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THE LEARN TRIP PACKING LIST b. Patagonia R4 Jacket c. Canon Powershot 550 o o o o CD recorder Camera Binoculars Field notebook OPen o o o Quick drying pants and shirt Insulating layer Rain gear Some of the most memorable experiences, like seeing a whale or catching a street musician's performance, happen quickly or unexpectedly. With that in mind, don't forget to pack gear that can help you record your observations in any kind of con- ditions at a moment's notice. Capture the wail of a lemur, or the words of a famous scientist with Sony's M2 - NE410 Net MD Walkman recorder and player. This 3 oz audio wonder can record more than five hours of sound on one 80-minute disc. The newest ver- sion also protects your mini disc from skipping, so you can take your tunes on the tra il ($130, www.sonY.com. 877-865-7669). Digital cameras allow you to take hun- dreds of pictures, and video, and edit images in the field . The Canon Powershot 550 has an optical zoom up to 105mm, direct printing capabilities, and, best of all, it can take up to three minutes of video and produce images that are high resolu- tion enough (five megapixe l) to print clear enlargements ($699, www.powershot.com. 800-652-2666). For viewing wild life in exquisite detail, Brunton Eterna Full Size binoculars have sophisticated optics that are better at cap- turing light and providing clarity. They focus up to 5.5 feet, come in a neoprene coat of armor and are waterproof and fog proof ($444, www.brunton.com. 800- 443-4871). Recording data the old-fashion way is often still the best. Rite in the Rain spiral notebooks with tear-proof pages, and All-Weather pens are waterproof and pocket size. ($5 and $8, www.riteintherain.com. 253-922-5000). When you have to sit still for a while to observe sleeping penguins or listen to an instructor, bring a chair. The Crazy Creek Original is a classic piece of gear. Providing protec- tion from the cold and lumpy ground, the chair is just 22 oz, easy to pack, and comfortable enough to sleep in ($28, www.crazycreek.com. 800-331-0304). While you're sitting there, stay alert by eating Nutiva organic hempseed energy bars. ($1.70, www.nutiva.com. 800-993-4367). These tools, amenities, water, and extra gear can be carried in Eagle Creek's Workspace backpack, designed to protect frag- ile equipment like a laptop, as well as provide you with enough space (1,900 cu. in.) and support to carry some weight for short hikes ($100, www.eaglecreek.com. 800-874-9925). Looking for wildlife or analyzing architecture requires long periods of inactivity. In tropical climates, sun and insects should be considered. Quick drying and lightweight nylon long-sleeved shirts and pants from Tarponwear provide sun protection in the range of 30 sPF and respite from insects ($80 shirt, $75 pants, www.tarponwear.com. 800-291-9402). If you're planning on colder weather, rain, and wind consider Patagonia's R4 Jacket. Made of windproof fleece, it's exceptionally packable given the warmth it provides ($215, www.patagonia.com. 800-638-6464). An old-school plastic rain poncho can serve as a rain cover for your pack and a tarp under which you can set up your camera, or take notes. - David Schipper 31