Articles (2020)

MSR Reactor Integrated Canister Stove (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

The integrated canister stove category just blew wide open with the imminent arrival of MSR’s new Reactor. It’s claimed to be the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient, windproof cooking system available. And there’s another integrated canister stove coming from a different stove maker. BPL will cover this tomorrow night. Move over Jetboil!

Overview

MSR Reactor Integrated Canister Stove (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 1
The new MSR Reactor integrated cooking system has a unique radiant burner that combines with an enclosing heat exchanger to provide maximum efficiency and heat transfer to the cooking pot. The hard anodized aluminum pot is 1.7 liters, which makes it suitable for group cooking. Note the radiant glow of the burner head.

The new Reactor Stove is MSR’s answer to the Jetboil Group Cooking System. It was first announced at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2004 trade show, and after several delays, it will finally arrive in an outdoor store near you in February 2007.

According to an MSR representative “It took longer because inventing ‘light plutonium’ was a bigger challenge than we expected. But we succeeded in finding a way to remove the deadly gamma rays, leaving only clean infra-red radiation to do the cooking. The Reactor will run for 24,000 years (one half-life) on a single gram of light plutonium 239, so you never need to worry about how much fuel to bring.”

Seriously, the Reactor runs on canister fuel. Its integrated cook pot is 1.7 liters and stove weight is 21 ounces, compared to 1.5 liters and 19 ounces for the Jetboil Group Cooking System. According to MSR claims, the Reactor will boil 1 liter of water in 3 minutes, will boil 2.8 liters from 1 ounce of fuel, and will boil 22 liters of water from a single 8 ounce canister of fuel. Jetboil claims a 4 minute boil time for the GCS (although in BPL testing it has slower boil times).

Our initial reaction is the stove should be the most sophisticated and efficient integrated canister stove to date, but it is also the heaviest integrated canister stove. Only time and testing will tell if its efficiency will justify the weight.

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What is unique about the Reactor is its integrated heat exchanger that completely encloses a radiant burner, so it generates maximum heat output and transfers it by both convection and radiation to the cook pot. The burner is claimed to use 100% primary air entering through ports on the side, allowing it to be completely enclosed at the top and making it virtually impervious to wind. The pot lid is Lexan plastic.

Where does the efficiency comes from?

  • The burner head has a special metal foam that heats up and glows for radiant heat transfer (see lead picture). The bottom of the pot is dark to absorb the radiant energy.
  • The metal foam also slows convective air flow which increases convective heat transfer to the pot. Slow air flow allows more time for heat transfer.
  • Tight areas around the pots heat exchange fins create a pressure drop that fine tunes air flow (slower) for optimal heat transfer.
  • Because the pot and burner head are essentially a sealed air path (allowing no external air to enter except from the two mixer tube intakes), the stove’s efficiency is unimpaired by strong winds. Most canister stoves get about 40% of their air at the burner head and thus can’t have a sealed air system like the Reactor.
  • The pressure regulation in the burner head also maintains optimal burn rate and thus optimal efficiency over the life of the canister (no matter what the fill level).
  • All of the above means that the Reactor will have optimal efficiency over a broad range of flame settings, canister fill levels, temperatures, and wind. Most canister stoves will loose efficiency if any of these are suboptimal.

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Bottom side of the Reactor’s burner. It has an internal pressure regulator that maintains a constant 12.5 psi for consistent flame output for the life of the canister. Most canister stoves burn much faster on the initial few liters boiled and then heat slower and slower as canister pressure falls. These un-regulated stoves also boil much slower in cold weather when canister pressure also falls. In both cases the Reactor should have consistent boil times. MSR claims a boil time of 3 minutes for the first liter and 3.5 minutes for the last few liters or if the temperature drops below 35 degrees.

The Reactor Stove introduces some new technologies and raises the bar for integrated canister cooking systems. But it’s heavy at 21 ounces. Interestingly, the burner weights only 6 ounces, so the pot and heat exchanger assembly weigh a huge 15 ounces! The Reactor definitely needs some lightening up and the pot and heat exchanger (and Lexan lid) are the obvious choices. MSR plans to eventually produce a lighter version, as well as smaller and bigger capacity versions.

MSR claims the Reactor will be the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient windproof cooking system available. We just LOVE claims like that because it challenges us “gear technologists” a to check it out! Believe me, when our Cooking Systems Editor Dr. Roger Caffin gets his hands on the Reactor, he will have a LOT to say about it in his review.

As we mentioned earlier, another manufacturer is introducing an integrated stove; stay tuned for our report on another “hot” product that was quietly developing while our attention was focused on MSR.

Specifications and Features

  • Manufacturer: MSR (http://msrcorp.com/)
  • Product: Reactor Stove (available February 2007)
  • Type: Integrated cooking system
  • Fuel: Canister fuel only
  • What’s Included: Burner base, pot and lid, handle
  • Weight: 21 oz (595 g)
  • Features: Heat exchanger attached to bottom of cook pot completely encloses a radiant burner, internal regulator equalizes fuel pressure, piezo-electric ignition
  • MSRP: $150

Performance

  • Boil 1 liter of water in 3 minutes (full canister)
  • Boil 1 liter of water in 3.5 min (end of canister life)
  • Boil 2.8 liters from 1 ounce of fuel
  • Boil 22 liters of water from a single 8 ounce canister of fuel.

National Geographic Debuts “National Parks Explorer 3D” (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

Update to CD-based Trails Illustrated national parks maps

National Geographic Debuts “National Parks Explorer 3D”
New Electronic Version of Trails Illustrated for National Parks

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National Geographic’s National Parks Explorer 3D is a long awaited update to their National Parks CD-based version of Trails Illustrated maps. The software is based on an easy to use version of the Topo! 4.0 engine. It’s a steal at $50 for 25 of the most popular national parks.

I still use my nearly 10 year old National Geographic 50 National Parks CD-based maps-as recently as last month for a Shenandoah National Park trip. It has accurate trails, usage regulations, park infrastructures and other essential information for trip planning that the 1:24,000 series USGS topographic maps do not. But the 50 National Parks CD maps and software are dated and their information is less accurate than it was 10 years ago. The support software to read and manipulates the maps is equally dated.

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For the best of all worlds use the National Parks Explorer 3D Trails Illustrated Maps for trails and park info in conjunction with the 1:2400 scale National Geographic Topo! State series maps for topographic detail.

Next month, National Geographic will publish “National Parks Explorer 3D,” an interactive, electronic version of their Trails Illustrated National Park Maps. It will contain a the newest and most-up-to-data Trails Illustrated maps for 25 of the most popular national parks and a wealth of additional travel and recreational information. The software is based on their new Topo! 4.0 engine. It has all the power of Topo! 4.0 but with much easier to use tools [we hope to see these in Topo! 4.1]. For instance the route tool automatically snaps to and precisely follows trails. Waypoints are automatically added as you draw routes. There is a new sophisticated print preview that makes printing custom maps about 10x easier than Topo! 4.0. There is an accompanying PDF file with the map legend, park regulations, contact number, and additional travel and recreational information for the area. While I think it is a bit gimmicky, it has a viewing tool that allows you to view your route in 3D as if you were flying over it in a helicopter. This helps you visualize just how steep that upcoming pass is.

Included Parks

  • Acadia, ME
  • Arches, UT
  • Big Bend, TX
  • Bryce Canyon, UT
  • Canyonlands, UT
  • Death Valley, CA
  • Glacier/Waterton, MT/Aberta
  • Grand Canyon, AZ
  • Grand Teton, WY
  • Great Smoky Mountains, TN/TC
  • Isle Royale, MI
  • Joshua Tree, CA
  • Kings Canyon, CA
  • Mt. Rainier, WA
  • North Cascades, WA
  • Olympic, WA
  • Redwood, WA
  • Rocky Mountain, CO
  • Sequoia, CA
  • Shenandoah, VA
  • Theodore Roosevelt, ND
  • Yellowstone, WY/MT
  • Yosemite, CA
  • Zion, UT

Komperdell Carbon Fiber Featherlite Fixed Length Trekking Poles (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

A 4.3 ounce trekking pole from Komperdell with straps and ultralite carbide Alpine tips for only $100

The Featherlite Carbon trekking poles are new from Komperdell and fall in their Alpine line of using the same grips found on their top-rated C3 Duolock adjustable poles. Add light and stiff carbon fixed-length shafts and ultralight Alpine press-fit tips and you’ve got a 4.3 ounce (bpl measured-120cm length) fixed length trekking pole.

These poles (due out in Winter, 2006) are not the lightest fixed-length carbon poles on the market; the Gossamer Gear Lightrek, and Titanium Goat poles, Bozeman Mountain Works STIX PRO, have them beat by over an ounce. However, they beat each pole in one way or another:

  • Much stiffer than the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles and with straps
  • More finished than the Titanium Goat poles- contoured grips with straps and better tips
  • A full $180 cheaper than the STIX PRO poles

The Komperdell Featherlite Carbon poles are the first fixed-length carbon poles with contoured grips and straps that are in the same ballpark as the custom poles listed above- and at a great price. We can’t wait to get these out in the field!

Komperdell Carbon Fiber Fixed Length Trekking Poles (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 1
The ultralight Alpine tips feature carbide tips, a locking mechanism for press-fit baskets, and little else.

Features and Specifications

  • Available Winter, 206
  • Comes in 110-135 cm lengths (in 5 cm increments)
  • 4.3 ounces per pole (120 cm length without baskets)
  • Carbide flextip
  • Technically an alpine ski pole but perfect for backpacking
  • Approximately $100

Komperdell Carbon Fiber Fixed Length Trekking Poles (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 2
Komperdell’s Clemens Kopal showing off the upcoming Komperdell Bamboo poles. While they have classic looks, they’re actually modern carbon fiber poles with a natural bamboo overlay, leather grips with EVA foam underneath, and fur-lines straps.

For those looking for the most distinguished poles around, check out the Komperdell Bamboo fixed-length poles. Starting with the carbon fiber shafts found on the Featherlite poles, they add a natural bamboo finish and a leather grip and strap. The result is a pole that is as stiff and vibration-damping as a modern carbon fiber pole but in a look that is distinctly classic.

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Bamboo models will include laquered bamboo finish with black leather grip and leather strap (left) and natural finish with brown leather grip and fur-lined strap (right).

Available in Winter 2007 (yes- over a year away), the Bamboo poles may be available in two finishes- one in a natural bamboo finish with a brown leather grip and a fur-lined strap, and the other in a lacquered bamboo finish with black leather grips and matching leather straps.

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The adjustable Bamboo pole will have a carbon/bamboo top section with lower sections from the top-rated Komperdell C3.

At 6.4 ounces for the 125 cm length and 6.5 ounces for the 135 cm length (bpl measured), these will not be the lightest poles around. However, they certainly have the most class and will have a reasonable price of approximately $110. They will be available in 110-135cm lengths.

An adjustable model is also in the works that uses the bamboo-coated carbon fiber for the upper section and standard C3 Duolock carbon sections for the lowers.

GoLite Ultra Series Backpacks (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

GoLite’s new backpack lineup for 2007 expands on the success of the Jam with new designs, colors, and smarter feature sets.

GoLite has re-designed their entire backpack line for 2007. Say bye-bye to the Infinity, Perspective, Speed, Race, Trek, Gust, and their brethren. Also going is GoLite’s SilLite fabric, which did not have enough abrasion resistance.

I would have to say that GoLite’s present pack line is a conglomeration of hits and misses. The Infinity and Jam were hits, but many of the others did not fare as well. GoLite’s goal with their new packs is to make them light AND durable, and to get the details right in terms of features and comfort. I am personally very impressed with the new packs; they incorporate a lot of nice improvements with little or no weight gain – exactly what I would like to see.

The new lineup will consist of nine packs in three groups. The Ultra group (presented here) is their very lightest packs; the Adrenaline group is adventure racing packs, and the Venture group is full-featured internal frame packs. All of their new packs are lighter than most of the competition, and all but one (the Ion) is available in both men’s and women’s specific versions.

GoLites New Backpack Lineup for 2007: Ultra Series (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 1
The diminutive Ion at 9 ounces and 1,500 cubic inches can be used as a SuperUltraLight backpack. This minimalist pack has a water-resistant top zipper access, spacer mesh shoulder straps, sternum strap, and webbing hipstrap. There are no outside pockets, but it does have a hydration tube opening. MSRP will be $50.

GoLites New Backpack Lineup for 2007: Ultra Series (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 2
The most significant pack in the Ultra group is the Jam2, which as the name implies is a re-design of the Jam pack. The Jam has shrunk slightly from 3,200 to 3,000 cubic inches (size M) and has lost 2 ounces of weight (now 19 ounces). The shoulder straps are more comfortable spacer mesh and Brock foam, the side pockets are now angled for easier access and made of a stretch mesh, and the frontpanel access zipper is water-resistant. It has a drawcord and top strap closure system. Besides these bigger changes, many details of the Jam2 have been improved. MSRP is $100.

GoLites New Backpack Lineup for 2007: Ultra Series (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 3
The new Pinnacle pack at 4,000 cubic inches and 23 ounces is simply a larger version of the Jam2. MSRP is $130.

GoLites New Backpack Lineup for 2007: Ultra Series (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006) - 4
A clever feature of the new Jam2 and Pinnacle packs is their ComPacktor system, which is a simple clip and loop on the bottom of the pack that works with the side compression straps to reduce pack volume as much as two-thirds.

Here is the upshot of the new GoLite Ultra packs, as I see it right now. The Ion is elegant in its simplicity, but lacks functionality compared to lighter SUL packs from Fanatic Fringe, Gossamer Gear, and Mountain Laurel Designs. It’s simple, durable, and probably comfortable, but the total lack of outside pockets really limits it. There’s not even a place to put a water bottle! The Jam2 is the standout. At 3,000 cubic inches, it hits a sweet spot for ultralight backpacking, and lots of improvements make a great pack even better. The Pinnacle is basically a better Gust. The volume and weight are similar to the old Gust, and the details from the Jam give it a nicer feature set.

Primus MicronStove Ti 2.5 (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

Your old 3 ounce canister stove weighing you down? Talk to Primus.

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.

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The stove folded for storage. Without the igniter, it’s now more compact than ever.

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

Universal Adapter Carport Power Charger (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

A portable 12-volt power pack to recharge your portable electronics.

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The Universal Adapter Carport charger shown sealed and open but empty. This battery-pack is a portable 12-volt power source weighing about 10 ounces when loaded.

In an age where portable electronic devices are starting to play a more significant role in backcountry travel whether strictly for pleasure, aids to navigation, journaling, or communications they all have one serious drawback: they require power. More and more of these devices rely solely on proprietary rechargeable battery technology so you do not have the option of merely swapping batteries in and out. Therefore, having a reliable way to recharge your devices has become more important and it is likely that this ztrend will continue.

Their are two basic approaches to this issue: solar chargers and battery-pack chargers. Solar charger have the singular advantage of access to a nearly inexhaustible energy supply from the Sun. But that energy source is fickle and solar cells are notorious for only working in optimal or near optimal conditions. Battery-pack chargers provide a steady reliable source of power, but once the batteries in the pack are depleted you will not be able to recharge anything and you will be carrying useless dead weight. Which road you travel will be influenced by what you need to recharge and how often you expect to have to do it.

Universal Adapter is entering this market with a nifty battery-pack based charger. At first glance it seems like a rather hefty object to take along on a trip as it is designed to hold 8 AA size batteries. The pack becomes a 12 volt power supply from which you can plug a car charger to recharge your electronic gizmos. With the use of high capacity batteries, they recommend using 2300 milliamp hour or higher, the Carport charger can recharge most cell phones 3 to 5 times, PDAs and iPods 2 to 3 times, and perhaps most important to the backcountry travelers GPS units 2 to 3 times.

The unit is made of PC/ABS plastics and appears to be durable. It weighs 2.8 ounces without batteries. Batteries vary in weight with alkaline batteries weighing the most, followed by NiMH,, and lithium batteries being the lightest. A quick and dirty calculation suggest that the Carport charger would weigh approximately 9.4 ounces when filled with 8 NiMH batteries.

Is the Carport a viable alternative? For many trips it could well be. I have taken solar chargers on trips that while lighter also did not provide a reliable source of power to recharge the devices I had with me. Bringing extra batteries was not practical since even the after-market non-branded version would have cost in excess of $60. While I do not know if the Carport would have worked, none of us has had a chance to test one yet, if it does it would certainly have been worth it on medium length trip from 5 to 15 days in length.

Features and Specifications

  • A portable 12-volt power supply that can be used to recharge portable electronics such as iPods, GPS receivers, PDAs, and cell phones.
  • Weighs 2.8 ounces without batteries.
  • Uses 8 AA batteries.
  • Mates with a car charger to recharge your portable devices.
  • Can fully charge most cell phones 3 to 5 times; PDAs, iPods, and GPS receivers 2 to 3 times.
  • WOrks with non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries; 2300 MAh capacity or high are recommended.

Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel REVIEW

This carbon fiber snow shovel is the lightest, most versatile, and most beautiful on the market… but also the most expensive.

Introduction

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At just 16.4 ounces, the Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel is the lightest on the market. It is also highly versatile featuring a full-size blade, foam grip, an extendable shaft, left or right hand grip, and an innovative hoe position for scraping. In soft snow, it even passes as an ice axe in a pinch. At $159.95 it is also the most expensive shovel on the market. So, is it worth all that gold for this piece of carbon?

What’s Good

  • Full carbon fiber construction is light, stiff, and beautiful
  • Steel reinforcement protects the leading edge of the blade
  • Blade is strong enough for rain-soaked frozen Washington snow
  • Angled handle gives a more powerful position than standard flat handles and easily switches for left or right handed use
  • Hoe position is extremely useful for smoothing tent platforms or scraping out tight snow cave entrances
  • Padded grip is comfortable and non-slip
  • At just over 1 pound, it is the lightest extendable shovel on the market

What’s Not So Good

  • Steel reinforcement doesn’t protect the corners of the blade, leaving the carbon fiber susceptible to damage – especially from metal objects like snow stakes
  • Spring adjustment buttons sometimes stick (but are typically easy to repair)
  • Carbon fiber blade is strong but more prone to chipping than aluminum or Lexan
  • Narrower, curved blade is great for digging but not as good for cutting snow blocks as wider, flatter blades
  • Very expensive at $159.95

Specifications

  Year/Model

 2006 Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel

  Materials

 Carbon fiber blade with steel edge reinforcement, carbon fiber shaft with EVA foam grip and plastic handle junction

  Weight

 16.4 oz (464 g) measured weight; 14.8 oz (419 g) manufacturer claimed weight

  Blade Dimensions

 Width: 8.1 in (21 cm)
Length: 11.0 in (28 cm)

  Shovel Length

 26.5 – 35.5 in (67 – 90 cm)

  MSRP

 $159.95

Performance

The Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel features a beautiful carbon fiber blade with a steel-reinforced edge and molded ridges for strength and rigidity. The extendable shaft is also carbon fiber and locks with spring-loaded push buttons. When compact it locks into a right-handed angle but easily switches for left or right-handed use when extended.

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The carbon blade is reinforced with a steel insert along its front edge and is strong enough to pound through Washington’s frozen rain-soaked snow.

The handle is also carbon fiber and attaches to the main shaft with a plastic elbow. It is angled about 30 degrees up for an ergonomic and powerful hand position. A long EVA foam grip on the main shaft is comfortable and anti-slip.

An innovative hoe function, which can be used for scraping, is achieved by removing the blade and fixing it to the hand grip.

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Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel REVIEW - 5a

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The Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel is very versatile, quickly adapting between compact (left top), extended hoe (top right), or extended left or right-handed grips (bottom left and right) Further, you can remove the blade for a passable soft-snow ice axe.

Despite its light weight, the carbon Komperdell shovel is very strong. I used it to dig snow caves, tent platforms, and avalanche pits with solid results. Even when hoisting extra-large blocks of rain-soaked snow or smashing into glacial ice, the Avalanche Carbon Shovel held up well and showed minimal deflection. In situations where I’ve bent aluminum shovels, this ultralight shovel had no problems.

While the blade is a good width for most applications, its bend, width, and ridges aren’t the best for carving large snow blocks for an igloo or building large kickers for snowboarding. As an all-around shovel for digging avalanche pits, building snow caves, or building tent platforms, the medium-sized blade is a good compromise.

The hoe function is innovative and useful. It only takes seconds to remove the blade and attach it to the handle to set up the hoe, which can be used for scraping or dragging snow. I found this very useful for smoothing tent platforms, moving large amounts of powder snow, or clearing tight snow cave entrances. I love the hoe set-up and use it almost as much as the shovel.

Komperdell claims that the Avalanche Carbon Shovel can be used as an ice axe when the blade is removed. I tested this in the field and found that it worked quite well in soft snow conditions. Because the “pick” is round and blunted, it is definitely not for icy conditions and isn’t an ice axe replacement. Still, it worked great for self arrest and glissading in winter or soft spring conditions.

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The hoe function is excellent for moving powder snow or smoothing tent platforms while the shovel digs a quick snow cave or avalanche pit.

Despite being strong enough to handle heavy snow loads and chipping away at hard, crusty ice, the carbon blade is susceptible to sharp metal objects such as imbedded snow stakes. While the steel reinforced edge had no problem smashing into stakes while digging them out (except for some clear coat chips), the rounded edges of the carbon blade are not protected and chipped a bit. While this chipping has not affected the overall strength of the blade, extra care is needed when digging out frozen metal objects.

Assessment

At $159.95, the Komperdell Avalanche Carbon Shovel is the lightest, most versatile, and most beautiful shovel on the market, but also the most expensive. With most shovels coming in at less than $100, it’s hard to justify the extra expense of the Avalanche Carbon. For the price, though, it’s possible to drop five or more ounces of weight while adding a hoe and a passable ice axe.

What’s Unique

This is the lightest extendable shovel on the market. Further, its hoe position and passable in-a-pinch ice axe option make it the most versatile of shovels.

Recommendations for Improvement

This is a great shovel. I do offer the following recommendations for improvement:

  1. Wrap the steel reinforcement further along the edge of the shovel to provide more protection for the carbon fiber.
  2. Offer a less expensive aluminum version of the shovel for those that want the versatility but want to save some cash.

Before The Chaos: Open Air Demo (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)

Before the chaos of the Outdoor Retailer Show we get ready with the Open Air Demo.

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Talking with the founder of Pakboats/Scansport. There are more inflatable and foldable canoes and kayaks here this year.

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006 officially begins in a few short hours. With the start of ORSM’06 the real chaos of the event will commence. From that chaos will emerge a bevy of exciting products for the ultralight backcountry traveller as well as new insights into the direction our favorite industry is going. But before we spread out to track down these precious nuggets of information some of the Backpacking Light staff attending the show were able to explore the Open Air Demo first.

The Open Air Demo is held along the shore of Willard Bay several miles north of downtown Salt Lake City. Today the waters were calm and warm, and the skies clear, with a brilliant sun beaming down upon us. The atmosphere at this demo day was relaxed with several dozen vendors showing off their pride and joy: mainly, canoes and kayaks. We let ourselves become caught up in the excitement of testing boats from the kevlar canoes made by Bell to the intriguing pedal powered, recumbent bicycle style boats by Wave Walker (we all studiously avoided the H3 Hummer…).

This is a time to get into the swing of things and in some cases make new contacts or re-acquaint yourself with people you have met before. And with any luck perhaps come across a diamond in the rough that you would otherwise miss amongst the multitude of exhibitors at the Salt Palace.

This year a second day was added to the Open Air Demo and that has enhanced the camp-like feeling of this event. Vendors, retailers, and media are all fairly relaxed – the calm before the storm. While I personally did not find any diamonds here my belief that there will be products of interest to us all was confirmed. There is product buzz already about what’s to come tomorrow.

Trail Designs Vari-Vent Windshield Spotlight Review

A neat solution to windshields getting out of control.

Overview

As Will Rietveld shows in his two articles on windshields Part 1 and Part 2, running a stove without a windshield can be, at best, a good way of using a lot of fuel, and at worst a total exercise in frustration. But finding a suitable windshield for your stove can be difficult. Most commercial butane/propane and liquid fuel stoves do come with an aluminium foil windshield, but these ones are usually fairly heavy. For instance, a couple I have here are made with 0.23 mm (0.0092″) soft aluminium foil, and a 6″ high unit weighs 76 gram (2.68 ounce). They are just a strip of foil with a large roll-over at the edges (5 – 7 mm or about 1/4″) and a couple of corners cut off to let the fuel hose pass through. One could wish for something better and lighter.

An obvious alternative is to make your own windshield, but this is not so easy. Finding suitable aluminium foil at your local hardware store seems difficult or impossible: mostly the stuff they stock is far too heavy. The aluminium dampcourse I can buy in Australia is 0.27 mm (0.0106″) thick: even heavier. You can use foil from a disposable baking dish, but usually the dish is too short. You can use cooking foil, folded several times, but this is really only suitable for small windshields under about 3″ in height. Will has suggestions for other designs, but they may not be what you want either.

The Trail Designs windshields are made from aluminium foil only 0.14 mm (0.0055″) thick. They come in three nominal heights: 4″, 6″ and 8″, although actual heights are 112 mm (4.41″), 162 mm (6.38″) and 200 mm (7.87″). The length is about 710 mm (28″). This is enough to make a complete wrap-around windshield of just over about 210 mm (8.5″) diameter, which is distinctly larger than most 2-man cooking pots. For instance, the AntiGravityGear 2 quart pot is somewhat less than 150 mm (6″) diameter, while the 1 quart GSI Bugaboo pot [link to this] is right on 150 mm (6″) diameter. This means the Trail Designs windshield in complete wrap-around mode would have a gap between the Bugaboo pot and the windshield of about 30 mm (1.2″), which is probably slightly more than you need. Yes, the edges are rolled over for strength and safety, but only by about 1 – 2 mm (about 1/16″).

Even so, this is hardly something to get very excited about. It’s just a strip of aluminium foil, after all! But Trail Designs have a patent-pending feature which convinced me that the Vari-Vent units are a step forwards. Before I explain what this is, let’s look at what normally happens when you unroll your foil windshield and try to put it around your stove and pot. You get it just right, and sproing! It rolls up or springs away or generally misbehaves. This is bad enough, but if there is some wind around the behaviour of the very light bit of foil becomes even more unpredictable. This is a pain. Various solutions involving tent pegs have been promoted, but they don’t seem to have caught on, and are hard to use when your stove is on sheet rock anyhow. I have tried other light materials, but the corners kept getting in the flame and burning … and my wife complained about the smell. The problem seems to be that the ends of the windshield are free to go anywhere they want.

Trail Designs Vari-Vent Windshield SPOTLIGHT REVIEW - 1
The Trail Designs variable vent, opening outwards

There is a simple solution to this wayward behaviour which works anywhere, and weighs nothing: join the ends together firmly so the windshield sits in a stable solid ring. Anyone who has tried this will agree that it works, but with ordinary windshields it leaves the stove without an air inlet. This is not good, and can lead to poor performance and carbon monoxide production (I have been able to measure the latter). You can punch holes around the bottom edge of the windscreen (as found in some other commercial windshields), but different conditions seem to need different numbers of holes in different positions, which can be awkward in practice. You can raise the windshield up on a few stones, but this seems to be a bit unstable at times and very hard to adjust. We need a better way to control the air getting in which is stable and does not add weight.

Enter the Trail Designs solution. They have punched three-sided holes right around the bottom edge of their aluminium foil Vari-Vent windscreen. This is best explained by referring you to the picture to the left. The flap can be adjusted to do anything from completely closed to block off the wind to wide open to allow lots of air supply. This is terribly simple, and you can adjust this so easily in the field. You can close off the flaps on the windward side and leave open the ones elsewhere, and you can adjust the airflow as much as you wish. The instruction leaflet suggests you don’t do this while the stove is running, but it is easy enough if you are careful. Have the flaps poking outwards, and then a small stick can be used to adjust them. It’s best to hold the top of the windshield down while you do this, preferably with another stick as the air and the metal there may be a little hot! Just don’t get burnt. Now you have a completely adjustable but stable windshield.

Trail Designs Vari-Vent Windshield SPOTLIGHT REVIEW - 2
The folded join from above

How do you join the ends together to make this into a stable ring? You can use various sorts of paper clips of course, but these are never entirely satisfactory in my experience. I find that folding the two ends back by about 1/4″, one inwards and the other outwards, gives me a join which is really secure and quite simple to connect in the field. This is illustrated to the right. I hook them together and give them a bit of a squeeze. Note that I haven’t creased the fold down hard: you shouldn’t do this as you need to leave some room inside the fold for the other end to fit. On the other hand, you do need to crease it a little to stop it from falling apart when you shuffle the pot and the stove around in the field. Fortunately, the hook joint resists a lot of my clumsiness. (You can of course do this with other brands of windshields too.)

Which height do you need? Many alcohol stoves are only about 50 mm (2″) high with whatever pot stand they are using, so the 4″ windshield is be ideal for these. Granted, cooking foil is even lighter, but I have found that cooking foil disintegrates over time, and on a long trip this can be a pain. Equally, the extremely light and flimsy cooking foil windshields are much harder to control, while the complete circle of one of these is far more stable.

The 6″ units may be useful with some remote tank liquid fuel stoves, especially the ones 4 inches high or more. The 6″ windshield should give a couple of inches cover over the side of the pot. You need to make some arrangement to pass the fuel line through the ring – it is often easy enough to to use one of the existing vent holes for this. This will depend a bit on the stove and a ‘comfortable’ height for the fuel line. In the picture below the red arrow shows the fuel line going through one of the vents. You could also use an 8″ unit with such a stove if you expect to have to handle really high winds, but I doubt this would be really needed. Since liquid fuel stoves usually have the control valve on the fuel tank, which is outside the windscreen, adjustment is easy.

I have found the 8″ unit really convenient with an upright canister stove. The pot rests on such a stove are usually about 150 mm (6 in) above the ground, so once again the windshield will cover a couple of inches of the side of the pot. A higher windshield might protect the pot even more from cooling winds, but it would weigh more and I don’t think it is necessary.

Trail Designs Vari-Vent Windshield SPOTLIGHT REVIEW - 3
Field use of an 8″ Vari-Vent windscreen with a Coleman Ti Fyrestorm stove – the windscreen is higher than needed.

What length do you need? Well, Trail Designs supply the Vari-Vent windshield in a single fairly long length of 28 inches, but a couple of inches at each end is clear of holes. You can chop short bits off each end and still have room for the hook joint, to make it have exactly the clearance you want on your favorite cooking pot. If you are using a smaller one-man cooking pot you may want to chop off a bit more than the little bit at the ends. In this case you can chop a longer length off one end by including a hole (or two). Just rememebr to leave about 1/2 inch for the hook joint.

Of course, once you wrap one of these windshields right around an upright gas stove you can’t access the control handle. This also applies to the new Coleman Fyrestorm Ti remote-canister stove, where the control valve is at the stove. I solved this problem very easily by cutting a neat small hole in the windshield just where the control handle on my upright stove would be. The picture here shows this hole with a blue arrow. This was still a little awkward with my SnowPeak GST-100 stove as the handle was quite short, so I made a slightly longer handle with some Ti wire from the Backpacking Light store. Since the original handle was steel, the new and longer handle was actually lighter. The hole I made is rather small: it might be better to make a slightly larger hole to access the control – the stove will need air after all.

The windshield in this picture is actually much higher than I needed. I was using it because I was also testing out the new Coleman Fyrestorm Ti stove at the time. The control handle for it has fitted through one of the vent holes, marked by the green arrow. Of course, one or two extra small hole hardly makes any difference.

Can an ultra-lightweight walker justify carrying such a windshield? If what you have is a very small low alcohol stove, maybe not. In that case some cooking foil, renewed every few trips, may be enough. But if the stove you are using is slightly higher the cooking foil idea doesn’t work that well, and the weight of one of these windshields can be justified. How so? Well, look again at some of the results from Will’s research. When a stove has to struggle in a wind to bring water to the boil, it uses more fuel – in some cases lots more fuel. Will writes “In my alcohol stove tests, I found a 38-320 percent increase in fuel consumption to boil one pint of water in a 12 mph wind, and that was WITH a windscreen.” That fuel has weight. My own experiments over the years suggested that I had halved the weight of fuel carried by using a windshield and a lid. Over just a few days the extra fuel required to run a bare stove in the wind can easily be more than the weight of one of these windshields. A smart walker carries and uses a windshield – with any stove.

What is the best way of packing one of these away? Commercial units (Trail Designs and others) seem to come folded up, but repeated folding will damage the foil, sooner or later. I prefer to smooth the foil out carefully as soon as I get it, and then to roll it around one of my water bottles and secure it there with a rubber band. If I lose the rubber band, it doesn’t matter.

Could the windshield be improved? Of course it could: it could be made out of even thinner (lighter) aluminium foil – but then it would have to be a harder alloy and we come back to the problems of availability. Or maybe it could be made from a different metal: hard stainless steel shim, or even titanium foil. However, you can be sure that these more exotic metals would make the windshields far more expensive!

Is the windshield perfect? Nothing ever is. The one problem I haven’t solved really well so far is how to light my stove inside such a circular windshield. When the windshield only covers three sides out of four I can come in on the fourth side with my butane lighter. But when the windshield covers a full circle I have to come in from above – and that risks scorching the hairs on the back of my hand. I have found two solutions for this so far. The first involves lifting the windshield up and out of the way while I light the stove. Fine, except in serious winds. The other is to erect the windshield as a 3/4 circle, light it, then join the ends up. This latter is more fiddly, and I have to watch out for the flames while making the join, but it does work reliably.

Trail Designs display these windshields on their web site www.traildesigns.com, but marketing is currently done through the Anti Gravity Gear web site www.antigravitygear.com, where they are listed under Stoves.

Features and Specifications

Unit Height Weight MSRP
4″ 112 mm (4.41″) 32 g (1.13 oz) US$7.95
6″ 162 mm (6.38″) 44 g (1.55 oz) US$9.95
8″ 200 mm (7.87″) 54 g (1.90 oz) US$11.95

 

  • Typical length: 28″, enough for a diameter of 8.5″
  • Foil thickness: 0.14 mm (0.0055″)
  • Can be trimmed to length required
  • Can be joined into secure circles
  • Edges are rolled for strength and to avoid cuts
  • Easy to cut out holes for fuel lines and control handles
  • Can be folded up for packing, but best rolled around a smooth bottle

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW

Does the perfect frameless backpack exist? The Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet comes pretty darn close.

Introduction

The Mountain Laurel Designs SuperUltraLight Prophet packs have been revamped for 2006. The Prophet 20, Prophet 30, and Prophet 40 are replaced with the Prophet Pack, which now comes in sizes Small, Medium, and Large. That’s where the simplification ends, because each of the new packs has different specifications. With MLD packs, the size refers to the bag size, not the pack torso length. The torso length is custom with each order. I can unequivocally say that the Prophet is now my favorite frameless backpack, and in this review I explain why.

What’s Good

  • Right-sized for UltraLight and SuperUltraLight backpacking
  • Very well designed and constructed
  • Removable included accessories
  • Large capacity front mesh pocket
  • Very useful optional sternum pocket
  • Very comfortable to carry with up to 20 pound loads

What’s Not So Good

  • Front mesh pocket could be taller
  • Top Y-strap easily gets twists in it

Specifications

  Manufacturer

 Mountain Laurel Designs (www.mountainlaureldesigns.com)

  Year/Model

 2006 Prophet, size Large

  Style

 Frameless, top loading, drawcord closure with top strap

  Sizes

 Three bag sizes available, torso length is custom to order

  Volume

 Small 1,800 ci (29.5 L), Medium 2,100 ci (34.4 L), Large (2,600 ci (42.6 L)

  Weight

 Size Large tested, 6.1 oz (173 g) measured weight without accessories, manufacturer’s specification 6 oz (170 g). Mfr. Specification for size Small is 5 oz (142 g), and for size Medium is 4 oz (113 g)

  Fabrics

 Sizes Small and Large are 1.35 oz/yd2 silnylon, size Medium is 0.97 oz/yd2 Spinntex (spinnaker cloth); backpanel is 1.9 oz/yd2 coated ripstop nylon

  Features

 Detachable waist strap with whistle, detachable sternum strap, detachable bungee system, detachable water bottle holders, wrap-around front mesh pocket with elastic binding, 2.5 inch ( cm) wide padded shoulder straps, one ice axe loop, drawcord top closure with Y-top strap

  Included Accessories

 Waist strap (1 oz), sternum strap (0.75 oz), bungee system (1 oz) , 2 elastic water bottle holders (0.5 oz)

  Options

 Sternum pocket with water-resistant zipper (0.5 oz/$20)

  Volume To Weight Ratio

 426.2 ci/oz size (based on 2,600 ci and a measured weight of 6.1 oz)

  Comfortable Load Carrying Capacity

 20 lb (9.07 kg) estimated maximum comfortable load an average person can carry all day in this pack

  Carry Load to Pack Weight Ratio

 52.6 (based on a 20 lb load and measured weight of 0.38 lb)

  MSRP

 Small is $100, Medium is $110, Large is $125

Performance

Before I launch into its features and usability, I want to clarify the differences between the different sizes available. The current size Medium is the old Prophet 30. It is made of spinnaker fabric and comes with a full set of detachable accessories. Sizes Small and Large are made of more durable silnylon and have beefier hardware. Size Small is actually a kid’s pack, and has two torso adjustment bungees attached to the shoulder straps that provide for 2 to 3 inches of torso growth.

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW - 1
Views of the new MLD Prophet pack in size Large. The front (top left) has a large wrap-around mesh pocket with an elastic binding that attaches to the top Y-strap. The backpanel view (top right) shows its wide padded shoulder straps and attachments for water bottles. MLD’s “Prophet Pocket” is a silnylon sternum pouch that attaches to the sternum strap. The side view (bottom, left) shows the bungee compression that is included with the pack. The top view (bottom right) shows the drawcord closure and Y-strap.

Although this review is focused on the Prophet as a SuperUltraLight backpack, the application depends on the pack size chosen. Size Small at 1,800 cubic inches is the same size as MLD’s Revelation pack, and could be just the right size for a sub-4 pound base weight fastpacking trip. In size Medium (2,100 cubic inches) the Prophet is clearly targeted at SUL backpacking. However, in size Large (2,600 cubic inches), the Prophet is small and light enough to use for SUL trips but has enough volume to easily handle multi-day ultralight backpacking trips with a 5-8 pound base weight.

It’s also important to note that the MLD pack sizes refer to the volume of the bag, not the torso fit range. The pack torso is made to order. So, when you purchase a MLD pack you are essentially getting a custom pack. To illustrate the point, the size Large I tested was supposed to be constructed of silnylon, but it came in .97 Spinntex (spinnaker cloth). Bottom line, Ron Bell at MLD likes to deviate from the specifications, and will readily sew a pack to fit your preferences.

With SUL backpacks, the contest is to get it as light as possible, and MLD is on the cutting edge of lightness. One way to make the base pack as light as possible is to make several components detachable, so they can be excluded from the pack weight. MLD craftily did that with the Prophet, designing the waist strap, sternum strap, bottle holders, and bungee attachment system as detachable components. MLD also claimed that the drawcord closure is “detachable” (but I didn’t buy into that; it’s included in my measured pack weight). The advantage of this approach is the user can configure the pack exactly the way he or she wants it. My measured weight of all the accessories (including the optional sternum pocket) is 3.2 ounces, so the pack in size Large with all accessories and options adds up to 9.3 ounces (or 6.0 ounces when stripped of all accessories).

My preference was to use the Prophet fully accessorized. The additional components added very little weight (3.2 ounces) and added a lot of utility in terms of stability, comfort, and ease of use. I used one bottle bungee on the left shoulder strap, and found it extremely convenient to keep a 20-ounce bottle of water handy to grab without taking the pack off. I also loved the optional 8-inch x 8-inch silnylon sternum pouch which attaches to the sternum strap. It has a water-resistant zipper and kept a bunch of essentials (notebook and pencil, map, snacks, water treatment, etc.) handy, again without having to take the pack off.

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW - 2
Although you can strip the Prophet down to 6 ounces, I really liked the accessories included with the pack, namely the sternum and waist straps, bottle bungees on the shoulder straps, and the optional “Prophet Pocket”. The pack weight with these accessories is 8.3 ounces, 9.3 ounces if you add the bungee attachment system to the front of the pack.

I tested the Prophet on four multi-day backpacks with total pack weight ranging from 14.5 to 19.8 pounds. I found that the sternum and waist straps definitely improved the pack’s stability on off-trail explorations where I didn’t want the pack to shift when I was working my way down ledges or crossing sliderock fields. The Prophet was surprisingly comfortable to carry, in spite of the fact its torso length of 18 inches was a little short for me (see top photo, unfortunately I didn’t get to specify the torso length I wanted). Its weight carrying capacity was helped by its 2.5 inch wide padded shoulder straps. With the pack body tightly packed, I found that I could shift approximately half of the weight to my hips via the pack’s “virtual frame”.

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW - 3
The Prophet’s shoulder straps (left) are 2.5 inches wide and adequately padded with 0.4 inch thick foam and spacer mesh. The right photo shows details of the bottom shoulder strap attachment and detachable waist strap.

I’m a big fan of outside mesh pockets on a frameless pack, and I especially liked the wrap-around front mesh pocket on the Prophet. It holds a lot of stuff and keeps it secure with a strong elastic drawcord and cordlock at the top. My preference would be for a taller front mesh pocket so it would hold more yet.

The bungee attachment system provided with the Prophet can be attached to either the upper or lower front of the pack. I didn’t use it, but it provides some additional attachment capability for a wet tent or poncho, or carrying a sleeping pad or clothing on the outside of the pack. The top Y-strap snaps into a buckle at the top center of the mesh pocket to provide some top compression and help hold gear under the bungee system. The bungee attachment system also provides moderately effective volume compression for this smaller pack.

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW - 4
Included with the Prophet is a front bungee attachment system (1 ounce) that can be attached to the upper part of the pack (left) or over the front pocket (right). The upper attachment has more utility for attaching items to the outside of the pack and providing some volume compression.

I found the Prophet to be quite durable (with reasonable care) for a SUL pack. The spinnaker fabric used by MLD is very high quality and holds up well (Note: the specification for the size Large pack is silnylon, unless requested otherwise.) Also, the mesh used for the front mesh pocket is surprisingly durable for its light weight.

Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW - 5
The mesh used for the front pocket is remarkably durable for its weight, but its not invincible.

Assessment

The MLD Prophet pack is very well designed and constructed. It’s just the right size for SUL mountain travel. The user can customize it to a large extent by ordering the pack with specific materials and sizing (fabric, pack torso length) and configuring it for each trip with detachable accessories (sternum strap, waist strap, bottle bungies, bungee attachment system). MLD’s “Prophet Pocket” (a sternum pocket) is extremely handy, and I strongly recommend getting it.

Although this review is focused on using the Prophet as a SUL backpack, in size Large it has plenty of room to serve as a multi-day ultralight backpack. The standard silnylon pack body is more durable and waterproof than spinnaker cloth (reviewed here), and weighs only 0.25 ounce more.

On the trail, the Prophet was a SUL star. It carried loads up to 20 pounds very comfortably and stably. Because of its versatility, comfort, and user-friendliness the Prophet has become my frameless pack of choice for backpacking with a base pack weight of 5-8 pounds. At $125 for size Large, it’s a good value considering the fact you’re getting a custom pack. The Prophet was also a standout in our SuperUltraLight Backpacks Review Summary.

What’s Unique

The Prophet pack comes with included detachable accessories so the user can configure the pack for each trip, or remove them to save weight.

Recommendations for Improvement

MLD has a winner with the Prophet pack. The only suggestion I have is to make the front mesh pocket a little taller.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW

Built for the gear-obsessed SUL crowd, the 3.2 ounce Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation pack is the lightest pack on the market while still offering a usable set of features. Further, it is the first commercially-available pack to be constructed of high-tech Cuben Fiber fabric. Impressive – yes, but how does it stand up to the rigors of off-trail hiking?

Introduction

The Revelation is an all-new SuperUltraLight (SUL) pack from Mountain Laurel Designs, a company known for pushing the limits of ultralight backpacking. Designed for only the most trim and focused kits, this 1,850 cubic inch (30.3 L) pack is simplistic but functional and weighs a scant 3.2 ounces. Further, it is the first pack available that is constructed of Cuben Fiber, a Spectra fiber and Mylar film laminate fabric that is used primarily for high-end sailboat sails.

What’s Good

  • The lightest 1,850 cubic inch pack on the market – only 3.2 ounces!
  • Perfectly sized for low volume sub-5 pound SUL loads
  • Functional outside front pocket and bungee system
  • Strong, waterproof, and wicked cool Cuben Fiber main bag
  • Beautiful craftsmanship and good reinforcements at critical areas
  • Optional removable accessories

What’s Not So Good

  • Quick release buckles are easily broken if cinched too hard (will be replaced with a stronger 5/8-inch buckle in production models)
  • Sewn on sternum strap is too short and too low
  • Cuben Fiber fabric, while strong, is not very puncture resistant (although according to MLD it’s more puncture resistant than normal spinnaker cloth)
  • Ice axe loop is too long
  • Ultralight materials need to be treated gently

Specifications

  Manufacturer

 Mountain Laurel Designs (www.mountainlaureldesigns.com)

  Year/Model

 2006 Revelation

  Style

 Frameless, top loading, drawcord closure with top strap

  Sizes

 One size, custom torso length

  Volume

 1,850 ci (30.3 L) including outside pocket, 1,500 (24.6 L) main bag only

  Weight

 3.2 oz (91 g) measured weight as tested without bungee system; manufacturer’s specification 2.8 oz (78 g) stripped

  Fabrics

 Main pack body is Cuben Fiber (MLD calls it Spectralite .60), which is a spectra fiber and Mylar film laminate 0.60 oz/ yd2 (22 g/m2) custom made for Mountain Laurel Designs; pocket and drawstring trim are PU coated spinnaker cloth 0.85 oz/yd2 (33 g/m2), shoulder straps are PU coated spinnaker 0.85 oz/yd2 (33 g/m2) with 3D Mesh backed 3/8 in foam padding

  Features

 Top-loading main pack bag with spectra drawstring top (removable), shoulder straps padded in shoulder area only, sternum strap (can be cut off), single outside pocket, single ice axe loop, single top compression strap

  Options

 Included accessories are: bungee system [0.3 oz (8 g)], shoulder strap bungee set for water bottles [0.4 oz (11 g)]; a sternum pouch is available [0.7 oz (20 g), $15]; custom configurations also available such as extra shoulder padding, taller extension skirt, waist belt, etc.

  Volume To Weight Ratio

 578.1 ci/oz size M/L (based on 1,850 ci and a measured weight of 3.2 oz, without options)

  Comfortable Load Carrying Capacity

 12 lb (5.4 kg) estimated maximum comfortable load an average person can carry all day in this pack; manufacturer claim is 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

  Carry Load to Pack Weight Ratio

 60.0 (based on a 12 lb load and measured weight of 0.2 lb)

  MSRP

 $95

Performance

Mountain Laurel Designs is a small company that has developed a reputation of pushing the limits of ultralight backpacking with its cutting edge designs. The all-new Revelation pack is proof of that claim. It’s the first pack constructed primarily of Cuben Fiber, a polyester film laminate sail material, which is sure to draw the attention of the most gear-obsessed ultralighter.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 1
The Revelation is a perfect size for SUL trips, such as this fastpack into Washington’s Alpine Lakes high country.

At just 1,850 cubic inches (30.3 liters), the Revelation is specifically focused on SUL trips where less volume is needed. Being experienced and obsessed with SUL backpacking, I found the volume to be more than adequate for my sub-5 pound loads. With my down quilt, spinnaker tarp and bivy, small stove, synthetic pullover, and minimal extra clothes and gear, I found the pack to have enough extra room inside for several day’s worth of food. The outside pocket snugly accommodates two 1 liter Platypus bottles as well as a map and small camera while the front bungee system will hold a torso pad, a rain jacket, and other items. An ice axe loop adds functionality for early season trips or off-trail adventures.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 2
The PU-coated spinnaker cloth outer pocket (left) is more abrasion resistant than the Cuben Fiber main pack and will hold up to two 1 liter Platypus bottles. The shoulder straps (right) are faced with the same spinnaker cloth. The backpanel is waterproof Cuben Fiber fabric, and kept my gear totally dry during sweaty summer hiking. The shoulder straps have attachment points for the optional sternum pouch.

At only 3.2 ounces the Mountain Laurel Designs pack is the lightest backpack on the market. And that is for a pack that includes an outside pocket, well-thought out reinforcements, a sternum strap, and padded shoulder straps. The included bungee system adds just 0.3 ounce to the pack’s weight and boosts carrying options.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 3
The two-inch wide padded shoulder straps (left) are comfortable for up to 12 pound loads. The shoulder strap adjusters (right) are quite strong and durable and are double looped so they can be tied to a fixed length in the field should buckle breakage occur.

The two-inch wide shoulder straps are comfortable when carrying loads up to 12 pounds but the lack of a waist belt makes loads beyond that range uncomfortable. The sternum strap should help with heavier loads but like the Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 25 I reviewed last year; it is too low and too short to be usable for my tall, medium build frame. It is also non-adjustable. While I didn’t use the sternum strap, I also didn’t miss it; the shoulder straps fit quite comfortably. When stuffed, the main pack bag forms a round cylinder but it’s easily contoured using the “punching technique”. Simply fill the pack with soft items against your back, punch the back panel into a more flat shape, and you’re good to go.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 4
The sternum strap (left) is too low to be comfortable and too short to be very functional for my medium build. With a pair of scissors the sternum strap was easily removed, saving 0.2 ounce. The Revelation comes with removable shoulder strap bungees for attaching water bottles adventure racer style.

Cuben Fiber (which is a film, not a fabric) is very different from the silnylon and spinnaker cloth used in other SUL packs. According to Brian Hancock on www.SailNet.com: “Cuben Fiber is a much more complex means of creating fabric. For a start, it is made of many layers of untwisted filaments laid in a multitude of directions. Once the fabric has been engineered, it is loaded into an autoclave and baked under high heat and pressure until the individual filaments and film become one, making it extremely strong and stretch resistant for its weight….The process of making the ‘fabric’ is very labor intensive and therefore the cost of the raw fabric is expensive.”

Despite having a plastic shopping bag/waxed paper feel, the fabric is extremely strong and lightweight and has been used in sailboat racing since debuting (and winning) in the America’s Cup Race by America3 in 1993. While its tear resistance is many times higher than similar weight nylons, the downside to Cuben Fiber is its low abrasion resistance, making it a poor choice for ground cloths and bushwhacking packs. The material is typically bonded together with adhesive, resulting in a seam that is much stronger than sewn seams. A nice bonus with Cuben Fiber fabric is that it is much quieter and less “crinkly” than the spinnaker cloth used in other SUL packs.

The pack body of the Revelation pack is bonded in its main seam. At all locations where sewing is necessary, such as the outside pocket, it is both bonded and sewn. Special tape (technically Mylar backed tape with a PU adhesive and a polyester reinforcement grid) and backing material (heavy weave Kevlar with an adhesive) is used on both the inside and outside of the pack bag and sewn through at all stress points such as shoulder strap attachments, outside pocket corners and the bottom seam. These points are obviously bomber and proved to be robust enough to carry weights far beyond those recommended for the pack.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 5
The shoulder strap attachment is reinforced with a polyester grid Mylar tape and heavy weave Kevlar fabric. The photos show the attachment on the inside (left) and outside (middle) of the pack. Construction details (right) such as a blue PU-coated spinnaker drawcord sleeve, a micro cordlock, Spectra drawcord , and a perfect seam in the top closure highlight the quality construction of Mountain Laurel Design products.

PU-coated spinnaker cloth was used in areas more prone to abrasion such as the top drawstring, shoulder straps, and outside pocket. Details such as a micro cordlock and spectra cord used in the top closure, perfectly sewn seams, and doubled ½-inch webbing used on the shoulder strap cinches show thoughtfulness and care in the construction of the pack.

Despite the high level of quality construction, it is important to remember that the Revelation pack is a specialized piece of equipment and needs to be handled with care. That said, I definitely pushed the limits of the pack, hauling it above the tree line in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. My multi-day route involved hauling an ice axe, seated glissades on rough snow, repeated slides along rough talus boulders, and even some bushwhacking. Despite the rough treatment, the Revelation showed little wear. The damage consisted of one small puncture in the Cuben Fiber fabric (easily fixed with a small piece of duct tape) and a broken buckle.

Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW - 6
Despite some rough bushwhacking in sub-alpine forest, the Cuben Fiber pack body (left) suffered only this small puncture and was easily fixed with a small piece of duct tape. The lightweight buckles (right) used for the top and sternum straps were easily broken when cinched with moderate pressure. Fortunately, the top buckle will be replaced with a stronger 5/8-inch model in production packs.

While the fabric damage was less than expected, the top strap buckle broke very easily when cinching it down to hold my ice axe in place. With the stock buckles, extra care needs to be shown when cinching. However, I think a stouter buckle should be used, especially in the main cinch point. The adjusters used at the more critical shoulder strap adjustments were much more durable and I had no problems with them during field testing.

Even with the use of expensive Cuben Fiber fabric, extensive attention to detail, and custom sizing, the Revelation is a great value at $95. If you are pushing the limits of SUL backpacking, it is the lightest, best sized, and coolest pack in existence and if treated with care, will have the durability to last for many adventures.

What’s Unique

The use of Cuben Fiber fabric sets the Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation apart from all other packs in its class. It is sized perfectly for compact SUL loads and has the minimum feature set to make it truly usable. To some it looks like a garbage bag with straps but to those in the know, it is the most high tech and specialized pack in existence.

Recommendations for Improvement

Despite being a beautifully constructed and well though-out design, I do have a few suggestions for improving the Revelation pack:

  • The sternum strap is problematic, being both too low and too short. A removable sternum strap would be better. However, I don’t think it’s necessary at all. By cutting it off, I got my Revelation down to an even 3 ounces (or 3.3 ounces with the bungee system).
  • The top compression strap buckle is not strong enough and broke way too easily. (It will be replaced with a stronger 5/8-inch buckle in production models).
  • The ice axe attachment (aka Multi-Gear Loop) is a little long and made it difficult to keep the axe from moving (even with extra twists). While I’d like it to be smaller, it is well sized for a pair of trekking poles and should probably remain the current size for versatility.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW

Looking for a weekend frameless pack that is both lightweight and durable? Check out the new ULA Conduit.

Introduction

In ULA’s new 2006 line of backpacks, the Conduit is a frameless top-loading pack with a volume of 3,200 cubic inches and weight of just 22 ounces, just right for a weekend ultralight or lightweight backpacking trip or a day hike carrying bulky gear. It’s made of Dyneema Gridstop fabric which is both lightweight and bomber. In this review I evaluate the many features and attributes of the Conduit, and discuss its sizing and fit.

What’s Good

  • Lightweight AND durable
  • Ample volume for a weekend trip
  • Good volume adjustment
  • Lots of outside storage
  • Wide, well-padded shoulder straps spread weight
  • Optional removable accessories
  • Excellent construction

What’s Not So Good

  • Pack torso length is shorter than specified
  • Shallow, tight side pockets

Specifications

  Manufacturer

 Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA, http://www.ula-equipment.com/)

  Year/Model

 2006 Conduit

  Style

 Frameless, top loading, rolltop closure

  Sizes

 S/M fits 17-19 in (43-48 cm) torsos, M/L fits 20-22 in (51-56 cm) torsos

  Volume

 3,200 ci (50 L)

  Weight

 1 lb 6.2 oz (629 g) measured weight (size M/L); manufacturer’s specification 1 lb 4 oz (567 g)

  Fabrics

 Main pack body is 210d Dyneema Gridstop polyurethane-coated nylon, pockets are durable polyester mesh with an elastic binding, frontpanel is 1.9 oz/yd2 urethane-coated ripstop nylon

  Features

 Angled mesh side pockets with elastic binding, large bellowed front mesh pocket with elastic binding, two zippered hipbelt pockets, two equipment loops, two ice axe loops, two side and one top compression straps, two hydration tube ports, padded wings plus 1.5 inch webbing hipbelt, interior sleeping pad sleeve, sternum strap, haul loop, attachment loops for optional accessories

  Options

 Zippered internal stash pocket [1.1 oz (31 g), $5], hydration sleeve [1.4 oz (40 g), $5], water bottle holsters [0.4 oz (11 g), $2 each], handloops [0.8 oz (23 g), $2 each]

  Volume To Weight Ratio

 144.1 ci/oz size M/L (based on 3,200 ci and a measured weight of 22.2 oz, without options)

  Comfortable Load Carrying Capacity

 20 lb (6.8 kg) estimated maximum comfortable load an average person can carry all day in this pack

  Carry Load to Pack Weight Ratio

 14.4 (based on a 20 lb load and measured weight of 1.39 lb)

  MSRP

 $125

Performance

The new Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit at 3,200 cubic inches and 22.2 ounces (measured weight) is a versatile frameless pack that can be used for weekend ultralight backpacking trips or a larger volume day pack. It’s made mostly of Dyneema Gridstop, which is a superb fabric that provides both durability and light weight. The fabric contains polyethylene fibers that are claimed to be ten times stronger than steel and two times stronger than Kevlar. The mesh used in the Conduit is also very durable.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW - 1
Views of the ULA Conduit backpack. The front (top left) has a huge mesh pocket that holds a lot of gear; there are two Velcro accessory loops at the top. The backpanel view (top right) shows its wide shoulder straps and padded hipbelt with large zippered pockets. Each side (bottom left) has a half-height angled pocket and a hydration tube port. The top has a roll down closure with a tightening strap on each side, plus a top compression strap.

The Conduit is feature rich, with all the convenience features most backpackers want. The front of the pack has a huge bellowed mesh pocket that will hold a ton of gear. The side half-height mesh pockets are angled so you can easily reach a water bottle. And the hipbelt pockets are some of the nicest around – they have gusseted sides and plenty of room for a camera and more. They are mounted on padded hipbelt wings that locate the pockets at your side.

Inside, the Conduit has a half-height sleeping pad sleeve that positions and holds your folded sleeping pad against your back to create a padded backpanel. There are attachments for ULA’s optional hydration sleeve and zippered stash pocket (see specification table), that can be transferred to other ULA packs. Two hose ports are provided for the internal hydration sleeve.

In use, I loved the huge mesh front pocket for keeping on-the-trail gear handy. The large hipbelt pockets were perfect to hold my digital camera, snacks, and numerous other smaller items. I had mixed feelings about the angled side pockets. When I used water bottles, the pockets were handy for reaching them without taking the pack off. However, when I packed them with gear, they had limited capacity and were a bit tight. The optional accessories that I found most useful were the internal stash pocket and the water bottle holders that attach to the shoulder straps.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW - 2
ULA’s optional accessories easily attach to the Conduit, or any other ULA pack. They include an internal stash pocket (top left), a hydration sleeve (top right), water bottle holders (bottom left), and handloops (bottom right). See specifications table for weight and cost information.

The optional internal hydration sleeve was a bit cumbersome to use with this pack (or any pack with an internal hydration sleeve) because of the difficulty to refill it when the pack was stuffed full. My personal preference was to put a Platypus hydration system in one of the side pockets, which was much more convenient. A full height side pocket on one side would be better for that purpose.

The Conduit’s suspension system consists of 3-inch padded shoulder straps (that distribute weight well), a sternum strap, and 8.5 inch padded hipbelt wings that connect via a 1.5 inch webbing belt and buckle.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW - 3
The shoulder straps on the Conduit (left) are 3 inches wide and well padded, good for distributing weight. The bottom of each shoulder strap attaches to a small delta wing on the bottom of the pack (right). The hipbelt has two padded 8.5 inch wings, each with a large zippered pocket. The side pockets are half height with a fabric bottom.

For fit, the Conduit comes in two sizes: S/M fits 17-19 inch torsos, and M/L fits 20-22 inch torsos. I measured the pack torso length (bottom of shoulder straps to middle of hipbelt) of the size M/L pack I tested, and found it to be only 18 inches. This means that the M/L Conduit will best fit a person with a medium-sized torso (17-19 inches). A long-torsoed person can either tighten the shoulder straps and carry most of the load on his shoulders, with the hipbelt acting as a stabilizer, or allow the shoulder straps to wrap around the shoulders and down the back to place more weight on the hips.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW - 4
In size M/L, the Conduit was a perfect fit on our 16-year old niece (left), but it fit low on me (right).

Why not make the pack torso longer? One limiting factor, as ULA explains, is that most sleeping pads are 20 inches wide, and the folded pad needs to fit vertically inside the pack from the bottom of the pack to the top of the shoulder straps, without inching up. That gives about an 18-inch pack torso length when measured to the middle of the hipbelt. The solution I found to make the Conduit fit more comfortably was to put a “hinge” in it. I folded my TorsoLite inflatable sleeping pad into a square and put it in the bottom of the pack, along with my sleeping bag. I then put my food bag above that against the backpanel, and packed the rest of the pack normally. This put a distinct bend in the backpanel, as shown in the photos, which made it conform much better to my back.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW - 5
Packing the Conduit to put a hinge in it (left) improved the fit of the Conduit against my back (right), but I would prefer a taller pack that matches my torso length.

That said, my personal preference is for a pack with a torso length that more closely matches my body torso length. For example, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa pack in size medium has a measured pack torso length of 21 inches, and the G5 Hyperlight in size medium measures 24 inches. Obviously Gossamer Gear doesn’t let the 20-inch width of a sleeping pad limit the torso length of their packs. So, the bottom line, for me, is I like most everything about the Conduit except its short torso. I would really like to see the Conduit (and other ULA packs) available in an extra large size, with a pack torso length of around 21 inches.

Assessment

The Conduit is just the right size for an ultralight weekend trip or day trip carrying bulky gear. This pack is both lightweight and durable, so you don’t have to baby it like many frameless backpacks made of thin fabrics. The construction is excellent, using very high quality materials and adequate reinforcements; even the internal seams are all bound. Its feature set is superb.

For weight carrying, the Conduit has wide padded shoulder straps to distribute weight and its padded hipbelt wings cushion the hips. The Conduit in size M/L best fits a person with a 17 to 19 inch torso, but can be adapted to a taller person by packing it to create a hinge. Depending on the fit and your shoulder strength, the Conduit can comfortably carry 20 to 25 pounds all day.

What’s Unique

The use of Dyneema Gridstop fabric for most of the pack makes it both lightweight AND durable. ULA’s optional accessories are removable and can be interchanged in other ULA packs.

Recommendations for Improvement

The ULA Relay is really a fine lightweight pack that incorporates a lot of refinements from previous ULA packs. However, I do have a few suggestions for improvements that are worth considering:

  • Replace the angled side pockets with full height pockets, possibly with an angled entry near the bottom to allow inserting a water bottle without taking the pack off
  • Reverse the top compression strap so the strap hangs on the front side of the pack
  • Offer the Conduit in an extra large size with a pack torso length of about 21 inches

Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW

Really lightweight shoes for water sports and hiking in wet conditions, but they tortured my toes on steep downhills.

Overview

Re-designed for 2006, the Dunham Alcatraz is targeted for water sports and wet trail hiking. At 27 ounces per pair in my size, it’s the lightest shoe that Dunham makes. I tested it while canoe camping/hiking, wet canyon hiking, hiking on wet trails and vegetation, and hiking on steep/dry/rocky trails to see how comfortable and versatile it is. The results were mixed.

Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz is a lightweight shoe designed for water sports and wet trail hiking.

First, an overview of some of its salient features. In the developing market for lightweight water sports shoes, Dunham’s entry is nicely designed and very lightweight and functional. The uppers are made of various synthetic materials and minimal padding for light weight and fast drying. They have fine mesh drain ports front and rear to allow water to be readily pumped out while walking. And they are designed with excellent durability and traction to handle abrasive and slippery surfaces. Their outsole is the familiar Waffle Stomper tread by Vibram, using a special compound formulated for enhanced slip resistance in wet conditions. Another nice feature is elastic laces with a locking adjustor.

Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The Alcatraz is Dunham’s lightest shoe. It is constructed of lightweight synthetic materials and has minimal padding and water exit ports so it dries fast (left). It has an elastic lacing system (right) that is easy and fast to adjust.

I wore the Alcatraz nearly full time on a 10-day spring canoe/hiking trip on Utah’s Green River. Talk about versatility – I used the same shoes for wading while loading and unloading canoes, paddling, camping, and day hiking in side canyons. They easily handled the water and mud. For hiking side canyons, they worked beautifully for hiking wet canyons, going from water to rock to mud. However they left me wanting for better hiking shoes when we hiked steep cowboy trails leading to canyon rims. The main problems were lack of stability on sidehills, and toe jamming on steep downhills.

To test their usability for wet weather lightweight backpacking, I wore them on a multi-day mountain hike during our summer monsoon season. They got lots of exposure to wet rocky trails, mud, and wet rock and vegetation, as well as lots of steep uphills and downhills on dry rocky trails. Again the Alcatraz shoes were in their element in the wet stuff, providing excellent traction and good comfort. They were quite comfortable hiking uphill and on more gentle terrain. Their midsole with duel TPU plates and Absorb padding provided good protection from sharp rocks. The main issue again was their comfort on sidehills and downhills. On a 4,000 foot decent on a dry rocky trail, the Alcatraz tortured my toes to the point where I was hobbling at the end.

Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The Alcatraz has Dunham’s familiar Waffle Stomper tread (left) using Vibram’s TC4+ soft flexible compound formulated for enhanced slip resistance in wet conditions. The Alcatraz was most at home in the water (right) and wet trails.

Bottom line, the Alcatraz is a great lightweight shoe for water sports and wet hiking on undulating terrain, such as rafting or canoeing combined with shorter hikes or canoeing and portaging in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. However, they don’t have the support and stability needed for lightweight backpacking in rugged and steep terrain.

Specifications and Features

  • Manufacturer: Dunham Bootmakers
  • Year/Model: 2006 Alcatraz
  • Style: Low-cut watersports/wet trail hiking shoe
  • Materials: Various synthetics
  • Midsole: Absorb compression molded EVA with dual TPU plates
  • Outsole: Lower profile Waffle Stomper tread made by Vibram exclusively for Dunham, Vibram® TC4+ soft flexible compound formulated for enhanced slip resistance in wet conditions and excellent grip on dry surfaces
  • Sizes Available: 8-15, three widths, half sizes to12
  • Weight: Measured weight men’s size 11.5 4E 27.3 oz (774 g), manufacturer specification 24.6 oz (669 g) size 9.5
  • MSRP: $85

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW

Panel-loading ultralight frameless backpack with a large top pocket – a great feature set – but it also has a few limitations that affect its field performance.

Introduction

No doubt about it, the new Six Moon Designs Essence frameless backpack was designed with the intention of not following the “pack”. It’s definitely thinking “outside the box” to try and come up with a better frameless pack. The Essence, at 3,200 cubic inches and 13 ounces, is a panel-loading frameless backpack with a large top pocket, voluminous mesh side pockets, and large hipbelt pockets. The feature set is terrific, but how well does it perform for ultralight backpacking?

What’s Good

  • Panel loading provides convenient access to pack contents
  • Huge zippered top pocket
  • Three large mesh side pockets
  • Two large hipbelt pockets
  • Wide, contoured, padded shoulder straps spread weight

What’s Not So Good

  • Available in only one size (medium)
  • No effective load compression system
  • Mesh side pockets are not very durable
  • No reinforcement of the shoulder strap attachment

Specifications

  Manufacturer

 Six Moon Designs (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/)

  Year/Model

 2006 Essence

  Style

 Frameless, panel loading, front drawcord closure, top pocket

  Sizes

 One Size Fits Torsos 17 to 22 inches (43 to 56 cm)

  Volume

 3,200 ci (52 L)

  Weight

 13.05 oz (370 g) measured weight, manufacturer’s specification 13 oz (369 g)

  Fabrics

 Body is 70 d silnylon, backpanel and bottom are 420 d pack cloth, extension collar is 30 d silnylon

  Features

 Three mesh side pockets (one full height on left, two half-height on right), large zippered top pocket, two large zippered hipbelt pockets, contoured/padded shoulder straps, 1.5 in (4 cm) webbing hipbelt, front panel access with extension collar and drawcord closure, front weather flap with braided cord attachment system, one ice axe loop, haul loop

  Options

 None

  Volume To Weight Ratio

 245.2 ci/oz size (based on 3,200 ci and a measured weight of 13.05 oz)

  Comfortable Load Carrying Capacity

 20 lb (9.07 kg) estimated maximum comfortable load an average person can carry all day in this pack

  Carry Load to Pack Weight Ratio

 24.4 (based on a 20 lb load and measured weight of 0.82 lb)

  MSRP

 $120

Performance

Six Moon Designs is noted for innovation, and their new Essence frameless backpack is no exception. The 2006 Essence is the only front-loading frameless backpack around that also has a top pocket. At 3,200 cubic inches and 13 ounces, the Essence is a perfect size for multi-day ultralight backpacking.

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 1
The Essence is a panel-loading frameless backpack (left) with 3,200 cubic inches of total volume and weight of only 13 ounces. The frontpanel weather flap is secured with five small side-release buckles, and holds a bungee attachment system. The backpanel view (right) shows its large zippered top pocket, wide contoured shoulder straps, and large hipbelt pockets. The sternum strap shown is a prototype that is not currently available.

To access the pack’s contents, you lay it on its back, open at least three of the side-release buckles that attach the front weather flap, open a drawcord, and the entire pack body is readily accessible. When loading the pack, the first thing that goes in is your sleeping pad, which lies on the bottom against the backpanel. It’s held in place by three thin straps with side-release buckles. The remaining gear is loaded in the usual fashion: sleeping bag on the bottom, heavier/denser items in the middle against your back, and lighter items at the top and further out. After you close up the pack, there is a drawcord system on the weather flap that snugs up the frontpanel and provides a place to tie on a jacket or wet gear.

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 2
Under the weather flap (left), the Essence has a drawcord closure. Looking inside (right), a sleeping pad is secured against the backpanel with three thin straps.

The zippered top pocket is huge and handy. It’s big enough to hold rain gear, snacks, maps, and anything else you want to keep handy. Then you still have a lot of storage space left in the mesh side pockets. They’re also huge. The left one is full height and has an enormous capacity. The two half height mesh pockets on the right side provide still more space for frequently used items. And then you still have two large hipbelt pockets to fill up. You get the picture, this pack has tons of convenient storage!

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 3
Pockets everywhere! The top pocket (left) is huge and will hold rainwear and a lot more. The left side (middle) has a full-height mesh pocket, while the right side (right) has two half-height pockets. With the pack on, I could reach and replace a water bottle in the lower right pocket.

I found that a lightweight 2-liter Platypus bladder and hose works very well in the left full-height side pocket, and it’s easy to access when you need to refill it. If you use water bottles, I found that it’s possible to reach and replace a water bottle in the right lower pocket. The hipbelt is 1.5 inch wide mesh and has two integrated pockets that locate to the side when you wear the pack.

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 4
The 70d silnylon hipbelt pockets are located at your sides (left). Each pocket (right) has 45 cubic inches of capacity, so they will hold a lot of stuff. The zipper is not water-resistant, but it does have a storm flap.

The Essence has ultra-contoured padded shoulder straps that curve toward the center after they pass over your shoulders. I found they worked surprisingly well to contact a larger area of the shoulders and distribute weight. The next generation of the Essence pack will include a sternum strap, which I found to be very functional with this pack.

One issue I have with this pack is the sizing. The pack is available in only one size that fits torsos 17 to 22 inches. That’s a very wide range for this pack to “fit”. I measured the pack torso length and found it to be 17.5 inches. What this amounts to is if you have a medium torso length (16 to 19 inches), this pack will fit like your palm against your head. But if you have a longer torso, the pack “fits” with the shoulder straps wrapping over your shoulders and down your back. I found that this approach works, but it’s not my preference. I would prefer a pack with a longer torso length that actually fits my back, so I recommend that the Essence be made available in a larger size for larger people.

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 5
Sizing is an issue with the Essence. It comes in only one size that fits well on a person with a short or medium torso (left), but it hangs lower on the back on a longer torso-ed person (middle). For the pack to “fit” a longer torso, the shoulder straps wrap around the shoulders and down the back (right).

A second issue is a lack of pack compression options to adjust pack volume and really tighten up the load to make it carry as a unit. As it is, the front loading system with its extension collar bulges out, and the bungee system on the weather flap is not adequate to constrain it. Backpacking Light’s publisher Ryan Jordan used this pack for a March backpacking trip in southern Utah, and found it difficult to stuff his bulky insulated clothing in the Essence. In his words, “It was difficult to stuff things into the panel opening without something else popping out”. The lack of effective load compression moves the pack’s center of gravity out away from the body, which is less comfortable and less efficient. Also, if the connectors on the weather flap were to give away, you could have a yard sale on the trail! The Essence really needs two to three lateral compression straps that work like a straight jacket to cinch down the load so it acts as a solid unit.

A final issue is the mesh used on the side pockets is not very durable. It extends all the way down to the bottom of the pack, and there is where it’s showing the most wear. I found that even contact with Velcro will do serious damage to the mesh. Overall the pack construction is very good, except the attachment of the shoulder straps has no reinforcement material.

Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW - 6
The mesh used on the side pockets, although lightweight, is not very durable. It especially abraded on the bottom where it came into contact with the ground. Velcro easily snagged it.

As a load hauler, the Essence gets average marks. I carried it on a total of seven backpacking trips carrying loads ranging from 15 to 23 pounds including food and water. With the pack’s shorter torso length, I found that when I snugged up the shoulder straps to pull the pack against my back, it put too much weight on my shoulders and I had shoulder fatigue in the afternoon. If I let the shoulder straps out, the pack rode lower on my back, but was more comfortable to carry because more weight was transferred to my hips. Based on my experience, I would rate the comfortable load carrying capacity of the Essence at 15-20 pounds, depending on how well the pack fits and how strong the user is.

Assessment

The Essence is a “mixed bag”, so to speak. On the one hand I really like its innovation and feature set for convenience and ease of use. The panel access enables the pack to have a large and very useful top pocket. The large outside mesh pockets and hipbelt pockets are just what users want.

However, the shortcomings kick in with the pack’s single size and lack of an effective load compression system. If you have a small or medium length torso, this pack may really work well for you, but if you have a long torso you may not like the fit at all.

In its present design, the Essence carries like a sack of gear. It really needs some effective load control to make the pack and contents act as a solid unit. With improvements in sizing (pack torso length better matching user torso length) and pack compression, the Essence could be an outstanding frameless pack.

What’s Unique

The Essence is the only ultralight frameless backpack that is panel loading and also has a top pocket.

Recommendations for Improvement

Accolades for the innovation embodied in the Essence pack, and I really like its feature set. However, I believe it needs a few refinements to make it more comfortable and effective.

  • Offer the pack in a larger size
  • Add lateral compression straps
  • Use more durable mesh on the side pockets
  • Use a more durable fabric on the bottom of the mesh pockets
  • Add reinforcement to the seam at the top of the shoulder straps

Danner Agitator 230 XCR Trail Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW

This low-cut trail shoe performs like a boot – really tough, supportive, and stable.

Overview

There are two approaches for water management in lightweight trail shoes: make them drain water and dry fast, or make them waterproof. The Danner Agitator 420 XCR fits in the second category, with a Gore-Tex XCR membrane as the name implies. Danner is a boot company, so their trail shoe is really a low cut boot. It has their Mountain Chassis System which makes them supportive and stable.

Danner Agitator 230 XCR Trail Shoe REVIEW - 1
The Danner Agitator 420 XCR (manufacturer photo). Although it weighs a little more than really lightweight trail shoes, it has a stiffer midsole and aggressive rubber outsole that provide excellent support and stability.

So, what’s the weight penalty to get more supportive waterproof trail shoes? Compared to the Timberland Delerion Pro or Salomon Tech Amphibian, for example, the Agitator 420 XCR weights about 8-9 ounces more per pair (all in size 9). Not bad for a really tough, supportive trail shoe, but that depends on your perspective.

A really hard-core trail runner, adventure racer, or SuperUltraLight backpacker would disagree. They want their shoes as light as possible, and want them to drain water and dry fast. But I wanted shoes that are really versatile – equally at home hiking in wet snow and slop, long trail hiking, and off-trail hiking. I did all three with the Danner Agitators, and they did quite well, for the most part.

Danner Agitator 230 XCR Trail Shoe REVIEW - 2
The Danner Agitator 420 XCR after about two months of use. I removed my gaiters for this photo. The Danner Agitator is a heavy duty trail shoe that is built like a boot.

I used the Agitator 420 in snow and slop when they first arrived. Worn with a pair of tight gaiters over the tops, they kept my feet dry while walking in the wet stuff. Their rigidity also made them a good choice for lightweight snowshoeing.

I also wore the Agitators on two sections of the Continental Divide Trail, totaling 135 miles in mostly dry (and sometimes hot) weather. In my size (11.5 wide), the Agitators had plenty room for thick socks, and provided superb comfort day after day. I never had a foot problem wearing these shoes. The only notable fit issue (for me) was the heel cups are a little loose, such that my heels rose a bit. That problem was easily overcome by simply lacing them tighter.

Off-trail, I was a bit hesitant to wear low cut shoes for crossing slide rock slopes, descending steep mountain sides, and walking steep sidehills, but the Agitators handled all with aplomb. It was simply a matter of keeping them laced tight to maintain support and stability, and wearing gaiters over them to keep snow and debris out. They have an aggressive tread that provided great traction while descending steep slopes on wet vegetation and rock hopping across streams. They also have a tough wrap-around toe bumper and protective rand to minimize abrasion to the uppers.

After several months of use, the Agitators met their match on a 5-day mountain backpacking trip in almost continuous rain. They wetted through and stayed wet inside for most of the trip. I kept the inside membrane clean, so apparently the continuously wet situation was too much for them and they wetted through. On shorter exposures to water, even quick stepping across a stream, the Agitators generally stayed dry.

One concern I had about the Agitator is the numerous side seams being vulnerable to thread wear and seams blowing out. I gave them a lot of hard use and managed to blow out one small seam. When the shoes were new I sealed the seams on one shoe with McNett Seam Grip to compare its benefits with the other shoe that was not seam sealed. The seam that came apart was on the non seam sealed shoe. It would definitely help to seal the numerous seams on these shoes to ensure their longevity. Overall, the Danner Agitator 420 XCR is well-constructed of durable materials and should last longer than most lightweight trail shoes.

Danner Agitator 230 XCR Trail Shoe REVIEW - 3
The Danner Mountain Chassis System consists of a stiffer midsole and aggressive rubber outsole, so it doesn’t bend very much in my flex test (left). When the shoes were new, I seam sealed the one on the left with McNett Seam Grip and did not seam seal the one on the right. After four months of hard use, one seam on the non seam sealed shoe was coming apart (right photo). The Agitator has a lot of side seams that are vulnerable to abrasion, so seam sealing is highly recommended.

Specifications and Features

  • Manufacturer: Danner (http://danner.com/)
  • Year/Model: 2006 Agitator 420 XCR
  • Style: Low-cut waterproof light hiking boot
  • Materials: Upper is 1.8-2.0 mm waterproof nubuc leather and AR nylon mesh, lining is nylon
  • Waterproof Membrane: Gore-Tex XCR
  • Midsole: Dual density EVA
  • Outsole: Danner Mountain Chassis
  • Sizes Available: Men’s 7-14D; 9-13EE; half sizes to 12 (size 11.5 EE tested)
  • Weight: Measured weight men’s size 11.5 EE 44.5 oz (1.26 kg), manufacturer specification 32 oz (0.91 kg) size 9
  • MSRP: $115

TechSpun Environmental Sock System SPOTLITE REVIEW

TechSpun makes some strong claims for these socks; is it hype, or do they really work? We tested them in summer and winter to find out.

Overview

TechSpun Socks are marketed as an “Environmental Sock System”, consisting of a Coolmax liner sock and a very cushy wool blend outer sock. The key word is system, the liner sock and reversed terry nap outer sock need to be worn together to obtain the warmth and comfort benefits claimed for these socks. There are two versions – the All-Weather Sock System is for general use and is claimed to be comfortable from 0 °F to +100 °F, and the heavier Extreme Weather Sock System is claimed to be comfortable from -40 °F to +120 °F.

A unique feature of the TechSpun sock systems is the outer sock is intended to be worn with the terry nap to the outside to increase moisture dispersion. It also slips on over the liner sock easier that way.

The liner sock is made with Coolmax® fabric and Lycra® to wick away moisture. It incorporates FreshFX technology, which uses silver to retard microbial activity. The outer sock is 45% wool, 45% polypropylene, 8 % nylon, and 2 % Lycra.

TechSpun Environmental Sock System SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The TechSpun All-Weather Sock System (left and right) consists of a Coolmax liner sock plus a wool blend outer sock. The outer sock (middle) has a reversed terry nap on the inside that really cushions your feet.

The first thing we should take into account is the socks’ weight and bulk. Many ultralight and lightweight backpackers use trail runner shoes with very light socks to minimize weight. The TechSpun sock systems weigh 7.3 ounces and 8.5 ounces for the All-Weather and Extreme Weather systems in size Large, so they are not light. Also, both systems are bulkier than a single pair of socks, so shoe fit needs to be taken into account. One general recommendation is to get the socks first, then fit the shoes/boots with the TechSpun socks (especially the Extreme Weather Socks, more on that later).

Who would wear these socks? Well, if you have really toughened feet like many thru-hikers and adventure racers, you probably don’t need them. But if you are prone to sore, blistered, or cold feet, then you might want to give these sock systems some serious consideration. If you hike thru-hiker style, putting in 12 hours or more on the trail each day, you can fall in love with these socks.

Will gave the All-Weather Sock System a thorough testing in late winter, spring, and summer conditions, and it quickly became his favorite sock for sheer comfort. He wore the socks in a variety of footwear and found the socks to fit well in most of them without being too tight. However, he wears wide hiking shoes/boots, which usually have some extra volume to fill up. On trail or off-trail the TechSpun Sock System helped enable him to hike from dawn to dusk with no foot problems. The socks are a wool/synthetic blend, and he did find them to be quite dry and comfortable over a broad temperature range, as claimed. However on long days it definitely helped to take boots off at midday and dry everything out.

The outer sock is 45% polypropylene, which is legendary for its foul smell with prolonged wear. However, Will wore the socks continuously for six days/80 miles on the Continental Divide Trail with no unusual odors in the outer sock. However, the liner sock, which is claimed to contain silver to retard microbial activity, developed a rotten stench reminiscent of polypropylene underwear. This doesn’t quite make sense, but we verified it several times.

Winter Use

We both tested the TechSpun Extreme Weather Sock System in various snow activities. A key point we want to make here is that these socks are very bulky, so you really do need to purchase the socks first then fit the footwear to the socks. We found the Extreme Weather Sock System to be too tight in most of the shoes and boots we already had, so we had to size up one full size on new low-cut Gore-Tex XCR shoes and pac-type boots in order to get a loose enough fit.

TechSpun Environmental Sock System SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The TechSpun Extreme Weather Sock System (left and right) consists of a Coolmax liner sock plus a very thick outer sock. The outer sock (center) has a thick terry nap on one side for warmth and cushioning.

As with the All-Weather Sock System, we both liked the dryness, cushioning, and comfort the Extreme Weather socks provided for our feet. As far as warmth, the socks were warmer than a single pair of Merino wool socks, and easily kept our feet warm while we were active. However, these socks are a wool/synthetic blend, and are not extremely warm in less active situations. This is verified on the TechSpun website: “These socks are not a substitute for insulation in conditions where insulated boots are required.”

While winter camping in igloos we built, we usually left the Extreme Weather socks on (if they were fairly dry, and they usually were) and wore insulated booties over them. We also slept with the socks and booties on.

Specifications and Features

  • Manufacturer: TechSpun (http://techspun.com/)
  • Products: Coolmax Liner, All-Weather Sock System, Extreme Weather Sock System
  • Fabrics: The liner sock is made of Coolmax polyester and Lycra, with embedded silver to retard microbial action. The outer socks are 45% wool, 45% polypropylene, 8% nylon, and 2% Lycra
  • Sizes Available: 7-9, 9-11, 10-13, and 13-15
  • MSRP: Liner sock $9.50, All-Weather Sock $16.95, Extreme Weather Sock $18.95

Wise Women Go Light, Part 1

The first in a series of three articles chronicling the experiences of hiking buddies Jean and Sue as they begin on the journey to lightweight backpacking.

Introduction

It was the summer of 2004 in the Sky Lakes Wilderness Area of southern Oregon, and with the continuous rain we’d had for several days, I was sure a few extra pounds were hitchhiking a ride on my pack. Still, I questioned it: physically hard working, 63 year old me having to ask my hiking buddy Jean’s assistance in heaving my 40-some pound pack onto my back. Bent over securing and adjusting the multitude of straps, I hoped I’d get it right the first time. Standing upright with a feeling of triumph, I shrugged my shoulders for a final adjustment and was ready for the day’s adventure. Then I heard a plea for help come from Jean, and with both of us lifting her pack, it too, was soon perched upon her back, waiting for adjustment.

“Watch your step!” I cautioned myself as I wobbled precariously next to a steep vertical drop. The view from 7,000 feet was spectacular, and I would have liked to have been gawking at the beauty surrounding me as I walked the zigzag section of trail. Instead, I was concerned with what was an uncomfortable load. A glimmer of thought flickered and I asked myself, “Just how much of this stuff do I really need?”

At our next rest break, the first words out of my mouth were “Jean, we need to lighten our load.” Carrying ten pounds more than I, she was very receptive to the idea.

That’s how I remember hiking buddy Jean Rogers and myself deciding it was time for us to go lightweight. How do we navigate the trail to lightweight backpacking? Where will it lead us? Well, we’re sharing our journey with Backpacking Light in a series of three articles, beginning here with our introductions to backpacking, our early backpacking experiences, and our current heavy gear lists. In the near future we’ll bring you our second article, with our many considerations in going lightweight, perhaps even ultra lightweight, and you’ll hear what we’ve learned, what skills we’ve gained, and what worked or didn’t on our gear testing trips. In our third article, we’ll share with you how our final gear choices perform for us on our 7 day, 90 mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail from Crater Lake to Williametter Pass in September of this year. We’ll be backpacking at elevations of 5,000 to 8,000 feet, with warm to hot days, cold to freezing nights, and rain and thunderstorms very likely. It will be a great test of the gear and our skills. We hope you’ll join us as we go light!

The Wise Women

Jean’s Story

Until my 50s, I was a horseback rider, not a hiker or backpacker. By then, an active lifestyle was catching up with me and horseback riding became out of the question due to chronic inflammation of my sacroiliac joint. Straddling a horse only aggravates it, but I can walk. And, walking down a dirt road in Maine in the year 2000, I took a footpath off into the woods. I realized that even though one-third of my life had been spent in New England, there was an entirely different unexplored world here only a short distance from the road. I decided then and there that I would backpack the Appalachian Trail in New England.

After two years of planning and acquiring equipment, my cousin, niece, and I set out to backpack the AT in Vermont. We were all neophytes, and the trip was a comedy of errors. Pack weights were 60 pounds and up, all of us having been raised on sayings like “be prepared” and “better to have too much than too little”. I had one of those HUGE packs that are described as being able to carry everything including the kitchen sink. Although I didn’t have a kitchen sink, I did carry a collapsible 5 gallon jug with spigot. That trip did in my knees. My left knee has never forgiven me and reminds me what I put it through on every hike. Even so, I was hooked and returned the following year to backpack more of the AT, this time with a pack weight in the 40 pound range.

In early 2004 I attended a map and compass class where I met Sue, now my friend and hiking buddy. She had been hiking the Cascades with her friend, Mary, for two years. Since meeting, Sue and I have hiked and backpacked a good portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon and explored numerous areas of the mountains and the coast.

Each year, our backpacking trips have increased in length while our pack weights have decreased. Now 58, I am getting serious about losing more pack weight. When I look back on my first backpacking adventure, I can’t believe I was able to carry 60 pounds.

Wise Women Go Light - 1
Jean at Sky Lakes Wilderness Area in 2004

Sue’s Story

I’d found long awaited freedom to adventure in 2002 when my husband and I sold the meat packing business we’d owned for 25 years. I mentioned my desire to hike to my friend, Mary, and she was immediately ready to explore some trails with me. Soon Mary and I found ourselves on our first day hike together – the 4.5 mile round trip to Three Fingered Jack in the Oregon Cascades. Living near the Coast Range of Oregon as a child, my early memories are of looking off towards the distant country, pondering where the Cascades even were. Many years later, I was enthused to find myself there in all my day-pack glory, shoulders bearing the weight of what I thought then were essentials to survive the wilderness. Food was packed, but if I were stranded I was not prepared at all. No rain gear, no emergency supplies like first aid, and early on, no map. I was ready to hike anywhere, and I’d figured adrenaline would get me there and back.

Wise Women Go Light - 2
Sue with her heavy pack at the trailhead in Sky Lakes Wilderness Area.

Many day hike adventures followed in 2003, and in 2004 Mary and I met Jean at a map and compass class. Four months later we three ladies did our first overnight, with me confidently sporting my second hand store treasure – a wondrous six pound backpack. I was a real greenhorn then! Because I had not been able to decide on a tent, I used the bivy bag from my three spiritual vision quests of 12 years earlier.

The vision quests didn’t directly prepare me for backpacking since there was no hiking, no trails, no maps, no compass, and no backpacking gear, but they helped me become more at ease in the “uncivilized” world. The vision quest of 1992 helped me to overcome many fears that had been with me for half a century. I made it through my three solo days and nights, and shortly after I had the courage to bungee jump, and even wrapped a 15 foot python snake around my shoulders at the Oregon State Fair after years of extreme fear of snakes. Ensuing vision quests helped me overcome more fears, and by the last vision quest I was confident enough in the wilderness to choose to stay in my vision spot for five days.

My first long adventure was our Sky Lakes Wilderness Area of the PCT with Jean in the summer of 2004. Jean had a friend that wanted to try hiking with a mule and she’d invited me because she was afraid the friend and the mule would not complete the 5 day, 60-some mile hike. At the time, I was thinking I was past the greenhorn stage. The weather along that section of the trail for August is usually hot, so I had thought I might leave the rain gear at home. Jean quickly vetoed this idea, and to make a long story short, it rained for three days. Guardian angels do exist! That was the same trip that we decided to learn to go lightweight on. We learned a lot that trip. Some other lessons include: do not hike with a mule; always bring your rain gear; packs get really heavy when wet; and yes, you can pee in a zip-lock bag at night when the wind and rain are at their peak, trying to unnerve old ladies in tents.

Going Light

Jean

On every backpacking trip since my first, I have tried to lighten my pack weight, but this has been harder than I had expected. I have a BIG comfort zone that I need to break out of. When Sue and I went on our first backpacking trip together, my pack weight was down to about 45 to 50 pounds. I still had a tough time on the steeper ascents.

Each trip has instilled more confidence in my abilities and I am slowly going without items that I have considered essential in the past. Other items I have tried to find lighter alternatives for. My first sleeping bag weighed over 3 pounds and was rated to 15 degrees. My new 15 degree bag weighs 1 pound 15 ounces. Instead of carrying three nesting pots (one for every occasion, naturally), I now carry only a titanium teapot that holds enough water for dinner and my tea. Instead of a fork and a spoon, I use a Lexan spork.

I found a website with directions to make a Pepsi can alcohol stove. I discovered that I could whip out one of those in no time, and made stoves for all my friends. Sue made the windscreen/pot stands found on the same website.

That humongous pack I started with is now gone and I have a smaller, lighter pack. I did try one of the ‘frameless’ packs, but I still carry too much weight for it and so it pulls uncomfortably on my shoulders.

I still use several light weight wicking shirts from my first adventure into the wilds, but I am eyeing some made from the newer, lighter fabrics that weigh even less. I wore ‘sturdy’ leather boots on the AT. Now I use a boot with leather and mesh and knocked off about a pound or more in weight. I use Crocs as my camp-creek wading shoes. I discarded my self-inflating mattress for a solid foam pad and saved another half pound.

I sold my two person, 4+ pound tent and now use a one person 1.5 pound tent. It isn’t as roomy for sure, but I have less stuff to clutter it with.

Slowly but surely, I am emerging out of my old comfort zone and into a lighter, less encumbered zone. However, after putting only the essentials into my pack, I find that I keep adding this and that for “just in case.” Old habits are hard to break, but I am making progress. I feel good and am looking forward to hitting the trail soon with a much lighter pack!

Wise Women Go Light - 3
Jean with her heavy pack at a creek.

Sue

There were several short overnight hikes in 2005 where my 6 pound second hand store backpack stayed home and in its place was an Osprey Aether 45 weighing in at 1 pound 12 ounces. Now my “big three” items (pack, tent, and sleeping bag) weigh a total of about 6 pounds! Still, I want to replace the Osprey with another light pack.

I would like to come in at a pack weight below 20 pounds for a week long hike, and feel the Osprey Aether’s 20 to 25 pound load limit will restrain me. We did a three-day hike in 2005 where my total pack weight including food was between 22 to 25 pounds, but the Osprey Aether was not comfortable at that weight.

Other lighter gear I’ve acquired include my Vasque Gore-tex boots and an REI Sub Kilo sleeping bag. I don’t know yet if I’m comfortable with my REI Sub Kilo sleeping bag, but my new Vasque Gore-tex boots so far have not leaked.

Those Nalgene water bottles are heavy, so they became Platypus bladders. This change took some time to accept as I was concerned about the bladder being a breeding ground for germs, even with the good washing it got between each hike.

I had been so proud of my stainless steel cooking pot and then I knew it had to go. I replaced it with a titanium pot with lid at 5.7 ounces, with self-made windscreen. The windscreen also serves as the pot holder and I have a 1.5 ounce pop can stove made by Jean.

I was using REI’s Quarter Dome UL tent at 4 pounds 3.6 ounces, but intense investigation lead to the Six Moons Lunar Solo E. Complete with my piece of builder’s tyvek for a ground sheet it comes in at 2 pounds, 6 ounces. However, I’ve had difficulty putting this tent up and getting it taut – the back corners want to sag. Purchases I made for day hiking that have passed the lightweight test for backpacking turn out to be my Gore-Tex pants and my Columbia ‘titanium-alloy’ raincoat with zip pits.

I turn 65 this fall and with each passing year my slender build will demand that I pay even more attention to my load capacity. Every ligament in my being is shouting “ultralight.” I tell my three daughters that I’m going to live to be 120 so I have a way to go and many trails calling me. A lifelong tomboy for sure, but the earthly requirements of an aging body will take its toll and to spend my remaining years enjoying the outdoors will take intelligence and fortitude.

Wise Women Go Light - 4
Sue filtering water at a creek Sky Lakes Wilderness Area.

Backpacking Light

In the spring of this year, Jean mused that we should be gear testers for aging women. I did not give it much thought at the time, but several weeks later, sitting at the computer, I thought “Why not?” and wrote Carol at Backpacking Light with the idea. She thought even more valuable than gear testing would be sharing our journey from heavy to lightweight backpacking with you. Including the trials, the fears, the successes, the reluctance to change. In other words, the adventure. She mused that the journey is not gender or age specific. Most everyone goes through a gradual process as they lighten their packs, expand their comfort zones, and face some fears. What keeps the process going is the realization that it’s just so much more fun to carry a lighter pack! Wise women, and men, go light! We hope you’ll join us on the next leg of our journey, where we’ll share with you as we let go of “needed” gear, experiment with lighter equipment that we fear will be uncomfortable, and try gear that just isn’t heavy enough to possibly work. Join us as we go light!

Gear Lists

We have already lightened our pack weights considerably since our introduction to backpacking just a few years ago. What follows is our gear lists as they are now, as we begin our association with Backpacking Light and start a serious push to lighten our loads. You’ll note that Jean’s base pack weight (everything but consumables – food, water, and fuel) is now 20 pounds and Sue’s base weight is 14 pounds. Since Sue wants her total pack weight to be around 20 pounds for a week long trip, she is striving for a 10 pound or less base weight, while Jean will be happy to lose 6 or so pounds to get below Sue’s current base weight of 14 pounds.

Sue’s 7-Day Gear List: Heavy
Clothing Worn While Hiking WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
hat cap with neck flap Gore-Tex 3.2 91
neck and head cover synthetic, lightweight Buff 1.2 34
hiking shirt long sleeved, zip-off sleeves Cabela’s 8.4 238
pants convertible REI Convertible 3.9 111
underwear nylon Hanes 1.0 28
bra nylon Playtex 1.7 48
socks cool mesh, anti-blister Wright Sock 1.4 40
hiking shoes Gore-Tex Vasque 41.3 1171
gaiters lightweight Outdoor Research 3.1 88
Other Items Worn or Carried WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
walking stick wood self made 6.2 176
vest cotton and mesh fishing vest 9.0 255
Other Clothing WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
jacket fleece Great Northwest 9.8 278
pants convertible REI Convertible 11.7 332
extra socks (2 pair) cool mesh, anti-blister Wright Sock 2.8 79
underwear nylon Hanes 1.0 28
long underwear sleep in, warmth REI silk 6.3 179
gloves Gore-Tex Cabela’s 3.7 105
raincoat hood, zip-pits Columbia Titanium Alloy/pit zips 15.7 445
rain pants zip bottom legs Gore-Tex Pac Tech [rain pants listed twice. Brand name?] 12.3 349
fleece shirt warmth/wind protection Starter 11.4 323
Shelter and Sleep System WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
shelter tent, poles, cords, stuff sack Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo E 35.2 998
ground sheet under tent + wrap Platypus in while hiking Tyvek 3.0 85
sleeping bag 15 degree rating REI Sub Kilo, women’s 31.0 879
sleeping Pad cut to shoulder – hip length, also back support in pack closed cell 4.5 128
Packing WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
backpack small 2600 ci volume Osprey Aether 45 28.0 794
pack Liner garbage bag heavy duty 1.5 43
Cooking/Water WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
fuel container hold 7 days of alcohol fuel Coghlans, plastic flask 1.5 43
stove alcohol burner bottom pop can 0.4 11
windscreen/pot support lightweight metal self-made 1.1 31
pot and lid sized for solo cooking Titanium Evernew 5.7 162
utensil spoon Permaware 0.4 11
bag for pot protect pot ziplock bag 0.2 6
food storage lightweight ziplock bag 0.2 6
fire matches REI Stormproof 0.8 23
hydration bladder with hose [correct?] Platypus 2 L Hoser 3.4 96
extra bladder water storage Platypus 1 L 1.4 40
water treatment chemical potable aqua 2.1 60
Other Essentials WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
light headlamp Black Diamond 1.2 34
sunglasses prescription with water proof case 3.6 102
map trail map small section 1.5 43
sunscreen stick Banana Boat SPF 30 1.2 34
first aid mixed supply different needs 1.6 45
hygiene lotion,toothpaste handy wipes, toilet needs 3.5 99
towels shop towels blue, washable 2.3 65
compass clear base Silva 1.0 28
altimeter barometer Sun [could this be suunto brand?] 2.7 77
watch illuminated dial, alarm Timex 1.2 34
whistle small plastic 0.2 6
knife two blade Swiss Army Classic 0.7 20
camera digital Kodak 7.1 201
signaling emergency signal whistle worn on spare shoe lace 0.3 9
Consumables (7-Day Trip) WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
food 7 days 24 oz/day 168.0 4763
water average carried 32 oz 32.0 907
fuel denatured alcohol 1 oz/dinner 9.0 255
Weight Summary
Weight Summary Pounds Kilograms
(1) Total Worn or Carried While Hiking 5.0 2.3
(2) Total Base Weight in Pack 13.9 6.3
(3) Total Weight of Consumables 13.1 5.9
(4) Full Skin-Out Base Weight (1) + (2) 19.0 8.6
(5) Total Initial Pack Weight (2) + (3) 27.0 12.3
(6) Full Skin-Out Weight (1) + (2) + (3) 32.0 14.6
Jean’s 7-Day Gear List: Heavy
Clothing Worn While Hiking WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
hat full brim Columbia Hat 2.6 74
hiking shirt short sleeved Duofold 5.5 156
sports bra breathable Bestform 1.9 54
underwear synthetic briefs Duofold 1.5 43
pants hike/swim/protection Columbia GRT zip off 10.1 286
socks foot comfort Wigwam Outlast 2.5 71
hiking shoes ankle support Asolo Stynger GTX 45.5 1290
Other Items Worn or Carried WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
trekking poles assist knees Leki Makalu Poles 15.7 445
mesh fishing vest pockets for oft needed items Clearwater Utility Vest 9.0 255
Other Clothing WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
camp shoes rest feet/wading streams Crocs 8.8 249
bear spray deterrent/safety Bear Assault 12.0 340
bandana cool off/protect neck Cotton bandana 1.2 34
short sleeved shirt dry Duofold 4.0 113
long sleeved shirt dry/protect arms/sleep in Duofold 5.6 159
pants dry REI Zip Offs 12.9 366
warm hat use when cold buff 1.0 28
jacket warmth/rain protection Columbia Titanium/zip pits 15.7 445
fleece shirt warmth/wind protection Starter 11.4 323
rain pants warmth/rain protection Gore-Tex Packlite 10.2 289
long johns warmth/sleep in Silkskins 3.2 91
socks dry Wright Sock 3.2 91
sock liners emergency socks/warmth Coolmax 1.6 45
gloves warmth Leather/Gore-Tex 3.8 108
glove liners use when gloves are too hot Gordini 1.0 28
gaiters protect legs/pants REI Mid Gaiters 6.0 170
Shelter and Sleep System WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
shelter single wall tent Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo e w/stakes and cords 35.2 998
ground sheet fit under part of tent Tyvek 3.0 85
sleeping bag 15 degree rating REI Sub Kilo, women’s 31.0 879
sleeping Pad full length closed cell foam 10.0 284
packing WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
backpack internal frame Camp Trails 50.5 1432
waterproof pack liner keep pack contents dry in rain plastic garbage bag 0.7 20
stuff sack keep sleeping bag dry/separate from other items plastic garbage bag 0.7 20
Cooking/Water WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
stove light weight Pepsi can stove 0.6 17
fuel container easy to acquire, suitable for denatured alcohol Brasslight 8 ounce 2.0 57
cook pot titanium teapot Titanium Evernew 4.7 133
wind screen wind protection/support Homemade 0.9 26
drinking cup with lid keep liquid hot Plastic travel mug 4.8 136
utensil eating/light weight Lexan spork 0.4 11
plate eat off of/funnel/bowl Orikaso dish 1.5 43
bag for coot pot/stove/ matches carry cook items together small mesh bag 0.7 20
matches light fuel, wind and water proof REI matches 0.7 20
hydration 70 ounces Camelbak Bladder 8.7 247
hydration protection and carrying system protect bag in pack and out Camelbak Cover 3.2 91
water treatment kill all unfriendlies/filter out sediment Sweetwater 14.4 408
food bag carry/hang food/bear protection Ursack 8.3 235
Other Essentials WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
mosquito head net bug protection unknown brand 0.4 11
personal hygiene toilet kit Tooth paste, tooth brush, sanitizer 2.5 71
light headlamp Petzl Tikka 2.5 71
knife cutting cord Benchmade 2.1 60
altimeter watch altitude/barometer Casio Forester 1.3 37
soap wash self and clothing Camp Suds 0.8 23
medication asthma Albuterol Inhaler 1.0 28
lip gloss protect lips from sun Ice Drops 0.2 6
sunscreen protect skin from sun cactus juice in small container 2.0 57
navigation direction/map aid pin-on compass 0.8 23
first aid minor cuts/sprains Band-Aids, moleskin, scissors, blister pads, alcohol wipes in small bag 1.5 43
first aid – major bad sprains/breaks Sam Splint & vet wrap 6.1 173
survival kit emergencies firestarter kit, handwarmers, space blanket, safety pin, razor blade, trail marker, tape, paper, pencil, duct tape in small bag 6.6 187
signaling emergency signal whistle worn on spare shoe lace 0.3 9
Consumables (7-Day Trip) WEIGHT
FUNCTION STYLE/Rationale EXAMPLE Ounces Grams
fuel denatured alcohol 2 oz/evening 12.0 340
food 6.5 days 24 oz/day 84.0 2381
water average carried 70 oz 70.0 1984
toilet paper camp TP 1.2 oz/7 days 7.2 204
Weight Summary
Weight Summary Pounds Kilograms
(1) Total Worn or Carried While Hiking 5.9 2.7
(2) Total Base Weight in Pack 19.5 8.9
(3) Total Weight of Consumables 10.8 4.9
(4) Full Skin-Out Base Weight (1) + (2) 25.4 11.5
(5) Total Initial Pack Weight (2) + (3) 30.3 13.8
(6) Full Skin-Out Weight (1) + (2) + (3) 36.2 16.5