Request for Ron Bell…

1…An XP/Momentum pullover jacket, with hood, designed to mate with (and connect to) a "3/4" length (would be more like half length) XP/Momentum Quilt. Both available of course with 2.5oz or 5oz XP options. Alternatively (or aswell) a down version too, rated to about 20F.

2…A floor option for the superfly shelter that is a genuine tub, and can be combined with the bug netting to fully seal the tent against insects (I am thinking leech protection here). Preferably with the option to still move to floor back from the front so there is room to cook/store gear in foul weather.

More custom Packs for Taller People with longer torso lengths over the industry? standard 19-21"

I noticed you've included some packs in a 20-23" Tall size on your website

Ron on behalf of anyone over 6'3", I thank you.

Sort of a modification on Adam's second suggestion–I'd love to see a longer superfly in which the sleepers' heads are inside the front trekking pole (rather than having the pole split between the sleepers), with a no-see-um netting door between the pole and the sleepers head. This would create a vestibule area in the front and allow the door to be opened without allowing rain into the sleeping area. And then on buggy nights the door could be left totally open for ventilation. I like the floorless option, though.

Guys — Not that you asked but it's probably better to bring your requests directly to Ron. Unless Ron agrees to all, it's probably awkward for him to respond publically???

Hello All

Thanks for the great ideas. No problem to me posting them here as an open ideas and as a comments generator. I take the posts as a sort of pubic brainstorming and that's good.

Of course, any custom requests or order interest on non posted products are welcome to call or email me.

Hard to say exactly which products I will offer in the future or when. Stay Tuned…

Peace,

Ron

Sorry, I stand corrected.

Second the request for XP booties. Especially if they are covered in very lightweight nylon (I've seen too many pairs made of durable stuff based on the assumption that you will walk in them).

I would also like a double wall cuben tent like so: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/8499/index.html

A simple hooded Anorak/Cagoule, long enough to be paired with chaps.

How bout a UL stuff that doubles as a day pack, but is actually comfortable….and light of course…

Casey, your idea sounds like a better version of the REI Flash pack. The Flash is fantastic with a price of only $25, but a pack could surely be made out of slightly more expensive silnylon to cut the weight a lot, even even lighter with cuben, etc. I'm also a huge fan of the stuff sack/day pack, which would be great for setting a basecamp, then bagging summits.

I'd also like to throw in a shout (and I know I've mentioned this to Ron directly) for some usable stays in his UL packs. The ULA Ohm nearly addressed this perfectly, the Gossamer Gear packs nearly have it down but with straight stays, but MLD could really come through with bendable stays in their already fantastically designed packs.

I wear liner gloves, big wool mitts (Army/Navy) and a GoreTex shell when I play in the snow. I would really like a pair of puffy, lightweight mitts to replace the wool mitts. However, almost every pair of puffy mitt I see has an outer covering that is way too heavy. I will always use a shell for these so I don't need the durability of the heavy material. Even a moderately durable, breathable material would save a lot of weight over every other puffy mitt (again, no need to have water repellency if you always use a shell for this).

Ross,

I'm glad I'm not the only person who looks at those "ruggedly-built" booties and thinks… why?! All I need is something to replace a 4oz pair of wool socks, not something to replace my trail runners!

I second (or third) the idea for the XP balaclava. Just price it lower than what BPL does.

I also like the idea of a good synthetic balaclava. Where BPL went wrong IMO is the over the arm straps to hold to down. Some elastic or draw chord around the neck should be enough. I'd also like a draw chord to cinch down the eye opening as tight as possible just like a mummy bag.

See this thread for mods to BPL balaclava:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/8560/index.html?skip_to_post=61749#61749

What about some sort of durable grip for the eVent mitts so they will last?

Casey,

Don't know if it's exactly what you're proposing for a day pack/stuff sack that's light and comfortable, but Oware does advertise a light day pack which is also billed as a stuff sack per the following description at owareusa.com:

"Day pack stuff sack
"No grommets to tear out
"#69 thread
"Web shoulder straps
"Waist belt with quick release buckle (Removable on the silicone nylon sacks)
"Tie on loops on back for pad, jacket or ice axe
"Dimensions 20X10X6" 1050 cubic inch capacity fully closed
"Removable on the silicone nylon sacks
"30 Denier silicone
"Reduced the weight again!
"2.9 oz! (2.4 oz without waist belt) $43 each with free shipping
"New colors green with gray, brown with grey, orange with grey."

I don't have one, but the Oware silnylon version would appear from its description to be similar to the day pack/stuff sack described in your post. Perhaps someone else here who has used the Oware silnylon version can give an opinion about how well it functions — and comfort, too.

JRS

Since we are doing the MLD wish list again…

A down quilt modeled after the MLD XP quilt in dimensions, features, and options. I'm thinking about 2" baffles overstuffed to 2.5 inches loft? All momentum, eVENT footbox, or all eVENT options.
But for goodness sake, make the large long enough for somebody taller that 6'2"!!!

Also, I've been trying to figure out a bivy set up that would have both a fabric and an all-mesh hood, not just the small window on normal UL bivies.
(I am aware of the Tigoat solution to this, and I have an older Tigoat bivy I really like, but I think there has to be a better way to design a hood for a fully-open mesh hood.

I am with you there on the bivies. I live in the Midwest so I can't exactly go with just a tarp and no bug protection above freezing and there isn't much for people above 6'5" that also works in *0F+ weather

I have been kicking around a bivy design for awhile so I will probably end up making it soon. I plan on using 1.9 silnylon or another such type durable material for the floor, halfway up the sides, the foot box and for the top of the head box. I will probably put in some noseeum mesh and a flap on the foot and head box for venting. The rest of it will be a long piece of noseeum mesh. There will be a flap of momentum that will be sewn into the side opposite the 6 FOOT LONG ZIPPER so that it can be tucked underneath the bivy or attached at different points with velcro for different venting options. It is also going to be big enough for side sleepers who toss and turn. Should weigh about 10-12 ounces and have a nice big fat range of temps to be used in.

Would these items be available on the BP website? Or does Ron run a different website?

Ron is running a different website: mountainlaureldesigns.com. They sell UL/SUL outdoorgear!