Treasures From The Mists of the Past

I have that same Princeton Tec headlamp and have never seen any need to replace it with a newer model.  Twelve years and counting…

The last time I did any sort of a major upgrade to my gear was around 2008, and I went for what then was considered UL.  Since then I’ve gone to Neoair pads, a FireMaple remote-canister stove, replaced worn-out shoes, replaced broken headlamps, and I think I purchased new raingear and socks, but that’s about all I’ve changed.  I don’t get out too often and everything I have is still in good condition.

Specifically, I still use my assorted Ti pots, MYOG tarps, GoLite packs, Leki and Komperdell old-style poles, STP and Columbia (clearance) clothing, Silva compass from the 1980s, and Photon Freedom micro flashlights.

Now don’t get me started on the gear I still have from the 1970s and 1980s that I use on occasion…

Kim, That little Scout headlamp just plain works and the CR 2032 batteries last and last. Plus  the headband can easily be replaced with a similar width elastic band from a fabric shop.

Elliot, I gotta confess I’ve recently made some major purchases. A year ago I got a Deuter Air Contact 65+10 winter pack, an REI FLASH 4 season air mattress and this spring a Tarptent Notch Li Gen. 2.

But that should do it for a long time unless an inexpensive robotic llama comes out.

Some of the gear I used last weekend (total PW with food & water under 20 lbs) . . .

What is that staff, Nick?

Moss Stardome II

I used to love this tent. Of course, brutally heavy by today’s standards, but it never failed me (until the urethane coating started to rot away)..

https://www.trailspace.com/gear/moss-tents/stardome-ii/

What is that staff, Nick?

Dean,

It’s a Tracks hiking staff. The company started in the late ’70s or early ’80s. Somewhere down the line Cascade Designs bought them. They are no longer made. Perhaps they can be found on eBay. At some point Cascades got rid of the really good twist lock and replaced it with a push button lock that could lock into a series of holes. I think the called the Sherlock (or something like that). I bought one for my son about 10 years ago and didn’t like it as much as my old one. There is a lot more information on my blog in these two posts.

Tracks Hiking Staff

Tracks Hiking Staff Repair and Adaptations