Tomorrow will be the second time I’m going up Mount Fuji. My first time was eight years ago, when I was in Tokyo on university exchange. Was rather ill-prepared the last time, but somehow still made it up thanks to my classmate who took over my load.
So this time I did a lot more research – and in turn was converted into a big Mont-bell fan – and I hope I’m well suited up for my second crack at the Yoshida trail.
My bag is admittedly an odd choice, but I was reluctant to buy a proper trekking pack that I’m unlikely to use more than once a year. Bought this 3-way Invicta tote/backpack at Tokyu Hands which I can use both for work and travel:
Added a small but versatile waist pouch for easy access to my camera and money during the hike:
Learnt that quick-dry fabrics are the way to go for hiking. Settled on a Mont-bell Wickron long sleeve top and Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants:
Shoes are these very lightweight (and almost fashionable) boots from The North Face:
My main water carrier is a bag from Aquatic Way. This insulated Corkcicle bottle, picked up at Tokyu Hands, will be my nitro booster when the chips are down – it’s said to keep drinks cold for 25 hours and I hope to enjoy some cold coffee as I push for the summit:
Some energy bars and jelly that will keep me going during the eight-hour climb, bought at an outdoor equipment shop in Shinjuku and at 7-Eleven near Kawaguchiko Station:
For cameras, I’ll be relying on my twin Ricoh’s – the GR and Theta S.
And that’s a wrap. Hope I didn’t forget anything!
Now to stuff it all in…