Alpine Scale

I decided to pick up this digital Alpine Scale from Backpacking Light for $64. I just noticed REI has it for $62. It has a max. capacity of 55 lbs. and is accurate to 0.02 lbs. I think it's going to work out great for determining my pack weight.

Osprey Packs

On my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I used an Osprey Aether 60 pack that was 3,700 cu. in., which turned out to be just the right size. I was completely happy with it, and it's still in good shape. Since then, Osprey has redesigned the Aether, and it's a bit lighter than my old pack.

My old pack weighs 4 lbs. 3oz., which probabley included a couple ounces of dirt. The new Aether weighs 3 lbs. 15 oz. with a load capacity of about 45 lbs. I'm actually considering changing to the Osprey Atmos 65. At 3 lbs. 9 oz., it's 10 oz. lighter than my old pack. It also has a slightly larger volume, 4,000 cu. in., but with a lower load capacity of 40 lbs. I wouldn't think that would be a problem considering my heaviest load on the AT was 35 lbs. However, there will be sections of the PCT where I might be carrying up to eight liters of water @ 2 lbs. a liter, for a total of 16 lbs. water weight. So, I think I should approximate my heaviest possible load to determine which pack to take.

The Atmos does have more ventilation features, which would be great in the desert sections. And I like the build in pockets on the hip belt. I plan to take an mp3 player and a digital camera, that I would likely carry in those pockets, for easy access. I'm hoping I can get my max pack weight down enough that I can use the Atmos.

Pacific Crest Trail

I'm starting to plan a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, in 2010. I'm currently researching and analyzing new gear and what I used on the Appalachian Trail. The PCT is different enough from the AT, that I'll have to change some gear.

On the AT in 2006, I used a Thermarest Prolite 3, self inflating sleep pad. It worked pretty well, but I would have to turn over about every hour because of pain in my shoulder or hip. That happened mainly in the shelters, while lying on a wooden floor. I had more cushion sleeping in my tent.

Thermarest has come out with a new version of the Prolite 3, now just called Prolite. They have rounded the ends, removing the corners and reducing the weight from 13 oz. to 11 oz. in the small size, which is a 3/4 length mattress at 47" long.

What I find interesting though, is the new NeoAir inflatable mattress that weighs in at a mere 9 oz. It is also slightly more insulative than the Prolite and is 2 1/2" thick. I've read there are a lot of stickers in southern California, making a puncture inevitable. The suggest closed-cell foam pads. If I take a patch kit, at 3/4 oz., I'll still be ahead of the game.

On the AT, I picked up a Z Seat to use under my feet and as a seat when taking breaks. At only 2 oz., I was much more comfortable. I'm thinking more cushion = better sleep = more rest, and it's lighter. So, I just might have to risk having the occasional puncture.