[Joe DeLoss]

Just found that Subway has individual packets of olive oil. They will provide them for catering jobs with sandwiches and salads.

At the end of a work event I was able to get several dozen packets and am eager to put them to use!

[Joe DeLoss]

sorry casey, "soaked" should could be replaced with "drenched." I do cook the pasta (I use ramen if freezer bagging) and then toss in 3-4 tablespoons of oil. After the oil is well mixed, start adding in the parmesean. if you dump it all at once, the cheese will clump. sufficient olive oil should help coat each noodle with the perfect amount of cheese-tastic calories :)

[Joe DeLoss]

my favorite camp meal is angel hair whole wheat pasta soaked in olive oil and covered with parmesean cheese. More calories than I can count but it taste great after a long hike day.

[Joe DeLoss]

SOLD

[Joe DeLoss]

Purchased the Zilch several weeks ago and took it for a maiden voyage this past weekend. Total pack weight for the weekender was just less than 10lbs. Previously I was carrying a Virga with a weekend pack weight of around 15lbs but consistently had discomfort in my shoulders and around my neck (trap muscles I believe). While the Virga gets decent reviews, I couldn't see much benefit of having a pack that was uncomfortable to me and was a bit overkill for my weight needs.

I opted for a Zilch with waist belt and sternum strap, weighing in at 4.6 ounces. After hiking with the pack, I could comfortably hike without either additional straps; however, the stability is well worth the extra ounce or so.

Pack-ability-For support I dropped in a GG Thin Light 1/8 and then added the TorsoLite inside the roll against my back. I stored the a GG polycro and 99 cent e-poncho in the outside wet gear pocket. The side pockets were adequate for a full 1L on each side.

Strength-my bag did suffer one abrasion on the trail, I set the bag down on a thorn and one of the side pockets got an eraser-sized hole. I plan on getting Joe's (zpack owner) recommendation for a quick fix. Otherwise, the bag held up to some light bushwhacking and trail blazing. The compact size of the bag keeps it fairly well protected behind your torso. Plus Joe offers a one year warranty on the bag – something that’s pretty unusual to the other cottage bag makers out there with similar products.

Comfort- With a similar load, I think this bag is miles more comfortable than the Virga on my shoulders. The shoulder straps are wide and can comfortably rest on the outside ends of your shoulders. I opted for the extra thick shoulder padding but don't think the slightly thinner padding would be significantly different. Again, the compact size gives you a huge feeling of mobility.

Customer Service- As the other reviews have mentioned, Joe Valesko is incredibly responsive. I think I ordered the bag on Wednesday (w/ customizations) and was notified it shipped out on Saturday. The price is right and his commitment to happy customers is apparent.

Great bag- highly recommended.

[Joe DeLoss]

I just pulled out the virga and wanted to note a few more of my modifications. I removed the ice axe loops, size tag, and the carrying loop. The bag still has a waist belt, sternum strap, all the compression straps, and side pockets.

Thanks for the interest.

[Joe DeLoss]

I have a phantom 15 up on ebay. Ends tonight though.

[Joe DeLoss]

go fast and light dot com sells a 72 inch paklite pad for ten dollars, the whole thing weighs in at less than 6 oz. I used one for several trips but it didn't hold up incredibly well.

[Joe DeLoss]

I've hiked this trail on two different occasions and have enjoyed it each time. The scenery is unbeatable for this side of the Mississippi.

The first time I hiked it, I used the guidebook put out by the Foothills Trail Conference. If you're looking for a good resource, I'd recommend it. The trail is not tough to follow, but it gave me some great information for side hikes and has good maps and elevation profiles.

Enjoy the hike!

[Joe DeLoss]

sold

[Joe DeLoss]

Would like to unload the bag, 200 shipped (plus 4% if paypal). Bought a bag so a trade isn't needed. Thanks!

[Joe DeLoss]

Thats a thought…especially considering my card was already charged and now has to be refunded. I understand the overwhelming response they must have recieved, its unreasonable to ask for $400+ of new gear for the $100 inconvenience.

Maybe the next time around they can give some preference to all the folks that were in my position this time (paying for gear that didn't exist).

[Joe DeLoss]

sale pending…

[Joe DeLoss]

I was at work early and was pumped to have scored a cocoon hoody, pants, and quilt for $125…. But I just received the email to let me know I'd only be recieving the pants. Definitely frustrating, still a good deal on the pants but I was just looking forward to a whole new sleep system.

That said, thanks for the deal BPL, I'm looking forward to the next string of used gear and a more fluid process… Medium cocoon pants anyone?

[Joe DeLoss]

I actually keep a box of egg replacer in my pantry at all times. For six dollars and some tap water you can make nearly 12 dozen eggs worth.

Most grocery stores and health stores carry it. Definitely a great backcountry product.

[Joe DeLoss]

I'm in Columbus, OH but was considering a weekend fast pack on the Laurel Highlands Trail in Ohio Pyle SP. They have great shelters along the trail, no tents, ample water, and decent scenery could make for a great weekend. Maybe this April, or June?

I don't think dogs are allowed but for posterity, I think I could fit in with most of the PA UL hikers.

[Joe DeLoss]

The sound quality of the podcast was flawless, very enjoyable for listening. Plus, Cameron's discussion adds an element of tradition to backcountry expeditions that is really refreshing. The challenge to preserve remote landscapes makes me appreciate the physical challenge of hiking even more. Thanks for your insight Cameron.

Great addition to the BPL podcast library!

[Joe DeLoss]

I ran past this thread as well and would like to get a group together or at least a list to send out trip ideas and invitations. ULers seem few and far between in all the gear shops and circles I've encountered in the area. I'm in Central, Ohio. In particular, I'd like to add a few high mileage UL hikers to my contact list. Currently I have only one hiking partner that fits the bill.

[Joe DeLoss]

deleted

[Joe DeLoss]

Thanks for the offer, the Beeline is tempting, but I'll hold out for a little while to see if an offer comes in with more comparable value to the Phantom.

[Author]

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