Resale value of a Bearikade Expedition

"However I'm a little uncomfortable waiting til the last minute to receive such a critical piece of gear, plus I'd like to have some time to practice my food-packing to get everything to fit"

If that is your only concern ask them to ship a week early. I too wanted "practice time", plus I had a 3 day drive to get to the trail head.

They were more than happy to do that for me. (for no additional charge)

Bill, I realize this is a little off topic (not about the resale value of the Expedition), but I used the Weekender last summer after resupplying at MTR and there was enough room for all the food I needed to get to Whitney Portal. I was able to easily fit 6 days of food in the Weekender plus the food for the 7th day in my pack which I finished that night. At a 15 mile/day avg. pace I made it to the Portal by lunch time (cheese burgers at the Portal store are amazing). I'm not sure if this helps. Have a great time on the JMT! Andy.

+1 on the Weekender for MTR to WP.

Wow, what quick responses, thanks! Maybe my concern about having it in advance is unfounded (although still wouldn't have time to actually take it on my "training" trips).

As far as time between MTR and WP, though, I will likely be slower. I have the time to take my time on this trip (hoping to spread it out to 4 weeks) and would like to take time to stop along the way, enjoy the sights, and maybe even do some short side (day) trips. For me the trip will be more about experiencing the places & sights, rather than just getting to the end quickly. So I like the idea of the Weekender, but am afraid I'll need the larger capacity to give me that flexibility.

I've been worried that even the Expedition might not be enough :) but from the sounds of it, it should be …

The slower pace makes for some fun side trips. Ionian Basin via Wanda Pass. Black Giant. Mt. Goddard. Darwin Bench. I would like to just wander around and explore the area around Helen Lake for a week. Have a great trip.

in buying an Expedition if/when you want to sell it. I'll be doing the JMT in 2014 and know that's the canister I'll want to use. I'm not making a promise, just indicating that there may be the market for it.

Thanks again for all the feedback! Now it's decision time :)