High Sierra Topix

Except for the fleece everything in my pack is what I have carried in the past. My previous mid layer was a turtleneck. I just weighed it. 12 oz. So the fleece really doesn't add that much weight. My biggest weight saving has been a new bag for my pack that I made out of 1.1 oz silnylon and removing a pad that kept the bear canister from bumping into my back. The bear canister will now be strapped to the frame just below the bag. I had previously removed one of the cross pieces and the top tube. After the original bag gave up the ghost, I picked up a Jansport Scout pack just for the bag. With that bag and the pad i have now removed my pack weighted just over 3 lbs. The pack is now down to 1 lb 14 oz.

I like my external frame Jansport pack. It fits me and is comfortable. I also prefer a panel loading pack. No need to get into a debate over a panel loading pack verses a top loader. You couldn't pay me to use a top loader pack. Can't see any reason to switch to a different pack. When I did the JMT my hiking partner and I switched packs for a morning. We were both the same size so his pack fit me. Don't know the brand of his pack but it was a top of the line light weight internal frame pack at that time. It was hotter than my pack but otherwise about the same comfort wise.

Here is my pack in its current configuration.

I think that I have found my mid layer. Needed a new flannel shirt to keep in my truck. Tractor Supply was having a 40% off black Friday sale with some shirts as low as $8.99. Drove into town to check out what they had. The cheap shirts were too light weight. I wanted something a little heavier. One rack over had some heavy weight flannels. Too heavy. As I looked through the rack there was about a half dozen L & XL shirts that looked a little different from the others. I was wearing my long sleeve T shirt base layer. I tried on a large and it was a perfect fit. Looked at the tag and it was polyester and rayon with a little spandex. Not cotton. I almost put it back on the rack when I noticed some odd stitching on the back of the shirt. Looked further and discovered ventilation mesh under the arms and across the back. That was a big plus. So I bought it. $17. Weighs the same as my fleece at 1 lb.

Some of you may have noticed that my user name has changed. in talking with my physical therapist about my backing plans she said that was a good thing to do now because eventually I will get "bald tires" and then it will be too late. So the administrators allowed me to change my user name to bald tires.

Been wearing the new flannel around town to try it out. Discovered that it has a zipper pocket right next to the buttons. This is a real plus because it provides a place for my glasses, etc. that I can access with the pack on.

I brought a Frogg Toggs cheapo rain suit today. Jacket, pants and stuff bag weighs 10 oz. I probably will not carry the poncho. 6 oz. Things are getting sorted out.

As I have been walking on the trails where I live I have been alternating wearing the flannel and the fleece. The fleece is really warm and too warm to wear in much above 50*. Especially if the sun is out and no wind. One thing that makes the fleece so warm is that it is a pullover. I am going to put a zipper in it so I can open it. The flannel is ok up to around 60* depending on whether the sun is out and how much wind there is. I am still leaning towards the flannel as my mid layer.

This morning's project was to sew a zipper into the fleece pullover. There are numerous videos on how to add a zipper to a pullover. Took me about an hour to add the zipper. Next I will add a chest pocket.

Added the chest pocket this morning. The zipper and pocket really adds to the functionality of the fleece. The zipper allows me to alter the warmth of the fleece to account for changing temperatures. The pocket is big enough to hold my compass, map, permit, and glasses. Maybe the cell phone too.