The things we carried

A few people have been asking how all our gear is holding up, and 450 miles seems like a good time to weigh in on all of it. Here's the down-low:

- Tent (Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3): Weighing in at almost 4 pounds, our three-season three-person tent is one of the heavier options out there. There has not been a day that I regret carrying the 2 pounds of it that I carry (rain fly and poles, while Nolan has the tent body, foot print, and stakes). Our tent has successfully stood up in high winds, rain, and mist and has kept us free of bugs and other pests, while I've seen other people's ultralight tarps blow to pieces. 4 out of 5 stars (a little lighter would make it perfect).
- Sleep system (REI SubKilo 15-degree down sleeping bag, hand-made silk liner, ThermaRest Prolite sleeping pad): I don't have a thermometer out on the trail, but I know we've gone through quite a range of temperatures at night (ranging from chilly to below freezing). My only complaint is that since my sleeping pad is not full-length, on the super-cold nights I've felt the cold at my feet. However, I decided not to get a longer mat due to size and price. I'll supplement my mat with the plastic liner bags I have, and layers of extra clothes and my pad if needed. 4 out of 5 stars.
- Kitchen (homemade cat can stove, MSR 1.3-liter cook pot, Light my Fire titanium spork, homemade windscreen and pot stand): If I had planned this better, I would have gotten a smaller cook pot and more Ziploc freezer bags, since I only use my pot for boiling water and then just pour it into bags for actual cooking. This system has worked for the most part, although sometimes the bags have small holes in them and I end up pouring everything into my pot anyway. I still like the system. 4 out of 5 stars.
- Shoes (New Balance WT875OR): My shoes have 454 trail miles in them, and around 100 pre-trail miles as well. They are now on their last legs. They've treated me well so far, and I've gotten by with hardly any foot issues. They've finally started to get holes in them (inside in the heels, outside near the toes), so I'm getting a new pair shipped to the next town. 5 out of 5 stars.
- Clothes: I'm carrying a lot of clothes. I probably have a bigger variety than I need, but I'm happy with the thought that I'm prepared for any conditions we may encounter. I've used (almost) everything I've brought, and I'm waiting for the snowy Sierras to see if I actually need the last few items. My rain gear has proven to be excellent through rain, hail, and snow. The five pairs of socks I'm carrying allow me to change socks when they get wet and hang extras on my pack to dry. After the Sierras, I'll probably be able to get rid of a few items, but no complaints so far. 5 out of 5 stars.
- Snow gear (Kahtoola Microspikes): I got to try these out for the first time on snowy Mt. Baden Powell a few days ago, and I'm in love with them. When traveling across snow or ice, my pace usually slows from a strong gait to an old arthritic lady shuffle. However, with my spikes I was able to boldly forge a path up the side of the mountain when we lost the trail to snow. I do not have an ice axe, and currently do not plan to get one (they're expensive, heavy, and I don't really know how to use one). I'll decide after a few days in the Sierras if I need one or not. For now, 6 out of 5 stars.

In general, I've been very happy with all the gear I have. I don't have much to compare it to, but I'm satisfied (even though I'm on the heavier end as far as pack weight goes).