I changed a few things from my 2013 trip across Maine to my trip across NH this year. Next year I am wrestling between taking in the remaining 4000'ers of New England, continuing down the AT through Vermont and Massachusetts, or doing the long trail with the part from NH to the where the AT Long Trail junction as a shakedown. The 3rd option was suggested to by a NoBo I met this last week. One thing is certain. I need to modify a few things for next year and I covet you input.
Before I post my list, let me state that I debate input not because I dismiss, but rather because I want to compel the person with the suggestion to defend the suggestion. As an example, I debated with WOO about side burner verses center burner for quite a while. He was right. I was wrong. WOO is not shy. He did not back down. I just had to find the right center burner. I believe I have found it. I would likely have not found it if it were not for this site and such interaction.
So here is the list with as brief of a reasoning as I am able on each item:
1) I need a new sleeping bag. I made a bad choice in getting the 45° Big Agnes synthetic insulated bag I have. I love the concept. I prefer to get another Big Agnes bag because I roll around like crazy in my sleep and the sleeve for the pad is a must for me. My mistakes were not getting a warmer bag and not getting down. I think I know which one I want. I don't want to get a bag that is much heavier than the one I have now.
2) I need to modify my pack. I love my Osprey Aether. I think I can just chop it up and be satisfied. I plan to get rid of every zipper and extra attachment that I am not using. I have also toyed with the idea of trying to attach a cuben fiber ruck sack to the frame. I really love the Osprey frame and belt system. I don't think I can move away from that part.
3) I need to change my caldera cone to titanium. I would prefer to buy a sheet of the material and make my own to the exact dimensions of my current aluminum one. I want to do this because titanium is more durable and is a better insulator.
4) I need to find a mini flex head butane lighter for reasons I have already listed elsewhere. I am considering modifying one or building one. I am also considering just taking matches.
5) I need new sneakers. I love my New Balance MT610's. However, they are no longer made and they wear out too fast. I have gone through 2 pair so far in getting to Vermont. I cannot hike in anything much heavier or more constricting.
6) I am considering abandoning the ATC maps and guides. I found the elevation profiles in Maine to be great but the NH ones to be almost useless in some areas. They were so far off in places it was absurd. Mt Mist is a prime example. I have no clue what they were looking at when they drew that. I see many people with AWOL's guide. It seemed to always have the info I was seeking. I am considering getting it instead.
I am sure I will add to this list as time goes on. I have so many things that I am very happy with. Much of it is because of you people and your thoughts. I selfishly await more input.
Before I post my list, let me state that I debate input not because I dismiss, but rather because I want to compel the person with the suggestion to defend the suggestion. As an example, I debated with WOO about side burner verses center burner for quite a while. He was right. I was wrong. WOO is not shy. He did not back down. I just had to find the right center burner. I believe I have found it. I would likely have not found it if it were not for this site and such interaction.
So here is the list with as brief of a reasoning as I am able on each item:
1) I need a new sleeping bag. I made a bad choice in getting the 45° Big Agnes synthetic insulated bag I have. I love the concept. I prefer to get another Big Agnes bag because I roll around like crazy in my sleep and the sleeve for the pad is a must for me. My mistakes were not getting a warmer bag and not getting down. I think I know which one I want. I don't want to get a bag that is much heavier than the one I have now.
2) I need to modify my pack. I love my Osprey Aether. I think I can just chop it up and be satisfied. I plan to get rid of every zipper and extra attachment that I am not using. I have also toyed with the idea of trying to attach a cuben fiber ruck sack to the frame. I really love the Osprey frame and belt system. I don't think I can move away from that part.
3) I need to change my caldera cone to titanium. I would prefer to buy a sheet of the material and make my own to the exact dimensions of my current aluminum one. I want to do this because titanium is more durable and is a better insulator.
4) I need to find a mini flex head butane lighter for reasons I have already listed elsewhere. I am considering modifying one or building one. I am also considering just taking matches.
5) I need new sneakers. I love my New Balance MT610's. However, they are no longer made and they wear out too fast. I have gone through 2 pair so far in getting to Vermont. I cannot hike in anything much heavier or more constricting.
6) I am considering abandoning the ATC maps and guides. I found the elevation profiles in Maine to be great but the NH ones to be almost useless in some areas. They were so far off in places it was absurd. Mt Mist is a prime example. I have no clue what they were looking at when they drew that. I see many people with AWOL's guide. It seemed to always have the info I was seeking. I am considering getting it instead.
I am sure I will add to this list as time goes on. I have so many things that I am very happy with. Much of it is because of you people and your thoughts. I selfishly await more input.
Non hikers are about a psi shy of a legal ball.