get in gear

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat A Platypus is an easy way to stay hydrated on a journey into the unknown territory.

Not so fast, bucko. Take the wrong gear and you'll come back as a withered form of your former self. You don't want to be a blister-ridden, back-aching, dehydrated fool, do you? Or maybe you don't mind. In either case, read on.

It all depends on your desired comfort level. Below is the official Catalyst Hiking Gear Select-O-Matic.

Step One: Read through the stereotypes, select the one that fits you closest, and the take the accompanying character name as your own for the duration of the article.

Step Two: Go out and get all of the stuff the Select-O-Matic commands you to.

Then you'll be all set - ready to take your show to any of Southern Arizona's beautiful hikeries.

Stereotypes

No. 1: You're a rugged hiking maniac. Technology disgusts you. You don't care how much you sweat, how many blisters you get, or how much strain you put on your back. If this is you, refer to yourself as Hunter or Maude.

No. 2: You are normal. You go to the U full-time and have to work a job to support yourself. You're not an avid hiker, but would like to start up. Call yourself Joe or Sue.

No. 3: You're from Northern California or somewhere back east. You're a member of a fraternity or sorority, and your dad sends you a check every week to pay the rent and finance your weekend drinking binges. You think it's time to get in shape, but you couldn't live with yourself if you ever got a blister. Your pseudonym is Miles or Danika.

All right, now you have your secret identity, and now we're ready to roll.

Water

Hunter and Maude, you guys can load up your canteens with water, or better yet, find a mountain spring at your destination and just scoop the water into your mouth with your hands.

Joe and Sue, the 32-ounce water bottles that you tote from class-to-class will do just fine. Bring at least 2-4 gallons' worth for any trip.

And as for precious Miles and Danika, you won't have to carry your Perrier in the average bottle. Technology has produced the shrinking water bladder - a model of efficiency. They shrink as the water supply drops, plus they've got this cool straw that comes out of the side that you can suck on. They run from $49 to $75.

Backpack

Hunter and Maude shouldn't need a backpack. Take a bed sheet, throw some stuff in there, and you'll be on your way.

For Joe and Sue, it depends on how often you'll be hiking and how much stuff you'll be taking. Regular schoolbags are fine for a short trip, but load them up too full and you'll get the bookbag syndrome.

An internal-frame pack is a must for Miles and Danika. These packs are huge, and with several interlinked pockets, can hold several times the amount of a regular bookbag. They also take pressure off your back. Plenty of room for a blow-drier and a battery pack. The basic internal-frame starts at $75, but they range in price up to $400.

Footwear

Regular tennis shoes, or better yet, sandals, will be fine for Hunter and Maude.

For Joe and Sue, most mountain hikes will be too much for regular shoes to handle. Hiking shoes are a good investment, and a $90 pair can last you a lifetime.

But what goes on before the shoes might be even more important. Cotton socks tend to make feet blister. Wool blend socks are better.

Miles, Danika, hold off on the alcohol for a couple weeks and use the money for a nice $350 pair of hiking boots. It will feel like you're walking on pillows instead of the good earth.