Date: 2007-03-09
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OOOOOO Mannnnnnnn, GEAR! I¢m such a gear head, such a, such a HUGE gear nut. I¢m that guy you go to and ask, hey how does system III work, like I mean really work? The March 2007 issue of Backpacker Magazine, the Gear Guide, has been my bible since the day it was shipped to work. My dog eared copy reflects weeks of love, reading it cover to cover each day. I just like to know how what I¢m going to be using works. I think its really cool to know about the new gear that¢s just coming out, because it always seems like something news coming out that you had the idea for 6 months ago. Haha apparently there is some type of outdoor gear conspiracy against me, where due to the success of many phone taps, countless products have been released. EMS Full zip microfleece¢¦ all me, sleeping bag with arms, mmmhmmm, ever hear of kayaks? I¢ll just leave it at a few of my people had their hands in on that one, yup.Outlandish conspiracies aside, I¢m really excited about all my new gear. Finally I had an excuse, nay, a reason for the cool ultralight gear that was once just unreasonable for my own applications. I made sure that each item I will be carrying will serve multiple purposes, and weigh as little as possible. Yes, I know some of you may be saying, duh Eric, that¢s what everyone does, its called shopping. I feel like my obsession pushes me that much further, into the realm of madness. I scoured the internet everyday, once a day, for 4 weeks after I found out that these new Montrail boots would come out before I left. Everyday, searching for them, until finally I found them, and check this, paid FULL PRICE for them, something unheard of for all of you that know me and my crazy Scottish heritage. The montrail namche; they were featured on the cover of the gear guide this year, and one of the best fusion boots I have ever seen. They combine the lightweight and trusted durability of their Hardrock with extended ankle support, giving it the best of both worlds. What do you get? You get an abrasion resistant, extremely breathable, super lightweight, fast packing light hiker. I don¢t even know what Namche means.This was the first time in my life I was able to get the appropriate gear, with enough money saved up where price wasn¢t an object. Wow. That never happens. Usually its having to deal with the scummy product because that¢s all I can afford, which I guess, is making out to be worse than it is. I feel very fortunate that I am able to have decent gear, but am humbled by the fact that I know I worked my butt off for years to be able to have earned it. On this subject, I feel like all young boyscouts should have OK quality camping gear when first starting out. Not to discourage them, this gear is to teach them modesty and that gear doesn¢t make you a good outdoorsman, it¢s the teachings, your willingness to learn, and experience. I grew up through the scouts and earned my Eagle Scout about three years ago. I did the whole thing with very modest equipment, grateful for each and every piece. It helps build your character, not hiding behind the efficiency of your backpack. That¢s just my own personal beliefs on gear, deal with the junk gear until you¢re ready for varsity stuff. The BSA gear is perfect, and perfectly designed for what I¢m talking about, (perhaps junk was the wrong word to use before), the gear is well made and long lasting, but no bells or whistles, you learn how to make the best of what you have. I love playing around with my gear, and can¢t wait to put it to a more rigorous field test. By rigorous field test, I mean the AT baby. Haha I don¢t really think of the Appalachian trail simply as a vigorous field test, however, its gonna put me and my gear through one hell of endurance test¢¦ wouldn¢t want it any other way!Go Hug a Tree