Sebastien’s Search for a Gas Canister in Shkoder: Prepping for the Peaks of the Balkans

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of hiking, it’s that preparation is key. But even with all my experience, there was one thing I didn’t expect when planning my trip to the Peaks of the Balkans – finding a gas canister in Shkoder was a bigger challenge than I imagined. Luckily, a tip from a Facebook group pointed me in the right direction. Let me take you through my journey.

The Hunt in Shkoder

After landing in Tirana, I assumed I’d easily find a gas canister on my way to Shkoder, but that turned out to be a mistake. The city of Tirana is quite far from the airport, and making the trip just to pick up a gas canister for my camping stove wasn’t worth it. So, I headed straight to Shkoder, thinking I’d find what I needed there. After all, Shkoder is the gateway to the Peaks of the Balkans, so it seemed like the perfect place to stock up.

Little did I know, finding the right type of gas canister would be more complicated. I was about to give up when I stumbled upon the Explore Peaks of the Balkans: Tips and Trails Facebook group. It was there that someone mentioned Store and Go, a local business that had exactly what I needed.

Finding the Right Gear at Store and Go

After checking out their website, I found the exact gas canisters I needed – Kemper gas canisters. These are high-quality canisters with a mix of propane and butane, making them perfect for all weather conditions I would face on the Peaks of the Balkans trek.

The process was simple: I placed my order online, and it was ready for pick-up at their facility. This saved me time and the hassle of visiting multiple stores. Plus, I was assured I’d have the right gear for my trek.

Renting Trekking Poles

During my preparation, I realized I also needed trekking poles. I had brought my own from Lyon, but airport security confiscated them since they weren’t in checked luggage. Fortunately, Store and Go offered trekking poles for rent – both carbon fiber and aluminum. I opted for the carbon fiber poles, which were ultra-light and perfect for the challenging terrain of the Peaks of the Balkans.

Bonus Perks for Smart Hikers

When I booked luggage storage with Store and Go, I got a coupon code for a discount on gas canisters, which I applied to my purchase immediately. Plus, they waived the deposit for renting trekking poles, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

Final Preparations and Lessons Learned

By the time I had my gas canister and trekking poles sorted out, I was ready to tackle the Peaks of the Balkans. For anyone planning a similar trek, I highly recommend securing your gear early – and considering Store and Go for both renting and purchasing essential items.

Know Before You Go

Finding the right Peaks of the Balkans gas canister in Shkoder can be a challenge, but it’s all about knowing where to look. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials like gas canisters or renting trekking poles, Store and Go has got you covered.

Parting Words for Fellow Hikers

So, to all fellow hikers – plan ahead, ask around, and don’t be afraid to explore the local spots. But when it comes to getting the right gear, save yourself the trouble and check out Store and Go. You might even score a discount if you’re storing luggage with them!