$200 Spend Spree at REI. Need Advice by 12/26

Give us a list of what you have, so we can see what you need!

That's a lot. I think I'm looking for spring to fall wear– shirts that don't smell within an hour, pants, baselayers, and such. Maybe a soft shell or a Neoair and chairkit. I don't really backpack in Deep Winter; usually only March -> early December in the NE if that helps.

Fly Creek Tent
Golite Pinnacle
MB UL SS Hugger #1
LaFuma X600 bag-45 degree
Prolte 3 pad / Z-Rest
Trail Designs Caldera Keg-H
Salomon Trail Runners and Boots and socks
Wear Columbia Silver Ridge Convert pants
Wear Columbia button down Hiking shirts
Cocs/Down Booties
MB Inner down parka/ Thermewrap vest
BPL Merino Beartooth Hoody
Patagonia R1 Hoody
Marmot Precip jacket / Dri Ducks Jacket
Golite Reed pants

Tons of other UL stuff

I know kinda vague. Any ideas would be great.

Thanks

Maybe a Small Neoair and a Smartwool or Icebreaker merino LS shirt?

I see you have quite the gear setup… but as my friend reminded me when I got gift cards for BassPro from the job Xmas party… Consumables have their place also.

Bug Dope
Sunscreen
Pack towel
niteize s clips
cordage (all purpose)
new knife
package of tenacious tape
spare small nalgene bottles of choice
stuff or compression sacks

Hope that helps… I always like imagining all the fun things I can buy.

Wallace
http://hikebikedale.blogspot.com

didn't see any gloves on your list. how about a nice pair of mitts with removable fleece?

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500254&page_size=109&seq=1&hist=cat%2C4500254%3AMen%27s+Gloves+and+Mittens

also, it is my belief that one can never have enough pairs of smartwool or darn toughs…

I would second the NeoAir pad… lighter and more comfortable than the Pro3, or you could give a hammock a try.

–Mark

Hammocks scare me. joking but my back doesn't like hammocks. I wish I could. The Neo seems a big push. Any lightweight chairs kits for it. Love having a chair with a back. My luxury item.

Thanks and please keep them coming.

Honestly re: the hammock, Have you looked at the hennessy Hammock or any other asym hammock? You lie absolutly flat and it is 1000% more comfy then any pad.

Just try it out!

+1 on the merino base layers.

Although, don't fret too much, since you can return or exchange later.

the key with a gift like this is that you should buy yourself some things that you normally wouldn't buy yourself. that's how i roll with gifts anyway

Get yourself that thing or things that you wouldn't get yourself with your own money, but that you really want anyway.

REI sells all the needed components to make your own gravity filter. Just stencil ULA on it, and impress your friends with this famous discontinued model. :)

Also, headlamps at REI are aplenty. If you want to drop $100 – $120 you can take a look at the recently renovated Surefire Saint Minimus. (ok, not lightweight, I know.)

I own a Hennessey hammock, and my very sublimated advice to others is to putchase a Warbonnet Blackbird. REI does not sell those.

Lastly, look at REI's upcoming classes, and trips. These are sold for discount, and you can enjoy some fun events with the money you have. Mountain climbing, day hikes, lectures, wilderness first aid – all these might be more enjoyable, and beneficial to you than another sleeping pad, or foldable chair.

I mean, after all, me suggesting a headlamp that is grams heavier than other headlamps is excusable, You buying a folding chair for hiking in the woods would call for disciplinary measures by our members, in most cases, hehe.

Enjoy!

Maybe some merino long undies for the legs. REI sells a chair from Alite that's about 16-18oz I think and it's pretty comfy but spendy at $60 for what it is.

+1 on merino! Since starting to use it, I've become a convert- just about wish all of my tops were made of it. :)

How about a short sleeved merino top or two for summer use?

1+ on merino wool baselayers. I prefer Icebreaker over Smartwool myself. A Superfine 140 or 150 short sleeve along with some 200wt bottoms combined with what you already have would serve you well for many situations.

If you are talking about an REI gift card, you might want to check out REI's clearance sale, which started this morning. You might be able to find some good things at discounted prices, helping your money go further.

Just a note, at the REI in Dallas they said they couldn't even order a small Neoair (despite trying for quite a while). I'm not sure if they just didn't know the process or what but I wouldn't count on them being able to special order "unique" items from manufacturers. I ended up having to get one from elsewhere.

I second (or is it forth or fifth?) merino baselayers.

You might consider some new trail runners depending on the mileage yours have.

They have a nice selection of hats as well.

You might be amazed at the amount of clothing you can fit in the little day pack. I works great as an airline carry-on.
REI Flash 18

http://www.rei.com/product/778466?preferredSku=7784660032&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7784660032&mr:trackingCode=9F974FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Thanks everyone- Went with the baselayer suggestions. Smartwool Merino Wool shirts and cap. Needed warmer weather wear. Also went with "get stuff you want but would never buy yourself" Upgraded from the Leatherman Skeleton to the Squirt. Other misc stuff; Med kit and Buff.

Thanks for the ideas and have a Happy New Years.

Mark