Date: 2014-09-16
To: Gear Review
Miles today: 0.0

Gear review1. Hyperlite cuben fiber pack - wind rider series, 3400(55L)- absolutely the best, most comfortable pack I have ever owned. No hip or shoulder sores or pain. It carried the weight so well, even when overloaded. I rarely needed that much capacity but liked knowing I could add more "stuff" if need be. Didn't need a rain cover as it was water resistant. Negatives-At 3.5 months the zippers on the hip pouches failed (kept my snacks there so into them constantly). The company has put beefier zippers in since last year. Moisture did seep into the bottom of the pack either from a seam leak or the pack's bottom. Weighing 2 lb and able hold a bear canister if needed, I bought another one & hope to repair the leaks in this one (for friend's to use). 2. Hennessey hyperlite asym zip hammock-overall, worked like a charm. As I lost weight, the center tautness of the hammock was uncomfortable on my tailbone so ended up sleeping on my neo air every night for cushioning. Otherwise, it was awesome, no problems with set up, no problems with the zipper,etc. I sleep better in it than a bed as it alleviates my back pain. 3. Kammok Python tree saver straps - a godsend. Makes setup so easy with the length and the number of daisy chain loops available. It stretches when wet or when the hammock is slung over a long distance but had absolutely no problems in spite of that. Weight seemed heavy (12 ounces) but well worth it for the simple solution to hanging the hammock. 4. Hyperlite mountain gear hammock cuben fiber tarp - I love mine, I don't think they offer it anymore but perhaps have something else. 8 ounces, it was easy to set up, didn't wet out and dried quickly. After 3.5 months or so, the center seam sagged and I had to use a ridge line to support it to prevent water from pooling then seeping through the seam if left sitting. The size was great, plenty of room to cook under and the hammock never got wet from blowing rain. I used dutchware stingers & zing it line to hang so no knots to tie/untie w/ numb fingers. Worked like a charm. I bought new zing it going into Maine as it had started to fray in 1 area. 5. Jacks are better down top quilt-45 degree rating carried me through the entire trip. I layered with clothes and at times my rain gear when really cold.6. Warbonnet torso length underquilt- rated to 20 degrees. This worked extremely well, clipping into the Hennessy easily. A must for cold weather hammocking, too much for summer so started using the neo air for summer. 7. Sea to summit bag liner- I used in the summer when the quilt was too hot. I cut it open to use like a blanket. Worked well. 8. Neo-air- 1st generation - I carried it just in case I couldn't hang my hammock and used it in the summer for insulation underneath. Found it was so comfortable in the hammock, used it the duration of the trip setting it over my "knee roll" of extra stuff in a stuff sack such that it felt like I was sleeping in a recliner.9. Vargo alcohol stove - purchased at trail days in Damascus and loved it. Was able to titrate fuel used and recycle unused fuel such that 8 oz easily lasted me 5-6 dinners, although I admit I carried an extra 4oz of alcohol just in case. I liked the simplicity & overall lack of bulk to carry. 10. Ever new titanium pot and cup - work well. 11 Petzl e+lite headlamp -26 lumens, worked well particularly for focal tasks but not intended for a lot of night walking as depth perception in its light isn't optimal. Extended use runs the batteries (2032s)down relatively quickly12. Victorinox mini pocket knife- all that I needed.13. Hyperlite mountain gear stuff sacs-very durable, work well for organizing, protecting clothing. 14. Zpack cuben fiber tarp sac- good design, the fibers began disintegrating in the last month. This was carried on the outside of my pack so always in the "weather". 15. Zpack cuben fiber bear bag- worked very well, shows minimal sign of wear. Holds 6-7 days of food if packed efficiently. The size and shaped packed well in the HMG pack. 16. Zpacks cuben fiber Bear bag rock bag- good concept, I lost one and the second was horribly damaged from the rock in it hitting the ground (I am not a good aim). Was good to have the bear bag rope contained. Still lasted the rest of the trip. 17. Bear bag rope - 1.8 diameter spectra cord -allowed me to use the PCT bear bag hanging technique. Strong, lightweight, small pack size. The slipperiness however makes it hard to hold onto while hoisting the bag up. I had to wrap it around a stick for leverage. 18. Carabiners- I used small ones for the bear bag and they never broke. 19. Dutchware titanium Dutch clips for attaching the hammock to the daisy chain. Simple, and easy even w/ numb fingers. My setup was clumsy as I was concerned I would lose them, I added titanium biners to attach the clips to the hammock rope but it worked for me. 20. Running shoes- brooks adrenaline series, extra wide and 1/2 bigger size than normal. the only footwear my left foot could tolerate. Not meant for the rugged rock terrain (used 5 pair) through the course of the hike. However, only suffered 1 blister at the beginning due to the side slant of the trail. Didn't dry overnight but typically by later the next day. Remember, nothing dries in the east. 21. Sealskin socks medium wt - would eventually wet out but like neoprene kept my feet warm enough in the cold rain of the smokies, 22. Socks - the best for my left foot was the Asics performance elite running sock. Wish I had had them for the entire hike. Thinnest smart wool anklets worked pretty well too, but let in debris. 23. Insta-clothes- try them you will like them! Had to wash my feet every night. These didn't require much water to expand into a wash cloth24. Hiking skirt - outdoor research brand - most comfortable hiking wear I have ever owned. It didn't dry overnight, but nothing does in the East. The fabric has worn more than my hiking pants and some of the hem came loose. I have worn it since Daleville, VA. Will definitely buy another.25. Hiking shirt ibex woolie- excellent for the cold rainy weather in the spring. Still looks new. Too hot for summer.26. Hiking shirt - outdoor research brand echo tee - excellent comfort, minimal signs of wear even where the shoulder straps were. Anti microbial treatment works well to minimize odor. Frequently didn't dry overnight. 27. Zpacks waist pouch- I felt was essential to carry my bee sting kit, AWOL book, & electronics for easy access. Went through 2 of them as they were exposed to quite the rigors of red Robin and the trail. Very comfortable, well sized and straps directly to some packs. 28. REI hiking poles - carbon fiber, external locks - extremely comfortable swing phase and never failed to hold my weight in any circumstance. I broke one as I caught it behind a root and kept walking, snapping it near the bottom. The next pair, no problems other than losing the baskets on them. Loved the swing phase feel. 29. Golite umbrella - wouldn't leave home w/out it. I used it for rain & sun. Love it.30. Sawyer water filter - older generation model- worked flawlessly for me. 31. Sawyer water bags. I went through a few as the weak point is at the neck-bag interface. I preferred the 1l vs the 2l size for ease of handling. 32. Golite raincoat - soaked thru way too quickly to consider keeping. 33. Zpacks rain skirt - worked well but leaked at the zipper so had to position zipper in front, protected by the umbrella. Worked well as a tarp to set stuff on, 34. Zpacks water bottle holders for the shoulder straps. Needed extra support to hold the smart water bottles upright. I used a Velcro strap for each. Really liked having the water accessible and the additional storage pockets for spot & my phone/camera. Hope this information is helpful.