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Gear
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Pic n Link
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Geo
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Mark
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Comments |
| Tents |
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Big Agnes Speedhouse SL1 > > 5.0
2005 Xmas gift to be tested Summer 2006.
Excellent. Tested on a 55 mile trip on the PCT mid-September under a variety of conditions. Started out with snow flurries and encountered plenty of below freezing nights. The SL1 was easy to get in and out, held off the condensation, had plenty of headroom and was a livable space. The tent was wind solid with the rain cover on and guyed out. Because of the cool temperatures I did not get a chance to try it without the rain cover, but I am sure the ventilated walls give way to a nice night time view. |
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Sierra Design Light Year > > Product returned
2004 Xmas gift to be tested August 2005.
While I had praises for the design in the areas of ease of entry, headroom and ventilation, the narrowing of the floor space towards the feet was of concern. In most pitches my sleeping bag was stuffed into the corner and up against the tent walls, and I could visualize that on a rainy trip this would cause water to pass thru. |
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North Face Kestrel > > 4.5 rating
Used since 2001. Good three season tent with 2 vestibules. Handles rain and light snow well. Good ventilation except on a hot day with no wind, as the mesh material is sown into the upper half. Width is a bit skimpy, so pick your sleeping companion with that in mind. Reasonable weight to function ratio. |
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Sleeping Bags |
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Sierra Design Sandman+ > > 5.0 rating
Used since 2000. Really gives you some stretch room if you like to toss n turn. Good warmth factor and handles a wide range of temps. Is my go to sleeping bag!
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Stoves |
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MSR Simmer Lite > > 4.8 rating
After running thru most of MSR's lineup, this last purchase is the cream of the crop. Lite weight, wider heat pattern combine to make this the best overall choice. If you have an older stove, make sure you pick up a newer fuel pump to take advantage of the simmer feature. Makes a difference. Stability is a small concern, but that comes with the territory so pick your cooking spot well.
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Trekking Poles |
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Leki Sierra AS > > 5.0 rating
Used since 2000. In the debate of one or two poles, I have come squarely down on single mode. With a photo mount and a sturdy pole this meets all my needs. Good quality all around and it has paid for itself a few times saving me from a severe tumble.
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| Tech Stuff |
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Suunto Vector > > 5.0 rating
Used since 2002. The more I use this tech watch, the more I believe it is all you need when heading into the backcountry, along with your trusted map. Provides your time, altitude, compass and barometric readings. Just the right size with an easy interface.
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