2009 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

Nice roundup.

I was interested in the Ts1 comment by Ryan as this is a camera that I am looking at for my next purchase. "It's superbly simple, painfully slow, has an awful screen, but shoots fantastic images." slow and awful screen don't too much to excite me but seeing some of the HD video taken with the camera by Ryan soon changes that. I think some of my favourites were the ones on the 24 hour hike series.

Also interested that Roger would pick the MSR pot as a favourite, care to expand Roger?

Cheers, and well done.

Mark

OH that is far too funny. I assume Ryan's bell is Ti?

My 2009 Picks:

1) BPL Thorofare Pants – At 3.95oz they are radically lighter than anything else I've hiked it, yet they are durable and comfortable. After putting in a stronger waist band elastic cord they are perfect.
EDIT: Okay not that durable. These pants are neat but I've reverted to more durable Patagonia Sol Patrol pants around 7oz.

2) GoLite Ultra 20 – This is my first quilt and it has impressed me continually. I find it so comfortable and easy to use and it's also quite warm and a great bargain compared to other quilts on the market.

3) NeoAir Small – After using the regular NeoAir for most of the season I switched to the small and saved 5oz with no loss in comfort. The trick with any NeoAir is to inflate it less than common sense tells you is right and you'll sleep great. Using my packs back bad under my feet (and as a sit pad in camp) is a great way to make that item multi purpose and to lower the overall weight of your sleep system.

EDIT: Another year has passed and the Ultra 20 and NeoAir Small continue to highly impress.

.

MLD 850 Pot, UL Caldera, GramCracker Stove, Esbits. After using an alcohol stove for a number of years I experimented with esbits. A number the experiments didn’t go well, but I found this system is excellent: it’s light, compact, durable, simple, and effective.

Gossamer Gear Gorilla Pack: I have been using a Granite Gear Vapor Trail since 2002. THe Gorilla is the first pack that I have found that was as comfortable to carry <=25lbs loads, weights less, and was more convenient to use on the trail.

Inov-8 Flyroc 310 + Injinji socks: I have been using this combination for a few years now and continue to be thrilled with the results… my feet feel free and are blister free except when fail to clear out trail debris that can accumulate inside the shoe.

Other notable items on my perfect gear page.

–Mark

Hi Mark

> interested that Roger would pick the MSR pot as a favourite, care to expand Roger?

Um…. what can I say? It's really light, it is the right size for two, it is very robust, it has been on all our long walks since early 2006, and it still isn't showing any dings or damage. Contrary to popular myth it does not burn the dinner, although that may be partly how I cook – but I do simmer gently.

Works for me.

Cheers

Thanks Roger,

I have the same one, I was just interested in your though process as you say it does the job, just not what I would have selected from all my gear,

Cheers
Mark

my top 3 for 2009?

Golite Chrome Dome Umbrella: Not the best peice for all trips, but a huge mental boost when you have a long day in the rain.

BPL UL Merino Hoody: Def the most usable layer in my closet. The weight is perfect and the hood fit is amazing

GG LT4's: My BPL Stix have been abandoned in the garage for winter sports. These poles approach perfection.

Top Skill Learned in 2009: Mastering the art if pitching a standard 8×10 Flat tarp in any situation I find myself

In no particular order.

MLD Duomid and Inner Tent. My favourite 3 season shelter. Loads of room for little weight. I can sit out rainy weather, and relax away from the midges in comfort.

MLD Prophet. Perfect size for my gear. The Sub-Prophet might be a pick for next year for weekend trips.

Hip cartilage repair surgery. Had it done a few weeks ago, and hopefully i'll be out playing with my gear soon! :)

1 – Patagonia Wool 1 Crew. The first merino I ever tried that doesn't itch. Other reputable brands I tried on in shops practically brought me out in a rash right there in the changing room. Performance and comfort have been a revelation, and cut and fit for me are perfect (Medium at 6' and 180 lbs). Has even driven my ancient Helly Hansen polypro into semi-retirement. I just hope it lasts more than a few months.

2 – Montane Prism jacket.

3 – Five Ten Camp 4 approach shoes. Heavier and stiffer than trail shoes, but the only thing I want to be wearing if I'm going to be spending any amount of time on exposed rock scrambling – and in summer, it's not a good day out if I'm not. Near-rock-shoe performance, as one would expect from the Five Ten heritage, coupled with a decent level of comfort.

A rifle, a spoon, a camera, an Ipod, and a few clothing items that have been out for many years already. 2009 was really not the year for introducing new and exciting backpacking gear was it? I commend the Backpacking Light writers for making the best of it though.

I didn't make many purchases this year either, there just wasn't much new out there to pique my interest. The one exception was the Neoair, just as comfortable and much lighter than the insulated airmat it replaced.