Ken was very cool to show me his gear yesterday. We found a nice shady spot at the park to set things up. It was great to get an introduction to UL gear and get some hands on experience with what to me would be a new direction.
I have to say after checking everything out that it was pretty weird looking and seemed like it would definitely fall apart the first day out. I don't know you guys…
Phew! I just had to do that folks! Happy Friday!
Ok! Of course it was a nice revelation for me and I really appreciate not having to just wing it by buying new gear sight unseen (I'm serious this time everyone…;) Now I feel more confidence in making some first time choices, even knowing I may have to shuffle a few things to totally spoil myself!
All of my old gear is winter stuff from the 90's, some good quality for sure but heavy. I'm anxious to replace basically everything (as much as I'll miss my kickass Marmot bag…3.5lbs).
I may just copy Ken's cooking setup – he's emailing me details as I didn't write it down. Like him I just want to boil water, no long term simmering needed. Also his water purifier pen thingy, uber light headlamp, and a few other small pieces will be good replacements for my old stuff.
The (little) Big 3 were inspiring. ULA Ohm pack was very nice. Ken's a large and I'm a medium but I still got a good feel for the pack. The frame was too tall for me, hit back of my head, but harness/belt worked well. It felt good against my back, the hoop frame was supportive without being stiff. Really liked the front and side pockets. Narrow enough to be out of elbow swinging way. It's on my list with GG Gorilla, Starlite, Vapor Trail.
JRB down quilt, that can be worn as ~ poncho. Smart, and of course very light. I am still leaning to full sleeping bag at this point though. I'm used to them and have always used them blanket/quilt style when it's warm, zipped up with hood as it cools, and wear insulation for lowest temps. I realize this is a common use for quilts too, and that they're lighter. Even still I'm looking to
lose 2 lbs. here, from my 3.5lb down bag.
I was really impressed by his myog bivy. And he made it stealth black. Sweet. Enough bug netting to sit up in. Long enough to scoot down in for head coverage. I think it was silnylon bottom and momentum top.
A myog black tarp, and another grey one both silny I believe. Ken set one up with his trekking poles. Quick and simple. I felt like a bivy and tarp would work well for the beach stealth camping I'm thinking about.
So now I've been initiated and should be swapping things out pretty soon. We are just coming into what is typically the nicest season here on the north coast (basically at the southern edge of the PNW). September and October are usually sunniest, and so the funnest. An old friend of mine and I are starting to make plans for a 3 day hike to a lake in the Trinities in a couple weeks, which is good timing and inspiration. I expect to be spending some 2-3 day short trips into the local dunes I can walk to from my home. Been out of hiking for a while so coming back into it easy.
Also, tomorrow I'm meeting Pancho (pchang) to see his Contrail tent and Vapor Trail pack. I have a Nimbus Meridian to compare to the VT for size, fit and carry. Gonna be cool.
Don
