Backpacks, Jackets, and Shoes...Oh My!

I ordered two backpacks from ULA-Equipment, the Circuit and the Catalyst.  Both are highly regarded packs by ultra-light backpackers.  I put a pillow in the bottom of them followed by a 10# bag of flour in a pillowcase, and then another pillowcase with 4 pairs of jeans.  I got the packs to 20# so I could really try them out.  Amazing how quickly the weight adds up!  Now, I know of no one who hikes with 10# of flour...or even 1 pair of jeans for that matter...but still, it was a quick 20#.  Most people measure the contents of their gear in ounces and not pounds--good thing!

The packs have a solid fabric-covered foam back (the part that rests on your back).  Within less than a minute of the pack on my back it felt warm.  Now, I know what you're thinking...it's July in Houston, of COURSE it's warm!  Not so fast--I tried them on in the air-conditioned comfort of my home.  Lots of nice features to the packs--loved the hand straps, and the water storage on the straps--but they just weren't comfortable for me.  So, I returned the packs.  I'm leaning towards the Osprey Aura 50 pack which has a mesh "trampoline" at the back of the pack.  I will have to pay a few ounces for this luxury, but I think it's worth it.

What do you think of these shoes???  Take a good look because you will never again see them this clean.  They are Merrell Moab Ventilators, a favorite trail shoe of many hikers.  They also come in a higher cut boot style, as well as gore-tex (water proof) ones.  I plan on switching to the gore-tex boot style in the Sierras and Washington, and these for southern and northern California.  The general consensus is that it will take at least 4 pairs of shoes to complete the hike.

I have been walking around the neighborhood in these shoes and my SmartWool socks. Probably look pretty silly. Just wait 'til I add a backpack to my walks!

I got a great deal on a bright pink down jacket at REI.  It's the Nano Puff jacket by Patagonia.  It was more than 50% off.  Awesome.  Seems crazy to buy a down jacket in July, but that's probably why it was on sale.

Just ordered a shelter.  Sleeping under a tarp is the new trend in backpacking.  It's light and there's less of a problem with condensation because there is such great airflow.  However, I do not wish to sleep with the bugs, so I have been focusing my attention on tents.  I have chosen a lightweight tent by TarpTent, the Contrail.  It weighs in at 24.5 ounces.  It is on backorder.  I hope it arrives before my September backpacking trip in the Great Northwest.