Influencers

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

“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…

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.

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

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

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”?

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?

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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)

Eric, so glad to see you back!