My most general recommend is to take some short trips and put off
spending money until you figure out what's right for you. When
possible borrow or rent gear while figuring out what you are doing. I
have written up some notes for friends about selecting gear
http://www.verber.
One thing that you didn't list having or to pick up is something for
sleeping... a sleeping bag or insulated quilt, and some sort of
sleeping pad. I have found that getting a good night sleep is
critical for an enjoyable trip. Selecting an appropriate insulated
system which is as compact and light as possible save save pounds of
weight.
I would encourage you to look through this mailing lists archives, and
check out some of the websites and/or books listed on
http://www.verber.
To the specific things you mentioned...
> What I have:
> Zamberlan Vioz GT GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots
Many people find when they go light weight that trail runners (running
shoes with aggressive treads) provide plenty of traction and are much
lighter than traditional hiking boot. Lightening up footwear is a big
deal because 1lb on foot = almost 6lb on the back. Many folks also
find that they have much less problems with blisters.
> Gregory Z65 Backpack
I bit bigger and heavier than I use, but it seems to have it's fans,
especial amount people who are figuring out what works for them.
> UCO Aluminum Candle Lantern
I would skip it. LED lights put out more light and weight less...
though in the winter they can be nice to take a bit of chill out of
the air.
> MSR WhisperLite Internationale Stove
> MSR Fuel Bottle
This is a fine stove if you are cooking a lot melting snow for water.
A lot of people on this list use esbits or alcohol stoves. Ralph's
recommendation of the taildesigns caldera in titanium is really nice,
but you could get a sense of if an alchohol stove is right for you
with a bit of time and some recycled materials.
> MSR SweetWater Microfilter
I use the same thing when I am doing a pump filter. Mostly though I
use a aqua mira treatment... weights 1oz and doesn't clog.
> MEC High Camp Cookset
> Nalgene Tritan Wide-Mouth/Loop-
Generally recommend using plastic sport drink containers. They are
surprisingly durable and much lighter and nalgene.
> Adventure Medical Kits - Ultra Light .7 Kit
It's a decent kit... it's what I used as my "group kit" for several
years. Since then, I have found I need a lot of less than what's in
the UL.7 kit. More important it to be sure you know how to apply
first aid, and what sort of things you can improvise. A surprising
number of problems can be addressed with duct tape and a safety pin.
> Black Diamond Trail Shock Poles
The flip-adjustment are really nice. I typically don't find the shock
absorber worth the extra weight and complexity. It's more money, but
I would recommend the gossamer gear lightrek 4 poles. They weight 1/3
the BD poles. You will really notice the weight savings at the end of
the day.
People
> Coghlan's Backpacker's Trowel
Many of use skip the trowel. The two most common alternatives seem to
be using natural material/heel of boot, or using a V shaped "snow"
stake.
> Eureka Tetragon 7 Tent
I would stay away from this tent. I wouldn't trust fiberglass poles
in a real storm and I think you will find this tent large and heavy
for the protection it provides. Unfortunately there aren't tents I
would trust that are this cheap. Not nothing how cash constrained you
are makes it hard to suggest an alternative. I have some notes about
shelters at
http://www.verber.
> MSR Stove Heat Reflector And Windscreen
Whatever stove you are using you want an appropriate windscreen. You
can buy one provided by a manufacturer, or make from scrap / recycled
material. I used to use the MSR windscreen..
doubled up piece of heavy duty foil and a binder clip. It's a lot
lighter and cheaper.
> Light My fire Swedish Fire Steel - Scout
I used something similar for years but it's now in my earthquake
go-bag. For the same price you can get the Ultimate Survival
Technologies Sparkie Fire Starter which can be operated with one hand
which I think could be a big advantage. I also like the Spark-Lite,
but it's not as effective in wet conditions.
Cheers,
Mark
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