Articles (2020)

We had an opportunity to visit with Bob Molen of Big Sky International to get an update on his supply issues as well as see new products coming up. A while back he decided to consolidate production with one manufacturer to increase quality, as well as incorporate new upgrades. Both resulted in unexpected delays. He’s now confident that production will meet demand and quality will be better than ever.

Earlier in the Show we reported on a new bivy-weight one person tent from Black Diamond; today we found an even lighter one. Big Sky International will be introducing a new minimalist Revolution one-person tent that will weigh only 28 ounces! That’s right – 28 ounces, and its a tent, not a bivy.

Other developments at Big Sky include a move to a custom configuration approach on their tents. Now you can specify the fabric you want (silnylon or spinnaker fly, or Epic or Znorkel for single wall), pole material (aluminum or carbon fiber), pole attachment system (clips or sleeves), stakes (number and type), and guylines. Purchasing a tent from Big Sky will be like ordering a Dell computer.

Previously Macpac had only one lightweight pack in their entire line (the AMP, which we have previously reviewed), now they will have three. New for 2007 is their new AMP Light series of lightweight packs with volumes of 20, 35, and 45 liters.

The new AMP Light packs are frameless by our definition, but they do have a sewn-in stiff foam strip on either side of the backpanel to provide rigidity. All three packs have basically the same feature set: durable lightweight fabrics; wide padded shoulder straps; removable/pivoting hipbelt; mesh pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt; hydration sleeve; side compression straps; load lifters, and sternum strap. All are top loading with a top pocket. The smallest pack does not have a mesh front pocket.

At 4.0 oz (3.6 oz BPL measured) the next version of the SteriPEN, the Adventurer is half the weight of the original SteriPEN and should be available in October. At this weight the SteriPEN ultraviolet technology weighs less than most filters and starts to be competitive against chemical treatments. SteriPEN sterilizes water with ultraviolet light. It is effective against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa (e.g. Giardia and Cryptosporidium). It will treat 50 to 60 liters of water on a single set of batteries. Using the optional storage case with integrated solar charger, the SteriPEN adventurer will treat 1250 gallons! of water (the life of the ultraviolet emitting bulb).

UV treatment is generally both faster and more effective than filters or chemical treatments. Filters are generally not effective against viruses and most chemical treatments are not rapidly effective against Cryptosporidium (a protozoa). Chlorine dioxide-based treatments generally require a contact period of one to four hours to inactivate protozoan cysts, while iodine treatments are generally ineffective against both Crypto and Giardia.

Specifications:

• Mfr weight 4.0 oz (BPL measured weight 3.6 oz!)
• Uses two CR123 lithium photo batteries (or rechargeable lithium ion CR123’s)
• 6.6 oz (BPL measured) = weight of optional clamshell storage case with two rechargeable CR123 batteries
• $130 MSRP of SteriPEN Adventurer
• $50 MSRP of optional clamshell storage case with two rechargeable CR123 batteries

Performance:

• Push-button, automatic, microprocessor & sensor controlled treatment time
• Treats for viruses, bacteria, and protzoa
• Treats 16 oz in 48 seconds
• Treats 1 liter in 90 seconds
• Treats 50 to 60 liters on a set of lithium non-rechargeable batteries
• Treats approx. 40 liters on a set of lithium ion rechargeable batteries
• Treats approx. treat 1250 Gallons using optional storage case with integrated solar charger (the life of the ultraviolet emitting bulb)

The eVENT Pullover jacket from Integral Designs is a hoodless pullover that uses a 40d soft textured nylon eVENT (the original eVENT Rain Jacket uses a 30d fabric). The new fabric is both tougher and also softer with a better drape. It is fully seam taped with a curved back that is three inches longer than the front. At 9 ounces, it is 0.5 ounces lighter than the eVENT Rain Jacket.

Features and Specifications

• 9 ounces (size L)
• $180
• Pullover design with a 14 inch waterproof zipper
• 40d soft textured nylon eVENT is softer and more durable
• Hoodless, pocketless
• Cut longer in the back
• Available in black and dark green

Also made from the new fabric is the eVENT Cruiser Jacket which is also hoodless but features a full front zip and zippered hand pockets. It weighs 11.5 ounces (size L) and retails for $200.

Imagine doing steep technical ice with an 8 oz technical ice axe; 8 oz, 12-point crampons with steel front points; and a 3.3 oz harness. Camp achieves this by using aluminum combined with Sandvik Nanoflex steel reinforcements in critical strength and durability areas-crampon front points and axe pick and spike. Sandvik Nanoflex is 60% stronger and 20% lighter than normal steel.

Only the Lightest for Snow and Ice Travel*:

8.6 oz = Aluminum 12 point crampon with steel front points! $160
8.6 oz = Technical Aluminum Ice Axe with steel pick and spike! $130
7.3 oz = Aluminum Mountaineering Axe $100
4.4 oz = 8 ft (240 cm) Carbon Fiber Avalanche Probe $70
3.3 oz = Climbing Harness $40

* All are BPL measured weights

New to the Inov-8 line is Shoc-Zone, their system for rating the shock absorption of their midsoles that uses a scale of one to four arrows. It works like this:

• One arrow: elite racing flat
• Two arrows: high performance trail running or adventure racing shoe
• Three arrows: hiking cushioning/ultra running
• Four arrows: cushioning similar to a traditional training shoe

Also new are all models in the four-arrow Shoc-Zone range.

Like all Inov-8 shoes, the names designate first the sole type and next the weight of the shoe in grams (size 9 US). The Roclite sole is an intermediate design for mixed terrain while the F-lite is for hard compact to paved surfaces.

The four-arrow shoes offer an entry point into the Inov-8 line for those who are used to the cushioning of a traditional running shoe. However, they are also true Inov-8 shoes, offering the performance benefits of ultralight weights and maximum flexibility for natural foot movement.

Also new is the Mudclaw 340 O+ which features the aggressive tread of the Mudclaw 330 O but with the addition of ten metal studs for traction in icy conditions.

At 1 pound 8 ounces, the Hyperlite Backpacker A-sym drops seven ounces off of the popular Ultralite Backpacker A-sym. According to Tom Hennessy, this gets the Hyperlite very close to the 1 pound 4 ounce Light Racer A-sym hammock without the issues of shelter durability that come with his adventure racing-only models. The weight reduction is made through the use of lighter 1.1 ounce uncoated 30D nylon for the hammock and 1.3 ounce 30D silnylon for the fly.

In addition, Hennessy plans to switch the rainfly to an even-lighter 20D polyester early in 2007. This will bring the Hyperlite down to approximately 1 pound 5 ounces, effectively bumping the Light Racer A-sym out of the Hennessy line.

For those unfamiliar with Hennessy A-sym hammocks, they use an asymmetrical design that puts the camper at a diagonal axis, giving a much flatter position than a traditional hammock. A bottom exit with Velcro closure, full bug netting with internal pocket, a ridgeline cord to maintain internal space, and a full-coverage rain fly round out the Hennessy design.

Features and Specifications

• 1 lb 8 oz (going to approx. 1 lb 5 oz in 2007)
• $219.95
• Comfortable for six-foot tall hikers
• 200 pound weight limit
• Includes bug netting, full fly, Velcro entrance closure, internal pocket
• Asymmetrical design for nearly-flat sleeping

In addition, Tom showed us a prototype rainfly made out of Cuben Fiber fabric. When trading the Hyperlite fly for the Cuben Fiber fly, the hammock dropped and ADDITIONAL 7.4 ounces bringing the total Hyperlite/Cuben Fiber package to just 17.9 ounces.

We were excited to leave the Hennessy booth with both a Hyperlite Backpacker A-sym and an exclusive on the Cuben Fiber fly; look forward to both reviews at BackpackingLight.com.

A option now available on Hennessy hammocks is a simple 0.3 ounce plastic funnel that hangs from the rainfly guyline attachment(s). When it rains, water runs down the fly and into the bottle, adding tension to the rainfly at just the time that it typically starts to sag and leaving you with a bottle of fresh water in the morning. By using a simple filter such as noseeum netting, the crud stays out of the water.

The Travel Hammock continues to improve their hammock line. The Skeeter Beeter adds no-see-’em netting to the original Ultralight hammock extending the usefulness of this inexpensive hammock into areas where high bug pressure is common.

The third integrated canister fuel cooking system to hit the market soon is the Primus EtaPower EF. Primus takes a somewhat different approach to create an integrated canister fuel cooking system, and in several ways it’s more versatile than systems from Jetboil and MSR.

The weight is 27.3 ounces for the whole package, including a pot grabber. Arrghh, you say? Actually, the weight is not as bad as seems because you can leave the carry case and pot grabber at home and save 8.7 ounces, making the weight comparable with the Jetboil and MSR systems. Having said that, the bottom line is none of these systems is truly lightweight.

The versatility in the Primus system is:

• It is a remote canister system and has a pre-heat tube, so you can use it as a liquid feed system
• The cookpot is 2.1 liters, larger than the MSR or Jetboil, and a 1.7 liter pot is available. Both pots are wide to facilitate heat transfer
• The cookpot with attached heat exchanger fins can be used on other conventional stoves
• You get both a cookpot and frypan for the same weight as the MSR or Jetboil systems

Primus claims that the EtaPower will boil 28 liters of water from a single 8-ounce fuel canister. For comparison, MSR claims their new Reactor Stove will boil 22 litres per canister. So, it looks like we have some good competition “heating up” here.

At this point, I know exactly what you’re thinking – Backpacking Light needs to do an in-depth comparison of the three systems under controlled conditions and report on their comparative fuel efficiency and performance. We’re on it, expect a full report in a few months.

The field of hammocks keeps growing with each Outdoor Retailer show. We all know that hammocks can make great places to take a nap during the day in ones own backyard, but they can also make wonderfully comfortable shelters. Hammock Bliss has designed several models of hammocks that ought to suit the needs of hammock campers all over.

The Debris Sock is available in Cool Max or merino wool, both with a 1.3 ounce weight (BPL measured). This patent-pending design combines a performance sock with an integrated cuff that acts as a gaiter.

New and innovative features:

• At 1.3 ounces, no combination of sock or gaiter comes close to this weight and simplicity
• Even the most breathable stretch gaiters are warm and sweaty; the Debris Socks offer far superior breathability- they are nearly as breathable as normal socks

Attached at the laces with a clip and under the rear of the sole with a two-piece replaceable cord, the Debris Sock snugly covers the entire top of the shoe, sealing it from sand, rock, or other trail materials. For those times when a short scree gaiter is too warm or too heavy, the Inov-8 Debris Sock should be all the protection you’ll need.

The new Mountain Hardwear Bunker 1 is the smallest and strongest tent in MH’s EV series. It is solo shelter loosely based on a tent that survived a night on the summit of Everest. According to MH’s designer Sean McDevitt, recent testing has the tent withstanding 136 mph winds. The Bunker 1’s strength comes from its low wind-shedding profile and ultra strong 12mm diameter Scandium PF poles which are thicker than the middle section on most trekking poles! Fabrics and construction are similar with other EV series tents (see Mountain Hardwear EV2 Tent REVIEW http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/mountain_hardwear_ev2_tent_review.html) with a Conduit FR waterproof/breathable canopy fabric of pre-stretched polyester body fabric and Superlight 2000 PE Nylon pseudo-bathtub floor.

The tent is a classic diamond with crossing poles and single walled waterproof/breathable construction. While low and compact the tent is still has enough room to accommodate a 6 ft climber and gear, albeit snugly. The external poles and clips allow for fast pitching and almost infinite flexibly to guy out the tent.

Specifications:

• 1 person (fits up to 6’ 1” BPL tested)
• 2 Poles – 12mm Scandium
• 16.7 ft² floor area
• 34 in peak height
• Tent body (single wall) Conduit FR waterproof/breathable pre-stretched polyester
• 2000 PE Nylon pseudo-bathtub floor

Every year I think the number of new headlamps that will be released will decrease and every year I am proven wrong. People love headlamps. There is probably a headlamp for every niche application, in most cases more than one. This has created an embarrassment of riches and the treasure trove has been expanded yet again at this year’s show.

Petzl e+LITE

Petzl has entered the arena of the less than one ounce headlamp with the e+LITE. Powered by two lithium coin 3V batteries this may be the lightest lamp with batteries on the market right now.

Features and Specifications

• Weight: 27 grams.
• Multiple light modes are controlled via a lever switch. Modes include low (1 LED) and high (3 LED) power setting with switchable red and white LED’s.
• Battery life of 3.5 hours (3 white LED’s on high) to 70 hours (1 red LED on low).
• Battery type: 2 lithium coin cell 3V batteries.
• Light output is 16 lumens which is quite good.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond caught our attention with three new headlamps: the Icon, Gizmo, and Wiz. The Gizmo and Wiz target the very lightweight headlamp market and the Wiz further refines its target audience with a minimal feature set for children. While the new Icon expands the arena of high-power lamps with its 3-watt LED design.

The Icon

• This 3-watt headlamp will become available November 1, 2006. The lamp can work with either 3 AA batteries or an optional 3.6-volt NiMh rechargeable battery. It has a rich feature set to appeal to those who need a high intensity light and those who can get by with much less illumination.

Features and Specifications

• Weight: 4.1 ounces without batteries
• Can run with either 3 AA batteries or on the optional 3.6-volt NiMh battery pack.
• A single 3-watt LED is surrounded by 4 SuperBright white LEDs. Their are 3 brightness settings in two modes of operation plus a strobe.
• A battery power meter calibrates to the type of batteries being used.

The Gizmo and the Wiz

These two headlamps have somewhat similar features and could well appeal to a lot of the same people even though the Wiz has only 2 SuperBright LEDs compared to the Gizmo’s 3.

Brunton

This is a monster of a headlamp. The L5 sports a single 5-watt (yes five) LED that can be run in several different brightness modes. Even at the 5-watt mode Brunton claims a battery life of 15 hours. If you absolutely need an extremely bright headlamp that weighs 4 ounces without batteries than the L5, when it arrives later this year, is it.

Features and Specifications

• Weight: 4 ounces without battery pack. I was not able to get a precise weight on this but expect it adds approximately another 4 ounces.
• The lamp is powered by a single rechargeable 4.5 volt battery.
• 3 brightness modes plus strobe.

GoLite has re-designed their entire backpack line for 2007. Many important changes have been made in their new internal frame packs, giving them a more durable, functional, and gender-specific feature set. That’s right, all of the new packs have men’s and women’s models.

Some highlights include replacement of the corrugated polystryene framesheet with a composite framesheet, adjustable aluminum stays, more durable and lighter fabrics, contoured well-padded shoulder straps, water-resistant zippers, large hipbelt pockets, angled side stretch mesh pockets, and adjustable straps to attach a snowboard or snowshoes.

Overall, the new packs hit the key size ranges, and incorporate the full feature set that most lightweight backpackers would want. Kudos to GoLite for making their packs better without making them heavier and more expensive.

While I compared pack sizes and weights with their predecessors, that’s about where the comparison ends. The new packs have a nicer feature set, are more user-friendly, and the colors are more pleasing. We will report on their performance in future reviews.

The parade of the headlamps continues. Princeton Tec has taken their 3-Watt LED Apex and placed it on a diet. The Apex Pro weighs 106 grams (3.7 ounces) less than its AA powered cousin, the Apex. The weight reduction was achieved by changing the battery pack. The Apex Pro uses 2 CR123 Lithium batteries.

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The reduction in weight does come at the cost of a shorter overall burn time though the regulated burn time period is actually slightly longer in 3 Watt High mode.

Overview

Using lighter materials and stripping away unneeded features, Primus unveils a lighter version of their Micron stove that appears to be the lightest canister stove currently available.

The new MicronStove Ti 2.5 is constructed primarily of titanium and aluminum. The original 3.4oz Primus Micron stood out due to its compact folded size and unique lever-operated piezoelectric ignition. The MicronStove Ti 2.5 dispenses with the piezo igniter, and replaces heavier steel parts with re-designed components made from the lighter metals. For example, the older wire legs are now stamped titanium pieces with serrations on top to improve pot support.

I did not have an opportunity to fire up the prototype unit I saw at the show, but I was allowed to weigh it. In spite of the “2.5” in its name, and its brochure’s claimed 2.4oz weight, the prototype had an actual measured weight of 2.2oz. If production units can maintain this weight, this would make it the lightest commercially available canister stove, beating the 2.5oz Snow Peak GigaPower Titanium Manual, 2.7oz Coleman F1 Ultralight, and 2.7oz Vargo Jet-Ti Stove. Judging solely from its specifications, I expect performance to be comparable to the older model.

Specifications and Features

• Dimensions in use: 3.5 in high x 5 in wide (9 x 13 cm)
• Dimensions stored: 2.5 in high x 2.8 in wide x 2.3 in thick (6 x 7 x 6 cm)
• Heat Output: 7500 BTU/hr (claimed)
• Measured Weight: 2.2oz (62g) (prototype)
• MSRP: $65