I used to laugh at people that would spend good money on hydration packs for occasional day hikes. I figured those were for serious climbers, runners, bikers, etc. Not just us easy-hikers. I found some on sale at Sams and bought two. I'll never hike without them. I'm shocked at how much easier they are than bottled water. I drink more with the straw being right there. I stay cooler by filling the bladder half full and freezing it, then filling the rest the morning of the hike. It keeps me and the water nice and cool.

Now, I'm starting to re-think that maybe the fancy boots are not only for the pros, either.