Osprey Crescent 75 vs ULA Catalyst
Had some issues with this pack last time out, mainly the adjustablilty, no built in hydration system, bad raincover fit and that it will not stand up on its own (constantly falls over). I even said that "I really think that I will purchase a new backpack for my next hike". I did look at what was avaiable locally but really did not see any pack that would do, and I do NOT buy backpacks without trying it out in the store to get a feel for it, so it is a case of the "Devil you Know". Will see how it goes this trip, I just hope it is not a mistake.
It was a mistake....On the trail it broke a stay (and the stay held in the side pockets so I had to jury-rig them. The shoulder strap would not stay on the padding and dug into my shoulder, the chest strap was more like a neck strap and could not be adjusted down and other adjustability issue caused a lot of discomfort. I figured out the top was not attached corretly, and never was, and fixed that, but it only helped a little bit. Got to Monson, ME and Shaws Hiker Hostal (a gear shop) and I asked Poet (Owner) to try to help me adjust the backpack. We tried and tried to no avail. He suggested a new backpack and had a ULA Catalyst. It's adjustability was wonderfull (I could adjust the way the pack felt on the fly with no issues) although its padding was no where close to the Osprey (and I did miss it) the adjustability and the weight difference (about 4lbs lighter) made up for the missing padding. I did have to learn to pack all over again, but figured it out before the end of the hike.
Cat's Meow HV 20 Deg (or Polar Fleece) vs Helio Down 45 Seeping Bag
Thinking about the hike, I decided that the 20 Deg Cat's Meow would definilty be too warm for most evenings, but I recall that the Polar Fleece did not do well below 60 Deg or windy so I decided to buy a REI Helio Down 45 Deg Bag that converts to a blanket if needed. Will see how it performs on the trip.
Comparing the 6lbs 2oz for the Cats Meow and 1lb 11oz for the Helio, I probably should have done this sooner. The Helio is also lighter than the polarfleece bag as well (2lbs 8oz). I also expect that, since it is Down, it should compress to nothing.
It should be noted that the REI website describes it as "Water-resistant 600-fill duck down compresses small and excels in wet conditions" which should help the moisture/down issues.
The Helio was an excelent choice for this hike. I was only cold one or two nights and only had to use it as a blanket, because I was too hot, about the same number of times. It did get damp once or twice but dried out quickly. I am glad I purchased it. My only issue was the zippers were difficult to zip at times. I did end up having to get a new stuff sack, since the size diffence between the bags was so great (this one compacts down to nothing and weighs a lot less then the alternatives).
Solar Emergency Blanket
The old one I had was old and falling apart. Could not find the same style so I purchased a SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) Sport Utility Blanket. Not sure how the construction will do over the long term, but it was all I could find.
The SOL Blanket worked great and never got a hole. Did cut it down to the size of the tent to cut down weight though
Cook Kit
This was a gem I was introduced to at an REI seminar on long distance backpacking. It uses a Colman Peak 1 stove case (basically a two piece aluminum box, the top part can act as a cover / frying pan and the bottom piece is a pot), but the great thing is it fits a wisperlight stove, pump, windscreen, pot scrubber, matches, and your spoon/fork all in one nice box. Once I saw it I have used it ever since.
One note: in 1996 finding canister fuel in trail towns was difficult, hence my choice for the Wisperlight. But now it is getting hard to find white gas (ie colman fuel). Also the Jetboil and other canister stoves are cleaner, faster and more convenient so I would probably switch if I were going to hike again.
Phone
It has been 6 years since my last hike, so technology has gotten better. Upgraded my phone some time ago from a Droid to a Droid Max. No slideout keyboard, but should do nicely on the hike for logs, etc.
The phone did well, although it did have an issue telling me that I had no sim card installed a few times during the trip (the phone doesn't have a removable sim card). It prevented me from making calls untill I rebooted multiple times to get rid of the message.
Also I installed the Guthook App. This app is an electronic trail guide and uses downloaded maps and the GPS to show were you are on the trail at any time. The app is free, the map sections are about $9, but well worth it when you need to know how far it is to the next shelter or water source it is a lot more useful than a paper guide or map
Hiking Boots
On the last hike I started with Vasque Scouts, which gave there lives during my 2010 Hike. As did the the Merrell Pulse II's that blew out so I had to buy a pair of Keen Klamath boots on the trail. Merrell was nice enough to replace the blown pair with a pair of Isotherm 6's, but I did not get them until I was getting off the trail. They were in storage since then, but the Keen Klamath boots blew out on a local prep hike, so I dug the Isotherm 6's and hiked with those for the hike.
I do not know if it was the boot, or because they were in storage for 6 years, but the Isotherms blew a seam on the top of the boot, by the laces, by the time I got to Gorham. Since there was a limited slection of boots I ended up with Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof boots. They were comfortable and made it though the rest of the trip just fine.
Chaco vs Keen Newport H2
The Chaco sandals I used in 2010 are long gone so I needed a replacement, I also remember that they provided no toe protection when walking in them. Found Keen Newport H2's (bought my 1st pair a long time ago) and liked them, now on my 3rd pair. I used the previous pair on the Buffalo River Trail in AR and found they were great for stream crossings and I could hike in them if I had to, so they are going with me on the trip.
The Keen's did very well and were great for the few fords I had to do. They might have been a bit heavy for a camp shoe, but I am happy I had them with me!
Headlamp
The Pezel headlamp malfunctioned during the hike. It started to stay on very dimly even when turned off. Started pulling the batteries each morning (and that allowed the 2nd set of batteries purchased in Monson, ME to last though the rest of the trip). This was probably due to the fact that the headlamp was stored with batteries installed and they leaked and the acid got into the electronics.
Old vs New Waterbag (Sink)
Old "Camp Trails" Water Bag was leaking by the end of the 2010 hike, decided to get a new one for this hike. Got a Modovo 2 gal Callapsible Bucket. Does have an open top vs a small opening like the old one which should make it easier to use for washing cloths and myself and general "sink" duties
Much better than the old waterbag. The large opening was appreciated when washing myself or my cloths.
Water Filter
Had to replace the Pur Scout Water filter. When I took it out of storage after 6 years of not being used, the cartridge was mess of brown chunks. Decided just to buy a new one instead of trying to clean up the mess and replace the cartridge.
Added a length of surgical tubing to the kit, this will attached to the output nozzel of the pump when I need to fill the platypus 2L containers to make them easier to fill.
Replaced the MSR with the Sawer squeeze when I got to Gorham after seeing most hikers were using it. It was a LOT faster than the MSR and easier to use. I did not carry the two smaller bags or the syringe (shipped them home with the MSR). I was able to backflush the filter by just forcing water though the filter with my mouth and that seemed to work just fine. I will probably not go back to a pump after using the squeeze, although I might go with a gravity feed in the future.
Tracks - Sherlock Staff
This is really the 3rd incarnation of my hiking staff. When I took it out of storage, it took a pair of pliers to undo locking mechanism and could not use it after that. Replaced it with a slightly newer model, but kept the cloth strap I made...still prefer it over the nylon one.
Cannon Powershot A540 vs Nikon Coolpix Camera
The Cannon broke (don't even remember how) so it was replaced with the Nikon Coolpix Camera. When I purchased it, it was one of the few cameras still using AA batteries instead of rechargeables.
Energi to Go vs X-Dragon 10000mAh
Since I am brining the phone, I need a way to charge it, last time I used Energi to Go device that used AA batteries to charge a phone, but this time I thought I would go with a rechargable powerpack. Will see how it works (and if the solar cells actually help at all). But it will cut down on the number of batteries I have to carry (ie weight). Also put it in a Sea To Summit TPU Guide Accessory Case (Large). This clear plastic waterproof bag should allow me to hang the X-Dragon on my pack to recharge some during the day).
The x-Dragon worked great keeping my phone charged (although the solar pannel might have given me only a little extra - at best a bar). It had sufficent charging capability to keep my phone charged even in the wilderness, but I did not make calls, only using the phone as a journal with it in airplane mode most of the time.
