Clever Backpacker: Backpacking Gear List and Weight Calculator

 Here's an interesting new game show from Austrailia.  I’m A Backpacker… Get Me In Here! is just like I'm a Celebrity... Get me out of Here, but with 6 backpackers facing off on the Gold Coast of Australia.  The selected six backpackers will compete in  bush tucker trials just like the celebrities.  I'm hoping the trials more be a bit more challenging, and the camp site a lot less dramatic.  Kind of funny though, backpackers will be competing just to get a chance to camp out in Australia.  And, if you'd like to give it a try, you can submit a one minute video and maybe win a free trip to Australia to be on the show.  Looks like you have to be in the UK to win though.  Read more about it at gapyear.com/competition/.

 Massey's Outfitters just sent me the coupon code  ALOSA5 good for 5% off on every purchase of any non-sale item. Handy to know in case you need any new toys.

 Backpacker.com has updated their GPS Trails Android app. The new version has higher resolution photos, more trails, and a streamlined interface.  You can download GPS Trails Pro from the Android market.  It's free if you downloaded the previous version, otherwise $4.99.

 I was lucky enough to upgrade to a new Android phone for Christmas this year.   And it didn't take me long to learn that cold weather and touch screen phones don't play nice.  Trying to use a touch screen phone outside when its below freezing isn't very pleasant.  Enter the Outdoor Research Sensor Gloves.  The lightweight fleece gloves have TouchTec leather finger tips that work better with a touch screen that most touch capable gloves.  These gloves are also editor's choice winners from Backpacker Magazine; now I just have to wait for mine to arrive.

 Backcountry.com has their own private line of clothing called Stoic, and among these is the Wraith Shell rain jacket.  This thing is so thin that it's semi-transparent, but it gets good reviews for its ability to handle the weather.  Breathability seems to be a point of contention, but it's worth mentioning since it only weight 2.5 ounces (that's for a medium).  Backpacker.com says the fabric seems flimsy, but it takes a beating.  Right now, it's on sale at backcountry.com for ~$48.  That's a pretty good deal for a rain jacket like this.  It won't be warm enough to do you much good this winter, but it sounds like a steal to pack away for spring showers.