This isn't a review of a particular product, but rather a comparison of two insulating products--Smartwool vs Fleece.
In my quest to find the perfect insulator for my upcoming PCT hike, I've been hiking in the rain and cold trying out different clothing combinations.
My main concern, as with most people who hike in the cold and wet, is how do you keep yourself warm (and deal with moisture) after hiking up a big hill. The general scenario is it's warm (er) at the bottom, and as you hike up, you run into snow, colder temps, and on top of that, you're a sweaty mess. Here's what I've found out--
I've always believed that wool is a great insulator when wet. I believe this to be true, if the wool is heavy and has a certain amount of loft to it. Armed with this belief, I bought several different weights of smartwool, put them on, and then off I went into the wet and crappy weather of the pacific northwest in the winter time.
The ultralight weight smartwool is great, as long as you keep moving. Even when sweaty and wet, I was pretty warm (not totally). I tried it under fleece, a light wind jacket, a rain jacket, and it performed "OK." I then moved up to mid-weight smartwool, and as expected, it was a little warmer. What I did notice is that when I stopped at the top of the mountain or some place to take a break, I had to immediately take off the sweaty smartwool or get chilled. It didn't really feel much different than when I used to hike in COTTON!
Next I tried just wearing my medium weight Cabela's fleece pullover next to my skin. Luxurious! Not really. Fleece next to skin, when sweating, is a little weird. As I hiked with the fleece on, I noticed that it regulated my temperature very well, and never felt cold. Even when I stopped! I'm not sure where the moisture ends up, but the material insulates very well. After stopping for several minutes, the fleece continued to keep me warm. Here's the really cool part about fleece--I took it off for a minute, let the moisture inside cool, and then put it back on. The fleece was only about 1/10 as cold as putting on a soaking wet wool or cotton shirt.
So the winner is fleece. Cheaper, warmer, and you get the added bonus of smelling like an old goat after a day on the trail. Ok, the last part isn't really a bonus, but fleece does soak up stink. Smartwool wins in that category.
Next, I'll continue testing lightweight performance shirts. I'm considering taking a couple along on my PCT hike next year and swapping them out as I reach various summits so I'll have something warmer to wear down the other side. They'll have to be super quick drying, ultra lightweight etc...
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Sealskinz waterproof socks
I recenlty purchased and hiked about 8 miles in a pair of Sealskinz "Thin Ankle Lenth socks."
I was extrememly impressed by thier weight (3.1 oz - size XL mens), comfort (merlino liner), and their ability to keep my feet dry and warm.
I hike in trail runners (Nike 910 V1), and usually get wet, cold feet while going through snow and muck. The Sealskinz kicked some serious butt, and I will always take them along no matter where I go (maybe not the desert).
They feel a bit more stiff and rugged than regular wool socks (I hike in darn tough socks too), but never did I get a blister or even a hot spot.
Zpacks Arc Blast 60L
I recently purchased, and returned, a Zpacks Arc Blast. This review is of my limited time with the pack (20 miles of hiking), carrying about 25 lbs.
I won't go into the specifics about the pack; you can get all that info from Zpacks.com. The options I selected are:
1. The camo cuben fiber material (way cool)
2. 22.5 inch shoulder strap/pack size
3. hip belt pouches (very nice)
4. Large hip belt size
5. Top stabilizer straps
**The pack weighed 18 oz empty
(I'm 6'3" and weigh 222)
The 20 miles of hiking I did with the Arc was actually done on 2 seperate hikes. I hiked 10 miles with the Arc, and then hiked 10 miles with my ULA circuit, and then did another 10 miles with the Arc (that's 10 miles a day, for three consecutive days).
Enough with the preliminaries, here is the review--
The quality and workmanship of the Arc is second to none (as with all Zpacks products).
The rolltop closure at the top works very well at keeping out water (it rained on one of my hikes).
The stabilizer straps are connected to material on top of the pack. A possible improvement would be to move the straps onto the frame of the pack so that when you tighten them, the frame moves forward instead of the pack material.
Next, I'll talk about pack fit- I've always been led to believe that a pack shoulder strap should fit like this--(pic from www.outdoorsports.com)--
I won't go into the specifics about the pack; you can get all that info from Zpacks.com. The options I selected are:
1. The camo cuben fiber material (way cool)
2. 22.5 inch shoulder strap/pack size
3. hip belt pouches (very nice)
4. Large hip belt size
5. Top stabilizer straps
**The pack weighed 18 oz empty
(I'm 6'3" and weigh 222)
The 20 miles of hiking I did with the Arc was actually done on 2 seperate hikes. I hiked 10 miles with the Arc, and then hiked 10 miles with my ULA circuit, and then did another 10 miles with the Arc (that's 10 miles a day, for three consecutive days).
Enough with the preliminaries, here is the review--
The quality and workmanship of the Arc is second to none (as with all Zpacks products).
The rolltop closure at the top works very well at keeping out water (it rained on one of my hikes).
The stabilizer straps are connected to material on top of the pack. A possible improvement would be to move the straps onto the frame of the pack so that when you tighten them, the frame moves forward instead of the pack material.
Next, I'll talk about pack fit- I've always been led to believe that a pack shoulder strap should fit like this--(pic from www.outdoorsports.com)--
Notice how the shoulder straps curve all the way over the top of the shoulder, and slightly down the back to where the strap connects with the pack? Also, the stabilizer strap should connect to the shoulder strap either right on top of the shoulder or slightly towards the back. I've read on several websites that this is how a shoulder strap should fit on an internal frame pack, and I assume the same is true for an external frame like the Arc blast. Maybe someone could clarify...
I also have an internal frame ULA Circuit pack. It is set up this way and is very comfortable.
If you go to the pack fitting instructions at Zpacks.com, they suggest you measure with a yard stick from the bottom of where your hip belt would sit to the top of your shoulder, and then use this measurement for ordering their pack. I did this measurement, and came up with 22.5 inches.
Here are two pictures of measurements, comparing my ULA circuit and the Zpacks Arc Blast--
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| ULA circuit - 15.5 inches |
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| Zpack Arc Blast - 18.5 inches
|
Before I get into these comparisons, I should tell you that the ULA Circuit is a size large for 21"-24" backs. Also, I've measured my back from my C7vertebrae to top of my hip bone and it's 22.5 ".
As you can see from the pictures, the CLA circuit measures 15.5" from where the shoulder straps connect to the pack to the top of the hip belt. The Arc Blast measures 18.5 inches.
So, what does all this mean? I'm not really sure. Here's what I do know- The ULA circuit, which weighs in at 41 oz empty, carried 27 lbs more comfortably than the Arc blast (which weighed in at 18 oz-and carried 25 lbs total). The mesh back of the Arc did lend itself to a more comfortable and cooler back. Both packs were very similar in size and features, but the circuit is about $100 cheaper.
Here's my bottom line question--If the Arc Blast's shoulder straps were the same as my ULA Circuit's, would the Arc be just as comfortable (or more so because of the weight savings)? That would mean lowering the Arc's straps 3 inches! So I would need to order an Arc with a frame size of 19.5 inches instead of 22.5. Is the large difference because of the different type of frames (internal vs external)? Just food for thought...
Lastly, I've ordered and returned a few items from Zpacks. Their customer service is excellent, and they have always offered to fix or customize the product in question.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
ULA Circuit Backpack
I purchaed the ULA Circuit during the summer of 2014, and have hiked about 200 miles with it. I opted for the XL "S" straps, and the large hip belt and they both fit well. (I'm 6'3", 221lbs, 34-35" waist). The quality of the backpack is outstanding, and it doesn't feel fragile at all. I also opted for the slightly heavier (2 oz- I believe) camo-material. I removed the water bladder holder that was clipped inside the pack, and now just use two water bottles that are carried on either side of the pack in nice pouches. I also really like the size of the hip belt pockets. I can fit almost an entire days worth of snacks in one side, and use the other side for my phone, bug stuff and other equipment. I purchased a Zpacks shoulder strap pocket that I put on the right strap and keep my wind shirt and pants inside. Another thing I really like about the pack is the large mesh pocket and elastic cord that is on the back of the pack. It is so nice to pull off a wet shirt or extra dirty/wet clothing and stuff it inside the pocket to deal with later (or allow it to dry). I've carried around 30 pounds of gear in it with no problems. I think the limit would be around 35-37 pounds.
The only problem I have with the pack is figuring out which way to roll the top closed. The top is similar to a dry bag roll system with buckle. It probably doesn't matter (it's never leaked, and I've hiked in a LOT of rain), but there is no clear answer. When the pack is stuffed full, it seems best to roll the top so more black material is showing. A less full pack, the camo-showing roll is better. It doesn't really matter, I suppose.
 |
| Pack with Zpack shoulder pocket |
 |
| Water pouches with draw cord |
 |
| 1.5 quart water bottle-very secure |
 |
| As example-shoulder straps have cords to hold H2O bottles-I don't use them |
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| Back mesh pocket and elastic cord- very cool |
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| tried to show height of pack-not so good pic |
Montbell Ex Light Down Anorak
I recently purchased two Montbell Ex Light Down Anoraks. One XL and one XXL. I wasn't sure which would fit, so why not just buy two and send one back. Here's a review of the jacket(s)--
First, a little bit about me--male, 50years old, 6'3", 221lbs, 37 inch arms (long, not around :)), 34-35 inch waist. My biggest problem with finding good fitting down jackets has always been the armpit to top of shoulder area, or where the arm of the jacket connects with the body of the jacket. It's usually too small for me. That's why I bought the XL and XXL to compare.
I didn't take a picture of the XL before sending it back, but it was in blue. I really liked the blue better than the grey, but the XXL fit better (...and they only make the XXL in limited colors). What I mean by fitting better, is that with the XXL I could "hug myself" without the shoulder areas binding. The bottom and middle are a little big, but with the elastic draw-cord that shouldn't be a problem. I also decided to go with the XXL so that I would be able to wear 2 layers under the jacket. The XL would have been a little tight, but the tight shoulder areas would have been way too tight. The XXL arm length was also slightly longer than the XL, but the XL would have been long enough.
The XXL weighs in a 7.8 oz, and the XL weighs 7.3 oz (used digital scale). The zipper is a fine, good quality zipper, and the cuffs have elastic. The hood does not have a cord to cinch it down, but when zipped up, it fits well enough that it won't blow off/back during a gust of wind. At $217.00 it is an excellent value, especially when compared to the Mountain hardware ghost whisperer. Although I recently saw that the Ghost Whisperer is on sale at Backcountry.com for $237.
The material is very light (as expected), but it doesn't feel too fragile. It also has a water resistant coating on it. I've worn it outside around the neighborhood, but haven't hiked with it yet. It is very warm (900 down is good), and wind resistant. If it's raining out, I'll wear my fleece and rain jacket, so I don't know about how well it will perform in wet conditions.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus
I bought a Hexamid Solo Plus in Septempber because I thought I'd like to save some weight for my upcoming PCT hike (2015). I opted for the heavier material, which added 1.5 oz to the tent's total weight and cost an additional $15 bucks. The total weight (tent, beak, groundsheet, landyards, stakes) was 20.5 oz. I can't say enough good things about Zpacks, the quality of their products, and their customer service. Having said all those good things, here is a review of the Hexamit Solo Plus.
If you haven't looked into cuben fiber, you should. If not for tents, at least as a stuff sack, rain jacket, poncho, or a nifty shoulder pouch that Zpacks also sells. The material is sliglty noisy (not as much as tyvek), and weighs almost nothing. It's also very waterproof. As far as damaging the material, I belive the only issue is with punctures. It has a fairly high tensile strength and resists tearing from tension quite well.
The Hexamid was my first experience with a single wall tent, and I should have read more about them (single wall tents) before heading out into the wild. For my first night, I found a beautiful tent site next to a lake. The condensation was so thick it was raining inside my Hexamid (not a cloud in the sky). So, I'm not going to fault the tent for all the condensation.. In the morning, it was really nice to just shake the tent and most of the water shook off just fine.
Aside from the overall condensation issue, there is also the steep angle of the tent edges to deal with. The groundsheet/bathtub that fits inside the tent is quite large, but you can't really use all the space. The angle from the entry (where hiking pole is situated) towards the back is steep and there isn't much room for a hiker (or gear you want to stay dry) towards the back of the tent. The ends (i.e. hiker head & toe ends) also have a steep angle and the possibility of touching the tent (and getting wet) can be a problem during high condensation trips. As you can probably see, my issues with the tent involve condensation, and had I properly scouted out a site away from the water and closer to a ridge, I would have probably been just fine. So I suppose this review is two-fold, where not to camp, and the minor issues with the Hexamid. Just to be clear...the wetness issues are totally from condensation, and not from the tent leaking.
I believe the steep angles of the Hexamid may have been purposely developed to aid in the condensation runoff (maybe?). I returned my Hexamid after only one night, and decided to carry another 22 oz (42oz total) and purchased a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1. It's a double wall tent and shouldn't have the same condensation problems.
If I get the urge to try another single wall tent (cuben fiber) it will probably be the Zpacks Duplex Tent. It uses two poles, has two doors, and eliminates at least half of the steep angles associated with the Hexamid. It does, however weight 5 oz more. I'm sure it would feel like a palace for one hiker since it's made for two.
One last thought...I really liked how quickly the Hexamid set up and was taken down.
Also, I bet the Hexamid would be great to set up in the rain. I didn't get to experience this, but I have set up a double wall tent (REI quarterdome 1) in a downpour. Not worrying about keeping rain off the tent body would make set up much easier.
If you haven't looked into cuben fiber, you should. If not for tents, at least as a stuff sack, rain jacket, poncho, or a nifty shoulder pouch that Zpacks also sells. The material is sliglty noisy (not as much as tyvek), and weighs almost nothing. It's also very waterproof. As far as damaging the material, I belive the only issue is with punctures. It has a fairly high tensile strength and resists tearing from tension quite well.
The Hexamid was my first experience with a single wall tent, and I should have read more about them (single wall tents) before heading out into the wild. For my first night, I found a beautiful tent site next to a lake. The condensation was so thick it was raining inside my Hexamid (not a cloud in the sky). So, I'm not going to fault the tent for all the condensation.. In the morning, it was really nice to just shake the tent and most of the water shook off just fine.
Aside from the overall condensation issue, there is also the steep angle of the tent edges to deal with. The groundsheet/bathtub that fits inside the tent is quite large, but you can't really use all the space. The angle from the entry (where hiking pole is situated) towards the back is steep and there isn't much room for a hiker (or gear you want to stay dry) towards the back of the tent. The ends (i.e. hiker head & toe ends) also have a steep angle and the possibility of touching the tent (and getting wet) can be a problem during high condensation trips. As you can probably see, my issues with the tent involve condensation, and had I properly scouted out a site away from the water and closer to a ridge, I would have probably been just fine. So I suppose this review is two-fold, where not to camp, and the minor issues with the Hexamid. Just to be clear...the wetness issues are totally from condensation, and not from the tent leaking.
I believe the steep angles of the Hexamid may have been purposely developed to aid in the condensation runoff (maybe?). I returned my Hexamid after only one night, and decided to carry another 22 oz (42oz total) and purchased a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1. It's a double wall tent and shouldn't have the same condensation problems.
If I get the urge to try another single wall tent (cuben fiber) it will probably be the Zpacks Duplex Tent. It uses two poles, has two doors, and eliminates at least half of the steep angles associated with the Hexamid. It does, however weight 5 oz more. I'm sure it would feel like a palace for one hiker since it's made for two.
One last thought...I really liked how quickly the Hexamid set up and was taken down.
Also, I bet the Hexamid would be great to set up in the rain. I didn't get to experience this, but I have set up a double wall tent (REI quarterdome 1) in a downpour. Not worrying about keeping rain off the tent body would make set up much easier.
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| Mt Rainier from near Chinook Pass |
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| Camp site near Cougar Lake |
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Delorme Inreach SE
The Delorme Inreach SE is a satellite texting communicator that also tracks your movements. I've used my for about 20 trips. On a 5 day hiking trip to Canana from Harts Pass it was the only communication available as there was no cell service. It's nice to know that if things go sideways, you can press a button and search and rescue will be enroute (in theory anyway, haven't tried the SOS button yet...hopefully never will).
A service plan is required with the Inreach. I opted for the middle of the road plan which cost around $25. a month. I get 40 texts a month (send and receive), unlimited pre-defined texts (these are short texts that are added to your delorme account at the time you set up the account), and unlimited tracking points.
You have to initiate a conversation with someone before they can either text or email you. People that I have sent a "I'm starting my hike here-follow me" text (which initiates communication), have said that they only get my location on a map, but can't track me. The way to fix this is to have them go to a URL similar to: SHARE.DELORME.COM/ROBINROBERTS...this will show them a tracking map. If you go here you'll need a password to access the map.
The inreach can also be paired with an Iphone. This is very nice to help you find your location. Using the Iphone to send messages is much easier than trying to type on the clumsy Inreach key pad.
There is a new Inreach model that has gps mapping capabilities. I bought mine about 9 months before the new one came on the market. I'd probably get the newer Inreach if I were to buy one now.
The rechargeable battery last a really long time. I didn't have to recharge mine for almost 5 days while using it 7-8 hours each day.
The GPS signal is sometimes difficult to find, but seldom did 30 minutes go by without making a connection.
Its also waterproof and can take abuse.
A service plan is required with the Inreach. I opted for the middle of the road plan which cost around $25. a month. I get 40 texts a month (send and receive), unlimited pre-defined texts (these are short texts that are added to your delorme account at the time you set up the account), and unlimited tracking points.
You have to initiate a conversation with someone before they can either text or email you. People that I have sent a "I'm starting my hike here-follow me" text (which initiates communication), have said that they only get my location on a map, but can't track me. The way to fix this is to have them go to a URL similar to: SHARE.DELORME.COM/ROBINROBERTS...this will show them a tracking map. If you go here you'll need a password to access the map.
The inreach can also be paired with an Iphone. This is very nice to help you find your location. Using the Iphone to send messages is much easier than trying to type on the clumsy Inreach key pad.
There is a new Inreach model that has gps mapping capabilities. I bought mine about 9 months before the new one came on the market. I'd probably get the newer Inreach if I were to buy one now.
The rechargeable battery last a really long time. I didn't have to recharge mine for almost 5 days while using it 7-8 hours each day.
The GPS signal is sometimes difficult to find, but seldom did 30 minutes go by without making a connection.
Its also waterproof and can take abuse.
REI Flash 65 backpack-size L
This is a short review of an old REI backpack- the Flash 65 (size large)
Statistics-
Weight 3lbs 3oz
Capacity 4150 cubic inches
Internal frame
Not adjustable (for torso length)
Fits torso 18-20 inches (my torso is 22.5)
I've used the pack on about 10 hiking trips. Most of the hikes were overnighters, but one was 4 nights long and 75 miles.
The pack is of adequate size for a long multiday hike.
This is a picture of the rear of the pack, and the flap where you
can stuff all sorts of stuff. There is a pocket in the flap (my thumb
is on the zipper), but when you stuff something between the pack
and the flap, the flap pocket is almost useless.
The shoulder straps were plenty comfortable for 30 lbs (my goal
weight), but were kind of short (I'm 6-3, 230 lbs). The straps are
sewn to the pack...what you see is what you get.
I bought the pack on sale (closeout) for around 70 dollars (US), and cant really complain. The fit was off, and I bought it without trying one on for size.
My suggestions for making this pack better are:
1. Make the shoulder straps longer. It seems like shoulder straps (on all packs) are a bit short. This is probably just my little issue.
2. Make the back of the pack (the flap attachment) just out of webbing with no pocket. I would be real nice to be able to stuff a wet tent in the flap area instead of the main pack. The webbing would allow the wet tent to drip or hopefully dry outside the pack. Get rid of the pocket in the flap.
3. Make the bottom of the pack waterproof. My sleeping bag(which was in the bottom of the main compartment) got damp after setting the pack on the wet ground. I know this is a weight issue--totally waterproof fabric weighs more, but I think it would be worth the extra few ounces.
Would I buy another Flash backpack? If it fit properly, YES.
Statistics-
Weight 3lbs 3oz
Capacity 4150 cubic inches
Internal frame
Not adjustable (for torso length)
Fits torso 18-20 inches (my torso is 22.5)
I've used the pack on about 10 hiking trips. Most of the hikes were overnighters, but one was 4 nights long and 75 miles.
can stuff all sorts of stuff. There is a pocket in the flap (my thumb
is on the zipper), but when you stuff something between the pack
and the flap, the flap pocket is almost useless.
weight), but were kind of short (I'm 6-3, 230 lbs). The straps are
sewn to the pack...what you see is what you get.
There are two hip belt pockets. Although it would be tough to
make them any larger (they pretty much cover the whole side of
the hip belt) I thought they were a bit small.
I bought the pack on sale (closeout) for around 70 dollars (US), and cant really complain. The fit was off, and I bought it without trying one on for size.
My suggestions for making this pack better are:
1. Make the shoulder straps longer. It seems like shoulder straps (on all packs) are a bit short. This is probably just my little issue.
2. Make the back of the pack (the flap attachment) just out of webbing with no pocket. I would be real nice to be able to stuff a wet tent in the flap area instead of the main pack. The webbing would allow the wet tent to drip or hopefully dry outside the pack. Get rid of the pocket in the flap.
3. Make the bottom of the pack waterproof. My sleeping bag(which was in the bottom of the main compartment) got damp after setting the pack on the wet ground. I know this is a weight issue--totally waterproof fabric weighs more, but I think it would be worth the extra few ounces.
Would I buy another Flash backpack? If it fit properly, YES.
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