I am not a quilt fan, but for those that are, Mountain Laurel Designs are having a rare sale on Quilts - 20% Off!
Good for orders placed up until 21/10.
Quilts are shipping in only a few days. You can place your order online and make a note for the 20% sale discount in the order comments and they will refund the discount.
It's very very rare that MLD send out email specials and this is a goodie, IF you are a quilt person.
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 Oct 2016
11 Oct 2016
A Video Tour of ZPacks Factory
Joe Valesko owner of ZPacks ultralight gear takes us on a video journey of his factory.
I remember when he visited me a couple of years back to do the TA Trail with his wife Sheryl, he told me he had 17 employees. Now he has 60!
Truly an impressive growth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQKwyto0Yt0
I remember when he visited me a couple of years back to do the TA Trail with his wife Sheryl, he told me he had 17 employees. Now he has 60!
Truly an impressive growth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQKwyto0Yt0
6 Oct 2016
First Aid Kits for Tramping
I have always though the first aid kit was a huge area of weight savings for the average tramper.
Most trampers over stock their kit and lose sight of it's intended purpose, first aid.
Chris from Green Belly foods has an interesting take on first aid kits. See his post at http://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-first-aid-kit
I agree with the first comment on this blog, but this is almost exactly my kit, except for some personal requirements (heart medication that would also benefit others).
BTW, Chris' bar are fabulous - but shipping to NZ kills the advantage of buying Em's bars.
I am interested in your comments.
Most trampers over stock their kit and lose sight of it's intended purpose, first aid.
Chris from Green Belly foods has an interesting take on first aid kits. See his post at http://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-first-aid-kit
I agree with the first comment on this blog, but this is almost exactly my kit, except for some personal requirements (heart medication that would also benefit others).
BTW, Chris' bar are fabulous - but shipping to NZ kills the advantage of buying Em's bars.
I am interested in your comments.
2 Oct 2016
Looking for a New Backpack?
'Erik the Black' is an American thru hiker. He is best respected as a publisher of lightweight hiking guides for the major US trails (we used his John Muir Trail guide - really good!).
His blog is very informative, although I don't really rate him as ultralight. Having said this, his new blog post demonstrates his unbelievable attention to research and detail.
In his latest post, http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/28703/ultimate-guide-lightweight-backpacks/
Erik lists every backpack available (If he has missed any, email him).
He ranks his list heaviest to lightest and within three capacity groups - large, medium and small (I like that). He also provides a clickable link to each manufacture's site.
Well done Erik! A fabulous one-stop shop for a backpack.
Tip, scroll to the bottom first and work your way up. The weights are in pounds. Concentrate first on packs under 2 lbs.
His blog is very informative, although I don't really rate him as ultralight. Having said this, his new blog post demonstrates his unbelievable attention to research and detail.
In his latest post, http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/28703/ultimate-guide-lightweight-backpacks/
Erik lists every backpack available (If he has missed any, email him).
He ranks his list heaviest to lightest and within three capacity groups - large, medium and small (I like that). He also provides a clickable link to each manufacture's site.
Well done Erik! A fabulous one-stop shop for a backpack.
Tip, scroll to the bottom first and work your way up. The weights are in pounds. Concentrate first on packs under 2 lbs.
28 Sept 2016
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
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
8 Sept 2016
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
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
5 Sept 2016
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
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
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