Page:A Guide to the National Parks of America (1915).djvu/316

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Equipment for the Park Visitor
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gage. A sweater and a suitable outing hat are essential. Stout laced boots and heavy woolen socks should be taken, even if one does not expect to do any climbing. Every one who visits the national parks finds it necessary to do a certain amount of walking, and low or thin-soled shoes will be found very unsatisfactory. Calks or hob-nails are often an advantage as footwear is apt to develop slippery soles in the woods.

Riding breeches, preferably of khaki, and puttees are necessary if any horseback trips are to be made. Women who ride should remember that side saddles are a rarity in the West and provide divided skirts and leggings.

Incidentals

A good pair of field glasses is a distinct aid to the enjoyment of mountain scenery and the study of the bird and animal life.

A compact folding film camera with a liberal supply of films should by no means be omitted. Plates are too heavy, bulky and fragile to be easily carried, and the loading of plateholders presents many difficulties.

Fishing tackle may be hired, but the de-