Backpacking

[MStudt]

I've become a Marmot fan bc of their 'Marmot for life' policy. My simple hooded single layer waterproof/breathable anorak's interior laminate coating was wearing off around the shoulders. Contacted Marmot asking if it could be repaired, mailed it in, they said 'sorry, can't repair and don't make it anymore. Would you like us to send you a gift card for the orig purchase price ($99) or would you like to apply that and order directly from our website"? I threw an extra $75 at the problem and ordered this Oracle Jacket | Marmot.com. I wanted the removable hood. I wear it every day I ski as my outer layer. It is the only waterproof coat I own. This is a more basic one $99 PreCip Jacket | Marmot.com.
My lightweight wool zip neck long sleeved Icebreaker underlayer is my other piece of go to gear. It is a better thermal regulator than my Patagucci capilene and it doesn't get the funky smell after a couple of sweaty days.

I really haven't been a big fan of Marmot stuff. I did however pick up a brand new Outdoor Research Transcendent down jacket off eBay for $80. I need to find a shell that has pit-zips, and that's where I'm at right now. I have a nice shell already that I've thought about sewing some zippers into. The only issue is that I have no idea how to sew into ripstop nylon. I have a couple pairs of Termar base layers, and a Sherpa medium weight wool top that I love.

 

[larrylegend]

For those of you who like to backpack. Check out GoLite. I have looked at their stuff before but never really purchased any of it. Recently they changed their business model to straight to consumer. This allows them to price their goods lower than most other companies. Just something to look at.

 

[MStudt]

For those of you who like to backpack. Check out GoLite. I have looked at their stuff before but never really purchased any of it. Recently they changed their business model to straight to consumer. This allows them to price their goods lower than most other companies. Just something to look at.

GoLite has some great products for sure! We're currently using one of their tents, and have been happy with it so far. They did change their model, but the prices have always been that good. I had one of their Jam 50l packs about 4 years ago, and the price has held close to where it is now.

 

[MtnT4R]

If you guys are looking for energy sources while you are out there, I just grabbed the A-Solar Xtorm Lava charger.

Review here. Pretty solid recommendation, so we will see how it holds up this summer...

 

[MStudt]

If you guys are looking for energy sources while you are out there, I just grabbed the A-Solar Xtorm Lava charger.

Review here. Pretty solid recommendation, so we will see how it holds up this summer...

We are looking for something, just not sure what. What is the weight of this? We've been looking at some Goal Zero stuff, and Brunton stuff. We're a little on the fences about carrying either solar or charge packs.

 

[KidVermicious]

There's this thing - Thermoelectric Generator by The PowerPot: convert heat into electricity.

 

[MStudt]

There's this thing - Thermoelectric Generator by The PowerPot: convert heat into electricity.

I'd like to stay away from white gas, but their Premium kit looks good.. There was another company out there that had something similar. I think you burned sticks and stuff to generate the power though. We're been getting a fair amount a companies come on board for a our trip. So we'll see what happens.

 

[aha2988]

There's this thing - Thermoelectric Generator by The PowerPot: convert heat into electricity.

now thats cool stuff there

 

[KidVermicious]

I'd like to stay away from white gas, but their Premium kit looks good.. There was another company out there that had something similar. I think you burned sticks and stuff to generate the power though. We're been getting a fair amount a companies come on board for a our trip. So we'll see what happens.

The BioLite? BioLite CampStove | Order Today

I love that you guys are getting so many sponsors. That's great for everybody involved.

 

[aha2988]

The BioLite? BioLite CampStove | Order Today

I love that you guys are getting so many sponsors. That's great for everybody involved.

stop making me want to spend my money i never even knew these types of products existed..

 

[MStudt]

The BioLite? BioLite CampStove | Order Today

I love that you guys are getting so many sponsors. That's great for everybody involved.

Yes, the Biolite. We went backpacking with a couple this past weekend that had one. Was the first time they used it, and the last.

We've picked up three different sponsors that are scoliosis related. On top of that we have ENO Hammock, Big Agnes, Crocs, Ruffwear (dog stuff), and Hyperlite Mountain Gear at this point.

This is the pack Hyperlite is sending us. It's 3300 cubic inches, and only weighs 2lbs.

stop making me want to spend my money i never even knew these types of products existed..

Stay away from the BioLite. The couple we went with this past weekend ended up using our setup. Plus, it's kind of heavy too.

 

[MtnT4R]

We are looking for something, just not sure what. What is the weight of this? We've been looking at some Goal Zero stuff, and Brunton stuff. We're a little on the fences about carrying either solar or charge packs.

The rated dimensions on Amazon put it at 240g or roughly 8oz. Its nice and compact, which is nice because my goal zero is quite a bit larger and doesnt have an integrated battery pack- also cheaper than the goal zero+battery combo that my buddies use.

 

[MtnT4R]

Stay away from the BioLite. The couple we went with this past weekend ended up using our setup. Plus, it's kind of heavy too.

Agreed. I used mine 3 or 4 times, but the charging was questionable at best. also not a great stove, you would be better off just cooking over a campfire

 

[MStudt]

If you go this route don't waste the money on the ENO Straps. Get some Military 550 cord at any Surplus store. Much stronger and has many more uses.

I picked up an ENO Single Nest with my discount for $85. It came with the SlapStrat Pro, and I'm not impressed with them. They have A LOT of stretch to them, and I mean A LOT. What/how are you hanging yours? I've been reading about whoopies, and I'm considering making some.

 

[KidVermicious]

I picked up an ENO Single Nest with my discount for $85. It came with the SlapStrat Pro, and I'm not impressed with them. They have A LOT of stretch to them, and I mean A LOT. What/how are you hanging yours? I've been reading about whoopies, and I'm considering making some.

Whoopies are on my list, but right now I use paracord. If it's real 550 cord a single strand will hold you - I use two doubled up lengths. Nice and light, and they'll help pitch a fly if I have to go to ground.

 

[MStudt]

Whoopies are on my list, but right now I use paracord. If it's real 550 cord a single strand will hold you - I use two doubled up lengths. Nice and light, and they'll help pitch a fly if I have to go to ground.

I've been reading up on making my own, and I think I going to order some stuff today. I've been looking on Dutchwear Gear's site and think I'm going to order some Amsteel today. I'm going to use to Amsteel to make a set of continuous loops, and a set of whoopies. This has been a big learning curve for me.

 

[MStudt]

I just ordered 25' Amsteel cord and should have it on Thursday. I'm going to make a couple 6' whoopies with a fixed eye on one end, and an adjustable loop on the other. I should have enough left over to make an adjustable ridge line as well. Hopefully I'll be able to have enough time to make these on the trail this weekend.

 

[MtnT4R]

I just ordered 25' Amsteel cord and should have it on Thursday. I'm going to make a couple 6' whoopies with a fixed eye on one end, and an adjustable loop on the other. I should have enough left over to make an adjustable ridge line as well. Hopefully I'll be able to have enough time to make these on the trail this weekend.

If those dont work out you should look into Dyneema runners(you can get em on backcountry.com). Climbers use them for all kinds of load bearing work. I've been using them to set up my hammock for a couple months now. Excellent material, lightweight and strong.

 

[MStudt]

If those dont work out you should look into Dyneema runners(you can get em on backcountry.com). Climbers use them for all kinds of load bearing work. I've been using them to set up my hammock for a couple months now. Excellent material, lightweight and strong.

I think I have everything figured out, in my head at least. I've got a ton of ratchet straps. I'm going to cut the hook off the end, cut it down to 4', and burn the ends. Those should serve as my treehuggers. I'm pretty sure I understand how to make whoopies. At least the strap material won't stretch like the ENO stuff does.

 

[iBison]

Need some help with getting a decent down jacket. I currently have a North Face Windwall Thermal Fleece jacket and North Face Shell. Not being very fond of North Face I'm deciding to part ways with all the North Face gear I currently have. I'm really needing something that is bit lighter than a fleece, and something that packs better.

Here's what I'm considering for a jacket. The first one is my first choice and so on.

1. Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody
2. Montbell Thermawrap Pro
3. GoLite Demaree 800

Here's what I'm considering for a shell.

1. Patagonia Torrents
2. Montbell Versalite
3. Montbell Dynamo Wind Parka

I really kind of leaning towards the Outdoor Research jacket since they have a lifetime warranty on their products. I'm also drawn between the Patagonia and the Montbell Dynamo. I know I can get the Patagonia this spring on clearance for about $70, and I like the fact that it has pit-zips. I'm really liking the Montbell Dynamo because it could double for a mid-weight rain shell too.

Just another option that I have been really happy with.
Mountain Hardwear Microchill Zip-T it's a fleece, but only 8oz. I also have the G50 jacket. It's a little over 16oz, mostly waterproof (except for the seams). The fleece is surprisingly warm and with the wind block of the jacket a great pair.