Where should the "gear money" go?

Thanks for bringing the DIY stoves up Kyle. I was going to but didn't want to make a LOOOONNNNGGG post hahaha. Check out http://zenstoves.net/LinksGeneral-DIY.htm if your a handy kind of person or know of any. These work great. I got a DIY wood burner that I need to do a gear check with lol.

willky:
Let me know when you get the quilt in. I'd really like to take a look at it.
I've thought about quilts too, but I really like the two bags that I have and not really wanting to change any time soon.

OMSC:
check out some of the posts that we have made under Ultralight Gear and Ultralight Discussions. Some great ideas. Just skip over some of the tyrades made by a previous member.
UL

As soon as the money gets in I am going to get a sleeping bag or tarptent type deal first i suppose. What are some windproof/waterproof/breathable jackets? what are quality pants? I know trail shoes are best, but like my boots and until i lose the pack weight probably need the support! also i have the Patagonia capilene 3 tops and bottoms, but definitly think i need to get a silkweight. Ah! so much to learn/get!

OMSC don't go out and get crazy trying to buy up gear. Trust me... research it FIRST. Ask... and I know you will be told lol. Also as I keep harping on some of the DIY stuff is cheaper, better built and lighter than the commercially sold stuff. Personally I would look at the bag and the "TARP" first lol. When it warms up a bit I will be harping on my Hammock so be prepared lol. To damn cold to be swingin right now lol.

hehe I'll stay composed, just looking forward to hitting the trails again with a lighter pack!

OMSC:
I like to carry a very light wind shirt, such as a GoLite Wisp or Marmot Ion. For insulation, I carry a Montbell Thermawrap Jacket. You can hike in this if its pretty chilly outside and not overheat. A fleece jacket would also work great. For waterproof gear, check out a set of DriDucks. They are very reasonable, less than $20.00 for both jacket and pants, and will work very good at shedding the rain. They are somewhat light in material construction and will therefore, not hold up well if you bushwack. On well-travelled trails, they work great.
If you want a wind/rain pant, get a pair of nylon workout pants. They usually come with a zipper up the lower legs and they work great to shed wind and rain. And they're cheap.
If you just get one do-it-all jacket, it usually winds up being too heavy, too hot, or makes you too clammy under it because it just won't do all that you ask it to do and stay comfortable.
UL

A lot of my gear has already been discussed through recommendations from others, so I'll be brief. I love my Contrail, and if you use all the guy out loops, it is plenty wind-worthy. My Ultralight Outfitters beer can Esbit stove is also a winner. A mere $15 and a beer gets you a reliable and UL kitchen for freezer bag cooking. Also, Despite the blaspheme spewed amiss by ULHiker about some off-brand quilt, there is not better sleeping bag than MontBell.

One word on footwear to OMSC, though. Don't pay much attention to brand when shopping for trail runners, as all of the name brands will be found to have quality construction and wear characteristics (with a few minute variances depending on specific use). The main thing you want to be sure to do is try on as many as possible. Each brand (and sometimes models w/i brands) use a different last (shape of footbed) and shank (determines stiffness/load-bearing capability) combination. Find one that FITS your feet and you'll be happy, whatever brand it ends up being.

Wow. Sometimes I forget how smart you guys are.

Good stuff.

Guess Bostonmtnman isn't a fan of the GoLite quilt . Come on 20 deg 1lb 5.5oz (for the long) AND less than $200 bucks. Its worth a try. I do wish I could buy the Montbell bag too (probably will at some point). Weight wins out this time.

I don't have much GoLite stuff myself but think very highly of them as a brand. My comment was a means to an end...to harass UL.

:-)

I see how you are, bostonmtnman. Two can play at that game.
Just watch your six!!!
UL

I think I have gotten my pack weight down to 12lbs. without food and water. Not that impressive but considering last outing it was 20lbs. I'll take the loss. Think I may get a nice Montbell bag next, what is the life on a bag like that?

Man:
That's a great improvement. You should be proud of that accomplishment. It takes quite a bit to drop that much weight that quick.
As far as Montbell bags, I've got an Alpine #1 (15 deg.) and, like any other down bag, the life of a bag depends a lot on the care in which you show it.
For instance, as soon as I get home from a trip, I turn my sleeping bag inside out and let it air out for as much as a week in one of the spare bedrooms. I also make sure to brush off any dirt or debris. I also take care in the field to avoid bringing any dirt into the bag with me. I brush off my feet/socks off and try not to wear dirty clothes to bed.
Ul

Go with the Super Streach as these things are VERY impresive. You can get in them and fully zip up, mummy an all, and sit straght up against a tree or what ever. Check Ebay as I bought my SS #1 which is a 15degree bag, for around $299 plus shipping.

Another vote for the MontBell Super Stretch bags (I have the UL #2)...a must for stomach sleepers. I can sleep on my stomach, kick my knee out, and put my hands under my pillow (just like at home) with no trouble.

BTW, what all did you get/lose/change to drop 8 lbs, OMSC? Just curious.