I have always made sure to buy something substantial during the REI 20% sales. I didn't really need anything this time, but I showed up at the local store yesterday 20 minutes before they closed. I figured I could use my dividend and a gift card for something worthwhile. Maybe a backpack that's lighter than the 5.4-pounder I took up Denali in 1995. I found a couple of candidates under 4 pounds and under $200 (before discounts), but couldn't make up my mind. I went home, researched packs online before the midnight deadline, and bought... nothing! I'm doing 99% day hikes nowadays, and the big pack would be the better choice on half of the few backpacking trips I take.
