Shoelaces... and other unsung heroes.
A while back, my friend Richard and I were talking about camping and it turns out we have the same philosophy when it comes to certain pieces of equipment: It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. We weren't talking about the trademark Bear Grylls survival kits or the latest off-road adventure vehicles. No. We were talking of the gear you don't even realise you need until you need it. Like shoelaces. That's why I bought an extra set of shoelaces before a Central Asia trek some years ago. I also bought a small sewing kit and extra zipper pulls (don't judge me) because you never know... Can you imagine getting ready for the day's 20 km hike through rough and rocky mountain terrain, and rivers of snowmelt? Can you see yourself putting your high tech Vibram-soled hiking boots on, pulling on the laces... only to feel that gut-wrenching snap and the realisation that you have just doubled the number of shoelaces in your hands, but wrecked...