The Hexamid performed well. here's are some photos
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| East Sabine River |
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| In the rain at Lake Thompson |
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| Camped near Moss Pass footbridge |
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| Moss Pass Footbridge camp |
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
15 Jan 2012
Hexamid Bug Net
Just back from 12 day trip in the Nelson Lakes area - In at Hamilton River and out at Lake Rotoiti via 6 passes/saddles.
The Hexamid performed well. here's are some photos
The Hexamid performed well. here's are some photos
31 Oct 2011
MLD Burn Pack
I love my GG Gorilla but wanted something smaller for weekend (or 3 day trips). I had always had my eye on the MLD Burn and managed to pick a second-hand one off the Backpacking Light swap pages.
I will be testing it out in 2 weeks on a w/e trip into the Kaimanawas. I have included a couple of photos, but the best info is on the MLD website.
This pack weighs 350 grams. The main pack is about 26 Lt - side pockets, 2.5 each and the front pocket, 8 Lt - about 40 all up. I have two hip pockets that I think are essential for "go to" items like camera, sunscreen, energy bars etc. I also like the long extension collar.
Fabric is Dyneema X - the best combination of toughness, water resistance and light weight.
I will be testing it out in 2 weeks on a w/e trip into the Kaimanawas. I have included a couple of photos, but the best info is on the MLD website.
This pack weighs 350 grams. The main pack is about 26 Lt - side pockets, 2.5 each and the front pocket, 8 Lt - about 40 all up. I have two hip pockets that I think are essential for "go to" items like camera, sunscreen, energy bars etc. I also like the long extension collar.
Fabric is Dyneema X - the best combination of toughness, water resistance and light weight.
1 Oct 2011
Folding Bowl
When I was in Yosemite about to start the John Muir Trail we dropped into an outdoors store to purchase our gas canisters. Whilst in there I saw these flat plates/bowls/cups on "sale" - I couldn't resist, I bought one ($9.50). The bowl does not have a brand name on it and the branded packaging was in the bin on leaving the shop! It may be an Orikaso?
Anyhow, I took it on the JMT (threw out my bowl). I normally only carry my 600ml Evernew Pot and a small drinking mug (tea), but as we were sharing meals I needed a bowl. The bowl served me well for eating and drinking. I have used it about 50 plus times now with no problems.
Advantages are: Because it is flat (about 24cm in diameter - 9.5 inches) it fits nicely into the pack taking up zero space. Very easy to clean. Just unfold wash or wipe and finally, it is incredibly light at 39grams - about 1.4oz).
The only cons would be: If the dome comes away from the plastic or after many, many folds the creases split. Instructions and lifetime guarantee negates this? Here are some pictures...
Anyhow, I took it on the JMT (threw out my bowl). I normally only carry my 600ml Evernew Pot and a small drinking mug (tea), but as we were sharing meals I needed a bowl. The bowl served me well for eating and drinking. I have used it about 50 plus times now with no problems.
Advantages are: Because it is flat (about 24cm in diameter - 9.5 inches) it fits nicely into the pack taking up zero space. Very easy to clean. Just unfold wash or wipe and finally, it is incredibly light at 39grams - about 1.4oz).
The only cons would be: If the dome comes away from the plastic or after many, many folds the creases split. Instructions and lifetime guarantee negates this? Here are some pictures...
29 Sept 2011
New JMT Photos
Hi Guys - As promised, I have uploaded the bulk of my JMT photos including the final couple of days on Mt Whitney. Just click on the photos to the right to go to my albums. Enjoy.
PS: I will get around to put some IDs on each ASAP
PS: I will get around to put some IDs on each ASAP
27 Sept 2011
Ideas on GG Gorilla Pack Changes
I took the Gossamer gear Pack on my John Muir Trail hike (not the first time used - about it's 5th outing). It performed superbly. However, nothing is perfect in the "lightweight world"! But, Gossamer Gear have just about got it perfect.
I have recommended to Grant at GG, along with others (see Brian's Outdoor Blog - link in right panel) several "fixes":
1. Go back to a convention "s" narrower, padded shoulder straps. The wide straps rub on neck sometimes, the internal padding slips and overall it feels "strange" on the outer shoulders.
2. The compression straps at the top of each side are useless - lower them or dismiss them.
3. The strop that the lid strap threads through is too narrow for the buckle and too low - it impedes entry to the top of the back mesh pocket.
4. The fabric , whilst bomb proof, does not perform well in rain - seems to "soak" through quickly.
5. The velcro secures for the internal back frame are too small
Having said this, the pack performed wonderfully and I got many comments on the trail as to the it's look/design.
I have recommended to Grant at GG, along with others (see Brian's Outdoor Blog - link in right panel) several "fixes":
1. Go back to a convention "s" narrower, padded shoulder straps. The wide straps rub on neck sometimes, the internal padding slips and overall it feels "strange" on the outer shoulders.
2. The compression straps at the top of each side are useless - lower them or dismiss them.
3. The strop that the lid strap threads through is too narrow for the buckle and too low - it impedes entry to the top of the back mesh pocket.
4. The fabric , whilst bomb proof, does not perform well in rain - seems to "soak" through quickly.
5. The velcro secures for the internal back frame are too small
Having said this, the pack performed wonderfully and I got many comments on the trail as to the it's look/design.
11 Sept 2011
Hexamid Bug Net
I'm soooooo excited. Just ordered Joe's new Hexamid Bug Net to go with my Hexamid Tarp - You can see all the details here:
http://www.zpacks.com/large_image.shtml?shelter/hexanet_solo/hexanet_tarp_lay_l.jpg
Can't wait to field test it - I will post report when I have.
http://www.zpacks.com/large_image.shtml?shelter/hexanet_solo/hexanet_tarp_lay_l.jpg
Can't wait to field test it - I will post report when I have.
Solving the "Pillow" Problem
I love my Mont-Bell pillow. It's very light and offers a nice bit of luxury when tucked up in my biv.
One problem, the pillow always drifts away from my mat. Throughout the night I am constantly (in a half awake state) always adjusting the mat and pillow to stay in alignment. I think I have solved the problem - an in-field trial will answer that question.
I purchased some tough binding and a couple of duffel coat buttons - about a $4 purchase. Using contact glue, I cemented a loop of binding with the duffel button attached, to my Kooka Bay mat. My Mont Bell pillow has two holes in each corner that the duffel buttons fit through (Mont Bell have a similar system, but their mats are too thin/heavy).
I have included some photos below. Pretty proud of my work!!
One problem, the pillow always drifts away from my mat. Throughout the night I am constantly (in a half awake state) always adjusting the mat and pillow to stay in alignment. I think I have solved the problem - an in-field trial will answer that question.
I purchased some tough binding and a couple of duffel coat buttons - about a $4 purchase. Using contact glue, I cemented a loop of binding with the duffel button attached, to my Kooka Bay mat. My Mont Bell pillow has two holes in each corner that the duffel buttons fit through (Mont Bell have a similar system, but their mats are too thin/heavy).
I have included some photos below. Pretty proud of my work!!
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