My roomie just doesn't understand!

Maybe I've been reading too much about lightening the load. Had to take a trip this past weekend, just one night. My girlfriend and I were heading an hour down the road, going to eat and watch the Phantom of the Opera. We then headed to her cousins' house for the night and headed back the next day.
While planning what to wear, I was doing my best to only need one pair of pants that were dressy enough for the show, but casual enough to wear the next day. My room mate just shook his head. "It's just a pair of pants, carry them!"

Of course, while out of town, we visited a Bass Pro, where I finally purchased a Light My Fire Spork. I couldn't wait to try it out and used it the next day at my fiance's house. After eating I washed it and stuck it in my pocket so that I didn't forget to take it back to my place. Before I made it home, we went to a friend's house for a Bible study, where a meal was being served. Imagine the surprise when I pull a Spork out of my pocket to eat with! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thought everyone would appreciate these experiences. I am having a blast learning more about backpacking and gear (my fiance and I are just getting started) and putting everything together. If I get some good reactions, it just makes it that much more fun.

Pretty much anything can be a learning experience, and when you're especially eager after a particular kind of knowledge, you look for as many ways as possible to leverage your experiences into learning more about it. Even eating an indoor meal with a titanium spork!

I'm glad you're having so much fun. And don't mind too much if you get a reputation as a bit of a kook on the subject of backpacking. Most of us have endured a similar rep.

It's actually a bright yellow plastic spork. I love it, though!
Also, I'm trying different layering combos out during the day. It might only be 10 minutes each way to class, but it's been down in the 20s and windy, so a good chance to test out my various combos. Plus, since the buildings are nice and warm, I get to see if I can keep myself cool by removing some layers too...


I'm having a blast! Also, I figure that if I get a reputation as a "kook" then it means that I'm doing something right!
I tried to explain how ounces add up to pounds, but he didn't seem to get it. I figure when I get him out camping (it'll have to turn warmer first) he'll understand the difference in my pack and his!

Just got my hammock fixed (it's a $20 deal for testing purposes, the ropes broke) and I am planning on setting it up on my girlfriend's porch. She's not using it, too cold, and I figure that I can get some good experience trying out different combos to keep myself warm at night (it's dipping just below freezing at night). This way if it's too cold for my gear, I can go inside and sleep on the couch...
I can't wait to see what everyone's reaction will be to this "strange behavior" though!

When you get to the level of Jim Shaw your buddies will probably give you a plaque to prove you're officially certified.

First you have to want to try this Strange Behavior though.

I admit that I haven't tried this yet. I tend to watch the weather and bolt when things look good. But still, I appreciate the concept and admire anyone who's been tough enough to battle test their gear this way. I might just take the plunge myself one of these days <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Bill S.

Wonder what they will say when you take out your girlfriend to the park and eat freezer bag meals? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Start making your lunch over a different homemade alcohol stove every day. It'll increase your reputation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> My wife doesn't understand it either <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My wife thinks it odd I erect my home-made tents in the back yard and spray them with the hose for half and hour, testing that my seams are properly sealed. She can't understand my obsession with alcohol stoves, and wonders why I scour the bargain bins at various Walmarts for $1 a yard ripstop (and thinks by sour mood at Walmart's decision to close the fabric departments in many of their stores a bit overwrought).

I feel your pain, Brother. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I have trained my wife in what to look for. So now she helps. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> She is an avid seamstress and is always looking for fabric to make my girls some dresses. Now she looks for fabric for me. And speaking of this subject, I just scored big the other day. I found two colors of 1.1 oz noncoated ripstop, and 2 colors of 4 oz ripstop polyester. I spent $30 on $1 yrd fabric. Now I am trying to think of all the stuff I can make. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Fortunately, my fiance is as interested in backpacking as I am! She doesn't have the same desire to make my own gear, and is happy to let me do the testing, but she understands and supports me!

I'm not there yet, but given enough time, I'll make it!
I was explaining this strange behavior and my fiance said that it sounded like a good idea, we'd have to test our gear. My roomie was giving us both the strangest look! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I haven't moved to alcohol stoves yet, still playing with the JetBoil. I did pull the JetBoil out the other day to try a Knorr Lipton noodle for supper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />