2006 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

[Frank Perkins]

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]

[Greg Vaillancourt]

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”

[barry hitchcock]

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

[Sam Haraldson]

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

[Mark Watson]

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!

[Kenneth Knight]

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).

[Phil Barton]

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.

[Gregory Doggett]

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

[Steve B]

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

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