Has anyone tried the Marmot Kompressor pack? It reminds me of the REI Flash pack, but a little more serious– 1000CI (seems bigger), silnylon, 10oz, foam pad, hyrdation sleeve, self-stows in the lid pocket, ~$38.00. See http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=packs&subcat=65&style_id=H4046
While surveying the great city of Missoula, Montana I came across it in a great hiking shop called The Trail Head. I made a pilgrimage to Bob Ward’s too.
At Bob Wards I found a Snow Peak Ti cup with a folding handle and made much like a Sierra cup (model #SMG002), but more stable. I think it will be the perfect match for an Esbit wing stove. See http://www.snowpeak.com/gears/mg001.htm. It is just 1.4oz and holds 8oz, not a bucket, but it will do for a cup of coffee on an overnighter.
I’ve been looking for the perfect minimalist combo for an overnight trip, as that is 90% of my hiking. Cooking is really not necessary, but I like my java. That little 8oz cup and half a fuel tab would make a quick cup of hot water for some Java Juice, tea, hot cocoa or some instant oatmeal. Should be nice for day hikes that way too. With three fuel tabs, the cup, wing stove, a Light My Fire spork, and some tin foil for a wind screen I can have a 5oz. kitchen. I could even afford the weight for a styrofoam coffee cup. I could see going for a 3-day romp without too much suffering.
From the illustration on the package, it will fit on top of a gas cannister and nest inside my Titan Kettle. I’ll have to wait until I get home to try that.
I also found a tiny little Brunton compass made to go on your watch band (or any small strap). The thing is about the size of my thumbnail. I wouldn’t carry it for primary navigation, but it would be great for backup and quick reference on the trail. See http://www.summithut.com/catalog/remap/product.asp/DeptID/193/SortOrder/1/pfid/8232/ .It weighs just 0.2oz/5.7g and costs about $3.
By the way, the University of Montana has some great outdoor ed programs— river rafting, ice climbing and a nifty climbing wall in the rec center. I might just send my kid to community college and come here to school myself!
