Clever Backpacker: Backpacking Gear List and Weight Calculator

LLBean has a new ultralight tent out that is really tempting me.  I really prefer a tent so I can move around while I sleep and I think I'm in love.  The Microlight FS 2-Person Tent sleeps two comfortably and weighs in under 4 pounds. It uses a freestanding aluminum frame with two doors and two spacious vestibules. The body is all mesh with a full rainfly. With interior dimensions of 7'6" x 4'6" and packed weight of 3 lbs 12 oz, it's hard to find another tent with a better size/weight ratio. And best of all, it comes it at $199. It's also a 2012 Backpacker Editor's Choice, so I'm thinking it's probably worth that price tag.  New toy here I come.

 Altrec is having their 13th Anniversary Sale - Up to 60% off now until Friday, May 4th.  It's a good opportunity to pick up some great deals on everything from shorts to backpacks to ski poles.

I'm planning a trip to central America soon, so I've been trying to figure out what's allowed as carry-on for US flights these days and what's not.  Obviously, I won't be taking any stove fuel.  But my Steripen won't be leaving my side.  And, I've finally found a multi-tool that can come with me as well.  The Leatherman Style PS doesn't have a knife blade, so it's carry-on friendly.  So what does it have?  Spring-action needlenose pliers, spring-action regular pliers, spring-action wire cutters, scissors, flat/phillips screwdriver, nail file, tweezers, and a carabiner/bottle opener are built-in.  Weighing in at 1.58 ounces and $20, it's not going to break the bank or my back.  I do love a good excuse to pick up few new toys.  

 If you're going to be traveling overseas, you already know you can't take gas canisters with you.  That makes cooking problematic.  I love my alcohol stove, and I'm relatively confident I can find alcohol most places.  But you can avoid that problem entirely by going with a wood stove.  And, Vargo Outdoors happens to make a pretty cool ultralight wood stove.  Their Hexagon wood stove has hinged panels that fold flat so it takes up very little space in the pack.  And one panel is also hinged so you can open it and control air flow without needing a wind screen.  I haven't seen cooking times - it's not going to compete with gas, but you won't have to worry about finding fuel in the middle of nowhere either.  They recommend single serving meals only on this though.  It's available in stainless steel or titanium.  The stainless version weighs in at 7.4 oz and $39.95.  Or you can chip in an extra $20 for the titanium and cut it down to 4.1 oz.     

 Backpacker.com is giving away free gear each week and you can enter every day to win.  Backpacker is giving away the gear that their editors have tested and reviewed.  So it's slightly used - it's still cutting edge gear.  Each week they are going to give away a different item.  Read more, and enter the contest, at backpacker.com.