Whoo Hoo....new gear!

“Today was a good, good day! I received my big tax refund, and then I went shopping. Just got my Asolo boots and lots of other miscellaneous stuff at REI. Then I ordered a Ula P2 pack and a Wiggy's UltraLight bag. Next on my list...tent. Hmmmm....”

“My Lightsabre is here. I'll give an initial report soon I am setting it up now!"
LtHiker
11:57:00 AM
03/12/04

So is it just like Luke Skywalkers??????


LOL....hahahahaahhaah”

“No mine is yellow”

“finally my Salomon Raid Race 200 pack showed up with a cool Moosejaw T-shirt.”

“A short report on my new superfeet. I am sore in all kind of new places. I think this is due to using my muscles in a new way since the superfeet are supposed to hold you feet in the position when you have no weight on your feet. (Does that make sense?) But I have no back pain. I didn't have a full pack on and I only did a short hike of 8ish miles. I like them so far.”

“The rep told us it sometimes takes a week or two before your body becomes accustomed to them.”

“My left foot lengthens out 2 1/2 sizes from sitting to standing. So that is a big, big change. I have been wearing my hiking boots around town. If these work maybe my back won't be so out of alignment and I can get off the drugs.”

“The nice people at REI sent me a package today.
My new 13.1 oz. Therm-A-Rest ProLite 3 Short pad and six new Vargo Titanium stakes.
The stakes weigh 0.3 oz. each and have about five inches of depth to them. The package of six weight was 1.8 oz on my digital scale.”

“stove, i am so psyched about sleeping in my tarptent for the first time this weekend (and the next six months)

you have the squall, right?”

“Yes, I have the Squall.
When did you get one?
I'm happy with mine and thinking of getting a another newer model.
What trailname do you use at TrailJournals? I will be living the trail thru you dude. Keep it updated!”

“http://www.trailjournals.com/StormBringer

i have the virga

i got it several weeks ago”

“Cool! I've got a new bookmark!”

“I've never really had a lightweight setup for 1 or 2 night trips, so I'm starting to put one together. I got a pocketrocket and a Tikka Plus last night, and finally joined REI, I'll probably use my 20% discount to get a z pack when they get some more larges in.

Tried out the pocketrocket last night, it boiled a liter of cold water in a big hurry.”

“Got my lava gear scramble shorts yesterday. They're so comfy it's almost like being naked, except there's no drafts. Looks like they're well enough made, we'll see how they wear.”

“I'll bet ya look sportin' in them, Sass.”

“It bet she looks sassy out of them, too.

;~}”

“Backcountry Gear just sent me a new bag (double checked to have the correct sided zipper) to replace the bag that had the wrong sided zip. I have NOT sent them my bag back yet. They sent it 3 day mail and enclosed a return label for the wrong bag!

Wow!!! I think that is great customer service”

“Well, I still have a little more to pay before my new tent is out of layaway, so I bought a Nalgene to hold me over, lol.”

“I got DSL this week. It helps me to TT and find gear faster. Does that count?”

“Sure. It counts towards making me jealous as well.”

“How would DSL compare to Cable Modem?


I'm asking cause I'd like to scale back on my modem, but still get good service for up loading pics and such. The modem is getting expensive!”

“I've heard the two are fairly similar. For everyone I talk to that says "Get DSL", I talk to someone else who says "Get cable"”

“DSL is great, I haven't had cable so I can't compare, but my DSL is so fast that any faster wouldn't be worth more money.”

“Cable here in Chicago sux. Very unreliable, and can be slow depending on how many neighbors are at the same time.

Still enjoying the buzz from how fast DSL moves. Downloads are quick.

Gave up my dial up because ATT kept disconnecting me--sometimes it was 3-4 times in 20 minutes. Real pain when downloading major files. Real pain anytime. I complained and they never responded, except with a generic response.”

“Had Comcast cable internet for over 4 years now, 2 different houses. Love it, will never go back. They recently upped the D/L speed to 3 MB, even sweeter. Hate the price, though.”

“I pat about 50.00 + for cable modem. When we're trying to "downsize", we
re looking at cutting loose the modem, but still want fast access.

DSL costs = ??”

“Verizon offers it for 29 and change bundled with other phone service, or 34 and change w/o the bundle. Keep in mind that DSL is slower than cable to start with, and the farther you are from your local phone switch the slower the service will be.

Go here: http://www.telcodata.us/index.html to find out where your local telephone switch is.”

“I bought a new pack today!!!!! Drove over to Bink's Outfitters in Muffresboro, TN and Brandon gave me first class service. I picked up the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, cause thats all I'm gonna leave behind. Thanks again man! You Rock! He is even going to look into the empty store next door to his shop for expansion. His business is certainly booming.

When I got home I had an e-mail from REI outlet about a 60% off sale. Ordered a Moutain Hardware Big Shade Hat on Close-out for $14.93, 57% off! Used my REI dividend to make this catch and still have some left over. New gear has me jonesing to go hiking. I have to get ready for Frozen Head.”

“http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47686992&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1



just picked this up last night at REI...got too much chafing from other shirts...this seems like itll work out fine though....”

“I also ordered something last night from REI. After I got home from Bink's (and a little flyfishing) I read my e-mail and checked in on TT. REI had on a 60% off sale and I bagged a Mountain Hadrware Big Shade Hat for $14.93. With tax that comes to $16.32! I had it shipped to the Brentwood store so I don't have to pay shipping! I'll be up there before the Frozen Head trip anyway.”

“Just got a call...my new WM Highlite has arrived..40*, 15 oz. bag! Can't wait to pick it up tonight.”

“sorry about the double posting, my dial-up is acting up.”

“I have to use my REI dividends before I loose my extra 20% so I ordered me the Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 - Short,and a lighter tent, the Sierra Designs Ultra Light Year.

I saved $96.08. Pretty darn good.
I could've sworn though that REI sold this tent much cheaper a while back... I guess they know when to go up with the price huh? :)

I should be able to cut down almost one lb this way.”

“My snowshoes needed to go back to Atlas for new bindings, needed another pair anyway, last years Atlas 1033 were on clearance at REI. Tried em out yesterday, I averaged 2 mph -1200 +1200 elevation for five miles. The snowshoes are awesome, as was the hike.”

“I have the ultralight year...it leaks. Be sure to seam seal it well and spray some waterproofing on the main tent body. Also be sure to use a ground sheet as the floor is very thin. Probably wouldn't hurt to spray a coat of waterproofing on the floor.”

“dub, is it roomy enough for ya?? I always use a groundsheet, so that's taken care off. Not too good with seam sealing. I guess I'll have to now. :)”

“New gear over the weekend with my REI dividend. A 4 bike, swing away hitch mounted bike rack.

Another bargain $180 italian mountain bike shoes for $50!”

“It's not that roomy at all. The head end tapers off weird so your thermarest fits inside at an angle and if you don't sleep as far up as you can your feet will touch the top of the tent at the bottom. I can sit up inside, but my head causes the roof to stretch. The vestibule is a joke--you can't get anything more than your shoes under it--it was the tent I used at TC3 so if you remember I had my pack leaning against my trekking poles outside the tent--that's why. Inside you can keep a few small things, maybe your food bag and some clothes....yeah, its kinda like a bivy but bigger.

Pictures: One

Two

I used it in snow in December (Picture) and it didn't do well. I kept it well ventilated but it still had some frozen condensation inside after the night--it's just too small for winter. If you wanna see how it compares to me in size you can get an idea in this picture as I'm sitting up beside it as I'm taking it down.

It's a great tent for saving weight, but you do give up lots of luxuries. I wouldn't use it in snow and just make sure you seal it well for rain and its fine--although you don't want to be stuck in it for a day or two waiting out a storm. I like it, but I'm not 100% happy with it. It is my first solo tent and it weighs next to nothing which is great. Maybe after I try some of the other solo tents I'll give it a better report?”

“Oh wow, thanks Dub. So far I have only heard good things about this tent. Glad I heard about the not so good parts of it.

I figured it's not great for winter camping. Just hope I won't get too wet during rain. My canyonland wasn't all that great either. Did have plenty of room though. I did get wet during rain, but I haven't seam sealed it back then. I have done that now. It's a nice tent, but I wanted to save some weight. I guess you can't have it all, comfort AND light. :)

I am hoping because I am shorter then you, I'll have more room :)

It can't be worth then the Dancing Light Gear tacoma tent I have. I hate that tent.

We'll see, I may just cancel the order. I have to think about it.”

“Gem, Gem, Gem.....
Henry Shires TarpTent ;-)”

“i know stovestomper, but I wanted to use my rei 20% and my dividends. always wanted the henry shire tarp tent, but can't afford it right now.”

“LOL@gem”

“Just picking at ya gaby!

Henry has added an extended beak option for the squall. That would sure improve the 'privateness' of the tarptent. I know some ladies have been leary of the past tarptents because someone might can see you changing inside.”

“Got the ground cloth for my marmot
swallow. It gives me the option of
just using the fly and leaving the
tent body at home.
Also got the Hennessey hammock
ulltra lite backpacker with my
REI dividend. Now I got a couple of options for a thru hike on my
tentative vacation schedule.”

“stovestomper, if I am correct this is the tent that I saw during traildays. I am not sure thought. I looked huge and really nice. Could be that it's not the one though.

anyway, black diamond has a new ultralight one out ($400). I may start saving for it.

looked it up at http://www.bdel.com/gear/backcountry/bombshelter.php

shot they selling it for $800. backpacker mag stated it was around $400. oh well, then not!!”

“I have a nice ALPS Mystique I could have sold you cheap Gem. It's a great tent... I wonder why I can't get rid of the damned thing? ;)

Gemini... come into the light!”

“Deore - I'm a recent convert. Just ordered the Squall over the weekend. Come on mid-April! (no deliverys from Henry until then due to pole shortage)”

“oh gosh, it's really really nice. I think I may just wait....

hmm, alps, huh? LOL, I am not saying a word!”

“The Big White Truck came through! He was supposed to deliver around 4:30 but came at 2:30, luckily I was home.

New gear includes:
Prolite 4
Tikka Plus
MSR Groundhog Stakes
Platy Repair Kit
2 Pairs of different liner socks
Folding spoon, spatula, strainer for cooking
Replacement Platy pop caps
Lexan utensils
Tent pole repair kit
Filter link


Yeah, I cleaned up!”

“how does the prolite 4 look? feels comfortable? I know you already blowed it up and layed on it, right??”