Gear Round Up! Are you thinking about new gear? Interested in investing in your own backpacking gear after years of borrowing others' gear? Below, I've listed my 10 Essentials for Backpacking in Florida. If you have any questions about the following gear, let me know. I personally own and love every product listed here. 

Smartwool PhD Run Light Women's Socks
There isn't much to say about these socks. I love them, You don't need heavy wool socks in Florida, you just don't. These wick sweat well, I don't need sock liners (gosh, remember those?!), and they don't stretch out. I wear these with boots and running shoes because they are a great multitasker. They work really well with my Merrell boots.

Osprey Aura 65 Backpack
If I didn't seriously love this pack, it wouldn't be on this list. Really. Everyone has a pack or borrows one, they don't need to be told what pack to love in a typical gear round up. I made an exception for this pack because it is the best I've ever owned and I've heard a lot of women say this. Particularly women with a petite frame. It's really difficult to find a comfortable pack for a petite woman's frame that isn't a youth pack. Youth packs work ... enough. This is an awesome pack for a petite outdoor woman! 
I love the flexible packing options, the super comfortable and adjustable hipbelt, the air-flow technology on my back, and the collapsible nature of this 65 Litre pack. Big enough for several days on the trail without food drops and yet, can collapse small enough to be useful on a one-night backpacking trip.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunscreen
Is it odd to have this on the list? Not in Florida! All the sunscreen! 
This is my go-to sunscreen. This sunscreen is not greasy, has fantastic coverage, and can be worn alone or under makeup. Additionally, I have issues with sunscreen on my face because apparently I have sensitive skin. This sunscreen doesn't burn my face or leave it tender.  As far as sunscreen goes, it is kind of pricey at $10-15 a bottle but coverage is great with a small amount of product. I go through approximately two bottles a year and I wear sunscreen at least four days a week. That said, my husband uses it a bit more aggressively and goes through them quicker.

Platypus Big Zip SL, 3-Litre
I love this hydration pack for a few very particular reasons. First of all, it works. Plain and simple! It works well with little fussing. The zip-top may scare some but I have no complaints. In fact, I love the zip top for it's wide opening and ease of use. My previous bladder (the other 'big' brand) had an awful 'ergonomic' opening that was near impossible to open by me, my husband, and several other adults who would inevitably need to help me fill the bladder before hiking out. No one wants to be that person.
Another reason I love this hydration bladder is the quick-release on the hose. The quick release is just one more small feature that makes using this bladder so easy. No more hose dragging in the dirt while I try to balance the filtered water and my bladder! Yay! 
In case you need another reason to try this bladder, there is an extra piece of plastic in the middle of the bladder holding the front and back together at a certain distance. This prevents the bladder from spreading into a full cylinder when filling and instead, keeps it in a shape that built-in bladder pockets are designed to hold. Again, a very small feature that makes this bladder very easy to use.

Black Diamond: Apollo Lantern
I literally cannot count how many lanterns I have owned for car camping and backpacking. Everytime someone would ask if I would recommend one, I'd always get stuck on, "Well, I like this one but...". That is, until we discovered the Black Diamond Apollo Lantern. This little lantern has several features that put it at the top of my list. 

1. Small and lightweight, 7.8 oz and collapsible
2. Casts a wide swath of light, almost four meters 
3. Stable legs with option to hang it
4. Dimming!!! Seriously, it's wonderful
5. LED's = long battery life, about 50-60 hours

Columbia Saturday Shorts
I reviewed these in my post, New Backpacking Gear, Purchased for Philmont, so I'll keep it short here. I love these shorts. They dry quick, stay 'in place' when hiking, resist dirt and smell, and simpley put: fit well. They fit true-to-size in my opinion and I have multiple pairs. Columbia has once again hit it out of the park. 

Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System
Last fall I was in the market for a new water filter for some upcoming canoe and backpacking trips with groups of up to nine people. After talking with some friends who have bought filters in the past few years, the answer was clear. For a group of people, the gravity-fed Platypus filter would fit my needs best. 
The system features very clearly marked 'clean' and 'dirty' water bladders. After filling the dirty bladder, one simply hangs it in a tree or something above the ground and walks away. After a few minutes (depends on turbidity of the water), you have fresh, clean, potable water. If you are hiking in an area known for chemicals, toxins, or viruses you'll need to look for something else but this filter is effective against "Bacteria and Protozoa, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Salmonella and Cholera" according to the instructions. 

Petzl Tikkina 2 Headlamp
Update: Petzl Tikkina 2 no longer available, see newer model: $19.95
As far as headlamps go, this one is pretty basic but I find it very reliable. I was so sick of headlamps that had cheap battery cases, loose bands, loose tilt features, etc. I just wanted a good lamp with reliable features and I didn't want to spend $100 to get it. This Petzl, while basic, fits the bill and comes in at only $23. That's all there is to it. It's a well-made and reliable piece of necessary equipment. 
This lamp has a highbeam, lowbeam, and flashing beam, all in white LED light. There is a more expensive model that features a red light; I occasionally wish I purchased that version. 

Chaco ZX/2 Yampa Sandals
I love Chacos. I purchased my first pair in 2005 and having run those into the ground, I finally replaced them in 2014. They are pricey at $100 on average but they will literally last five years or longer; mine lasted about seven years before they really started to fall apart. I've owned the single strap and the double strap. Why did I include sandals on a list for backpacking? Because I am a firm believer that you should bring camp shoes which allow your feet breathe and provide arch support. These sandals are great for side hikes and as camp shoes. I never go camping without them and occasionally, they are the only pair of shoes I bring. I'm never afraid I'll loose my footing in these sandals. 
Some people ask if the toe-strap is bothersome but I love it. I do not like feeling like my foot is going to slip forward when standing on a slippery rock or in moving-water. Pro-Tip: Search Amazon for chacos and buy last year's colors at a discount. I purchased my husband's pair for $65. 

Cocoon Silk MummyLiner
You'll notice I didn't include a sleeping bag or pad on this list. These are optional 90% of the year in Florida! It's not cold enough to require them and you can often find sugar sand to camp on for comfort and keeping with Leave No Trace. Additionally, I'm in the market for a new sleeping bag and wouldn't feel comfortable recommending my old bag as it is no longer sold and it isn't my perfect bag. I'm still looking for that. 
So, if I don't think you need a sleeping bag what do you need? A Silk mummybag liner. This is an ideal substitute for a sleeping bag when the weather is above 70F at night, which it is! Most of the year! In most of the state! I highly recommend this piece of gear, which is usually considered optional. Really. This is a must-have in the hot and humid Florida environment. It saves weight and space, is machine washable, and feels so soft against your skin. I have the white one but I would recommend another color that doesn't show dirt and wear so easily. 

All of these items were purchased online at various retailers, with no compensation for my review. 
However, in the interest of full disclosure, I may earn a small commission if you purchase items through the links provided here. There is no increase in cost, to you or anyone else, associated with these links. 

Did you know it is National Invasive Species Awareness Week? Better yet, do you know what an Invasive Species is and why they are a problem? If not, don't worry. It's a fairly easy concept. 

There are three major categories applied to plants:

1. Native: A plant that was growing in a given place at the time of first written botanical record or has since been established to have been growing during that time period
2. Naturalized exotic: A species that has been introduced intentionally, or not, and has succeeded in growing and reproducing in an area
3. Invasive exotic: A species that has not only succeeded in growing and reproducing but is doing it to the point where it is displacing native species, throwing native ecosystems off balance, or has become so aggressive in it's growth habit that it has been legally deemed a pest. 

You may be asking yourself, "A pest? How can a plant be such a bad thing? Aren't they just growing where our native haven't been successful?" The answer is, yea - sort of. Invasive exotics may not seem like a big deal; a plant is a plant after all. Who cares if it is this plant or that plant? You should!

 Oh, and did I mention the title of Invasive Exotic isn't limited to plants? Wildlife can earn this prestigious honor as well (please note the sarcasm...). An influx of invasive exotic species can lead to huge economic implications when flood control is impaired, parks become overrun with a vine shading out and killing all of the trees, or when wildlife populations are damaged due to predation. 

According to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection study in 2001, the value of nature-based tourism was $7.8 billion dollars and the largest threat to that industry is exotic invasive species. In addition to the state's economy, which I imagine we would all like to improve, invasive species can wreck havoc in your yard, too. Invasive species can throw entire ecosystems and regional plant communities out of whack.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is meant to spread the word regarding this fascinating and complex issue regarding exotic plants and animals. There's a rulle of tens associated with exotic species. It says,
10% of all introduced species will be able to reproduce and survive, and of those, 10% will become invasive. 
This is a huge problem for Florida! With four major airports and at least three major seaports; we see hundreds, if not thousands, of new species every month. Those species will have an easy time avoiding detection for many years if we use history as an example. We need to improve public awareness of the issue.  For instance, I'd venture to say that most of the population in Florida is familiar with the exotic species Burmese python, and those in north Florida with Kudzu vine but how many are familiar with ... 

• African land snail 
• Black and white tegu
  
• Coral ardisia
• Torpedo grass
• West Indian marsh grass

I would wager very few are familiar with these species which have been causing issue for decades in some cases!

Thanks for reading about National Invasive Species Awareness Week! Did you learn something? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great #NISAW!

Below is an excerpt from a Letter to the Editor I wrote, published in The Lakeland Ledger at the end of January. Because it is posted in its entirety on The Ledger's website, I won't report the entire letter here. If you're interested, please click on the title to be taken to the Ledger's publication of this Letter. 

A Solution to Air Potatoes
Published: Friday, January 30, 2015 at 12:01 a.m.
For those of you not familiar, air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an exotic invasive vine with large, heart-shaped, shiny leaves. It quickly grows into and over trees, shrubs, fences and anything left in your backyard too long...To reduce the population of air potato in your yard or neighborhood park, collect the potatoes and throw them away. They should not be put in compost piles or vegetation piles to be mulched or left in the garage. They are aggressive growers and will sprout and grow even in a dark room without water or soil. Trust me on that one. 

To read the rest of the article, which includes information on residential air potato control, please click here. 

If you are an educator looking for a new way to enhance your outreach efforts, consider submitting a Letter to the Editor to your local paper. The opinion section, often filled with anger, could use some uplifting information to engage the community! Letters to the Editor may be a great avenue for Extension faculty to engage a new audience in their program areas. 

If this post has inspired you to write a letter to the editor, about natural resources or otherwise, let me know in the comments. I would love to read your letter! 

Carnevale, S. “A Solution to Air Potatoes” The Lakeland Ledger 30 Jan. 2015: A12. Print.

Have you heard of the #oneword movement? I just found out about it last night but my word came to mind immediately. So immediate that my husband's coworker had not even finished his sentence before I knew what it would be. 

So what is One Word? 
In a short explanation, it is the idea that by focusing on one word you can inspire yourself to change your life ... one word at a time. The book and experiment have a religious base to them but if you aren't religious I think it is still a powerful idea. It's simple really. Envision the kind of person you want to be. Think about the traits and characteristics that person may have and then, pick a word. That's it. One word to describe your ideal you. 
Look at your word every day. Whenever faced with a choice, consider your one word prior to choosing a path. When it feels weird or unnatural, try to focus on your word and give it a go. Change isn't easy and it isn't fast. The idea is that by committing to a word to view the world and your choices through, you can escape the promises and resolutions that may break easily. You're not committing to a certain thing or change, just a change in the way you view choices and the world. 

This may not be the way you view the One Word experiment and that is okay. This is how I've interpreted the project and look forward to the idea of changing a little bit at a time to become a better me. For 2015, my word is 

This year, we had made a resolution to go camping at least 12 times. Explore takes it to the next level. Explore, to me, means that given the chance to try something new, I'll take it. Try new camping areas, go out on a limb with work projects, try to write a book, visit new locations, and be open to new ideas.

I'm excited for 2015. It will be a great year and my one word will ensure there are ups and downs. The experiences may not always be positive but at least they will be something new. I love the idea that new opportunities are always just around the corner, if only you are willing to see them. 

If you already love the One Word project, or just heard about it by reading here, what is your 'one word' for 2015?

This month, I've been teaching a community workshop on "Snakes in Polk County." To my great surprise, my class has sold out or resulted in a full classroom at both locations! Why am I surprised? I didn't think so many people were interested in snakes. Clearly, I was wrong.

For that reason, I thought it might be helpful to post some of the information I discussed at my class here. Snakes are a fascinating group of critters but tend to evoke all levels of fear and trepidation in the average resident or tourist. Let me assure you... you scare them as well! Below, I've listed some of the information we cover in the class.

• There are 36 species of native snakes in Central Florida; of those, only four are venomous. In all of Florida, there are 46 species of snakes. Of those, only six are venomous.
  
• The four venomous snakes in Central Florida are: pygmy rattle snake, diamond back rattlesnake, coral snake, and cottonmouth (aka water moccasin). 
  
• All of Florida's venomous snakes, including the two not found in Central Florida, are in the pit-viper family except the small coralsnake. The coralsnake is in the Elapidae family. Snakes in the pit-viper family produce a hematoxin while snakes in the Elapidae family produce a neurotoxin.
  
• Most water snakes people encounter in Central Florida are not actually the cottonmouth but are one of our many native non-venomous water snakes like the Florida banded water snake or the green water snake. The non-venomous snakes are thought to mimic the cottonmouth as a defensive strategy.
  
• There are no snake repellents on the market that are scientifically proved to be effective. Don't waste your money.
  
• This statement includes the use of mothballs as a snake repellant. Mothballs contain potent insecticides and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As such, placing them in your home or yard is both illegal and illogical. Using mothballs in your yard and home as a snake repellent doesn't work, can be dangerous for children and pets, and contaminate soil and water. 
  
• The best defense for snake encounters in your yard or home is good maintenance and landscape design. Details on this strategy can be found in this University of Florida document: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw260
  
• Snakes play a critical role in pest control in agricultural, urban, and suburban communities. Without snakes, our rodent and insect populations would be much higher.
  

In addition to the great turnout for the classes, the media was interested too! I am so thrilled to say that I was contacted to do an on-air interview with Tampa's 88.5 WMNF about snakes in Central Florida. The radio station is a local National Public Radio affiliate and the show I appeared on is called "Radioactivity with Rob Lorei" The recording of the show is posted online, in their archives, if you're interested in listening. It was so exciting!

If you're interested in some books for further study, the ones I use in my office are:

• Peterson's "A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America" 
  
• Ashton's "Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians of Florida: Part 1 The Snakes"
  

Like what you see? In the interest of full disclosure, I may earn a small commission when you purchase items through the links provided here. There is no increase in cost, to you or anyone else, associated with these links.
Both snake photos on this page were used under thecreative commons license 2.0 in an unaltered form. Clicking on either photo will take you to the source's Flickr page.

Getting to Fort Jefferson requires a little bit of pre-planning because it is located 70 miles west of Key West, FL; it is not an easy place to venture! Most people travel to the National Park via high-speed ferries operated by a vendor contracted by the National Park Service for $170 per adult but you can also take a personal vessel or a sea plane charter. You'll want to arrive in Key West the night before because you need to check in for the ferry at 7:00AM for a 7:30 departure. I recommend checking the major events happening in Key West prior to scheduling your adventure ... or else you may accidentally book your family trip the final weekend of Fantasy Fest. It was a life experience for sure, but wow. That's all I have to say about that. 

In my post, "Preparing for my Return to Philmont" I promised a gear review upon my return. I purchased a lot of new gear to prepare for a week in the woods, and boy am I glad I did! Some of it, I wouldn't have enjoyed the program without; while other things, I could have left behind. Before flying to Philmont via Colorado, I purchased: a Colombia fleece, Columbia hiking shorts, a Leatherman multi-tool, an Osprey pack raincover, an Osprey travel duffle, and new dry bags. 

This was the first time I've bought new backpacking gear since my last trip to Philmont in 2006. Why? Because I was in college and gear is expensive.
Besides, I had gear that worked... well, it worked well enough. Since this was the start of a new chapter in my camping and backpacking life, I wanted to start off with great new equipment. I am so glad I did. I also purchased some new Merrell hiking boots. After a few more miles, I'll post a review of those too.

Columbia Women's Trek II Full-Zip Fleece:
This fleece was a steal for me! I happen to love bright colors and the Fuchsia, shown to the right, was $20 less than the other colors. If you don't love pink don't worry, there were at least ten other colors available including black and white.
I love this fleece because it fit true to size, stayed relatively clean looking through 10 days of wear without washing, and resisted starting to smell. Oh yea, it was incredibly warm too! The collar and sleeves are both long enough to be cozy and warm without being in the way or uncomfortable. I really liked the zip pockets, they kept my essentials safe and didn't get in the way. The upper arm small zip pocket was a nice surprise. I didn't expect to like it but it was a great place to keep chapstick.
Columbia Saturday Trail Shorts:
These shorts fit the bill for hiking and longer camping trips, if you ask me! I have struggled for years, not kidding, to find suitable hiking shorts. These fit well, are true to size, and are extremely comfortable for long wear. Lightweight, quick to dry, and comfortably long so they don't 'ride up' when hiking. Like the Columbia Fleece (above), these shorts resisted smell and dirt for several days without washing. These are a must have for my next three day hike.
Osprey Airporter LZ Duffle:
Anyone who has flown with their pack knows you need a great duffle with a removable strap to protect your gear. If you're flying somewhere you plan to take public transportation to the trailhead, you need one that is also lightweight and compactable. This airport duffle does the trick. It compacts to a very small size into a built in pocket, has a removable cross-body shoulder strap which hides in the same pocket, and the zipper is conveniently placed to aid in putting a full pack into the bag. That said, this duffle isn't perfect. I found the strap way too large for my petite frame as I lugged it across the Denver airport and the duffle was slightly too tall and thin for my full pack. The former was much more trouble than the latter as I can fix the pack dimensions by repacking. Had I tested this at the house and not the airport, it would have been an easy fix. If you are taller than 5'2" the shoulder strap likely will not be an issue for you.
Osprey UL Raincover:
I am very pleased with this raincover! It is easy to put on in a hurry, has elastic that you can attach via snap in the middle of your pack (under your back), is lightweight, and compacts well. My only wish is that it came in a bright color. The dark grey is attractive and the Osprey logo is reflective; however, I find it is safer to hike in wilderness areas with Blaze Orange or similarly bright color. In case you are interested, the "Medium" fit my Osprey Women's Ariel 65 with some room for clip on gear.
Leatherman Sidekick Multitool:
I love this Multitool. As a petite lady with small hands, this tool is perfect for any situation I may face on the trail. The edges are rounded, making clamping down on something much more comfortable than the squared ones, the knife and saw are accessible without opening the multitool and lock in place, and the tool features spring-assist pliers. My only wishes are for a scissor and a corkscrew. Both of which are available on larger multitools that I wouldn't likely carry.
Outdoor Products 3-Pack Ultimate Dry Sack:
I am moderately pleased with these dry bags. I purchased them partly as gear dividers for in my pack and partially as insurance that my cell phone, underwear, and socks would stay dry no matter what conditions I encountered. I am not confident that my gear will stay dry in these but for most rain events, they should work fine. They were inexpensive; you get what you pay for.

All of these items were purchased online at various retailers, with no compensation for my review. 
Like what you see? In the interest of full disclosure, I may earn a small commission when you purchase items through the links provided here. There is no increase in cost, to you or anyone else, associated with these links. 

• Draw or print the design you would like to carve, It's best if it is a flat design (black and white). 
  • Pro Tip: Don't jump right into cursive letters or complex designs. Start with some fun little stamps like a strawberry or a basic animal outline. If you really want to make it a bookplate your first time, I recommend starting with large block letters.
• Using pencil, trace around the design and color in all of the black (or white). The parts you color will be the parts you carve. 
• After coloring in the design with pencil, lay your carving rubber over the traced design and press hard without letting the pattern move. You can use a rubber brayer or the palm of your hand to "roll" the pattern onto the rubber. The graphite from the pencil should have transferred onto the rubber you plan to carve, mirrored. 
  • There are almost always sections that don't transfer. Simply use your pencil (dull is best, sharp points will tear the rubber) to fill in the blanks as needed.
• Using your linoleum cutting set, start to carve out the design. This is tedious, but kind of soothing at the same time. Be patient with the carving and take breaks as needed. The more tired your wrist and hand, the sloppier the carving will be. 
  • Pro Tip: carve out only a couple millimeters of rubber at first and choose a design that doesn't have large voids. This will reduce the chance of your stamp being flimsy.
• When you have carved out the design, test it by stamping it on some paper. Check your stamp's design and make note of areas you need to carve out more. 

And, that's it! If you have any questions, let me know!

If you order supplies to make this project from Darby Smart, use promo code: yyqyry25 to get 25% off!  (expires 3/20/2016)

• Link to project: http://www.darbysmart.com/projects/carve-your-own-bookplate