Yeah, I know, some of your best friends are gearaholics...

Actually, the addiction may be weakening a bit this year. For several years, I've chased that elusive ideal set of gear for me (the set that is so convenient to use that it fades into the background of the trip), and I think I'm almost there. It's actually been almost two whole weeks since I changed anything. The trip I took last weekend found me using everything I brought, except the first aid kit, and not wishing I had brought anything else. It all fit in the pack, just filling it nicely, and nothing hung out. It carried lightly and balanced well, and I wasn't tired (or filled with leftover energy) at the end of the day. I kind of felt like Red Riding Hood all weekend: not too much, not too little, just right.

Of course, I did see a tent the other day that would save a whole 3 ounces at a trifling cost of $450...