1) What is the recommended insect repellent?

I carry some Sawyer bug spray with picaridin. I was told by Sawyer that it works against midges. But I didn't use it last year on my first challenge. Not sure if I will bring it again this year. Link

2) Water purification - I have a ceramic pump filter, and a UV pen. I was planning on bringing both but have read some strings stating that some use nothing. Thoughts?

I know most of these challenge vets just drink straight from the source, and it would probably be fine. But, I figure that coming from the US that there could be some bacteria I'm just not used to, so I carry a sawyer squeeze filter (about $30). 3oz and peace of mind for me. Link (No, I don't work for Sawyer, haha)

3) When my son and I did part of the SNT (Kirk Yetholm to Pitlochry) I wore hiking boots and brought a pair of camp/river fording shoes. It was convenient having a dry pair of shoes to wear some days and at night. I understand that this may be a luxury but wondered what others were doing.

I carry crocs (I know, hideous looking) but they work and have a strap on the back if used for river crossings.

Hope this helps!

Brian

Brian. You've been here. You know the scoop.

1 You don't need insect repellent. Unless you're looking to keep yrslef pure and sweet during a session at Braemar/Callater Lodge/Tarfside.

2 Water purification is your own choice. The majority drink straight up, no ice (oxygenationed source). It's yr call. I guess the only unfamiliar bacteria would be those coming from Mar-el-Lago. Melania, if you're reading this, blink twice. We can help.

3 Carrying additional footware simply to cross watercourses is, in my opinion, a total waste of time/effort/weight. You want to spend ten minutes every time you cross a stream? Go for it, babes. You worry that your feet may get wet/ Hah! Our skin is waterproof, last time I checked. It's your call - but many of us go for light-weight/no-goretex/trail-running shoes that do the biz.

If, however, you wear an absurdly long red tie, fixed against the wind by double-sided tape, then you may wish to, ah, consider your options ...

Click here for the horror . . .

Correction: listen to Humphrey!

Also, I didn't say I use my crocs for river crossings, just that if you do they have a strap on the back. I do enjoy them as camp shoes though, so I'm willing to carry the extra weight.

Don't get me started on the national embarrassment that is Trump. Hopefully he'll be in jail for treason soon.

Hahaha!!!

Thanks again everybody, both for the sound advice, and for the entertaining commentary!!

See you all in May!