Extremely breathable shells are everywhere

It almost seems impossible to sweat out the current generation of WPB fabrics – be it Event, Paclite, Neoshell or some proprietary fabric.  If you are still rocking a Goretex shell complete with waterbottle holder, mesh lining, zipper flaps over everything then you are missing the lightweight shells bandwagon.  Even the heavies in this year crop are still around 16oz. Versatility is a rising trend, who doesn’t want to save cash by buying one jacket: Patagonia Super Cell, Columbia Compounder,  Westcomb Switch LT Hoodie, Northface Alpine Project.

Tents (or shelters whatever you want to call them)
Mountain Laurel Designs – nice to see some crafted in America companies included in the reviews but is 6 oz of savings worth $200? Depends on how you look at it – is a 46% reduction in weight worth it. If you buy their Cricket shelter you have the choice. Damn Cuben fiber is crazy light, strong and expensive. REI and LL Bean seems to be competing for the same value play and that can only be good for the consumer. Most be nice to be Easton and have an ample supply of carbon fiber poles for all your tents but as BP points out a 4 season tent with mesh walls still needs some refinement.

Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket

Inspirations (and Needs)

Sawyer squeeze water filter. I’ve always had issues with water filters MSR, Katadyn… It doesn’t really seems to matter. UV based systems seem nice but this system looks like the right balance of minimal mechanical parts and is not dependent on electronics.

Really small women’s specific section this year but at least the industry seems to be grasping that ladies don’t want just pinks and pastels – just in time, my wife was about ready to lose it.

I’ve always had great respect for the innovation coming out of Nemo. Modular and flexible products and probably some of the freshest ideas of the industry. Tent poles made from aluminum, air and bamboo.

Not sure when but I need a pacraft – Alpacka’s Denali Llama at just over 5 lbs, I’ve carried hip waders that almost weigh that much. Sweet logo!

From the ads near the back is Rogue Wallet. I rock a front wallet and I’m in need of a replacement. Made Maine from my choice of materials, designed for the front pocket. Sign me up, actually just visit www.rougewallet.com.  As an extra bonus it looks like many of their wallet come with or can have a RFID-blocking lining added to them.

One thing I’ve learned so far… my Osprey Crescent 85 is out of trend. I can’t say that I would give up its massive hauling ability for a lighter ride but there may be more economical (weight and cost) choices out there. The pound of dirt, soot and grease embedded in it may not be helping but I’d say it still has many years to see and miles to trek.

Early photos of the original prototype.  Check back soon for product photos, specs and availability of our stoves.

Dry Bag, 8L Waterproof Drifting Dry Tube Bag, Random Color
Features:
Waterproof bag easily to fold and open, convenient to carry
Carry clothes, books, or others to camp site
Durable, waterproof and lightweight
Floats safely if dropped in water
Material: 100% Nylon PU Coated Waterproof Fabric
Color: Orange, Blue, Green
Size: 18″ x 9.5″(L x W)

Today: $3.49

But when they say a picture is worth a thousand words sometimes it is best to heed that warning.  Looking at alternate product photos there were glaring issues – mainly stitching all over the product.  I’ve seen this happen to too many good friends, their supposedly waterproof bag full of cellphones and other valuables becomes a MSR Domedary as soon as they capsize their canoe.  So yes, I could have had a drybag for about $3, made by who knows what aged person under what conditions but sometimes the better deal is the product you know was made by American hands and will last you a lifetime.

So now that we’ve touched on function we can talk a bit about durability.  No more melting cheaper Lexan sporks, actually no more melting at all.  The blue hue on this bad boy is thanks to a night inside of a raging campfire.  I don’t’know of too many other eating utensils, pots, pans or kettles that can say that.

What could turn this black bear into a grizzly?  We’ll a wire gate clip to start would be nice.  To get to polar bear we’ll need a built in bottle/can opener.  Vargo is trying their best right now.

-Nice Can!

Four person lightweight backpacking teepee in tan with liner