My tramping friend, Pieter Holl has asked my advice on some light weight rain gear. I am experimenting here trying to link him and all my subscribers to my Backpackinglight blog article on lightweight rain gear - fingers crossed it works! Check out link below- Looks like the Haglofs Ozo wins the day, but they no longer produce it and my favourite, the Zpacks Cuben was not tested.
Ultralight Waterproof-Breathable Jackets: 2012 State of the Market Report @ Backpacking Light
This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community. The header photo features me on McKellar Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120, Dirty Girl gaiters, Spalms sunsleeves and Altra Lone Peak shoes
5 Jul 2012
1 Jul 2012
Camp Shoes
Most lightweight American hikers do not carry "camp" shoes. In NZ we have a very good hut system and if I am not going to be staying in huts, I will probably not bother about camp shoes. This cuts 177grams off my weight (Teva Jandles as pictured). I would still take a second pair of socks.
However, it's bliss to roll into a hut late in the afternoon and shed the hiking shoes and wet socks and slip into something dry and warm. Over the years I have used Injinji toe socks coupled with Teva Jandles (thongs). The big draw back has been the 5 toes. After a big day, particularly if we have been doing a lot of river bashing, it's hard to get 5 damp toes into the sock. Enter Hideo, my Japanese tramping friend. He uses toe socks that isolate only the big toe but not the rest. Bingo, problem solved.
Note: This set up is not good if you have to go outside in wet grass or boulder hop near a river when bathing. - socks become soaked, but an ideal and comfortable solution around the hut.
The socks are about 70% merino and weigh 79grams - checkout Defeet.com
However, it's bliss to roll into a hut late in the afternoon and shed the hiking shoes and wet socks and slip into something dry and warm. Over the years I have used Injinji toe socks coupled with Teva Jandles (thongs). The big draw back has been the 5 toes. After a big day, particularly if we have been doing a lot of river bashing, it's hard to get 5 damp toes into the sock. Enter Hideo, my Japanese tramping friend. He uses toe socks that isolate only the big toe but not the rest. Bingo, problem solved.
Note: This set up is not good if you have to go outside in wet grass or boulder hop near a river when bathing. - socks become soaked, but an ideal and comfortable solution around the hut.
The socks are about 70% merino and weigh 79grams - checkout Defeet.com
17 Jun 2012
Gear Alert - Kathmandu Sale - NZ & Aussie Subscribers
Just been to my local Kathmandu Store - the regular sale (every three month) is on. I am always suspicious of these as the sale price is really the "true" retail price - i.e. the cheapest they can sell it to you and still make a profitable margin. If you monitor these price there are some bargins to be had.
Today they were selling the Adult Pullover V2 Half Zip top for $39.99 (normally $139. 99)
This may seem like a great bargin,if it works!
It is constructed of Altica100 - lightweight warmth, breathable and quick drying.
I am a great fan of merino and my equivalent in this layer is a 150 Icebreaker or Smartwool top.
Let's look at weight - The merino top is 265 grams and the Kathmandu is 270 - a bit heavier, but, after wearing the Kathmandu for a day I think it is warmer and if it gets wet will dry quicker.
Food for thought, and for $40 bucks I am going to give it a shot - This will be my second layer. So I have my 150 merino tea-shirt (163gms) as first layer, then the Kathmandu top (270gm) - over this would be my insulated (Cocoon Bozeman Mountain Works) jacket (270gms) and then my Zpacks Cuben fiber rain coat (185gms).
I think this would be an acceptable, safe layered system for 3 seasons - still nervous about letting go of merino!!
Obvious the Zpacks cuber fiber rain coat would "fit" anywhere between these layers depending on temperature as it can also serve as a wind jacket.
Today they were selling the Adult Pullover V2 Half Zip top for $39.99 (normally $139. 99)
This may seem like a great bargin,if it works!
It is constructed of Altica100 - lightweight warmth, breathable and quick drying.
I am a great fan of merino and my equivalent in this layer is a 150 Icebreaker or Smartwool top.
Let's look at weight - The merino top is 265 grams and the Kathmandu is 270 - a bit heavier, but, after wearing the Kathmandu for a day I think it is warmer and if it gets wet will dry quicker.
Food for thought, and for $40 bucks I am going to give it a shot - This will be my second layer. So I have my 150 merino tea-shirt (163gms) as first layer, then the Kathmandu top (270gm) - over this would be my insulated (Cocoon Bozeman Mountain Works) jacket (270gms) and then my Zpacks Cuben fiber rain coat (185gms).
I think this would be an acceptable, safe layered system for 3 seasons - still nervous about letting go of merino!!
Obvious the Zpacks cuber fiber rain coat would "fit" anywhere between these layers depending on temperature as it can also serve as a wind jacket.
9 Jun 2012
2012 Gorrilla Pack First Outing
It was a three day w/e so I headed for the hills (Whirinaki Forest Park) with the Auckland Tramping Club to test the 2012 version of the Gorilla. I already had confidence in the pack as I had the 2010 version and used it on many hikes of the last two years including the JMT (with a bear barrel).
The first thing I noticed on unpacking was Gossamer Gear have dropped the magnet closure - well done! They now have a bungy draw string - see photos. However, the bungy does gets in the road when packing. I would suggest (and will do) sewing and extra two loops on either side of the centre one. This would help to keep at least one strand of the bungy out of the way when packing.
What I like:
What I don't like:
This pack is an absolute "killer" - I love it. It was way too much volume for my three day trip, But had to try out the new "toy". I can really recommend this pack - light, tough and so comfortable!
Brian Green has a very extensive review at http://www.briangreen.net/2012/04/2012-gorilla-ul-backpack-updating.html
The first thing I noticed on unpacking was Gossamer Gear have dropped the magnet closure - well done! They now have a bungy draw string - see photos. However, the bungy does gets in the road when packing. I would suggest (and will do) sewing and extra two loops on either side of the centre one. This would help to keep at least one strand of the bungy out of the way when packing.
What I like:
- The shoulder straps are a huge improvement. So comfortable. No internal foam slippage.
- I love the Dyneema fabric. It seems a newie version - shinny and lighter compared to that on my MLD Burn and my previous ULA Circuit?
- The pockets are much better sewn into the hip belt and easier to open on the fly. I like the way you can tuck the hip belt ends behind the pockets and there is an elastic loop to hold them from flapping around.
- The side pockets seem more assessable with the pack on - I found it easy to tuck my gloves and beanie away whilst hiking along.
- The wider hip belt works really well.
- The chest strap positioning options added comfort and make sure the selected position stays.
- I don't use a cell foam sleep pad anymore, so only have a single sheet in the back. But I did find it much simpler to pop it in and out at rest stops to sit on.
What I don't like:
- The bungy closure gets in the road when packing, unpacking - see solution above.
- Why not a waterproof zip on lid? Are Gossamer Gear thinking the water will get in anyway so why bother - pack stuff in lid in zip lock bags?
This pack is an absolute "killer" - I love it. It was way too much volume for my three day trip, But had to try out the new "toy". I can really recommend this pack - light, tough and so comfortable!
Brian Green has a very extensive review at http://www.briangreen.net/2012/04/2012-gorilla-ul-backpack-updating.html
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| Lid drawstring closed and ready to fold lid over |
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| Lid ready to fold closed |
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| View of bungy cord set up inside top of pack |
28 May 2012
2012 Gossamer Gear Gorilla Pack
The Baby has arrived! I am off this long weekend into the Whirinaki to baptise it. Report and photos coming.
9 May 2012
2012 Gorilla Pack
Up-date - I have now sold my 2010 Gorilla - It was a sad parting, but I am excited about the pending 2012 delivery! See previous post for a great photo comparison between the two packs.
22 Apr 2012
2012 Gorilla Pack
I'm excited - been waiting for this upgrade for months and at last it's here, the new 2012 Gorilla Pack. Followers of this blog will know I have the original version. Brian's Blog at www.briangreen.net has a great review and old/new comparison. Here's a photo.
Now if I can sell my original, I will be placing an order for this one immediately. See http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=468870509 if you (or any hiking friends) are interested in a bargain!
Now if I can sell my original, I will be placing an order for this one immediately. See http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=468870509 if you (or any hiking friends) are interested in a bargain!
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