BPL tests I’d like to see…..

Just got my gorilla!

I can comment on the features it has and my impressions more tonight. I just wanted to show off my very first shot of the pack to yall! :)

– Dana

Edit: My hand is holding a magic orb that i stole from Helios.

I can't directly compare that array of packs b/c I've never dealt with any of the others, but I will update this thread with some better shots/feature likes/dislikes.

I would be very interested in a BPL comparison.

Wow. Two of us.

I'm sure they just missed it :P

Sorry for not updating my post with more info. Got in late last night.

I'll show more details this weekend.

– Dana

Count me in; I am in the process of deciding which UL pack I would like to buy and I have looked a most(all!!!)on the market. Some, objective, professional help would be appreciated.

I'd like to see controlled tests conducted with slightly extreme levels of abuse on some of the SUL gear.

I have both the Miniposa and Gorilla and i wouldn't consider either SUL.

The mini weighs in at 15.15oz on my scale and i haven't weighed the Gorilla but off the top of my head i think it's listed at around 24oz.

SUL in my mind would be something like the ZBlast packs or the reissued MLD Revelation.

JMHO, but i would be interested in a test like that also, if that's what you meant.

– Dana

State of the Market on Floorless shelters…..

I'd love to see another softshell/hardshell material test (they did one years ago) that compares the properties of the fabrics used by Patagonia, Montbell, Arcteryx, Rab, Mtn Hardwear, Outdoor Research and Cloudveil. Information such as MVTR and CFM is what I'm looking for… as well as durability and drying times.

I would like to see an updated report comparing various bivies.

As far as I know, there are no BPL reviews of the Mountain Laurel Designs bivies or of many of the products that Ron has come out with over the past 2 yrs.

Also it would be nice to see an article comparing various quilts on the market now.

-Tony

So long as we're on the gear test bandwagon now, I'd like to see a comparison on the Tarprent Rainbow and the MLD silnylon DuoMid with upcoming bug nest.

A thorough BPL review comparing/contrasting the dvantages & disadvantages for these three shelters would be great:

MLD Duomid (5' x about 9')

vs

Oware Mini-AlphaMid (4' x 8')

vs

Oware "New Smaller" Pyramid (8' x 8')

Also — wonder why BPL has had so few reviews over the past several years of products from MLD and Oware. This seems especially to be especially true of MLD shelters since there are at least some old BPL reviews of Oware tarps (flat tarps, cat tarps, and a seemingly one-of-a-kind custom Alphamid that BPL's review described as 5' x 10' x 5' tall and weighing about 20 oz).

JRS

JRS

A redo of the drying test of wet down vs. wet synthetic items done several years ago, using a larger sample size and more comparable items when pairing down and synthetic. It seemed that the jackets used in the test were not comparable because of very different shell fabrics, which left only the two vests as a valid sample. I'd particularly like to see a comparison of a down and a synthetic sleeping bag with comparable shell fabrics. A larger sample size and more comparable shell fabrics for each pair might really put the prevailing down vs. synthetic myths to rest. And maybe slightly less favorable drying conditions than the Arizona desert?

I second Mary's idea. That would be very useful.

I recently sent back my MB Inner Down Parka for a Thermawrap b/c i was hesitant of damaging the down. The east coast is just too damp!

– Dana

More stuff like :

A New Paradigm for Understanding Garment Warmth post from
Richard Nisley

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18950

– with more garnements tested
– with some combinations tested, we could have some surprises from layering, if the air permeability of the shell is an important part of the result, some clothes that have low results due to more air permeability could benefit more to be layered with a wind resistant outer layer.

I would like to see a comparison of tents that make sense for snow camping. Most of the tent comparison articles (single and double-walled) make mention of snow worthiness, but none focus on it. Since a lot of ultralight folks might consider buying a second shelter just for this purpose (or deciding to buy a different shelter so that it can be used in all seasons) I think such an article would be very helpful.

I 2nd. Fred's post !!!!

( New Paradigm for Understanding Garment Warmth post from
Richard Nisley

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18950

– with more garnements tested !!!!!!!!
– with some combinations tested, we could have some surprises from layering, if the air permeability of the shell is an important part of the result, some clothes that have low results due to more air permeability could benefit more to be layered with a wind resistant outer layer.)

And then update the chart with each new piece of gear that BPL comes out with as well as giving the rating on all clothing that is tested.
I'm sure that would keep the paid membership going strong !!