I have a new Exped Downmat, too, except it's the UL 7 version that requires the "Schnozzle" (which can double as a pack liner) to inflate. Thanks to an emergency abort (grandson sprained his ankle the first day out), I haven't actually used the pad in the field, although I spent an extremely comfortable night with it on the floor at home. Mine is 64" x 20" x 2.8" and weighs 18.7 oz., plus 2 ounces more for the Schnozzle. That's offset by the 1.5 oz. dry bag I was using, not needed with the Schnozzle.

Come spring (no way am I going backpacking with the current 15 hour nights!) I'll test the new pad in the field.

Now, Mouse, you just need to change your perspective about those midwinter trips. Don't look at it as a 15 hour night - look at it as credit for 2 nights out each night!

Have a Merry Christmas!

15 hours stuck in the tent is way too long! At my age, I get too stiff! It's not that long until March!

A very Merry Christmas to you, too!

I have to agree, OM. At our age we get to choose!

Winn Dixie grocery store (local to the south east US). They're made by Ocean Spray, and they are freakin DELICIOUS!

Hopefully they'll show up out here; lots of cranberry growing in the Northwest and Ocean Spray is a big presence. I'll look for them tomorrow. No Winn-Dixie out here, but we do have Kroger (Fred Meyer, QFC), Safeway and Albertsons.

If not, I can get dried cranberries in bulk and dip them in dark chocolate. Problem with that is that I'll probably eat up all the chocolate!

EDIT, LATER--sorry for the detour; now back to what gear worked and what didn't!

The Eddie Bauer store here in Louisville closed this year and I came across a "Bacon" backpack for $30. Couldn't resist, gave it a go, and I've been thrilled. It is now my go-to pack for 2 nights or less.

Well..I’m looking to do a comparison test on socks for snowshoe hiking in Mad River Glen this month. Day 1 I’m going to test out an Injinji Compression sock, Day 2 test out the Thorlos S1TOU. I’m going to also experiment with heated insoles too which seem to be pretty nice way of keeping warm. Will let you know the outcome.

I did about 800 miles of backpacking in 2014, plan for this year is about 1400 miles.
Don't think I added to or removed any gear from my collection.

I guess what I'm saying is that there can be light at the end of the tunnel --- a point where you're buying little or nothing new (worn out socks, shoes). Unless you're a major gear junkie!

To the earlier comments about the e+lite --- it's what I use in summer hiking, when the days are long and most likely I'll only use it in my tent at night. Shoulder seasons and winter hiking, I agree that it's better to have a headlamp that throws more lumens.

I'm a gear hog and always playing with something new but I think I outdid myself this time:

What Worked:
My Hyperlite Mountain Gear southwest 3400 pack, I got a flawed one and the company gave me a stuff sack for my trouble after replacing the pack and I cannot imagine having another pack.

My Big Agnes Copper Spur 1 tent.

What did not work for me:

My camelbak antidote sprang a leak after only two years of use, I replaced it with a seattle sports versa tank reservoir which may have been a mistake but it was on sale and it looked so neat.

My REI flash air mattress also sprang a leak and I ordered a NEMO Astro Air Lite Sleeping Pad to replace it.