Hello everyone, I just signed up and would like to introduce myself. I've been backpacking for 25 years, mostly in the Rocky Mountains, some in the Pacific Northwest, some in the Hawaiian jungle, and a few other places. I have lots of 3-season experience, and just a smattering of winter so far. I'm still adjusting to the wetter seasons here in Washington.

I spent eight years vagabonding, living out of my backpack doing the Dharma Bum thing, and this experience has somewhat colored my view of backpacking. Nowadays I operate out of a cozy home base.

• Things I like: simplicity, hiking solo, hiking with others.
• Things I don't like so much: field maintenance, inflatables.
• Things I like and don't like: coffee, carrying reading material.
• Things I've never tried: pre-packaged freeze-dried meals, GPS.

Pleased to meet you all.

Welcome! Yes, you picked a very wet spot to live! When you get it all figured out - how to stay dry backpacking, you can teach me how to do it! I also am in the minority - I do not use a GPS - never even turned one on. As for pre-packaged freeze dried meals - most are over priced and overrated. Go out and buy a few and see what you think of them. I've ended up buying individual f.d. ingredients in bulk and mix up my own meals. One thing is for sure - everyone has their own opinion on food.

Hello, welcome aboard.

Wow, that certainly must have led to some interesting experiences.

I've tried a few pre-packaged freeze-dried meals. I agree that they are too expensive, but I actually liked the ones I've eaten.

I generally keep dry by choosing when I head out carefully to avoid rain. That's probably a lot easier here in the Ozarks than in WA.

Jim Shaw, a long time forum member, has posted some good info on keeping dry. Check the archives for messages he's posted when you get a chance.

Greetings,

8 years out of a backpack with not much winter experience, I'm jealous of that climate.

Long live Kerouac!

Haha, OK, I guess that technically speaking I've spent a few winters in my bag Most of those winters were in places like Hawaii, or the Central California Coast, neither of which I consider "real" winter. I spent a couple of winters in the Arizona dessert, which was terribly cold, but nearly snowless. I've snowshoed a good deal, but have only pitched my tent on snow a handful of times.

I've never camped in conditions where I couldn't get my GAZ Turbo 270 cannister stove to work, albeit sometimes with coaxing, so I still feel like a winter novice!

(For better or worse, it looks like I won't be able to use the trusty GAZ much longer, as canister distribution is disappearing in the U.S.)

Thanks for the tip. I've figured out how to find posts by author now, and am browsing lots of good stuff in the archives from Jim and others.