Andrew's New Book

For all you gear freaks Andrew Skurka's gear book has been finally released.

 

I had an advanced ebook version and it was very good. I have ordered the book and should take delivery any day. I will post my review.

In the meantime, for all you impatient little pups that can't wait, go to  http://andrewskurka.com/ to order

Just thought I would load up some pictures of my Hexamid Solo with new bug net (from my Christmas trip in the South Island of NZ).  It's quite cozy. If buying, suggest you go for the new Hexamid Plus with built in netting (if you are in bug infested area). Then, also buy Joe's bath tub cuben ground sheet  Or, if just tarp, use a bivy bag with face net (as I use to) with polypro ground sheet. May go back to this for more elbow room.

Nelson Lakes Christmas Trip Photos

I've finally loaded a selection of pictures of the ATC Christmas trip I lead - Click on one of the gallery pictures to the right to see the "Nelson Lakes" album in Picasa. Enjoy and comment

Jetboil Sol Ti

My new Jetboil SOL Ti has just completed a 12 day hiking shake-down in the Nelson Lakes area. Gosh, these stoves are marvelous! Prior to this I was using a 900ml Evernew pot and MSR Rocket stove. Backpackinglight has a good weight comparison report on the Jetboil (but you must subscribe - well worth it), 
I discarded the cup and all up weight was 265grams - It boils 800mls in 2 minutes! Almost half the time of my MSR Rocket. The gas savings are incredible. Plus the bonus of efficient operation in the wind.
I took a 385g MSR gas canister for the 12 day trip and had about a third of the canister left over.
The Jetboil website states a 110g canister will boil 17 liters of water. I am basically boiling 300mls at breakfast (instant Backcountry porridge) and in the evening 500 for soup, 300 for freeze dried meal and 500 for tea/coffee. So let's round up to 2 liters a day - so for an 8 day trip I can easily get away with a 110 can of gas. This is confirmed from my 12 day trip with larger canister.
The 110 canister can also packs inside the cup, making the overall package very small - good for small liter light weight pack.
I also like the self ignition switch - no fiddling with matches/lighter. However, if I was solo, I would take waterproof matches.
One complaint - the handle is useless - however, because of insulation cover, you can hold the pot with your hands. I am going to cut my handle off.
If you are using the bigger 385g canister in huts, you could leave the canister support triangle at home. However, the canister support is a must if using the 110g canister, or larger one in un-level outdoor settings.

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

East Sabine River

In the rain at Lake Thompson

Camped near Moss Pass footbridge

Moss Pass Footbridge camp

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. 

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...