Drymax Socks

I love these socks!

These socks are designed for trail runners. In fact Drymax has a complete range of socks for all usages - office to off track.

This is my third pair. I use to have to buy from the USA, but shoe Science in NZ are now stockist. Quite expensive though, but when you add exchange rate and postage it is pretty comparable.

I love the way they keep your feet sweat free. When worn with my trail running shoes, like my Altra Lone Peak 2.5 - I recently wore out my Altra Lone Peak 2 - They are now on to version 3 - https://www.altrarunning.com/men/lone-peak-3-neoshell-lowhttps://www.altrarunning.com/men/lone-peak-3-neoshell-low  - I found total comfort, even with river crossings.

These socks dried out quickly and have great cushioning whilst not being overly hot in summer tramping conditions. I recently wore them on the Larapinta trail where day temperatures on the last couple of days got up to 32 degrees. No sweat, no stink and blister free!  

There is also the ability to wear 3/4 or turn down to ankle socks as photo shos

You can check out the specs at NZ at Shoe Science and buy on line (as I did). Go to https://www.shoeclinic.co.nz/product-55d4be268ca77327147c52fa

The Malachowski Sleeping Bag - What?

Hi Guys - John Abela put me on to this. A new sleeping bag from a Polish manufacture that weighs in at 480 grams with temp rating at comfy level of 5 degrees, limit at 1 degree.

This equates to my Western Mountaineering Highlite (love it!). I can't track down the price or cost of shipping, but you can start your research at http://malachowski.pl/web/en/sleeping-bags/4-spiwor-puchowy-ultralight-ii-300.html

Pick a Shelter - A Comprehensive List of Backpacking Shelters

Erik the Black is a well known cartographer and American thru hiker. We used his lightweight map and guide book on the JMT Trail - thoroughly recommended - it's all you need.

Anyhow, he has compiled a fabulous document on just about all the backpacking shelters available - both commercial and cottage industry.

Naturally I would encourage you to scroll to the bottom of each section (two person or solo) you search in - lightest weight.

Still can't beat Zpacks Hexamid and soloplex! The Six Moons Deschutes (if you could get it in Cuban Fiber) would be interesting.

Go to:

http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/27746/ultimate-guide-backpacking-shelters/

Enjoy your research - Rob    

Macpac Verses Zpack

Just returned from Hiking the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia (pictures on trip page). Thought you'd like this 'end of trail' picture. Guess which one is the 'lightweight guy' ?