My First Gear List

QUESTIONS:
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1. Solo or with a partner
2. Just one night out?

QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE ITEMS:

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a. Wally World Parachute Cord on Spool 2.2 1 0.14 (is this for a bear hang? THe bears are hibernating)

b. AA Batteries 0.8 4 0.21 Two sets (are these for the camera?)

c. Lithium 123 3V Batteries 0.6 4 0.14 Two sets (are these for the camera?)

d. Gossamer Gear Princeton LED Light Red 0.4 1 0.02 (You note a TIKKA headlamp in your list, what is this for?)

I recommend you NIX THE ITEMS BELOW:
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Jacks 'R' Better Compression Sack 1.3 1 0.08 (light weight camping for one night? Not needed)

Emergency Blanket in Bag 2.3 1 0.14 Hypothermia protection (easier to walk to safety, it is NOT protection from hypothermia)

Thermarest Stuff Sack Pillow Large 2.5 1 0.16 (Use a stuff sack sack the dual chamber pillow)

Mini Roll Toilet Paper 1.1 1 0.07 (go without toilet paper)
Platypus Bite Valve Cover 0.2 1 0.02 / Nalgene Drinking Tube, Bite Valve, and Adaptor 3.0 1 0.19 (go without a hose, you are NOT in arizona in July)
Kitchen Scrub Pad 0.4 1 0.02 (No need for a scrubby)

Swiss Army Knife 2.7 1 0.17 (TOO HEAVY and un needed -Take a single edge razor 0.1 oz)

Grabber Mycoal Mega Warmers Hand Warmer 2.0 1 0.13 Hypothermia protection (these may make your hands feel warm, they are NOT hypothermia protection)
* Wet Ones Singles 0.2 1 0.01 (NIX)

* Dr. Bronner's Soap in 1 oz. Container 0.9 1 0.06 (repackage, TOO much for one night out)
* Purell Hand Sanitizer in 1 Oz. Bottle 1.3 1 0.08 Also fire starter (repackage, TOO much for one night out)

– – – – – MY COMMENTS ABOUT THE 3 ITEMS ABOVE:

Wet ones, Dr,. Bronners AND Purell? THat is way too redundant. Nix the wet ones (not multi use) and repackage the soap and hand sany)

Keep the TP. Your gorp-trading friends and the Centers for Disease Control will thank you for practicing a more sanitary technique.

C. Everett Kook, MD

Do you need both the GG pad & the Torso-Lite?

Unless experience dictates you keep both, ditch one.

December is gunna be cold, and the nights are long. I recommend keeping both, because the conductive heat loss will be a real comfort issue.

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(Edited with the added insight form the person below)

a. Gossamer Gear NightLight Sleeping Pad Torso Length
b. Jacks 'R' Better Down to Earth Pad
c. Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite Inflatable Pad

Okay, three pads is two much. But, two is a good amount for cold weather and long nights. Make sure you have some insulating coverage under your whole body.

Probably right, Mike.

My suggestion was based on the fact that he also has a JRB pad (IIRC – is made by GG).

Jesse, I've never hiked in VA in the winter so I don't know what the weather is like most of the time, but I know that it does snow some times there? You said you are hiking in a couple of weeks. If you hit windy weather with snow, sleet or cold rain the chaps and poncho combo might be pushing the envelope. The wind will blow the poncho around/open and allow wind blown moisture to enter. The top of your chaps will also be exposed at times. This a great combination for 3 season hiking, but if there is a chance for a storm in the sub forty's I would look into something more protective.
In the Puget Sound area we do get a freak cold spell on occasion even though I use the chap/poncho setup during the 3 seasons. During winter I go with something a little more conservative.

Good Choice on your shelter : Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape with Guy lines11.2 1 0.70 Doubles as rain gear

My freind owns one of theses and let me use it on an overnighter and it is my favorite shelter of all time!
Breathes well,and isn't too crowded.

"1. Solo or with a partner"
I'm going with a group, but this gear is all for me.

"2. Just one night out?"
Actually, two. I'm hoping to improve this list into a true 3+ Mid-Atlantic list, where I can take weekend trips after carefully watching the weather in the Winter.

"a. Wally World Parachute Cord on Spool 2.2 1 0.14 (is this for a bear hang? THe bears are hibernating)"
This is for bear hanging. Are the other animals hibernating as well? I really don't want mice eating through my bag to get at my food. I also have a great story of chasing down a raccoon for my food in California. I'm planning on getting the MLD bear bag system to save a couple of ounces.

"b. AA Batteries 0.8 4 0.21 Two sets (are these for the camera?)"
These are for my camera.

"c. Lithium 123 3V Batteries 0.6 4 0.14 Two sets (are these for the camera?)"
These are for my SteriPEN, but I have the option of only taking one set of batteries. I also could take aqua mira. Does anyone know if this works well in cold weather?

"d. Gossamer Gear Princeton LED Light Red 0.4 1 0.02 (You note a TIKKA headlamp in your list, what is this for?"
I like to bring a backup light. I mainly use the Petzl for walking after dark. The red LED is only about 10 grams though.

"c. Lithium 123 3V Batteries 0.6 4 0.14 Two sets (are these for the camera?)"
These are for my SteriPEN, but I have the option of only taking one set of batteries. I also could take aqua mira. Does anyone know if this works well in cold weather?

We used the Adeventurer model on WT3. Temps got down to the low teens and we didn't have any problems with them working. We also didn't have to swap out the batteries over the 4.5 days we were out. We had 2 pens for shared use between 6 people. The only thing to note is we only treated when we felt it was necessary.

"Jacks 'R' Better Compression Sack 1.3 1 0.08 (light weight camping for one night? Not needed)"
I like a little extra water protection for my down, two levels in case it rains all day. I could try weighing out my pack liner to see if it is lighter.

"Emergency Blanket in Bag 2.3 1 0.14 Hypothermia protection (easier to walk to safety, it is NOT protection from hypothermia)"
OK I'll take this out.

"Thermarest Stuff Sack Pillow Large 2.5 1 0.16 (Use a stuff sack sack the dual chamber pillow)"
The pillow acts as extra protection for my camp clothes. I injured my neck in a car accident years ago and don't sleep well without a good pillow. I can live with two and a half ounces for this luxury.

"Mini Roll Toilet Paper 1.1 1 0.07 (go without toilet paper)"
Thanks for the advice, but I can't go there yet.

"Platypus Bite Valve Cover 0.2 1 0.02 / Nalgene Drinking Tube, Bite Valve, and Adaptor 3.0 1 0.19 (go without a hose, you are NOT in arizona in July)"
This is over three ounces. I'll take it out for the winter, but with the humidity out here in the Summer it is needed more than a trip to Arizona.

"Kitchen Scrub Pad 0.4 1 0.02 (No need for a scrubby)"
I'll drop this. My finger is pretty multi-use. It that does not work out, I'll cut it down.

"Swiss Army Knife 2.7 1 0.17 (TOO HEAVY and un needed -Take a single edge razor 0.1 oz)"
Great suggestion. Thanks.

"Grabber Mycoal Mega Warmers Hand Warmer 2.0 1 0.13 Hypothermia protection (these may make your hands feel warm, they are NOT hypothermia protection)"
This is definitely out. It works really well if you put it against one of your major arteries. I will take this on solo trips. A hot water bottle will do just as well.

"* Wet Ones Singles 0.2 1 0.01 (NIX)"
This is out as well. These are wonderful on trips a little bit longer for washing up.

"* Dr. Bronner's Soap in 1 oz. Container 0.9 1 0.06 (repackage, TOO much for one night out)"
I'll order some of those micro-droppers to repackage the soap and sanitizer.

"* Purell Hand Sanitizer in 1 Oz. Bottle 1.3 1 0.08 Also fire starter (repackage, TOO much for one night out)"
I'll order some of those micro-droppers to repackage the soap and sanitizer.

Thanks a ton to the BPL Brain Trust (TM) ;->

"Keep the TP. Your gorp-trading friends and the Centers for Disease Control will thank you for practicing a more sanitary technique.

C. Everett Kook, MD"

Hillarious! I'm definitely sticking with the TP.

I just got the TorsoLite to use in the shelters on the AT as the ground is so hard. I would like to try it out. I use the nearly full length pad omni-taped to my quilt to make a bag and provide some insulation for my legs. When the ground is really cold, I figure I can use the TorsoLite and the GG torso length pad for extra insulation. It is heavy but it looks worm and comfortable. Coming from a hammock set-up that is really appealing.

I have smartwool bottoms, nylon pants, and chaps for my lower half. I'm planning on putting the Gatewood Cape under the shock cord that holds my Spinn-Chaps up. This should work in really windy situations. My cape is a new piece of gear, and this will be my first trip out with it. If the snow is that bad, I have extra food, can wait it out, or bail. Thanks.

You wrote:
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"Jacks 'R' Better Compression Sack 1.3 1 0.08 (light weight camping for one night? Not needed)"
I like a little extra water protection for my down, two levels in case it rains all day. I could try weighing out my pack liner to see if it is lighter.

You wrote "extra" protection above. The lightweight hiker should be able to minimize redundancies and "extra" stuff. If you have a pack liner, you have waterproofing, no need for extra gear – just "extra" care on the part of the camper.

This is what separates the UL hiker from the traditional hiker. Eliminating un-needed anything (like TP!) (and a second headlamp! Avoid redundancies!)

Also – 26 mile two day trip, or three days? No matter, a lighter pack will make this rediculusly easy. You may need extra clothes cuz you'll be s-s-s- standing around so much waiting for your team-mates. 26 miles is a manegable one day trip!

Thanks for all the help. I'll ditch the extra sack unless I can't fit everything into my pack. I purposely did not put in a pack liner as I am intending on using the sack for my quilt and the pillow/sack for my camp clothes.

I'll leave behind the Petzl and just go with the one red LED. If I was planning on hiking at night I would go with the Petzl. I would like to upgrade to a 4 LED light. Anyone know of any that use red LEDs?

I ripped my ACL a few years ago (hence the need for lightweight) and am not in the best hiking shape. On my last trip out one 13 or 14 mile day kicked my butt pretty badly. I think I was carrying about eight or nine more pounds though. I'm hoping to get my milage up this year by doing more weekend trips. The good thing is my knee is doing better than the rest of me ;-)

Line your backpack with a single HEFTY TRASH COMPACTOR BAG, available at the grocery store.

One bag, really tuff, and white!

Everything inside the bag will stay dry!

>>I'll leave behind the Petzl and just go with the one red LED. If I was planning on hiking at night I would go with the Petzl. I would like to upgrade to a 4 LED light. Anyone know of any that use red LEDs?

Take the headlamp, and leave the backup. A headlamp is too useful to leave behind. The Petzl e-Lite has both white and red LEDs.

Evan, I'm very interested in the Gatewood cape but have read the comments that it is best for taller people. I'm 5'6". In your opinion, would the cape work for me or be too long?

Comments from anyone else?

LV

Allison,
I was interested in a Gatewood cape also (I'm 5'4") and after research and talking to several Gatewood Cape owners, I have determined them to be for taller folks. I did not, however, get a chance to try one 'for real' so who knows?
Well, that wasn't much help, was it?
I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

I'm glad to hear that the Gatewood Cape is 'OK' for taller people. I just bought one and am 6'4". Is that determination based on using it as rain gear, or a shelter, or both? As rain gear it does not seem too long. It does seem awfully small as a shelter though. I am going to test it out this year.

My concerns are how much condensation will be created and how it will affect my quilt. Anyone have any experience getting a Jacks 'R' Better quilt wet?

So far, I have just set it up in my front lawn. I first set it up without guy lines. My feet or my head slightly touched. Unfortunately for me, this is the preferred set up in a really strong windy rain. I am planning on using a ~9oz. bivvy thing that I got from Jacks 'R' Better if the condensation is a problem.

The Gatewood Cape came with some guy line to use, but I would like to try the NANO tensioners that BPL sells so I can raise the pole and make even more space. If it starts to blow I can lower it and stake it to the ground.

Any other tall users of this piece of gear?

Jesse, I'm 6'2-1/2" and the Cape is tight for me. I almost touch both ends regardless of how it pitched.
I use it because of its weight (or lack thereof). When staked to the ground I also touch both ends and this is a bother. I have tried to stake the windward side on the ground and tilt the other side up and it worked until the wind shifted and came the other way. I try and lay diagonally in the small rectangle that is formed and this works OK for now. I have never been in it in a winter storm nor big summer storm for that matter. I was out in it in October, clear, calm night and 24* and had an open side to the cape; I still had frozen condensation but my bivy handled it.
I have been able to stay dry in light rain but always worry the if I roll around or even move my feet to get comofrtable I'll put a foot out from under the Cape and get wet. Hasn't happen yet but with the tight fit it might be just a matter of time.
Hope this helps.

Tad,

Have you tried pitching it with extended guy lines? Are you using the stock guy lines? That is what I will try next. How high (in inches) have you made your pole? Do you find that the vestibule area is much higher off the ground than the rest of the cape? If you are using a bivvy the condensation or sticking your feet out should not be problem, right?

Sorry for all of the questions, I'm just hoping for some easy answers instead of having to take a long cold walk in the middle of the night bailing out. Thanks.

Be less concerned with bailing out and a long walk in the middle of the night.

Rather – the emergency plan is to make a few hot water bottles, eat some chocolate, and do a series of sit-ups. This will get you thru the night.

(I know from experience)

Jesse, I do pitch it with the extended guys most of the time (ventilation). I never really look to see the actual height of the pole because I change it to accommodate a tight pitch (angled front, longer lines or using a tree). Sometime I use a second pole for a larger vestibule area (sorry for not having the height, you should be able to get it off there website.
The height of the vestibule can be higher or not depending on how you pitch it.
To save weight the bivy I use with the Cape is very lightweight and only has a DWR finish for the top, only the bottom is waterproof (I want it to breath). That is why I don't want my feet out in the rain.

BTW, the foot print (area covered by the material) of the cape doesn't really change if you stake it on the ground or use extended guys. The geometry of the “cone” is the same (assuming you have a tight pitch), so the only difference is you head and feet do not touch the material. They are still very close to the edges.
I would try and sleep in the cape in your yard a couple nights to see how you and the cape get along.

I agree with Mike, you won't need to bail- you just might be a little cold but nothing you shouldn't be able to handle with what you are carrying.