When I interviewed 43 people about that they carried in their fanny packs on volkswalks, I discovered many things that were mentioned over and over.  Based on their responses and my own experiences as a volkswaker for eight years, I put together this list of fanny pack items that take up little space and can mean the difference between a disastrous experience and a pleasant outing.

1.     Water - Drink it early in the walk.  Also use it to clean your hands, pour over your head, cool someone suffering from hear exhaustion.

2.     Identification - If something happened to you would others know what to do?  Always carry identification, health insurance card and information on any medical conditions or allergies, even on short walks.

3.     Money - Two to four $1 bills and some quarters.  One walked I know folds a few $2 bills into his fanny pack so he always has correct change for YRE's.  Quarters for a pay phone in case of emergency.  Exact change for a bus.

4.     Address labels - Saves time filling our paperwork before a walk.  Leave a legible record in case someone needs to get in touch with you later.

5.     Blister treatments - A piece of moleskin, Band-aids, or 2nd Skin burn treatment pads.  Treat any hot spots immediately before they become blisters and cause you to limp.

6.     Small pen knife - Includes tweezers, knife blade and scissors.  Great for cutting moleskin, removing splinters, etc.

7.     Energy source - Chocolate bar, granola, chewy or hard candies, etc. for those times when your blood sugar takes a dip.

8.     Tissues or napkins - for nose blowing, sweat mopping, stopping blood flow, etc.

9.     Plastic bag - Ever walked a YRE when it began raining and made your map illegible?  Slip it into a plastic bag.  The bag is also good for an impromptu rain hat or for collecting things on walks such as berries, shells or rocks.  Tuck it in that extra fanny pack pocket.

10.     Volkswalking brochure - Always carry a flyer or business card that contains the AVA phone number, local club number and web site address so when someone says, "Is this some kind of walkathon?" you can answer their question and help them become a participant.  If you love volkswalking, share the job with others.

11.     Pen or pencil - To fill out start envelopes and registration pages and write in checkpoints on YREs.  Also good for jotting down the address of that garage sale, the Realtor of the house of sale, etc.

12.     Bandana - Sit on it, wipe with it, moisten it with water, tie it over your head or around your neck, stabilize an ankle, carry things in it, and many other purposes.  Tie it to the fanny pack strap.  Avoid gang colors of red and blue in some parts of the country.

13.     Pain reliever - Whether it's a headache or muscle aches, taking a pain reliever right away prevents more distress later.
 
 

If you have questions or wish to find out more about our club or about volkssports, please e-mail Bill Uttenweiler.