Influencers

[Jerry Adams]

that gear skeptic video on bias… was really good, can be extended to everything wrong with society right now – critique vs attack…

[jscott]

“what if you had no soul?”

Then you’d be AI, as opposed to Al. Or you’d be Hall and Oates…wait, the BeeGees…

[Terran]

I can’t go for that. Not when I have Saturday night fever. John Travolta has no soul. Give me some Donna Summers and I’m like johnny Fever. I listen, but I don’t tell my friends.

Good video. You have to be a wise consumer. Don’t let the hype dissuade you. I was interested in the ZenBivy, but was put off by the marketing until I tried one in subfreezing weather. I was gifted the light bed and found it very comfortable. I found it a little bulky for the pack. A little heavy as well. Not as wide as I wanted. I like leaving one side open for easier access. I ended up ordering a second one opting for the ultralight in extra large. I received it today and I’m much happier. Even though it’s larger, it’s lighter and fits into a 36L pack. Like with Durston, just because a product may be over promoted doesn’t mean there’s no real value in it. Now for a little Milli Vanilli.

[Jerry Adams]

Neal Diamond – I listen but would be embarrassed to tell my friends :)

[MJ H]

My sisters took my mom to see him and I still regret not going.

[Terran]

Hot August Night was a great album.

Thank you in the audiance that pays
“Tree people” out there
God Bless You;
I’ll sing it for you too

Are you still there, “tree people”?

[Terran]

Aw, Cracklin’ Rosie, get on board
We’re gonna ride
‘Till there ain’t no more to go
Taking it slow…

Maybe it’s an age thing, but have you considered getting new friends?

[Jerry Adams]

Actually, I stole that joke from somebody else.  There is something about Neal Diamond being both popular and good.

[Ray J]

What if your shoes had no sole?

I’ve heard Neal Diamond puts on a great show.  One of the best in music.

And then the Eagles who said a few decades ago that they were accused of loitering on stage.  Which they agreed with.  Go up, count 1,2,3,4 and play the songs.  Set list done, go home.

[Terran]

I’ve seen a lot of shows in the past for cheap. Often for free. Nowadays it works out to around 10 or 20 bucks per song. Geritol rock.

I bought a ZenBivy, but I don’t tell my friends. Don’t take that personally. I went with the muscovy duck down. I’ve read it clumps up a little more than the goose down. I try not to compress my down too much and I fluff it up before use, so I don’t see a problem. I’m not sure about longevity, but it will probably outlast me. The fabric on the light bed has a better feel to it. More like linen, but the Pertex is fine. It packs better and is a good bit lighter.

[Jerry Adams]

I have read the theory that lower fill power down maintains loft better when humid.  Maybe that would apply to duck down also.

I wonder about lifetime – does lower fill power down maintain that loft better over time?  Or the opposite?

[Terran]

I’m not sure. It is Muscovy which are raised longer that most ducks resulting in larger clusters and better quality.  I read that ZPacks has also started using it.  At $135 less than the same fp goose down, I decided to take a chance. The light bed has 800 fill power duck. I’ve used it for several nights at home with a few nights out. Other than weight and packability, I’ve been happy with it.

 

 

[jscott]

Muscovy Duck down? it makes sense that Russian ducks would have warmer feathers. It gets cold in Siberia.

 

[Terran]

AI Overview

+12

Muscovy duck down is a type of down feather sourced from the Muscovy duck. It’s known for its high loft, good insulation, and natural resistance to water, making it a popular choice for bedding and outerwear.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Origin:
Muscovy ducks are native to the Americas, but they are raised and bred around the world, including in areas like Siberia.
Properties:
Muscovy down clusters are known for their “clinginess,” meaning they tend to stick together, creating a more stable and resilient insulation. This also contributes to faster compression recovery, meaning the down returns to its original loft quickly.
Insulation:
Muscovy down offers excellent insulation, comparable to other high-quality down like eiderdown. It’s also naturally hydrophobic, giving it a natural resistance to water.
Applications:
It’s commonly used in duvets, comforters, pillows, and outerwear like jackets and sleeping bags.
Advantages:
Muscovy down can be a more affordable alternative to goose down while still providing excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
Maintenance:
Muscovy down products are generally easy to care for, with instructions typically recommending daily shuffling and occasional airing.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Yeah… I once THOUGHT about being an influencer

but then I felt that folks here were more annoyed than  “influenced’ by my “Tarptent fanboy” posts…

so I retreated to my moss covered forest dugout home and read Thoreau and Buddhist sutras…

and contemplated my navel (lint).

But then an intense revelation came over me when I found my inner User Name and PassWord for BPL …and, well, I’m back to ONCE AGAIN TO CAST MY PEARLS OF BACKPACKING/WINTER CAMPING WISDOM BEFORE YOU UNGRATEFUL CONSUMERS OF THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF ULTRALIGHT GEAR!

(Daymn! That felt cathartic)

[Alex H]

Eric, so glad to see you back!

[Author]

Posts