Backpack purchase, the result.

[penk]

Thanks to everyone who commented on my previous post. Based on some awesome suggestions, I went to the LL Bean store in Burlington (which, btw was awesome), with a pretty good idea which pack I was hoping for, and after trying it on and adjusting all the straps left, right, and sideways, left with a White Mountain pack. The price was excellent, it fit like a glove, and has all the oomph I'll need.

I also finally replaced my long lost Leatherman. I had a Wave for quite a while, and it was damned useful. It went missing about 3 years ago. I tried a variety of interim Gerber and other tools, but none really fit the way the Wave did. This time I have a Charge AL, which is a slightly beefier version of the Wave. It feels wonderful, has all the fantastic bit accessories fro the screwdrivers (already used two and it's been less than a day since I got it).

I forgot how much I like having a tool that can be pulled out easily, opened with one hand, and closed and put away in the same fashion.

Back on the camping front, I was pointed at GearTrade as a great place to shop for camping gear. I'm looking for a lightweight sleeping bag and a 1-2 person tent, plus a small camping stove. I think those are the last pieces I'll need before scheduling an overnight hike.

Course, next I need a place to go. Any suggestions? Something like "Park here, hike 2-3 hours up to there, camp for the night, hike back down the next day" would be perfect.

Comments

[noeltheone.livejournal.com]

This is not a specific suggestion of venue, but if you are trying out new gear, I highly recommend doing it first in a campground before taking it into the backwoods (even slightly backwoods). There is nothing worse than being on a hike in the middle of nowhere and discovering that your new stove is quirky. Trying it out in a campground can give you more options to work around it while you work out the bugs.

[penk.livejournal.com]

Oh absolutely. My current plan is to find some place I can park, hike a mile or two and camp, and then take a longer hike. I should be able to cook dinner and breakfast on my pack gear. If it fails, I'll only be a mile or two out, and I'll bring backup coldfoodstuffs.