First off, the poles (well, and my knapsack I use to keep water, a first aid kit, a compressible sun hat--not to mention a good book in case I simply can't resist snatching a seat on one of the city's comfortable park benches). They're made by Black Diamond, and were recommended to me by the good folks at Eastern Mountain due to adjustability, and good grip even in wet conditions.
I think they're pretty great. They're amazingly light, and I can easily collapse them so I don't frighten anyone on the subway--if I ever get tired of my own neighborhood (which I can't imagine, but who knows?)
Next up, my shoes. As anyone who's ever considered buying "barefoot" style activity shoes knows, Vibram really sets the standard. These puppies are extremely light, comfortable, with a very simple and straight forward foot in- and egress mechanism. It's definitely a bit strange getting used to feeling all the gravel, litter (and whatever else this city decides to throw in your path), but it's fun, and almost feels like learning to walk for the first time all over again!
Maybe my next post will be about my really cool sun hat.
