear!

Like I've mentioned before, I work at REI. I love working there! Everyone is so excited about everyone else's next big adventure! All my coworkers have given me great advice on all the gear I've decided to purchase for my trip.

The first thing you need for any trip is a bag to put all your gear in. I decided to get an internal-frame pack and a waterproof duffle bag. When I was looking at packs, I was trying to find one that I'll be able to use for a long time after and be very happy with. A former REI employee told me to never get a pack over 60 L. because if I needed that much space, then I was bringing too much. A backpack that I've always loved is made by a small company based out of San Francisco called Boreas. They make beautiful backpacks that are super functional and very affordable. I was amazed to find out that we sold them at REI online! The one I get is called the "Buttermilks 40" (http://boreasgear.com/products/buttermilks/). It's really a beautiful pack made by an amazing company. Most of my coworkers didn't even know that we sold this brand of pack so if you're looking for a super-light backpack check out Boreas!

When I was looking at waterproof duffels, I basically had two choices, one made by The North Face, or one by Patagonia. They are both basically the same price with only slight differences. My first thought as a new REI employee was to buy The North Face one. But after researching a bit I realized that I really like Patagonia as a company more than The North Face. Patagonia has stayed true to its basic values, outfitting people for whatever adventures await them. I feel like The North Face has just become a synonym with money and wealth and their gear has suffered because you’re only paying for the name. Anyways, I decided on the Patagonia Black Hole 90 L. duffle (http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/black-hole-duffel-90l-gear-bag?p=49345-0-042). It will work perfectly for what I need it for (and it's a lot better looking than The North Face one!).

Since I will be in a smaller village in Uganda, I have to wear skirts most of the time. They have to be knee length and light so I stay modest and don't get too hot. The problem is finding skirts under $40 that fit this description! But I work at REI so I get good deals :) The skirt that I found is called "Chaka" and it's made by Horny Toad. (http://www.hornytoad.com/womens/skirts/chaka-skirt/h1182127/) I read the reviews and people said that it dried fast and was very high quality which was just what I was looking for! Now I just have to decide on what colors to get!

The next thing is lighting. I have been blessed to be born in America where, when the power goes out, it's usually fixed within a reasonable amount of time (once our power was out for a weeks but that's a different story and nothing to complain about). Since all of Uganda (and most of the surrounding countries) run off of the electricity of one hydro-electric dam, the power goes out frequently. My country directors told us all to bring a headlamp because it's easier to eat in the dark with two hands. My dad told me to just get a cheap one but I work at REI and I'm surrounded by people buying and selling high end stuff all day! I asked some of my co-workers what they recommended and they said the "Spot" headlamp by Black Diamond (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/spot-headlamp) It is a fairly inexpensive headlamp (for me) and everyone said it would last forever and work perfectly for what I need it for! I also decided to buy a little lamp to take with me, mostly because I really wanted it and I told myself I needed it. It's called the Mini Hozuki lantern and it's made by Snow Peak. It's the cutest lantern you will ever see. And it's really bright. (http://www.snowpeak.com/lighting/backpacking/mini-hozuki.html)

These are just a few of my favorite things that I'm bringing with me! I'm sure I will have future posts about amateur me picking out gear from REI but for now these are the highlights!