Trip planning is an unnecessarily stressful time for me. It shouldn't be. It should be exciting, interesting, enjoyable, but it's not. And I hate it.
There are endless routes, all of which seem perfect and impossible in the same pass. There's gear to check and re-check, maps to buy, driving routes to plan, books to mull over, endless Internet searches and daily weather checks.
A lot of people follow a strict routine when planning a trip. There's not a lot of planning involved in a trip I decide to take spur of the moment on a Friday. I typically open a guide book, put my finger on the map, throw my bags in the car and go. This isn't too bad. It's when I have weeks to plan a potential trip that problems begin to arise.
There's just so many things to consider. My most recent opportunity has come over the coming fourth of July weekend. I found out recently that I will be alone with no commitments, and decided to take a trip. The first itinerary I put together fell apart in minutes. The second, third and fourth have fared about as well. I've reluctantly put together 6 routes and decided I'll have to wait until the day before I leave to call Back Country Offices and Ranger Stations to check snow conditions and availability of Back country permits.
Worrying about snow conditions in July may sound crazy, but Colorado, especially above 10k feet has some crazy weather. Passes over 12k feet are typically still snow packed, sometimes ten plus inches of fresh snow, and stream crossings are difficult because of winter snow melt causing high water levels and flow. All of my trips have one, both or a combination of these elements.
Afternoon thunder storms are a concern but unavoidable during July and August.
So my gear is checked, water-proofed, repaired, checked again and packed. My routes are planned. Now there's a whole bunch of second guessing my chosen routes, thinking maybe I should go bigger, farther, higher. Perhaps I should stay closer to home and use money saved on gas for a new pair of crampons and an ice axe. Mayhap I should go farther and see once in a lifetime mountains or arches or ancient ruins. If only I had a rope and partner I could go canyoneering or make ascents of a bunch of 14ers. ( I'm too much of a wimp to try these things solo).
I spend hours on the computer checking weather and snow conditions, reading trip reports and finding endless alternate routes, researching gear that would make my life easier, printing maps, and in general doing all the things I'm excited to get away from.
Then there's the endless worry. The weather won't cooperate, gear will fail, my back ( still not 100% from major back surgery a few months ago) will go out somewhere in the back country. Its a long enough list to keep me awake at night.
Moral of the story here. Sometimes, spontaneity is a good thing. Worrying is natural but trouble causing, nature will never cooperate and gear will fail. I just need to step away from all the books and maps, and definitely the computer screen, and just roll with the punches. You should try it some time.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Footwear
Footwear might be the single most important investment you can make if you spend any amount of time on the trail. It's also a choice that varies extremely from person to person. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to try on as many pairs as you have time for, and spend a reasonable amount of in each pair.
I have a decent amount of experience in several styles of trail shoes. I've used hiking boots, hiking sandals, trail runners, and approach shoes.
I am not qualified to speak on the minimalist running shoes I've been seeing on the trail such as the Vibram 5 fingers.
I have friends who swear by boots, talking about the importance of protection and support while carrying a load. I've spent over six hundred days in hiking boots and so feel confident in sharing my feelings on them. I find them to be heavy, difficult to dry (even the gortex lined or the so called water-proof breathable boots can be near impossible to dry if you manage to soak through them), bulky and for myself, typically uncomfortable.
Hiking sandals can be a fantastic option if you are hiking in an area were creek crossings or wet trails are prevalent, and biting insects are not to be found. Nothing can make for a more uncomfortable camp than having your feet covered in mosquito or fly bites. Sandals are lightweight, "breathable", fast drying footwear. I've seen more and more people on the trails, especially through-hikers and distance hikers hiking in sandals.
It's important when fitting sandals to buy sandals with comfortable, fast drying, sock friendly straps. Heel straps are a must and should be adjustable enough that you can tighten them while bare-foot or wearing thick socks for colder weather.
Trail runners are my personal choice for 90% of my hiking. I currently wear a pair of NB 573's. As with all trail runners, they are lighter than boots with more support than sandals. They have excellent traction and have seen over three hundred miles without any issues. Unlike sandals, they accept Yaktrax and Microspikes without a problem. I can sock up or down for foot comfort as temperature dictates.
I recommend, with any close-toed shoe to find an insole that that works. I like Superfeet, and have used some the the Dr. Scholls athletic insoles with mixed success.
If rock climbing takes precedent over hiking, the trails are short or mostly scrambling or warm alpine climbing, approach shoes can be an excellent choice of footwear. They are typically low-top, lightweight with extra sticky soles.
Like I stated previously, I have yet to put any miles on a barefoot or minimalist style shoe, and look forward to hearing your opinion on them as a trail shoe.
It's worth finding a shoe, boot or sandal that works for you. A good pair of shoes might fade a way as unimportant while out on the trail, but a bad, poor fitting pair of shoes can ruin your hike, trip and feet.
I have a decent amount of experience in several styles of trail shoes. I've used hiking boots, hiking sandals, trail runners, and approach shoes.
I am not qualified to speak on the minimalist running shoes I've been seeing on the trail such as the Vibram 5 fingers.
I have friends who swear by boots, talking about the importance of protection and support while carrying a load. I've spent over six hundred days in hiking boots and so feel confident in sharing my feelings on them. I find them to be heavy, difficult to dry (even the gortex lined or the so called water-proof breathable boots can be near impossible to dry if you manage to soak through them), bulky and for myself, typically uncomfortable.
Hiking sandals can be a fantastic option if you are hiking in an area were creek crossings or wet trails are prevalent, and biting insects are not to be found. Nothing can make for a more uncomfortable camp than having your feet covered in mosquito or fly bites. Sandals are lightweight, "breathable", fast drying footwear. I've seen more and more people on the trails, especially through-hikers and distance hikers hiking in sandals.
It's important when fitting sandals to buy sandals with comfortable, fast drying, sock friendly straps. Heel straps are a must and should be adjustable enough that you can tighten them while bare-foot or wearing thick socks for colder weather.
Trail runners are my personal choice for 90% of my hiking. I currently wear a pair of NB 573's. As with all trail runners, they are lighter than boots with more support than sandals. They have excellent traction and have seen over three hundred miles without any issues. Unlike sandals, they accept Yaktrax and Microspikes without a problem. I can sock up or down for foot comfort as temperature dictates.
I recommend, with any close-toed shoe to find an insole that that works. I like Superfeet, and have used some the the Dr. Scholls athletic insoles with mixed success.
If rock climbing takes precedent over hiking, the trails are short or mostly scrambling or warm alpine climbing, approach shoes can be an excellent choice of footwear. They are typically low-top, lightweight with extra sticky soles.
Like I stated previously, I have yet to put any miles on a barefoot or minimalist style shoe, and look forward to hearing your opinion on them as a trail shoe.
It's worth finding a shoe, boot or sandal that works for you. A good pair of shoes might fade a way as unimportant while out on the trail, but a bad, poor fitting pair of shoes can ruin your hike, trip and feet.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Backpacking kit pt 3
Last part of the series, and likely the least interesting but necessary all the same.
1. Compass and Map
Absolutely the best option. No batteries to fail you, inexpensive enough that you can afford to buy spares without breaking the bank. Once you learn to use them, it's a valuable life skill. Even if you use a GPS, I would suggest bringing a map and compass as back-up.
I use a Brunton orienteering compass, along with maps printed at home with waterproof map paper. While on the trail or on the water, I keep both map and compass in a waterproof map pouch.
2. First Aid
While it is possible to put together your own first aid kit, it has been easier for me to buy a kit from the store, and adding any situational items that I need. I use the REI Backpacker Plus Multi-day. I typically add an epi-pen if I am traveling with people with allergies, mosquito salve if traveling around water, an inhaler, and any other prescription medication needed. This is one of the heavier non base items I carry, but I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
3. I like the keep it simple approach to clothing. My three season clothing kit consists of (for any length trip) is two pair of non mesh gym shorts, two poly-lycra short sleeve t-shirts, two pair of smartwool socks and a full set of base layers. The weight of the baselayer (midweight, lightweight or heavyweight) varies as to the season. I also carry a set of rain gear ( I use the Patagonia Torrentshell), and a softshell jacket (I use a Mountain Hardwear Offwidth).
4. Food
Food is intensely personal. I know a number of people who bring only specialized dehydrated backpacking meals like the ones made by Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry, while others sacrifice weight to cook gourmet meals on the trail, three meals a day. I find the dehydrated meals are often inconsistent and bland, but like to stay light.
I often use a combination of both styles of cooking. Coffee (Starbucks VIA packets) and granola often make up breakfast, jerky, string cheese, nuts or trail mix for morning and afternoon snacks. Lunch is often a wrap or summer sausage and cheese. Dinner is a mix of dehydrated backpacking meals and meals such as boil in a bag rice mixed with tuna and spices or a dehydrated soup. (Bear Creek Soups are awesome!)
What you end up packing for food depends on your taste and appetite, number in your party method of cooking and a ton of other variables. Eventually there'll be a method to your madness.
5. Hygiene Items
I left this off the original list and wasn't gonna get into it at all, but I feel like its worth a mention. For almost all your needs, the travel sized items of the items you use at home will be just fine. I try to use bio-degradable soap and shampoos as much as possible. Burt's Bee's makes a great set of travel bio-degradable hygiene items. To keep clean, a lot of hikers and backpackers use baby wipes. To me, this is just more trash to pack in and out. I've been using a green dish scrubby (New alright). Works like baby wipes, re-usable, no trash to pack out. Ask my wife, the scrubby has been a godsend.
That makes up my typical backpacking kit. I'm absolutely sure I missed something important, so if you would like my thoughts on something else, or if you disagree with me, or have a better idea, feel free to let me know. Just like everybody else, I'm still learning.
Beers on me.
1. Compass and Map
Absolutely the best option. No batteries to fail you, inexpensive enough that you can afford to buy spares without breaking the bank. Once you learn to use them, it's a valuable life skill. Even if you use a GPS, I would suggest bringing a map and compass as back-up.
I use a Brunton orienteering compass, along with maps printed at home with waterproof map paper. While on the trail or on the water, I keep both map and compass in a waterproof map pouch.
2. First Aid
While it is possible to put together your own first aid kit, it has been easier for me to buy a kit from the store, and adding any situational items that I need. I use the REI Backpacker Plus Multi-day. I typically add an epi-pen if I am traveling with people with allergies, mosquito salve if traveling around water, an inhaler, and any other prescription medication needed. This is one of the heavier non base items I carry, but I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
3. I like the keep it simple approach to clothing. My three season clothing kit consists of (for any length trip) is two pair of non mesh gym shorts, two poly-lycra short sleeve t-shirts, two pair of smartwool socks and a full set of base layers. The weight of the baselayer (midweight, lightweight or heavyweight) varies as to the season. I also carry a set of rain gear ( I use the Patagonia Torrentshell), and a softshell jacket (I use a Mountain Hardwear Offwidth).
4. Food
Food is intensely personal. I know a number of people who bring only specialized dehydrated backpacking meals like the ones made by Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry, while others sacrifice weight to cook gourmet meals on the trail, three meals a day. I find the dehydrated meals are often inconsistent and bland, but like to stay light.
I often use a combination of both styles of cooking. Coffee (Starbucks VIA packets) and granola often make up breakfast, jerky, string cheese, nuts or trail mix for morning and afternoon snacks. Lunch is often a wrap or summer sausage and cheese. Dinner is a mix of dehydrated backpacking meals and meals such as boil in a bag rice mixed with tuna and spices or a dehydrated soup. (Bear Creek Soups are awesome!)
What you end up packing for food depends on your taste and appetite, number in your party method of cooking and a ton of other variables. Eventually there'll be a method to your madness.
5. Hygiene Items
I left this off the original list and wasn't gonna get into it at all, but I feel like its worth a mention. For almost all your needs, the travel sized items of the items you use at home will be just fine. I try to use bio-degradable soap and shampoos as much as possible. Burt's Bee's makes a great set of travel bio-degradable hygiene items. To keep clean, a lot of hikers and backpackers use baby wipes. To me, this is just more trash to pack in and out. I've been using a green dish scrubby (New alright). Works like baby wipes, re-usable, no trash to pack out. Ask my wife, the scrubby has been a godsend.
That makes up my typical backpacking kit. I'm absolutely sure I missed something important, so if you would like my thoughts on something else, or if you disagree with me, or have a better idea, feel free to let me know. Just like everybody else, I'm still learning.
Beers on me.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Backpacking kit Pt 2
So, between finishing my last post and starting this one, there is a new almostlightweight backpacker in the world. LSB was born in Colorado Springs, at 7:21am on May 21st, weighing in at 8lbs 1oz, 21 inches long and perfect.
Back on topic, I left off singing the praises of a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1, and will pick up right there.
1. Snow Peak Gigapower and Hybrid Trail cook set
I decided on Snow Peak after field testing a multitude of stoves including the MSR Pocket Rocket and Dragonfly, a few Optimus Stoves and the ubiquitous Jet Boil.
The Snow Peak wasn't the cheapest or lightest. It didn't have the fastest boil times. But it was near the top of the list in all categories. Most importantly, the Snow Peak is efficient and consistent. From sea level to 13,000 feet, boiling came quickly and cooked well. I use a tin foil windscreen and have yet to have the stove go out while cooking, even in 30+ mph winds. I've used it in the heat of summer and in sub-freezing. I sleep with my fuel canisters and have never had a problem getting it going. The four pot supports make for a much more stable system than the usual three.
At 3.75 oz, it is barley noticeable and is worth its weight in gold at $40 from most outdoors retailers out there. Coupled with the Hybrid Trail cook set ( 8 oz, $52) you have a 11.75 oz setup not including fuel, that includes stove, pot, pan, plastic bowl and spork with mesh sack.
This is within an ounce of the Jetboil Sol, at $30 less than the JB, and a far more capable package. All the pieces nest together, including fuel to create a compact and easy to store cook system.
2. Black Diamond Storm headlamp
I won't get in to details, because lumen's blah blah blah, are not something I care about. It's bright, has a wide and narrow beam, white and red light, strobe function and is weather sealed, which is perfect for riding out storms or for night paddling, which is my primary use for it out of getting to and from the camp latrine. It takes AAA batteries which are convenient to buy and replace. ( 4oz $50)
3. Steri-pen/Water bottle
If I am going out in a large group, on a long trip, cooking big meals with lots of pots and pans, I typically take a gravity feed bladder style water purification system. If I am with another person, or a larger group on a short trip or where cooking is boiling water, I usually bring my First Need XL Pump filter out. Its one of the heavier options out there at 16 oz, but it is by far the best pump filter I've ever used.
But this article is about my solo kit, isn't it. For Solo backpacking, you cannot beat a steri-pen with pre-filter. 3.6 oz, $65 for the adventure model. People complain about batteries dying, but with as little as those batteries are, and cheap too, you can afford to buy, and carry spares.
I use a coffee filter pre-filter with a wide mouth Aquafina water bottle. These bottles are light, cheap, relatively durable and recyclable. The wide mouth versions are getting harder and harder to find but they are out there.
Most Importantly, I've been in areas known to harbor both Giardia and Crypto-sporidium and have yet to get sick.
4. Swiss Army Spartan
Most men prefer the biggest most intimidating knife they can afford. Those knives tend to be heavy and ill suited to backpacking. I typically go out into the field with the Spartan as my only blade. It's sharp, holds an edge well, weighs 2.6 oz and can be had for a song. Between a tweezers and toothpick, blade, bottle opener and corkscrew I have never found myself wanting for a different blade or multi-tool.
Well, I am blogging from the hospital, with spotty service and a new baby to attend to and a wife to feed. In the next episode of ALW, I will address the last four items in my kit. In the mean time, drink a beer on me.
Back on topic, I left off singing the praises of a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1, and will pick up right there.
1. Snow Peak Gigapower and Hybrid Trail cook set
I decided on Snow Peak after field testing a multitude of stoves including the MSR Pocket Rocket and Dragonfly, a few Optimus Stoves and the ubiquitous Jet Boil.
The Snow Peak wasn't the cheapest or lightest. It didn't have the fastest boil times. But it was near the top of the list in all categories. Most importantly, the Snow Peak is efficient and consistent. From sea level to 13,000 feet, boiling came quickly and cooked well. I use a tin foil windscreen and have yet to have the stove go out while cooking, even in 30+ mph winds. I've used it in the heat of summer and in sub-freezing. I sleep with my fuel canisters and have never had a problem getting it going. The four pot supports make for a much more stable system than the usual three.
At 3.75 oz, it is barley noticeable and is worth its weight in gold at $40 from most outdoors retailers out there. Coupled with the Hybrid Trail cook set ( 8 oz, $52) you have a 11.75 oz setup not including fuel, that includes stove, pot, pan, plastic bowl and spork with mesh sack.
This is within an ounce of the Jetboil Sol, at $30 less than the JB, and a far more capable package. All the pieces nest together, including fuel to create a compact and easy to store cook system.
2. Black Diamond Storm headlamp
I won't get in to details, because lumen's blah blah blah, are not something I care about. It's bright, has a wide and narrow beam, white and red light, strobe function and is weather sealed, which is perfect for riding out storms or for night paddling, which is my primary use for it out of getting to and from the camp latrine. It takes AAA batteries which are convenient to buy and replace. ( 4oz $50)
3. Steri-pen/Water bottle
If I am going out in a large group, on a long trip, cooking big meals with lots of pots and pans, I typically take a gravity feed bladder style water purification system. If I am with another person, or a larger group on a short trip or where cooking is boiling water, I usually bring my First Need XL Pump filter out. Its one of the heavier options out there at 16 oz, but it is by far the best pump filter I've ever used.
But this article is about my solo kit, isn't it. For Solo backpacking, you cannot beat a steri-pen with pre-filter. 3.6 oz, $65 for the adventure model. People complain about batteries dying, but with as little as those batteries are, and cheap too, you can afford to buy, and carry spares.
I use a coffee filter pre-filter with a wide mouth Aquafina water bottle. These bottles are light, cheap, relatively durable and recyclable. The wide mouth versions are getting harder and harder to find but they are out there.
Most Importantly, I've been in areas known to harbor both Giardia and Crypto-sporidium and have yet to get sick.
4. Swiss Army Spartan
Most men prefer the biggest most intimidating knife they can afford. Those knives tend to be heavy and ill suited to backpacking. I typically go out into the field with the Spartan as my only blade. It's sharp, holds an edge well, weighs 2.6 oz and can be had for a song. Between a tweezers and toothpick, blade, bottle opener and corkscrew I have never found myself wanting for a different blade or multi-tool.
Well, I am blogging from the hospital, with spotty service and a new baby to attend to and a wife to feed. In the next episode of ALW, I will address the last four items in my kit. In the mean time, drink a beer on me.
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Why and How of it. (My backpacking kit) PT 1
I, like everyone else, like to have the newest, nicest gear out there. Unfortunately, I'm not made out of money. What I do have a fair amount of, is time, so I spend a lot of time talking to people about gear, reading reviews, test-driving at my favorite stores, etc. I've slowly refined my kit to meet my needs without breaking my budget, with gear that will get the job done efficiently, and the right price point and lowest weight I can afford.
Today, I am going to explain my solo kit, and why I made the decisions I did as far as gear is concerned.
Pack- REI Flash 50
Sleeping Pad- Z-lite
Sleeping Bag- Kelty Cosmic Down 20
Tent - Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1
Stove- Snow peak Gigapower
Cook wear - Snow Peak Hybrid Trail Cook set
Headlamp - Black Diamond Storm
Water purification - Steri-pen with pre-filter
Water bottles - Aquafina or other gas station water bottles, in wide mouth preferably
Knife - Swiss Army Spartan
Compass and map
First Aid Kit
Clothing
Food
I know this doesn't encompass everything I take out with me, and I am leaving out purposely some of the hygiene items, sunscreen and such, and will not get into much detail about these items. Every gear selection is a very personal decision, but these items a little more so than the rest.
1. REI Flash 50
One of the mistakes I see people new to backpacking make is to buy a pack much too big for their needs. They then spend time filling a bag that was too big in the first place that ends up being heavier and more expensive in the long run than it needs to be.
That said, I find 50 liters to be just about the perfect size for myself. I have been out solo for 10+ days with the Flash without any hindrances due to size. The Flash 50 is a light weight (42 oz) pack that can be made even lighter by removing the internal frame and back panel. I've never found this necessary but it is a nice option to have.
The pack itself has several compression straps, lash points and exterior pockets to include hip belt pockets. It also has tool attachments for staying trekking poles or ice tools. The price, through REI, new was $150, and with their semi-annual 20% sale (you just need to be patient) its down to around $120, which is awesome for a full featured, light weight, comfortable pack like this one.
Don't get me wrong, it's not the nicest, lightest or featured pack out there, but unless you are doing extremely technical packing, carrying heavy loads or hiking in extreme temperatures, it should get the job done.
2. Therm-a-rest Z-Lite
Once again, a very personal decision, depending on how you sleep. I don't need three inches of cushion, so I went with the Therm-a-rest Z-lite. It is a tad bulky, but extremely light weight (11 oz) as far as pads go. You can't puncture it and thus never have to worry about finding a pin-hole leak in a tent at night. I find it to be quite comfortable, and was able to shave off a little weight by cutting down the regular length version to what I found comfortable. It straps easily to the outside of a pack and makes a great place to sit in camp.
The Z-lite sells for $40 at REI
3. Kelty Cosmic Down 20
I have dreams about sleeping bags, about the day when it will be nothing for me to go out and buy a Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friend bag for every occasion. That time is not now.
The Kelty Cosmic Down 20, I believe is the absolute best value in sleeping bags right now. It's a light weight ( 40 oz) down bag with respectable loft for 550 fill duck down. It's true to it's 20 degree rating and packs down small.
On the down side, no pun intended, it is only 550 fill duck down, vs the 750-850 fill goose down of top of the line bags. As such, the down doesn't fill as evenly or loft as much.
On the way upside, this bag can be had from a multitude of retailers for less than $80. I prefer Campmor for this purchase. Their customer service and delivery has been stand-up every time.
4. Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1
Not a lot to say. Big Agnes makes great tents and this is no exception. Lightweight (38 oz) full fly, roomy and well ventilated. What more can you ask for. I bought a year old model, as their had been no changed made in the new year, and paid $100 through Campmor.
The next four items will be detailed tomorrow here at Almostlightweight.
Today, I am going to explain my solo kit, and why I made the decisions I did as far as gear is concerned.
Pack- REI Flash 50
Sleeping Pad- Z-lite
Sleeping Bag- Kelty Cosmic Down 20
Tent - Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1
Stove- Snow peak Gigapower
Cook wear - Snow Peak Hybrid Trail Cook set
Headlamp - Black Diamond Storm
Water purification - Steri-pen with pre-filter
Water bottles - Aquafina or other gas station water bottles, in wide mouth preferably
Knife - Swiss Army Spartan
Compass and map
First Aid Kit
Clothing
Food
I know this doesn't encompass everything I take out with me, and I am leaving out purposely some of the hygiene items, sunscreen and such, and will not get into much detail about these items. Every gear selection is a very personal decision, but these items a little more so than the rest.
1. REI Flash 50
One of the mistakes I see people new to backpacking make is to buy a pack much too big for their needs. They then spend time filling a bag that was too big in the first place that ends up being heavier and more expensive in the long run than it needs to be.
That said, I find 50 liters to be just about the perfect size for myself. I have been out solo for 10+ days with the Flash without any hindrances due to size. The Flash 50 is a light weight (42 oz) pack that can be made even lighter by removing the internal frame and back panel. I've never found this necessary but it is a nice option to have.
The pack itself has several compression straps, lash points and exterior pockets to include hip belt pockets. It also has tool attachments for staying trekking poles or ice tools. The price, through REI, new was $150, and with their semi-annual 20% sale (you just need to be patient) its down to around $120, which is awesome for a full featured, light weight, comfortable pack like this one.
Don't get me wrong, it's not the nicest, lightest or featured pack out there, but unless you are doing extremely technical packing, carrying heavy loads or hiking in extreme temperatures, it should get the job done.
2. Therm-a-rest Z-Lite
Once again, a very personal decision, depending on how you sleep. I don't need three inches of cushion, so I went with the Therm-a-rest Z-lite. It is a tad bulky, but extremely light weight (11 oz) as far as pads go. You can't puncture it and thus never have to worry about finding a pin-hole leak in a tent at night. I find it to be quite comfortable, and was able to shave off a little weight by cutting down the regular length version to what I found comfortable. It straps easily to the outside of a pack and makes a great place to sit in camp.
The Z-lite sells for $40 at REI
3. Kelty Cosmic Down 20
I have dreams about sleeping bags, about the day when it will be nothing for me to go out and buy a Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friend bag for every occasion. That time is not now.
The Kelty Cosmic Down 20, I believe is the absolute best value in sleeping bags right now. It's a light weight ( 40 oz) down bag with respectable loft for 550 fill duck down. It's true to it's 20 degree rating and packs down small.
On the down side, no pun intended, it is only 550 fill duck down, vs the 750-850 fill goose down of top of the line bags. As such, the down doesn't fill as evenly or loft as much.
On the way upside, this bag can be had from a multitude of retailers for less than $80. I prefer Campmor for this purchase. Their customer service and delivery has been stand-up every time.
4. Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1
Not a lot to say. Big Agnes makes great tents and this is no exception. Lightweight (38 oz) full fly, roomy and well ventilated. What more can you ask for. I bought a year old model, as their had been no changed made in the new year, and paid $100 through Campmor.
The next four items will be detailed tomorrow here at Almostlightweight.
The RIGHT wing
I was raised in a Republican household, dabbled in the Lefty liberal ways in college, and am struggling to find a middle ground these days. The republican party touts themselves as the “old-fashioned” party, strong in morals, favoring small government and free market.
In theory, all that sounds great, only the GOP has little common sense in relation to the environment.
How can you blatantly ignore climate change? Whether or not climate change is caused by waste emissions or is part of a natural cycle, you can’t pretend it just doesn’t exist.
How is drilling in Alaska going to solve our long-term energy problems? Wouldn’t that be money better spent on renewable energy research, or resolving the issues we are still dealing with from past oil spills?
I recently heard a prominent republican politician railing against protecting more wild lands, talking about how natural conservation efforts undermine free market economy.
Newt Gingrich is touting the fact that if elected, he will do away with the EPA. While it’s not a perfect organization, there needs to be a Federal organization standing up for environmentally sound practices. I think we would spend less money improving what we already have than starting all over.
Both parties have pro’s and con’s. That’s the problem with bi-partisan politics. It’s nearly impossible to pick the lesser of two evils.
Whether or not socialized healthcare is a good thing, the longer people live, the more money they pay in taxes and put into the economy. Healthy people in general work harder longer. I think small government and free market economy is a good thing, regulation and government subsidization is a bad, morally bound leadership is a must.
What I think, though, is of no consequence. We need to realize as a country, that we should protect what we’ve been given and will give to our children and grandchildren. Our earth, natural resources and wild places are the most important things we have. We should do what we can to keep them safe.
Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites. ~William Ruckelshaus
Beers on me
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Gear-heads or something like them.
I know a lot of gear-heads. People obsessed with the newest and best gear, always upgrading their equipment caches, scoping out buyers guides and researching online. I fall into this category. I like to know what's available, who's making the best products and working to be green and environmentally friendly in a practical way. I rarely replace gear though, unless it's broken, or something more efficient enough to be worth it has replaced the model I own. Even then, I pass on my old equipment and try to recoup some of what I spent on the new item.
I know a guy. He owns 11 backpacking stoves, each one lighter than the next. I asked him why he keeps buying all these stoves and his explanation was that he needed to get his stove weight down to as little as possible, and have one for every possible scenario.
I asked him how much he had spent on said stoves and the amount was over a thousand dollars. The average comes out to something like $22 an ounce, about $360 a pound.
Ridiculous I say.
The best cost to weight ratio stove he had was a simple little alcohol stove that weighs in at 3 or so ounces and cost less than thirty dollars, but when I asked him why he didn't just stick with that, he informed me that all it could do was boil water and that it was slow.
On the other end of the spectrum, he has a three hundred dollar canister stove for use at high altitude with impressive boil times and a relatively low weight but that one was too bulky and had too many pieces to break in the field.
I petition that there has to be a middle ground, where a well informed individual with a normal income and conscientious spending habits can buy a [one] stove, or any other piece of gear for that matter, and have it last, serve its purpose and meet their needs in almost all environments and be light enough for comfort that one doesn't have to buy a new one every year.
Don't get me wrong, I am not taking a one size fits all approach here. No one wants to take one sleeping bag for year round camping in different locations and environments. What I am saying is that no one needs 3 winter bags or 5 solo tents.
Nobody needs 11 stoves, either.
Beers on me.
I know a guy. He owns 11 backpacking stoves, each one lighter than the next. I asked him why he keeps buying all these stoves and his explanation was that he needed to get his stove weight down to as little as possible, and have one for every possible scenario.
I asked him how much he had spent on said stoves and the amount was over a thousand dollars. The average comes out to something like $22 an ounce, about $360 a pound.
Ridiculous I say.
The best cost to weight ratio stove he had was a simple little alcohol stove that weighs in at 3 or so ounces and cost less than thirty dollars, but when I asked him why he didn't just stick with that, he informed me that all it could do was boil water and that it was slow.
On the other end of the spectrum, he has a three hundred dollar canister stove for use at high altitude with impressive boil times and a relatively low weight but that one was too bulky and had too many pieces to break in the field.
I petition that there has to be a middle ground, where a well informed individual with a normal income and conscientious spending habits can buy a [one] stove, or any other piece of gear for that matter, and have it last, serve its purpose and meet their needs in almost all environments and be light enough for comfort that one doesn't have to buy a new one every year.
Don't get me wrong, I am not taking a one size fits all approach here. No one wants to take one sleeping bag for year round camping in different locations and environments. What I am saying is that no one needs 3 winter bags or 5 solo tents.
Nobody needs 11 stoves, either.
Beers on me.
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