I've backpacked another 200 miles this year, and have new observations on my gear and the pros and cons. Here goes:
1. I still love my Osprey Exos 58 backpack. I worried about the hip belt, but its fine.
Pros: mesh pouches on sides allows access to water bottles while moving! Big enough to carry 10 days gear and food AND a bear canister. Love having a lid pocket. Cons: Wish the hip belt pockets were solid and not mesh.
2. I bought a used REI Halo 25 down sleeping bag. I'm still very happy with this bag. I covet a Montbell UL Super Spiral, but this one works well and is roomy enough for a good night's sleep. Light, compact, and fairly warm. No longer sold. If I could find a used Montbell, I'd jump on it.
3. Still using my Tyvek traptent. It would be nice if it was a little smaller, and NOT bright white. Makes for hard stealth camping. I purposely made it a little larger to sit up and have room for my backpack. That means you need a larger flat spot. After my last campout with no decent campsites, I've ordered a Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird hammock. Still can't beat the weight of my tarp.
4. As mentioned in another post, I wore out my hiking poles in New Hampshire. The Mountainsmith Carbonlite just didn't hold up. I wore the tips totally out ant they can't be replaced. First I lost the carbide, then wore the metal tips to the plastic. One of the wrist straps also broke. I can't recommend them for long hikes. I've replaced them with Black Diamond Distance FL trekking poles. Seems like great light poles at a moderate price.
5. Still like my Therm a Rest Ridgerest pad. Warm and unbreakable. Will work great in my hammock. I cut the leg a feet area into a "coffin" shape to save weight.
I'll add more in a later post
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