One thing that I'm now a true believer in is that lighter is better. I think we've just about got everything fine tuned now for us.

The quilts are amazing, and most likely the best investment we've made. I was a bit skeptical about them at first since I've been so used to sleeping bags. The one thing that I hate about sleeping is not being to find any light weight rectangle bags. I can't stand the restrictions that come with a mummy bag since I'm a side, and stomach sleeping. With the it's basically just a blanket, so it's key to have a good sleeping pad.

I borrowed one of these last time I was out - I will have one. Super comfy, super warm, and surprisingly light.

We've been using the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pads for some time now, and they're great as well. We recently tried using a Therm-a-rest since they're a bit lighter, but they're no where close to being as comfortable. I'm too old to be sleeping on those thin pieces of foam that so many people use.

I just bought one of their boots from REI, used it a few times and it's a very fine boot.

What is your choice of boot?

Don't get me wrong, Vasque does have good boots. They're ready to wear out of the box, and can handle long days from day 1. However, I don't feel that they hold up when it comes to getting some serious miles from them.

I'm looking into my next boots now, and I'll most likely go with Salewa or Asolo. I've had Asolo in the past, and I loved the boots. My wife has had Salewa's in the past, and loved them as well. I'll also be sticking with lows or trail runners this time around.

A lot depends on how much weight I'm carrying. In winter with more weight in the pack I'll be in low boots. The rest of the year I'm in trail runners since the weight is so much less.

Just broke in my new pair of Salomon Speedcross 3 on a day hike last weekend. They were awesome on the trail and gripped everything with ease but, my feet were feeling tired and a little sore when done. I will continue to use these for day hikes and get a low cut true hiking shoe for multi-day trips. I've been eyeing the Oboz Firebrand II.

Salewa fire tail evo 2.0 mid height are, hands down, the best boot I have owned. 8 - 15 miles a day on the JMT segment we did this summer and not a single day of sore/tired feet. I had about 15 miles on the break in before we started our segment

Thermarest pro plus is my go too

I rock a slightly heavy but very spacious mountain hardware drifter 3

I'm deciding between the Wildfire EVO and the Wildfire Pro right now.

Good info, thanks!! I SUB'd to this thread, I'll check back in a few years when i break my Vasque's. I looked up Asolo, they look pretty solid.

I've very happy with the durability and comfort of my Lowa hiking boots. They look a little scuffed after a year of use, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. My wife is a big fan of her Asolo boots as well.

We met several people along the AT who were wearing Lowa Renegades, and loved them. I'm a huge fan of the Asolo Fugitive GTX, and they're my go to boot in the winter.

Yup, I also have the Lowa Renegade gtx. Love them. Best use of $230 all year.

We just redid our cooking set-up. Should be able to use this for the first time over Thanksgiving.

Snow Peak Titanium Spork- .6oz each
MSR Alpine Knife- 1.7oz
Sea to Summit 1.7L X Pot- 9oz
MSR Pocket Rocket- 4.2oz

Total Weight- 15.9oz (just under 1 pound)

This is an awesome thread. I'm an absolute gear junky and have used all of it all over the world. I'll try and keep my unbridled enthusiasm down to a dull roar...hehe. I'm looking forward to learning from you guys as so much has changed over the years.

Quick comment on Vasque. Many years ago, I swore by Vasque Sundowners. I've always been a firm believer leather uppers, gusseted tongues with vibram soles, nickel eyelets and laces immediately replaced with 550 cord. Back in 91 their product took a sharp downward curve. Outsourced to China and Korea. The inventors of "look alikes" I've also worn out Merrils, Asolos, Scarpas. Not bad, but I found the best boots for guiding in have been predominately La Sportivas. I've spent weeks to months at a time in them. My collection are designed for big wall, crampon compatible, and trails. My wife switched over Zamberlans and loves them. She also has a pair of La Sportivas. One of the most comfortable boot she's owned.

Little hint on Duct tape. If you're carrying trekking poles, just wrap about a half inch to one inch thick of duct tape around your pole right below the grip.

Some of the items you guys are listing in your equipment list I'm not familiar with as the times have changed quite a bit since I was running around the world. My sleep system consisted of an Integral Designs Bivy bag of which I have spent many nights in. Either cocooned on a wall or in the snow.

To travel really light we would also use the Black Diamond Megamid. We would use our climbing ropes as our insulation and throw our black Ridgerest foam pad over the ropes. Winter consisted of snow caves., although we did have our expedition tents.

I have about ten different packs with my largest being the Gregory Denali Pro which could handle 80 lbs of equipment for weeks at a time. Ice climbing packs consist of....I just went and looked at my equipment so I could get the name of the packs and dammit! I'm old! It's called the following;

Black Diamond Mixed Master Ice Climbing Pack Vintage

Seriously Friggin Vintage!! I have some Karrimor's and LowePro's from back in the day when they were made in the US.

I saw a comment about the gaiters on here and the 550 cord. I have about four pair of gaiters but my work horse has always been the Millet. Bullet proof.

Take a look at the cable at the bottom. Rock solid. Full Goretex. If there's any shortfall, it would be the exposed zipper. It's in the back so never a big deal. I might drop in this thread once in a while to look at all the goodies!

Whatever you do, PLEASE go and buy, Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills and read it from cover to cover. Understand it, and never be "that guy."

Thanks for letting me drop in...I'm going to be looking up all of the equipment you guys have on your lists. Can't help myself!

Attached Images

     

It's not backpacking gear exactly, but the Cabelas 3D -30 bag is going to be 50% off on the 18th, in store or online. I'm going to have one.