My new backpack...

Bought my backpack today! It's the REI Quick UL 45. It's not quite big enough to pack all of my gear on the inside, but sleeping pad and hammock/tarp are tied easily enough outside the pack. I'm able to put my sleeping bag inside the pack! Which is nice, since it's really expensive, and I'd hate to snag it on a bush or something.

By itself, it weight just over 2 pounds. I've packed it full with what I'm anticipating to bring with me. My estimated pack weight will be around 20 to 25 pounds with food/water for three nights. I'd like to trim it down some more, but this is a pretty good start!

Cost was $100 dollars at REI, which brings my bill up to $529 dollars. OUCH! On the plus side, I hope to use this gear a lot in the years to come.