[pct-l] Gear Weights

[RJ Lewis]

Hi!
  I will address the whole list once again, as I have a serious question 
or 2 to ask, if I may.  I have been looking at various packs, sleeping 
bags and tents. And while it seems that tents are fairly easy to find to 
suit my needs in lighter weights, packs and sleeping bags are not!  I 
don't want to use a 20F bag, as I plan on using this bag for other 
trips, and I am a notorious "freeze baby" ie- I sleep "cold". I'm the 
one who turns the electric blanket on high, and piles the quilts on, 
while my poor hubby opens the windows, because he's sweating to death. 
*LOL*  The best weight I have found so far in a down sleeping bag, which 
is what I prefer myself, is 2lbs 8 oz ( so far).

Packs are again another story. The weights I keep seeing, in a pack that 
I can handle solo, are 3lbs 8 oz -5 lbs or so. Since I would like to 
keep my weight, before food and H20, to 25 lbs and under, this seems a 
bit weighty to me, especially on the pack side.  I feel I can work with 
the sleeping bag arrangement, as I refuse to sleep cold. I have 
arthritis, and there is absolutely nothing that will spoil a day faster 
than waking up stiff because you slept cold.  The idea though too is, 
that I need to be able to handle this pack solo, with my bad back, even 
on really "bad" days. And a sleeping bag compartment is a "must" to me. 
I hate the idea of digging through my entire pack every night to get to 
my sleeping gear. It just sounds like too much work at the end of a long 
day.

For the tents, it seems that GI Joe's has a nice selection at their 
store that are ultra light-- in the under 2 lb category, and seem well 
made. I will be taking a closer look when I am ready to purchase, and 
think it will be there I will make my selection.

I'm thinking I'm going to be watching for everyone's sales/clearances so 
I can get some decent deals at least on some of the more expensive gear 
I need to buy. 

Peace !!
Have a terrific and above all SAFE hike everyone!!

Oh yah, and have fun!!
Ronnie Jo
                             
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PS....To that planter of the marihuana seed?  Er, I hope someone knows 
where that poor thing is...wont grow much in the desert without 
water....gonna have ta have every hiker who stops by, donate a bit of 
water to that poor lil thing......*LOL*