Wood Burning Stoves

I am not a great fan of wood burning stoves, but have a open mind. Brian Green's great blog site features a new product in this arena. Check it out at http://briangreen.net/2014/07/tato-element-makes-wood-burning-enjoyable.html
At 128 grams it could be worth thinking about if you were constantly outdoor-cooking with guaranteed wood supply. As an emergency kitchen it has merit, but if you carry a jetboil you need to carry a pot. Then one could argue, just light an open fire and hang the pot over it.
What do you think?

Auckland Tramping Club

After a torrid few weeks of issues with service providers, the Auckland Tramping Club website is back and fully functional. Check out your next trip at http://www.aucktramping.org.nz/

Altra "Lone Peak" Trail Runners

Back from my 4th trip in these FANTASTIC shoes. I love the comfort, the wide toe box and zero drop heel. They are taking a beating (see photos below). You can check them out at www.altrarunning.com

I was an Inov8 lover, but now an Altra convert. These are the Lonely Peak model

Tarp/Tent Pegs

I have an assortment of pegs I choose each trip based on conditions. If I am going to be in exposed conditions for my overnights, on the tops and expecting high wind/rain, I will take MSR large Groundhogs. If summer, bush conditions, titanium shepards hooks.

MSR now do the groundhogs  in mini style. This allows better options at lighter weights.

I just purchase the mini Groundhogs and feel they will work well with all situations if "mixed and matched".

For my Hexamid Zpacks Solo or Twin Tarp, I will now be taking a standard set up of 6 mini Groundhogs and 2 large. The total peg weigh is 90g including the cuben fibre storage sack.

I've included a photo below - the mini groundhogs are on the left with a matchbox to give size comparison. I use the two large one for the front and rear anchor points of my Hexamid Tarp.

These pegs are $4.79 each and available from Outdoor Action - a NZ online store

  

Camp Shoes - Or should I say Sandals?

A lot of ultra light guys frown on camp sandals. Personality I love getting out of my hiking shoes at days end and letting the feet breathe.

I have been using the light weight Teva sandals (172grams) but recently discovered Bedrock. I have their toe socks (to wear with thongs). These socks are good for cold weather, or if you are in bug infested country.

The Bedrock sandal were designed for "bare foot" runners. I tried them out as a camp shoes last w/e on Stewart Island. They performed great. At 95 grams I think these are a great addition to your lightweight kit.

Check them out at http://bedrocksandals.com/bedrock-earthquake-sandals-v2/

Six Moons Packs

Recently Brian Frankle (ex ULA Packs) joined with Ron Monk at Six Moons Design to create the next "revolution" in lightweight packs. Although they have created a revolution in design the weight is not world shattering. But hey, the world is full of compromises.

I like their designs. Their packs a well worth consideration. I like the Fusion 30.

You can check out the pack range at http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs.html

Powder Alcohol

Ever since I was a young man hiking in the hills we use to joke about how one could make millions if you invented powdered alcohol. Even as recent as last week we were joking about this on our Stewart Island Tramp. Guess what? It's happened. Just add water and stir.

A US company says its new powdered alcohol product has been approved by US regulators and is poised to hit stores in the coming months. Palcohol is made by an Arizona company called Lipsmark and will come in six varieties of single-drink pouches, the company website says.

Drinkers can stir in simple water for a shot of rum or vodka, add cola or orange juice for a mixer or create a cocktail - either a Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Margarita or Lemon Drop.

One ounce (28 grams) of Palcohol mixed with one ounce (28 millilitres) of water will make 1 US standard drink.

The company said it was taken by surprise by the recent release of some of its labels by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which "actually approved it some time ago."

The company said the product would be sold to people of legal drinking age and could even be sprinkled on food.

"Think of Palcohol as liquor... just in powder form. It will be sold anywhere where liquor can be sold," said the company, adding it will be available in the United States, as well as abroad and online.

A patent for the mixture is pending.

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Powdered-alcohol-causes-a-stir-in-US/tabid/417/articleID/341018/Default.aspx#ixzz2zmuGjahb