Internet makes me lazy

Hi Michael,

I am from Ireland and since moving to Belgium 3 years ago I find I am spending far too much time online.

I put it down to not spending enough time outdoors (dont live near mountains or the ocean anymore) or socialising with friends or visiting family.

I do travel to Ireland and the Uk every 6 to 8 weeks to hike and Wild camp.

Keep it real,

Stephen

Michael,

Shelter:
What kind of usage do you see using it for? Are you looking for a 3-season or 4-season tent? I ask because some of the information you give is a little conflicting: camping above treeline, with light wind when it is snowing? Having winter camped and climbed in Colorado for many years I wouldn't use "above treeline" and "snowing" together with "light wind" when describing alpine conditions.

Snow to me also suggests late fall and winter conditions as well more gear, bigger packs, less daylight and thus a longer time within in the tent. So with this in mind, I would hate to be cramped into a solo shelter under those circumstances– I used a SMD Lunar Solo last winter and early spring and the experience was miserable.

You also say that you are primarily a climber– do you mainly backpack in, set-up a base camp, climb and pack out or do you mainly backpack in the traditional sense and carry your your tent 10-20miles each day for weeks on end?

If you are looking for a tent that does everything, then you won't find it. I guess just a little more information about what you intend to use it for would help greatly.

Sleep System:
Firstly, I have no experience with military equipment and so cannot comment on this. However for many years I did use (before upgrading) a +15 degree bag combined with a +40deg BA overbag and combined with a nice belay jacket, down pants etc took me to below zero. So simply double bagging is an affordable way to add +10Degs to your sleep system if you have the additional layers to compensate. Beyond that, there are plenty of affordable down zero deg sleeping bags out there that must be lighter and more compact than the Helium plus military spec gortex bivy and fleece liner combo.

Torso Layers:
I use:

-Patagonia R1 (baselayer)
-First Ascent Down sweater (midlayer)
-Patagonia Guide Jacket (outerlayer)
-First Ascent Hooded Mountain Guide Down Jacket (goes over everything)

This system keeps me good in temps ranging from -15deg to +40.

Snowshoes:
If you are doing any serious slopes then I would recommend looking for something with an televator heal to help take the fatigue away from your calves while climbing. FWIW I use the MSR EVO Ascents, but the EVO Tours will work just fine also.

Paul,

Thanks for the reply! Going back, I wasn't very clear, but it all made sense in my head :)

For my shelter- looking for something to supplement the Limelight that can be used throughout Germany (upper-midwest type climate) most of the time and then be taken to Austria to do some climbing which is generally above the tree-line. It is the Austrian Alps, but where I do most of my climbing, I can camp using the cliffs as shelter, hence the ability to avoid the high winds. Mostly I was trying to get across that I don't want to use trekking poles.

In short, I think I am looking for someone to point me in the direction of an UL substitute for my Marmot tent that can handle the occassional nasty weather pattern, cover me and my climbing gear, and not take up too much room in the pack.

A little secret: I use a Gregory Baltoro 75 — I know, but it's so comfy and hauls all my gear!

Due to camping restrictions, most of my camping takes place < 5 miles from where I park, so the hike isn't a huge deal. I usually "wild camp" (which is frowned upon unfortunately) so I try to keep a low profile. Occassional trips to the Alps, but again, even those aren't like the huge approaches you see in the US.

I think I am set on the snow shoes, but thanks for the recommendation!

Funny side note– I've sat here since my post waiting for replies. Kinda defeats what I was getting at.

Blue Skies,

M

It is both a curse and a blessing!! ;)

I have been able to make some very very educated purchases thanks to the interweb. I also spend or have spent hours upon hours googling and reading gear reviews blah blah blah. I buy nothing without making sure it comes highly reccomend by others that i know use their gear and use it the same way i use my gear.

I also never ever pay full retail for anything unless i need it on the fly and that is almost never. Yes it is quite a bit of time but i always get at least 20% off. Even on this seasons new merchandise. I got a Mammut Gipfelgrat Neo Shell jacket that is now sold out most places and part of a 150 year anniversary line of gear they released this fall for 20% off tax free no shipping.

I like my gear but i like a good deal and i always find one or wait till i can. The family will be their when you are done. Chances are if you spend all this time with em you will either drive them cray or them you lol. They will thank you for all the xtra money you have doing all that internet bargain shopping!!!

"In short, I think I am looking for someone to point me in the direction of an UL substitute for my Marmot tent that can handle the occassional nasty weather pattern, cover me and my climbing gear, and not take up too much room in the pack."

-Black Diamond Firstlight. Little on the small side, but you said you wanted to cut down on the space; also has no vestibule, however it weighs around 3lbs, handles wind and some snow. Doesn't need poles. It also can be found for under $300. Will certainly fit you and your pack, but not much else. Not UL, but you won't find a true "UL" tent for your needs unless you look at something like a Six Moon Designs Luna Solo which I wouldn't recommend.

Other LW alternatives would be: Hilleburg Akto 1 or even the MSR Hubba could possibly work if you can find adequate wind shelter.

Personally speaking I like the Limelight 2, one of my climbing partners uses one most of the year round– yeah it isn't UL but for short distance packing in; say under 8miles it is more than capable of handling some wind and snow and for the weight you would save on something else that is just as capable, probably isn't worth the cost unless you are looking for a true 4-season tent– but that is just IMHO.

Limelight 2 on Elbert:
http://www.14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201103061921421_l.jpg

Blanca/LB/Ellingwood
http://www.14ers.com/images/trips/blan/4_201104111233194_l.jpg

Micheal: I'm familiar with your GoreTex/Snugpak system and while the sleeping bag is OK for icy temps, esp. if a vehicle is carrying it for you, it's just a pretty heavy system for lighter weight recreational backpacking in regular temperatures. Of course how far are you going to go in deep snow, right?
An 800-fill wt down bag will definitely make a difference … or synthetic quilt if you are going to use it during Germany's summer. I was in the Rhineland July 2010 and remember it being rainy every other day.

(ed: subj line)

It ain't lighter than your current tent, but for same weight (and a lot of dough) you'd get an expedition tent: Exped Polaris ( http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_ch.nsf/0/140F9C695B677F07C125785000580406?opendocument )

Currently saving up for that tent.

Patrich: How are you liking the Polartec Neoshell and the Gipfelgrat?

Looks great on a hanger ;)

For real though it has sat on a hanger since i purchased it.

No need to wear a $350 mountain coat around town, i would rather it last me many seasons.

My impression of it so far is great from what you can tell looking at yourself in the mirror. The material is wicked tough not overly heavy but far from thin and wicked stretchy!! The cut is great as the sleeves are plenty long as to not ride up. I am a 140lbs soaking wet and 5 Ft 10". The size small fit perfect with enough room for any base layer and mid layer combo of choice. I can still fit a Size small Arcteryx Atom Sv over it all with plenty of room to move.

I had ordered a Rab Stretch Neo Jacket as to have a choice and the Rab coat got returned. The Rab coat was nice but in size small cut a bit larger than i like. One thing that i did notice was the fabric weight "Stretch Neo Shell" was much thinner and less durable on the Rab jacket and much more like a Gore Tex Pro Shell material. On the other hand the Rab coat is like 300-400 grams and the Mammut 600-700.

All and all it is a great coat, maybe a bit on the techno trendy side with the day glow zippers an all but a sweat looking coat non the less. I am gonna feel like a gear skeeze the first time i wear it for sure if not every time!!!

Patrick:

It is a nice Jacket even only hanging on a hanger indeed:-)

Thanks for the warning about being sold out. Got the last XL at the local Mammut store today. Only had one M left and they don't expect to get any until next year! Now if only that damnable high pressure system would move away and bring some massive rains
here in the lowlands for testing the Neoshell fabric. Plus plenty of snow higher up
to start the season ;-)

Oh and sorry Michael for sidetracking your thread… The Jacket ain't even lightweight.
Even less UL…

No problem on the guided discussion! Love the thread and wherever it goes.

Thanks for the replies, especially Paul! I'm going to check out some of the recommendations now.

Pretty flashy coat hey. I am just waiting for the comments on this one all winter. Pink and blue zippers what am i thinking!!! Almost like a Tampax box really. I used to race on a cycling team that had the same Pink and blue color scheme. WTF is with me?

Enjoy the coat i know i will regardless of the flack i catch for wearing an overpriced tampon package…