I really enjoy this forum and usually just lurk, but since this thread has gotten somewhat off topic, what the hell. I'm not quite sure what to make of the info in this thread because....

On the one hand, I'm going on a three night backcountry packing trip this weekend in the Sipsey Wilderness Area (Alabama, USA), and (as always) my packing list includes all of the 14 essentials, except sunglasses and sunscreen (totally unncecessary for this particular trip). Talk about prepared...I'll even have a case of beer in my pack plus another case on my golden retreiver (hey, I'm a sailor).

On the other hand, I own a Volkswagen ('72 SuperBeetle Convertible), a GM ('95 Buick LeSabre), AND a ('98) Hobie 16! (I'm quite happy with all three, by the way.)

Jerome Vaughan
Clinton, Mississippi USA