BBill_TN

Waterproof/Breathable is what you are striving for. Gore-tex had the patent for many years and in some ways is still the best. But there are a lot of newer proprietary fabrics out there that will serve you very well also. Especially in the warm/humid environment in the spring, there is a fine line between waterproof and breathable as you will sweat under most any waterproof material making it somewhat pointless if you end up as wet underneath and you would have been if you had been rained on. Hiking, I find my perfect compromise is the Mamot Precip or similar waterproof breathable fabrics.....but these lightweight fabrics are not super durable and I try to avoid underbrush and other things that could poke a hole in the fabric, but they do a very good job of keeping rain off of you even in extended periods (1 to 3 days). Not sure how such a lightweight fabric would hold up to a range day, but am thinking something Gore-Tex and maybe thicker would hold up better in that situation. YMMV of course.

I always found the 2 serving size to be about the right size for dinner after hiking all day. They're lightweight and no dishes to do since you're only boiling water and adding it to the bag. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff is a must try.

Had mine in hand this weekend. Thank you much David!

Thanks David! Appreciate all your effort.

Thanks willis68! Awesome knife.

You need the most weight to be as close to your body as possible...middle of the back to a bit higher. Even higher if you had an external frame. If you google "how to pack a backpack," the first thing that comes up is a picture of ideal weight distribution off internal vs external frame packs. Echoing the camelback idea, for training purposes, use water bladders (camelback, platypus, msr dromedary bag, etc.) That way you can adjust the weight for your downhill side of the hike. Your knees will thank you on the way down.

Information sent. Thanks!

Welcome!

PayPal sent. Thanks again!

Hi Willis68. Can I get in on this with #99 black blade? Let me know and I will send it in on PayPal in the next couple days. Thanks!

I think I read when I checked on the NRA tags, they had to have 1000 preordered. I didn't preorder so I am somewhat past 400 over that.

Nice!

Welcome back to Tennessee!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Spent 3 years up that way before coming back "home" to TN. Welcome to TGO. And welcome to TN when you get here.

Always need pictures. http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae85/BBill_TN/Mobile%20Uploads/20150323_215706.jpg

Sorry hipower, I got happy with the submit button and had to edit the rest.

I guess you get what you pay for. After looking at an E1L Outdoorsman at the local gun shop [Hero Gear] for some time, the price dropped on sale to 20% off...functionally the same as online pricing but supporting the LGS. Purchased and had close to 3 years of good service out of the flashlight. Still works...never failed but rubber surround gasket on activation switch has separated, thus compromising waterproofness. Looked around at dealers and couldn't find any with parts. Looked online under the warranty and service link; I was prompted to select the part I needed, then prompted for mailing address, then advised it was on its way, no questions asked. Arrived today. Can't ask for any better than that.

Been a member since the mid 90's. Like was already said, good quality, value REI branded items. Best customer service I have seen in any retail establishment. REI Outlet online has really good deals most of the time. I hate to pay full retail for anything, but for items that you can't find any cheaper, REI membership pays you back a "dividend" of 10% at the end of the year for any non-sale full price items purchased.

In for 3 or 4.

Yes...this. I really wish that the TGO knife deal had got to the 100's. I was hoping anyway.

I would like to get s/n's 98 and 99 if we get that far along as well. If it doesn't get that high, I might have to settle for one set.

Not to sound like I get pulled over much, but I seemed to have a rash of headlight issues with both my car and my gf's vehicle recently. Probably pretty easy to figure out that there might be a gun in my car with the NRA tag, but no conspicuous markings on her car. Each time I have chosen to disclose and each time was thanked for it. I said to the officer "You're welcome." And "that I know that TN is not a must disclose state, but I thought it was important that we were on the same page." So in effect, should reinforce that knowlege for maybe their next stop that didn't disclose. All good interactions by the way.

+1 on REI to have a pack fitted. As far as adding weight to your pack for a workout, buy water bladders to fill. That way you can empty them for your downhill trek. Your knees will thank you for years to come.