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Buy once, cry once.

I'm a big fan of Seek Outside backpacks and the company recently introduced a new fabric they will be using. It's called Ultra 400 also referred to as Ultraweave or UltraPE. It is a woven blend of UHMWPE and 100% recycled polyester fibers and is a new fabric that is ridiculously light and multiple-times stronger and more abrasion resistance than fabrics used heretofore. The pack you see in the video above is XPac X-42. I have a pack in that material and another in XPac X-21 which is much lighter but is not as strong nor abrasion resistant. Solely in the interest of science, of course, I ordered a bag in Ultra 400 and will be able to compare it to the X-21 and X-42. All three of these fabrics are waterproof but the Ultra 400 is 8 times more abrasion resistant and 5 times stronger than the X-21, which is my current go-to pack. Amazingly, it will also be lighter. With the new bag, the entire backpack should weigh in around 2lbs 12oz yet have a load capability of 200lbs. More than my legs can haul. The bottom, with wear from abrasion, is always a weak link in a backpack but Ultra 400 should solve that concern. The fabric also comes in 200 which is lighter yet and what some of the ultralight-geared companies like ZPacks are adding into their repertoire. Some people wonder whether Dyneema (aka Cuben Fiber) is dead. I guess we'll see. I'll report back when the bag comes in and have had a chance to try it out in the field.

Thanks. I do, and will wear it proudly. It's a good reminder of his integrity, not just as a man and father, but as a journalist. He told me before he passed that he was so glad he got out of journalism because it had changed over the years. No longer was it just reporting verifiable facts, but it had morphed into the ugliness and downright lies that we (or at least us older people who know better), know today. As for dropping three Benjamins on a flashlight, I think I will pass. Holy smokes, for that pricetag you'd think it would come with a free single malt whiskey and footrubs for a year. It IS cool, though. I appreciate it, Inc.

$30k is very high, but may have been an actual quote for full DNA screening at some point many years ago, before costs came down. Still, the costs are wildly different because companies like 23 & Me are doing very different testing. They know EXACTLY where to look in the human genome for the information they are reporting to customers. Think of 23 & Me as getting handed a book and asked, "What is the first word on page 242?" Full genetic testing would be the equivalent of: "Read the entire book, and report back on that." If you're interested in what the EB chimpanzee DNA finding might mean, you'll be interested in the conversation earlier this year under the thread "Looking for any DNA studies related to Sasquatch"

It's been a while since I've stayed out in the woods after dark, have always loved that transitional period when day turns to night. After about 30 minutes I started hearing movement in 2 directions, and decided to head back to my car. I was being followed back to my vehicle, about a 30 minute hike, by at least 3 'things'. Thought maybe it was some hairyman stuff, but not so sure after looking at these pics. Heard a branch break up in a tree and saw 2 big eyes about 12' up in the same tree. Took 2 pics, and the 2nd one zoomed in closer. I couldn't see much detail other than huge eyes, but after looking at the pics closer, looks like wolf type ears and a snout, does anyone else see this, and if so.....how did this dog creature get up in a tree, it was big too?

With all due respect for a fellow searcher, it's really, really hard to tell anything. I only watched half of the first video because I was getting vertigo from the camera moving around so much. I'm sorry. What I saw was some branches down, and some limbs that could have naturally fallen. If I may, I suggest that you slow down and clearly show what you think is a nest, and why. Perhaps lay a measuring tape next to it so your viewers have an idea of scale. Also, look for hairs. I did see some evidence of chainsaw meaning you are not the only human to have been there. That's my $.02, and I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but you did ask. Good luck with your search.

I watched both your videos and see lots of downfall, what gives you the impression these are nests?

One of the really good features of a Seek Outside backpack is your ability to swap in and out different bags. Earlier this year, I got a Gila model (57L in gray) from them earlier this year and it's super lightweight. It's my day and overnight backpack. A larger bag (camo) arrived yesterday that I had custom made by Seek Outside. It is a 79L bag with a tall side pocket which will hold a tent nicely. I removed the Gila bag and put on the new one...in a few minutes. It will be used for weekends. As you can see below, the larger bag rolls down into nothing and could easily be used as a daypack as well. The largest bag shown at the bottom, with top lid and face pocket, has a 130L capacity and is used on an extended backpacks. All three bags can fit on the same frame, belt, and shoulder-harness system. You just swap them in and out. All three packs can carry as much weight as your legs can carry.