Daniel's previous preparation had been fairly haphazard. Part of it was any trip he made into the Hedge was supposed to be a short one and part of it was he normally had someone who was much more experienced along so he had always sort of trusted they'd help the group get through if things went wrong. However, with his appointment that was going to have to change since he was going to be the 'experienced one' eventually. It probably was something he should have changed anyway but the part of him that was reluctant to go into the Thorns kept convincing him he could procrastinate. Yet this was going to be his job and even if it weren't going into the 'backyard' was a reality of being a Changeling.
That was why he'd been doing research. But knowledge only got you so far. Things became a lot easier if you had gear. He'd come up with a list of things to get. Wandering through the aisles of Sacramento's REI store now he was starting to feel overwhelmed. There was just so much stuff and the temptation to buy the coolest, most expensive product was strong. He did his best to resist. Of course there was always the excuse that he could buy stuff to stock up Winter's stores.
He was tempted to ask a store associate for help but didn't. Asking about the advantages or disadvantages of a Lifestraw versus a filter, while also trying to talk around whether it could purify possibly magical spring water in a way that would keep you from transforming into a frog... he didn't see that conversation taking place. Plus, with the recent changes to his mein he'd found it harder to flag down staff like sales people and waiters. Even with the Mask, he was somehow less there and easier to see through.
Looking over clothing, he took a couple reinforced jackets off their hangers to try on. As far as armor went it was better than nothing. Maybe he'd check out the sports equipment. Walking through the Hedge in hockey pads may look silly (especially on Daniel's frame) but it'd offer more protection. Though maybe it would slow him down too much. Weight was a factor too.
He put the jackets in his cart anyway as 'maybe' items and moved on for now.