Monday, November 03, 2008

BACKPACK!



I can't believe it's been so long since I wrote a blog post. Our computer was down for awhile.... or rather, we had to get a new hard drive after my husband spilled a glass of wine all over it!! Anyway, we're back up again.

Camping out in the cold.... it went fine. I was warm enough in my sleeping bag with an extra layer of clothes, even down to 28* one night. I got tired of faking a backpacking trip after 3 days of it, though. I slept outside, took down my tent every morning, put it back up every night, and ate hiking food cooked on my backpacking stove. But in the backyard it was just missing something.

Anyway, on to the news....

With my end-of-season bonus from Candy Hill Campground, I just ordered my backpack for my Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. GoLite Quest Women's, MSRP $175, goes for $169 at Campmor, on sale for $119.99. I think I got a good deal. It's one of the ones that's been on my short list.

From the Campmor description:

"The Quest is an all season backpacking, mountaineering, alpinist, adventure, travel pack. The shoulder straps, torso and hip area are narrower for women's-specific fit.
Adjustable webbing hipbelt with two bellowed mesh pockets for closures
Two side hydration openings with internal sleeve for 3 liter hydration
Front pocket holds shovel, shovel handle, skins and probe [rain jacket, gloves, snacks...]
Two side compression straps with quick release
Removable lid with a welded watertight zipper for top pocket
Compaktor system
Side compression straps release and join to opposite side for carrying snowboard, snowshoes etc. [or wet tent.. it will be, most of the time, you dry it out during rest breaks]
Frame sheet with 2 adjustable aluminum stays [removable to shave weight]
Two angled side mesh pockets with elastic top binding for easy access while wearing
Shaped back panel and hip wings with padding to contour to the back and hips
Contoured, compression molded hip wings with supreme cushion that cups the hips while in use
Number of pockets: 6
Made of: 100% pu-coated nylon Velocity with DWR
Size:
S - H 28 in. x W 8.5in. x D 10 in.

Weight:
S - 2 lbs. 12 oz.


Capacity:
S - 3800 cu in.

Yummy!!!! Yes, I got red. The other choice was "iris," which looked to me more like lilac, a fairly girly color. I don't want to be girly.

Now I have to wait for shipment :-( Not that I'm going anywhere, unless I take it on my now FOUR-mile walks.... Yes, FOUR miles!! With a few short smooth gentle jogs included! Movin' on up!!

6 comments:

Jeff said...

Iris? Lip red? Where do they come with these colors?

Sounds like a cool pack though, and I think you made the better color choice. "Iris" would probably look dirty in a hour.

Dee said...

Yeah, no posting for awhile. I have missed hearing about your preparations. You are so disciplined to do this practice run in your backyard. And up to four miles!! Great!! My foot is still giving me pain, but I managed to go for a three mile walk today. I got home and iced it.

ShirleyPerly said...

Was wondering if you'd ever come back in from camping :-)

Nice looking backpack. Love that red color.

Anonymous said...

The long silence had me picturing a bear menacing a small tent in an RV campground.

Great to know you're still on track. Iris - bleh! Who in the world would imagine any outdoor woman wants to traipse through woods and over mountains (through dirt & water) sporting a dingy flower color pack?
And Lip Red? Is this sexist or what?

Dee said...

where are you?

UltraMamaC said...

after spending one night in a parking lot campground 300 yards from the interstate, and nearly freezing, I have to tip my hat to you! I knew you were amazing, but, wow -- I have even more admiration for you now! glad to hear you're on the mend and building up the mileage! Keep it up -- we need to hear about it!