Gear

So been perusing a bit in regards to gear this evening (not finding much mental capacity for anything truly productive).  At the behest of another request I am taking this 'registry' thing a bit more seriously.  It seems that there are some nice people in my life that not only want to support my trip emotionally, but physically as well!!  Thanks..  ;)

In looking through the REI site I found some good information stuff though.  Things like how to fit a backpack, ultralight backpacking (and its checklist), a first aid checklist, and the ten essential "systems":

1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation (extra clothing) 
4. Illumination
5. First-aid supplies 
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter

I'm gonna actually have to use this list and see what I can do with it!!  There is also a chart that compares the types of goods versus the how much weight one would be working with.

Gear	Minimalist	Ultralight	Lightweight
Footwear	Running shoes	Light hikers	Hiking boots
Trekking poles	Carbon fiber poles	Carbon fiber poles	Standard poles
Tent stakes	No stakes; rocks	Just 4-6 stakes	Most or all stakes
Stove	Fuel tabs, soda can	Tabs or canister stove	Lightweight stove
Cookpot	Titanium mug	Titanium mug or pot	Lightweight cookset
Utensil	Spork	Spork	Plastic utensils
Water filter	Halogen tablets	Tablets or filter	Filter
Water bottle	Soft bladders	Bladders or bottles	Bottles

I'm hoping I'll get into the minimalist category with some sprinkles from the ultralight stuff.  The Vibrams are certainly gonna help me out though!!  And their lists were for three days, not three months in Africa!!  But I'll make it happen. Also came a cross a site called backpackinglight.com that I will have to spend some time on.  Otherwise, good night...