GEAR BUYING BINGE!!!

“I've been on a roll. I've just ordered from Campmor:

1. Eureka Zeus Exo 1 tent. Anyone have one? It's a single wall, but free-standing, looks like good ventilation system, has a decent vestible over the door......... Only 3.8 lbs. (I think, or 3.6??) packed. $119. On solo trips it would drastically cut down on weight from my Sierra Designs Nightwatch, which I'm thinking is 6 to 7 lbs.

2. A Campmor fleece balaclava on special.

3. Campmor fleece pants.

And I've also purchased recently:

1. Kelty -15 degree down sleeping bag from Outdoor Outlet (haven't used yet)

2. Vasque Arctic insulated hiking boots.

Hmmmmmmm.... wonder what I'll want in another 3 weeks??? LOL!”

“I was just there yesterday...

Try walking through the store without buying too much!”

“Sounds great Lizs. I just ordered a Zeus Exo 2 (I need a little more room than you), a MSR titanium kettle, and a pair of convertible pants. Now I have to wait for it to arrive.”

“What, you planning on going backpacking or something?”

“Yeah, DUH, backpacking!!! LOL @ Pathman.

Hey, Arky, I was sure debating on the Zeus Exo 2. Not that much more weight and only $20 more than the single person one. But I told myself if I got it, I'd be getting near 4 lbs. and wasn't the objective to have a 1-person tent for as little weight as possible??

I read a couple reviews of it on here, in the gear section. One guy said he used heavy duty Scotch Guard on it, and professional level seam sealer. He even said he would use Thompson's Water Seal on the seams. Now, is that a bit too much??

Let's see, and you say you need more room than me? Why's that? Extra beer in the tent???????????

LOLOLOL!! Sure was fun to meet you and the rest of the crew on the BRT.

Did you see my photos? Cuz all you guys with your tents so close together are in one........ lolol

He also spoke of using a ground cloth INSIDE the tent. Not sure if he always does this, or if it's a condensation issue. He had an e-mail address, so I've zapped him a note.”

“1) outdoor life tent. 5 lbs
2) fleece gloves
3) new socks
4) telescoping fishing rod
5) sun glasses”

“mmmmmmm gear.”

“Way to go Lizs!

So when are you and me and Stikmon going to go to that place in Ill???

8)”

“Can you say menage a trois a Illinoiz??

LOL J/K!!!!

Actually, I was hoping you might go check it out first and give the report, thumbs up or down...

Course, you gave Yellow River a thumbs down... so who can trust you??? LOL”

“That's a sweet single-wall tent, Lizs. I saw it last year at the local outfitters, the Eureka rep left a demo there for a day for the staff to check out and I was luckey to be there that day. It's too small for the dog and me, but if it were just me, I'd love one.”

“Hey Buddur, like Arky said, they have a two-person for just ounces and $20 more! It's at Campmor......... NOW!!!”

“OK, since our newspaper was a big winner and I was fired up, I hit a Columbia shop at an outlet mall. I got:

1. Columbia Combat pant of Omni-tech fabric. Suggested retail, $54; outlet price, $39.99; 75% off... just $9.99

2. Columbia Laurel Pass shirt (tightly woven, provides "30 SPF"): Suggested retail, $47; outlet price, $29.92; 75% off... just $7.49

3. Columbia GRT Copper River II hiking socks: Suggested retail, $9; outlet price... $5.95

4. Columbia Gallatin Range hunting socks: Suggested retail, $17; outlet price... $11.95

Grand total: $35.38

Not to be outdone by Columbia, the Cabela's outlet store also called to me. I talked myself out of a couple things, cuz they're just not that cheap. But I got more socks. hmmmmm, must be in the car yet. I think they were $4.99 each

The last three pairs of socks men had some kind of wool, either merino or alpaca....

Ok, enough bargains for today.....
:-)”

“1. Columbia Combat pant of Omni-tech fabric. Suggested retail, $54; outlet price, $39.99; 75% off... just $9.99

Liz, I have a pair of Columbia pants with Omni-Tech fabric, the things are waterproof and hold up just as good as gore-tex.”

“Cool, BB, I've had other Omni-tech fabric pants which were finished to be waterproof. Don't think that these are. WHOOPS!! Double checked. They're "Omni-Dry." Wicking and quick drying. Sorry for the wrong info (was late and I was a tired WIENER last night.... lol)”

“Well aren't you two just the Columbia poster children... ;-)”

“As long as we're the poster children and NOT Ma Boyle, it's OK!!”

“Roger that, LOL!”