2006 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

My leki titanium poles. Not so much because of the poles themselves, but it’s my first time using poles while hiking and I’m hooked.

My MSR mini towel. I never thought it would be so useful on the trail and in camp.

My Patagonia Houdini. It’s so cool I almost feel like I’m bragging when I wear it. [Close 3rd is my Patagonia Micropuff vest which I wear almost every chance I get]

1) Tarptent Squall 2 floorless

2) Icebreaker Merino zip T

3) Heineken 25 0z. can pot

The only problem with the Heineken pot is it looks like a keg, which makes me dream of beer…”Mmmmmmm Beeeeeeeer, aaauuuuuugggghhhhh”

one–photon x micro led 3 pack from bpl—“every family member is sure to want one” –they did- -i need to order some more–two–phd down vest 800 uk fillpower –8ozs size small

In no particular order my top 3 are:
Granite Gear Virga (modified)
Gossamer Gear Nightlite Torso
Light My Fire spork

Here are the 3 items that made the most impact on my backpacking in 2006:

1) Tarptent Rainshadow (very roomy for 2 or even 3 people)

2) Photon LEDs

3) REI(Komperdell) carbon trekking poles

Since I’m new to UL backpacking, and I recently subscribed to BPL, I’m sure 2007 will be even more dynamic & en-LIGHTening!

Len, I haven’t used the Leki CF poles but check out the Review Summary Doug Johnson wrote and maybe you’ll find some other poles you like.

I have had the occasional pole collapse using the C3 poles, but then I think I can make just about anything collapse that uses twist-locks. I put a lot of pressure on the poles when descending so this is not really unexpected. I was very pleased with their stiffness and they show no indication that they’re going to break. In fact I have hurt myself more than I have hurt the poles (slip and fall on slick snow a month ago on a section of North Country Trail. The polehandle landed on my left thumb and I landed on the pole. My thumb still hurts from the resulting soft-tissue injury).

This has been a great year for hiking. I've been out for a lot of short trips and continue to make significant strides toward a light pack. 3 successes for this year include:

1. Gossamer Gear Lightrek Poles – love 'em. As my wife has noted, I don't come home banged and cut from falling on every trip now. With their negligble weight I am finally happy using poles. 6.9 oz. for 130cm poles with baskets.

2. Mountain Laurel Designs Pro Poncho – Will Reitveld gave this a solid review. I've been very pleased with its field use so far. 10.0 oz.

3. Brooks Cascadia running shoes – the search for well fitting and comfortable trail runners has led through 6 models so far. These are the most comfortable for me yet. Size 12. 26.9 oz. Oh, did I mention that they are the ugliest shoes I've ever owned? My wife won't let me wear them in town.

My favorite 3 that I'm currently using for late-fall/winter trips in Va.

Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Standard Pack
Icebreaker Merino Wool Skin200 l/s crew & boxer brief

No order:

injinji socks
MiniBuck multitool
CC stove w/ esbit (probable; haven't even gotten it yet)

Also, Pringles are, from what I remember, the highest calorie/mass food (other than lard or olive oil).

Steve