I have been busy preparing for a solo through hike of the High Uintas Wilderness Area on the Highline trail. Logistically I have been unable to make that trip happen this year, so the trip is now scheduled for 2015. In preparation, I have been evaluating gear, and upgrading some old favorites, with newer, lighter, and more efficient gear. After much research and some hands on evaluation, I have purchased a new tent, stove, water filter, air mattress, trekking poles, solar panel, camera, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Most of the purchases were made with durability and/or weight as major factors in the decision to purchase the new gear. The PLB for safety, since it is a solo hike.
Here is my problem. I trust my old gear, having used it for years. I do not have the same level of trust in my new gear. So to gain some trust in the new gear, I have planned a six day excursion such that at no time will I be much more than twenty miles from a trailhead (a day hike, albeit a long on). My pack contains everything that I will be taking next year on the extended trail. Hopefully I will have a good experience, and the new gear will perform as I expect.
I have also rented a satellite phone. The official reason 'just in case' I do have a failure in gear and I need someone to pick me up at a different location than my planned extraction point. The real reason, this a solo hike, and my wife and family are uncomfortable with the whole thing. So I will be checking in each night, to allay their fears.
Before someone points it out. I know that any failure would not be life threatening, just extremely inconvenient.
