[Chief Paulina]

2004 was a good year for me. Consequently, I felt that I needed a gear upgrade. Although I don't choose to be uncomfortable, I really wanted to cut down on bulk and weight. The first item that I got was a Go-Lite Speed backpack. Wow. It had been 20 years since my last backpack purchase. This pack is so much lighter and fits like a dream. It has a large compartment for my bag and clothes and lots of pockets on the outside for quick access stuff. I took it on a test run this last weekend and skiied 10 miles one day with it. It felt similar to the daypack with 17 lb dog that I carry every morning around the block. I also go the Go-Lite feather down sleeping bag. It is 800 fill rated to 20 degrees. So far it has been all the warmth I need and soo light. I believe it is 20 oz. It stuffed down into the bottom of my backpack and made room for a lot of other stuff. My old sleeping bag was close to the same size as my new pack. It has a short zipper tho, and I am not sure if I'll like it. It takes a whole new method of getting in and out and it may be too much for summer camping. I also bought the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight tent. I did not take it on this trip because I was staying in a shelter. It looked like a good tent for my going solo and big enough to add a friend if need be. I look forward to giving it a test. I've zeroed in on a Sterno stove for my cooking. I'm surprised that this alternative has not been mentioned in all of the stove threads. It works well for me. I need only boil 2 cups of water for my cooking needs. It is compact and fits every need. I plan to expand my 'freezer bag cooking'. Thanks Sarbar. Anybody got any ideas on sleeping pads? I have an old thermarest. I also brought along a regular pad. Unfortunately, I am older than both of those pads and my hips don't get through the night very well. I would appreciate your comments. If you have any comments on water purification or any other small components, I would be indebted. Thanks.

[Dayhike Mike]

For the filter, go for the cheap-o Katadyn Hiker. Amazingly fast and agile filter for a better than average price. I got mine on sale, including a $10 rebate, for a grand total of $35. Phenomenal deal!

[Tom]

The Sterno stove is probably heavier than you think. A tin can alcohol stove might be a better and lighter option. As far as sleeping pads, I'd look into the 3/4 pro-lite therm-a-rests and the InsulMat. I found the latter more comfortable on the hips when testing them out at REI, but both were comfortable. Another option is a HennessyHammock. Best night of sleep you will ever get in the woods.

[jenjen]

The reason I use a Primus iso-butane stove instead of a sterno stove is I do like to actually cook sometimes while on the trail. I want the capability to simmer things and cook pancakes rather than just boiling water. I've been really happy with my Clip Flashlight over the years. I'll be getting a different tent for dedicated 2 person use, but for me and the dog the Clip is just perfect. Last fall the Clip came through high winds and an ice storm with flying colors.

[Hiker Boy]

If you're going the Sterno route, you might as well go the whole alcohol stove route. A homemade popcan stove and a plastic container of methyl hydrate is not only going to cost you less but will probably weigh less as well.

[Chief Paulina]

This is great. I'm getting all sorts of good info here. Filter.. Light and useful. That sounds like my kind. The sterno is small (approx 1 x 4 x 4) and can't weight too much more or take any more room than a pepsi stove, can it? Besides, I'm not sure I can build one of them, even with the directions. I will give almost anything for a good night's rest, especially for the hips. I studied hard the hammock route, but could not convince myself that it would do the trick. I have heard a lot of good about it recently and am not above investing in one, even tho my tent has not come out of the bag yet.

[sarbar]

I use a tiny Primus stove and a Primus tea kettle to boil my water..I just like the easyness of it ') Though I know quite a few who haul alcohol stoves and love 'em. Hoosierdaddy is great at making them btw! I carry a water bottle filter, at 5 oz's it is great, though I have used Aquamira water purification, and it is nice! Going lighter is soooo nice!

[Stones]

I own a pre-clip version of the SD Flashlight (i.e. a pole thread thru the sleeve). It's a design that's been around for a long time and has stood the test of time. There's a good reason for that.