Family Ambition

This year, there are a few things that I hope to accomplish with my new family that will require an amount of gear and preparation that is getting me excited in the shivering January air.

So, more for me than for anyone in particular, I make this list of gear for reference of the products that I want to get for us this year.

Now, a much ado;

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Keeping Hydrated, The MSR miniworks water filtration system.

A ceramic filter strains out most of the harmful bacteria, heavy metals and chemicals that are found in water sources, and can be easily scrubbed clean without extra chemicals or tools.  I'm not sure if it's the best choice for overseas travel, but for good ol' home country backpacking, it's my choice for family outings and longer camping trips in the backcountry.

http://www.rei.com/product/695265/msr-miniworks-ex-water-filter

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Keeping hydrated, the MSR HYDROMEDARY™ HYDRATION SYSTEMS

These are best used with MSR fitration systems, the widwe mouth lid screws directly to the water filter so you can pump right into your hydration pack and get back to camp, cause it's getting dark faster than you figured!

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water/storage/hydromedary-hydration-system/product

MSR's burliest medium-to-large water storage and delivery systems.  You can freeze water and boil water in these crazy things!  The largest holds ten Litres!

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water/storage/dromedary-bags/product

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Keepin Tushies Warm

I have one of these for myself, but the wife and kids need their own.  Here's a cool product for keeping them little buns warm on the cold ground.

A kid size from REI

http://www.rei.com/product/794877/rei-trekker-10-self-inflating-sleeping-pad-kids

The Women's Trai Pro from Therm-a-rest

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/Therm-A-Rest/Mattresses/Trek-And-Travel/Womens-Trail-Pro/product
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Keepin' Tummies Full

My stove of choice is the Whisperlite from MSR.  Over the years, I've really beaten it up, but it's handled my abuse well.  One of the ways that I regularly neglect caring for my little guy is the regular maintenance of it's silicone O rings and regular cleaning.  So, before our next big trip this year, I'll need one of these cool guys.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/stove-accessories/expedition-service-kit/product

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Homestyle Comforts

An amazing addition to your backacking kitchen, the Outback Ultralite Oven system will allow you to branch out from the typical ramen, bagels and jelly, and freeze-dried, re-packaged food and into new territory of baked yeast breads, cakes and buiscuits, almost anything your grandma ever made.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/backpackers-pantry-outback-oven-ultralight-metallic-silver.html?gclid=CjwKEAiA28ilBRCy5cXrgtfTxTISJABgX7E26u2_0gt6_KJwhtlBCDBstF7ZYiDviGBijz8Ho9IMEhoCWpfw_wcB#.VLLSM1WJOuY

My most favorite gloves from REI, the Fox River Wool Glomitts.

I really like the wool webbing woven between the fingers!

http://www.rei.com/product/305045/fox-river-wool-glomitts


Places that are Not Places:
Highest Elevation:

Kentucky
Black Mountain: 4,145 ft above mean sea level.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mountain_%28Kentucky%29

Ohio
Campbell Hill: 1,550 ft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campbell_Hill_%28Ohio%29

Indiana
Hoosier Hill: 1,257 ft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosier_Hill