I also said no to a first-aid kit, sewing kit, anti-snake-bite kit, $12 emergency whistle, and small orange plastic shovel for burying one's poop, on the grounds that these were unnecessary, too expensive, or invited ridicule.
In "A Walk in the Woods," Bill Bryson humorously recounts his decisions regarding various hiking accessories, showcasing his practical approach to outdoor preparation. He deliberately declined several items such as a first-aid kit, a sewing kit, and an anti-snake-bite kit, viewing them as excessive or impractical for his adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
Furthermore, Bryson critiques the cost of certain items, like a whistle and a shovel meant for waste disposal, arguing that they either serve no real purpose, are overpriced, or could subject him to mockery. His reflections highlight a blend of humor and skepticism about traditional hiking gear, emphasizing a more straightforward and less encumbered experience on the trail.
