Lurker? Guilty as charged.

It's not that I don't feel that I have enough experience to post value contributions. I've been backpacking for over 30 years. My first trip was back in about 1973 when I hiked the Chilkoot Trail in AK. I've been solidly hooked since then. Backpacking gear has really undergone a renaissance with the UL philosophy and because of that, I generally have been lurking (reading) as a way to learn about the new gear and the way it has evolved. I've learned a lot and gained so much knowledge and updated all my gear within the last 3-4 years. I also really enjoy making my own gear and haved learned alot about that without having much of my own to contribute in the DIY arena. My DIY accomplishments to date include 2 tarps, a bivy, 4 hammocks, a down underquilt, a couple of alcohol stoves and numerous stuff sacks. But I still consider myself a novice DIY'er.

Also, I've never done a thru hike on any of the big 3 trails. And so I tend to lay low and let the more experienced thru hikers speak up.