I know what you mean - hence my caveat. I do have a nasty habit of impulsively buying the lastest and greatest, but I sat on this last "want list" for well over a month before I got anything and I was able to do better research. Beleive me, a PLB, the fixed RSK, a Garmin Legend CX, a new pack, a Hiker Pro filter, and a whole host of other stuff does look mighty appealing. However, I reasoned that, at least for a little bit (while I saved up for some hiking trips), I can make out perfectly fine with what I've got and instead look to find better ways to use the great gear that I already have.

Now I know you were joking and I don't mean to seem to lecture, but I do feel like pointing out that sometimes all the posts on this forum make me feel like I don't have enough stuff or that I need to go out and get the next generation. I'll see a post on flashlights or jackets or knives and instantly start adding stuff to my "To Get" list. I know that I am far and above in prepardness compared to the masses, or the people we have to yank out of the water, and that in the end it will be my knowledge and courage that will get me through whatever I might face and not the latest gizmo, doo-hicky, or thingamajig. People have gotten by with a lot less and lived. Granted, the gear helps, but there has to be a point where you say "Hey, I've got the stuff to cover about 95% of what I might face, and now I need to spend my time and energy and money on [fill in the blank]." I think the last 5% is in the hands of the Man Upstairs - you can not prepare for everything with equipment alone.

Sorry for the rant. Again, I know you were joking with me, but I wanted to point that out. I was actually already prepared to turn the discussion in this directon, hence the title of the thread "I'm done."

Matt