I had no idea that objects could self-combust! Did my pack - the most important piece of gear that I would carry for the next five months - just inexplicably melt while sitting harmlessly on my floor? I looked around for evidence of a searing liquid dripping from the sink above where it leaned against the wall. Nothing. Were rats burrowing into my wall and chewing up my gear? Nope! I was utterly dumb-founded! The seams were falling apart with only a gentle nudge! The fabric was literally melted in places. The left shoulder strap buckle had completely melted and fallen apart!
