Telltale signs your kit has evolved.

I like yoru style, sir.

And I too am a camera junkie. When photography is your livelihood, and pictures are something you genuinely take joy in capturing, it's hard to head out with just a 5 year old point and shoot!

But…I'd rather take a smaller point and shoot, and pack more food. I'm a sucker for fooood.

Anyone take their x-box and a plasma flat screen out yet?

"The weight and bulk of two DSLR bodies is insignificant compared to the weight and bulk of big lenses."

Ummm…that's what she said…?

I am sorry….I couldn't help it. I'm ready for my caning…:)

>Ummm…that's what she said…?

hehe It just never gets old! :D

Yesterday I decided to go for a '24' hr hike. I knew my kit had evolved when I was out the door in under 30min from deciding to go. That includes packing my gear & food and deciding on a trail.

I noticed the same — but I felt even better about it in the wild, because it meant that I didn't have to rush in the morning before striking camp, so I had time to enjoy (and photograph) the sunrise. And to realize that I had camped on the wrong side of the pond for the morning shot. Oh well… I'll know next time :)

I went car camping a week or so ago with some traditionalists and it reminded me of this thread. I was using the trip as a test run (you can never have to much experience setting your tarp up right?).

We took my car and I had brought some things to supplement their gear so when they loaded there stuff in they didn't think much of the little Ion on the side. I helped them set up their HUGE 2 room tent and then pulled my kit out. When I got it out and starting walking off in search of softer ground on of them said, "Oh, you brought a camera. Cool." You should have seen there face when they figure out what was going on!

On another note, when it's starting to get dark and you're getting asked questions about tarp camping then it isn't time to start talking about how tents don't really have much in the way of protective properties. Apparently some 13 year olds don't always sleep well after that.

EDIT: I guess I'm going backwards a bit though. I just bought a 2010 Jam off Gear Trade because it was the cheapest pack I could find without fragile mesh pockets so I can carry more food and insulation. I just wish it wasn't so stinking heavy.

Inspired by the recent Ion thread, I repacked my gear for weekend hikes above tree line in the summer Pyrenees- 2/3 nighters- and it all fits with room for food and water. That's what I can evolution.
cheers,
fred