Hey thanks for the input so far guys! Been busy at work (live on a tugboat for a week at a time) and have had little time for research and reply. Just started reading some of those side articles, thank you! And have since started a registry at REI. I got a pretty good gear list going its all going to depend on who buys us what for our wedding :-) I'm going to continue reading and researching. And when I get home next week will post a list of what I am looking at so far. Should I post that in this thread or start a new one specifically asking what people think? Thanks again for input so far. Can't wait to get some of these goodies and get out in the woods :-)