If it's going to be really wet, I might carry a lighter or stormproof matches. 95% of the time I just use my flint. If my headlamp dies, my phone has a flashlight. Although, I've spent over 40 years in the woods and never had a headlamp die on me that wasn't just running out of batteries. YMMV.
I used to carry duplicates of a lot of things. Over the years, they've all gone away. I don't think I have and dupes in my pack anymore. As I get older, the premium for me is on reducing weight.
When I went through my really obsessive ultralight phase, I tried going without a sleeping pad. It was archery season in Central Oregon, so the weather wasn't an issue. But my gosh was it uncomfortable.
I know it seems weird. I was skeptical at first. But, I finally gave in and tried them. It did take a short hike the first time to get used to it. But, they are a game changer.
Tried two more of the WS meals. First was the beef stroganoff. It was OK. Not great. Not any better than other beef stroganoffs on the market. The second was their steak fajitas and rice. After Weiser's experience above, I added some extra water. Nearly an extra 1/4 cup. That ended up...
I tried the chicken pad Thai and the bulgogi. Both were very good. I ended up adding a little siracha to both to give it some kick. But, the taste was good without.
I didn’t have the dry problem that Weiser had. Mine was spot on. But, I definitely wouldn’t put any less water than called for. A...
I agree that the pillow is the key. The Exped pillows have tabs/loops on either side. I tie a small piece of shock cord on each tab. This keeps the pillow in place on the pad. This was the single best thing I ever did for my backcountry sleep.
I'm fortunate that I can live wherever I want. We choose the suburbs of DFW as just a great place to raise kids. Good schools. Generally good people. Used to be a very low cost of living, but that's changing. Wanted to be near a major airport to allow for travel. I will go to Wyoming twice...
My job allows me to live anywhere I want. And I wouldn't want to live anywhere but DFW. But without the people as part of the equation, Texas would definitely be at the bottom of the list of places to live. Too hot and flat. I'd move back to Oregon in a heartbeat if it weren't for the people.
I get both sides. I hate debt. I have 7 years left to pay off my house on a 10 year mortgage. And even though the rate is 2.75%, we are paying very aggressively to shorten that timeline. And once we have it paid off, that's it. I don't plan on "trading up" or anything like that. Just want...
Don't need a new pack. Just came by to say that it looks like you took the feedback you got here seriously and made some significant changes. Well done.
Also, the name is funny. My wife keeps asking me if I'm ever going to stop laughing at juvenile stuff like this. Well, I'm almost 50 and all...
I've received numerous emails that there are cougars in my area looking for me. Weird since I didn't think we had large cats here in Dallas. I will keep my head on a swivel though.