![](\"\/twoheeldrive\/siteimages\/2005\/fieldguide.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhile the bells are still jingling in my head, I might as well gloat over the
\nhiking-related stuff I got for Christmas. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Melissa gave me the National The rest is stuff I bought for myself. <\/p>\n Neos Montane
\nAudubon Society Field Guide to California<\/a>. It’s got the most common flora\/fauna
\nyou’ll see on land around these parts, and a few you might see at sea. A bit
\nheavy for backpacking, but nice to have along on a day hike. Here’s
\na complete list of National Audubon books.<\/a> <\/p>\n![](\"\/twoheeldrive\/siteimages\/2005\/overshoe.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nExplorer<\/a> overshoes. These are like galoshes — pull ’em over your shoes
\nand you’re ready for mud, snow and other inclementness. I need ’em because the
\ntrails I prefer to hike on in the winter get ankle-deep in mud, and it’s better
\nto have one set of boots designated for mud duty. These are pretty expensive
\nat $70 bucks, and they’re pretty heavy at 2.5 pounds. Also insulated, so they
\nmay be pretty warm for use in snow-free zones. But I’ll try ’em out this year
\nand report back. <\/p>\n![](\"\/twoheeldrive\/siteimages\/2005\/fastlite_litespeed_thm.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nLite-Speed<\/a> jacket. Last time I went on a really tough hike and the weather
\nturned against me with rain and high winds, I pulled on my trusty Marmot Precip
\njacket and got way too hot and sweaty within minutes, creating that wet-on-both-sides-of-the-jacket
\neffect we know and love. So I started looking at water-resistant "wind
\nshirts," which seem lighter and better suited to heavy-breathing outdoor
\nactivities. Backpackinglight.com recommended this jacket from the UK-based Montane.
\nIt’s super light at only 5 ounces and comes with a little stuff sack and a clip
\nto hang it from a daypack in a handy place. Only oddity for U.S. consumers is
\nthat the zipper is on the opposite side, but it’s not a deal-killer.<\/p>\n![](\"\/twoheeldrive\/siteimages\/2005\/undershirt.jpg\")
<\/p>\n