Actually, it is the one in front of you that you are going to traverse for the first time. ... View more

I rave about maps, but GPS is a really sweet tool as well. Years ago, I was furnished GPS coordinate for a pygmy mammoth tusk exposed on Santa Rosa Island (Channel Islands National Park). With the coordinates, we walked directly to the find - just like that!! It took three years, but that tusk was attached to a well preserved skull, one of the most complete ever found.  Definitely a career highlight!   ... View more

@REI-BrettF There are maps and there are maps.  The typial road map or the general map in your park brochure isn't going to be of much use on most trails.  The gold standard is a 1:24000 USGS topo map or a map based on them Learn how to interpret all those squiggly lines.  This is crucial!!  Many times you will know where you are and thee problem is where do I go from here....The topo map will be more useful than the GPS in that situation. People managed to return home for many years before GPS. ... View more

@TDH Another source for touch up paint might be an auto supply shop. Any bike that is used regularly will acquire dings, along with health benefits.... ... View more

It might be worthwhile to talk to a physician about this problem ... View more

One other thing.  Withbivvy sacks, go minimalist.  Stay away from those with poles and other frou=frou.  Those are basically tents, and incur additional weight. Classical bivvys were developed to servee as minimalist  shields for technical climbers performing overnight and multi-day ascents. Light is right (up to a point - It can bee downright silly if carried too far     ... View more

Try this (just one of several)  https://www.rei.com/product/147955/rei-co-op-shell-bivy   It-weighs one pound, 3 oz. The heated tent is an interesting alternative.  To the poster who proposed this,  How much does it and associated items weigh? Just shows there is more than one way to skin a cat... Now for a heated discussion....     ... View more

@Dmitry I take an empty bottle to bed and fill it with warm liquid during the night -very efficient, just screw the lid on tight. ... View more

how do you define "best"?  light weight, warmth, shelter from elements,?? What works during a relatively calm winter night could be life threatening during a raging storm. I have spent lots of winter nights (around 0 F quite comfy in a bivvy sack, perhaps with a light tarp pitched as a leanto.  The bivvy sack adds 5-10 degrees of warmth to the rig.  A three season tent will work well until (when) you encounter a storm.  With snow and wind, you want one rated for four seasons, with good reviews. My worst bivvy was on the San Francisco Peaks in late December.  Tried for a snow cave, but the snow was total powder and I had a snow hole instead.  Temps were around  minus 35 F.  No sleeping bag, just an extra sweater.  I did have a small stove, otherwise I might not be here today.   It wasn't the best, but it was good enough. Selecting a sheltered location can make a big difference.  Avoid the bottom of creeks and drainages and obviously windy places.  Asmall cave or rock shelter can be quite good. ... View more

@Sun_Seeker You might consider walking on a different surface.  When running, I could detect a noticeable difference between an asphalt and concrete surface;  typical bare ground was even better.  Concrete is bad news ... View more

In areas where bear bags are required, rentals are often available.  Where precisely are you going?  It would be worthwhile to check out requirements beforehand.  Some places get very serious about bear bags and levy significant fines if regs are not followed. just as important as a suitable bear bag is a scrupulously clean camp, with all odorous items tucked away in a properly secured bear bag. I am not an REI employee....  ... View more