So, yeah. Tonight’s title says it all. I decided to go ahead and purchase the ground cover for my ZPacks Solplex tent for an additional $89.75. Really, I’m not sure if it’s necessary, nor am I sure I will be brining it once I do my next weigh in, but last year was a wet one. It really sucks trying to put a soggy tent back in your backpack at 4AM, especially when it’s a muddy hot mess. This should help not only protect my tent from mud but also from tearing if whatever is on the ground underneath decides to poke through. It weighs in at 2.5 ounces. So, I’m hoping that doesn’t put me in the red zone when attempting to reach the magic 9 pound base weight. Last I checked, I was at 12, and wondering how the hell I was going to rid myself of another 3 whole pounds out of my pack. It’s a never ending battle. Funny thing though, I’m saving about the same weight with my next purchase.
I gave in and bought the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 backpack (1lb., 14.8 oz., without lid, thanks to Ralph, the voice of reason). As much as I love my Osprey Exos 58 (small, 2lbs., 4oz. without the lid), last year I lost enough weight within the first two weeks to make my pack sag on my hips. Not fun. There came a whole host of issues with this. The pack weight either had to ride on my shoulders alone or I ended up attempting to bear with the poor fit and feel the bag rub against my lower spine the whole time. The belt on that bag is fixed, unlike the Gorilla, so even when I did come across an outfitter with belts to switch out, my pack’s belt wasn’t interchangeable. So, I just pushed on the entire two months with a bag that was ever so slightly too big. The Osprey and the Gorilla are both unisex packs, but according to the reviews, I’m hoping it will fit my figure a bit better. If not, I can switch belts and remedy the situation if it calls for it.
The Gorilla cost $260.17 with shipping. I’m hoping worth every cent. I have been a diehard Osprey customer for years, and three out of the four packs I own are from their company, but as my hiking experience grows, so too does my gear. Time for a change. If worse comes to worse, I still have barely enough time to test out the pack and decide if ultimately it will be the one I fly with.
Another consideration is footwear. I still have to secure where and when I’m going to pick up my alternate shoes. I’m also considering whether or not I should use a hiking sandal or trail runner. I love the Oboz Sawtooth low riding hiking shoe I used last year, and was planning on staying with that brand and cut, but I went online to the manufacturer’s site and you can’t direct order. Well, at least I didn’t see a page for it. Maybe I will check again. I’m thinking if not, that leaves me having to call outfitters and find out who carries what. Time is rolling right on by, but I think I can figure this out.
Anyway, strategy, resupply, phone service, blah blah blah, are still being worked on. 3 weeks and counting. Blows my mind how fast the last six months went and how no matter how on top of stuff I think I am, there is always more to do. Crunch time!
