Totally awesome! Love hearing about people getting out and testing their gear and their plan. Well done, Wildman!

That physical conditioning part is a *itch! It had been months since I took my GHB for a good long walk. Despite being in pretty good shape, it's taken a couple of weeks of carrying it almost daily for my back and hips to stop complaining. Being in shape is not the same as being in backpacking shape. A few ounces here and there can really add up. Great idea try to reduce where you can, especially with the miles you're looking at having to haul it.



Just a thought - Is the poncho now going to be rain gear and shelter? It's possible that if you need one, you may need the other, and the poncho can't be both at the same time.