"What are you spending your REI dividend on?" 2009 edition

[trailgoat]

philranger--

If Kari is a cold sleeper, you may want to consider a different 20* bag. I had a Cat's Meow years ago and I froze in the thing when the temps dipped below 35*. Just my two cents.....

[philranger]

We have generally done our backpacking in August. I mostly wanted to get her a bag that compresses down, yet still provides the comfort of a regular bag. I have used the Cat's Meow on my last 3 backpacking trips and enjoy having a bag that compresses and stores in my backpack. It's also roomier than a mummy bag.

RE: the camping below 20*. I've done that kind of camping and frankly I would rather be in a cabin.

[Tom]

I'm calling this year's purchase my "Backpack weight training device."
You know... How that first mile or so on the trail with the pack makes you think... WHY am I doing this again??

I figure my seven month year old boy will serve as good "baby ballast" for getting the back in gear..

http://www.rei.com/product/705789

Tom

[jon]

I spent mine on a silk mummy bag liner... supposed to add about 9 degrees or so to my sleeping bag rating. i bought a light-weight down bag on near 50% markdown from REI in November, weighs about 1.5 lbs, a few extra degrees will feel good on cooler nights.

jon

[fonixmunkee]

FYI, an REI ninja told me that REI will be having a big online sale starting tonight at 11PM CST. Supposedly lots of good deals, and it will last for either two days or two weeks, I can't recall. Also supposedly is a super blowout monster deal on a GPS...