tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88641301782225134002024-03-27T00:37:58.341-06:00Ultralight Insights -- What's New and Exciting for Ultralight BackpackingWill Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-27500564614976847912019-09-21T11:18:00.000-06:002019-09-21T11:18:06.076-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Topo Athletic Terraventure 2 Trail Shoe<br />
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By Will Rietveld</div>
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As I have repeatedly said, if you are into ultralight
backpacking, or day hiking, you should be using ultralight footwear. You don’t
need to wear those 3-pound boat anchors. According to US Army research, taking
1 pound off your feet (0.5 pound off each one) is equivalent to taking 6.4
pounds out of your backpack. Not to belabor the subject, but assuming it takes
about 2,000 steps to walk a mile, and if you are wearing shoes that weigh 1
pound less, that is 1,000 pounds that you are not lifting with each foot, per
mile.</div>
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That’s why we recommend a trail running shoe for ultralight
backpacking and hiking. And not just any ordinary trail runner will do; we
prefer ones with a wide toebox, snug heelcup, all synthetic construction for
quick drying and light weight, good cushioning, a good rock plate for stiffness
and stability, and an aggressive outsole for good traction.</div>
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That formula leads me to Topo Athletic shoes. They have all
the right attributes, by my criteria. I have wide feet so I especially like the
wide toebox of Topo trail shoes. However, I’m fairly representative of
ultralight backpackers and trail runners, who like to have extra room in the
toebox for their feet to spread out without scrunching.</div>
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I reviewed the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8864130178222513400&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=339904535491021452;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=5;src=postname">originalTerraventure</a> back in 2017 and really liked them. Now we have the
Terraventre 2; what are the improvements and how do they perform for ultralight
backpacking and trail running?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The updated Topo Athletic Terraventure 2 shoe weighs just 10.8 ounces/shoe (men’s 9) and 8.2 ounces/shoe (women’s 7) and has all the desired features for ultralight backpacking and trail running. (Topo Athletic photo)</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Topo Athletic (<a href="http://www.topoathletic.com/">www.topoathletic.com</a>)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Terraventure 2 Trail Shoe</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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10.8 oz/shoe (men’s 9), measured weight men’s 12: 12.9
oz/shoe, 8.2 oz/shoe (women’s 7), measured weight women’s 6.5: 8.6 oz/shoe</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Welded and adhesive construction, Vibram XS-Trek outsole 6
mm deep, Ortholite antimicrobial insole 5 mm thick, rock protection plate,
2-density injected EVA midsole 14 mm at the heel and 11 mm at the ball, fully
gusseted tongue, nylon mesh upper with printed PU reinforcements, drainage
ports, Topo gaiter attachment points</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stack Height<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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25 x 22 mm, 3 mm drop</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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$120</div>
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<h2 style="tab-stops: 102.0pt;">
Description</h2>
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According to the Topo Athletic
website, these shoes are medium for cushioning, medium for support, and medium
+ for stiffness. I don’t have that information for the original Terraventure,
but it seems to be about the same.</div>
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The stack height and drop are the
same, 3 millimeters.</div>
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The Terraventure 2 is a tad
heavier than the original, 10.8 oz/shoe compared to 10.2 oz/shoe for men’s size
9. So where is the extra weight? The answer seems to be that it is distributed
in upgrades through the shoe.</div>
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The mesh in the upper is soft and
very breathable, very similar to the previous version, but the TPU overlays are
a little more generous and thicker. The lace loops are a heavier mesh so the
laces slide through easier, and the addition of drainage ports and gaiter
attachment points adds a little weight. Also the insole is more substantial
than the previous one. I had a problem with the old one bunching up because it
was so thin.</div>
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The outsole in the new version is
the Vibram XS-Trek, which is 6 millimeters thick like the old shoe. The midsole
is more abrasion resistant on the sides where its exposed. </div>
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Overall, the Terraventure 2 seems
to embody a list of upgrades and tweaks learned from the experience of the original
shoe – improved materials and design features to make it even better. It adds
up to being a bit beefier than the original. So, is there a noticeable
difference in performance?</div>
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<h2 style="tab-stops: 102.0pt;">
Field Testing</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw523XAh4XDIyyUVUXVJ8vAlrP8skEFAH_gJCw6OW4Wu7lqfvU37SCPNjXELdhyphenhyphen8GCD3W1dLC86rToW9RpuzhVaReopmyops93oFUjRfsEihM7VMj-zPj9WREyXMLgqW00M-dJXCuc6OA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw523XAh4XDIyyUVUXVJ8vAlrP8skEFAH_gJCw6OW4Wu7lqfvU37SCPNjXELdhyphenhyphen8GCD3W1dLC86rToW9RpuzhVaReopmyops93oFUjRfsEihM7VMj-zPj9WREyXMLgqW00M-dJXCuc6OA/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Terraventure 2 on 12 trips, consisting of day hikes, trail runs, and two multi-day trips. On the backpacking trip these photos were taken on, I hiked down steep vegetated slopes, sliderock, brush, and mud; the shoes came through a little dirty but unscathed.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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Overall, the performance of the
new Terraventure 2 is a level higher than the original, which I expected given
the improvements described above. The details read much like my review of the
original Terraventure, which I include here for convenience.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fit</b> – The fit is
the same as the original Terraventure, meaning a wide toebox and snug heelcup.
Since my measured shoe size is a 12-E, I found the toebox none too wide. I had
to wear thin socks in them to avoid scrunching my toes. The wide toebox is a
welcome feature for hikers because their feet pancake out on prolonged hikes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Breathability</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> – Original Terraventure (right) and Terraventure 2 (right). The mesh nylon upper is very similar in both shoes and provides good breathability; only a coarse mesh upper would provide more. I wore the shoes hiking with temperatures in the low 90s in relative comfort. I reported one disadvantage of the original Terraventure is fine sand will sift through the mesh, which was an annoyance. I did a quick test of the Terraventure 2 and it appears to be more impervious to sand, but some did come through. Also, a scant amount of trail dust comes through in the toe area.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Traction</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> – The Terraventure 2’s Vibram XS-Trek 6 mm rubber outsole (bottom) has a very aggressive and open tread, and like the original (top) it has excellent traction and durability.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stability</b> – The
forefoot TPU rock plate insulates my feet from sharp rocks, while providing the
right amount of stiffness for edging. For downhill hiking I like to tighten the
laces over my instep to prevent toe jamming, and the lacing system holds firm
in that location without slipping. Note that the Terraventure 2 has slightly
lower stability rating than the Ultraventure and Mtn Racer, which are also good
shoes for hiking.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Comfort</b> – The EVA
midsole is 14 mm in the heel and 11 mm at the ball. I found cushioning to be
very good, but not as good as the Topo Ultraventure and Mtn Racer. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Durability</b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b> – The Terraventure 2 (top) is amazingly durable. I said that for the original Terraventure (bottom), but after months of continued use I managed to wear a hole in the mesh at the fifth metatarsal head (the widest part of the forefoot on the outside). Hiking off-trail and sliding down scree slopes (I call it scree skiing) puts a lot of wear on that exposed area. The new version is similarly exposed at that location, but no damage is evident yet. After many days of hiking on rough trails, off-trail bushwhacking, and some trail running, the uppers look like new and the outsoles are only lightly wo</b>rn.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Topo Gaiter -- Topo's gaiter is designed to hook to mounts on the back of the heel. They attach with a twisting motion, however it's hard to attach them with the shoes on. I resorted to leaving the gaiters attached to the shoe, then sliding my foot through the gaiter and into the shoe, which worked well. The hooks on the gaiter (2 in back, one in front) occasionally came loose when I bushwhacked off trail, and did not completely keep debris out of the shoes. </b></span></td></tr>
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<h2 style="tab-stops: 102.0pt;">
Assessment</h2>
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The Terraventure 2 is a Plus 1 over the original
Terraventure I previously reviewed, which is one of the best hiking shoes I
have tested. Their wide toebox is what allows me to wear them in the first
place, and all of their features add up to a near perfect shoe for ultralight
backpacking and day hiking. For their minimal weight their fit, comfort,
traction, and durability are amazing.</div>
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I really like no-stitch upper construction. Over the years I
have tested and reviewed numerous hiking boots and shoes, and found the nemesis
is abrasion wearing the stitching through, then the seam coming apart. With
no-stitch construction that type of failure is eliminated, but the mesh upper
is still vulnerable to damage if it is not adequately protected on the sides.</div>
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The Terraventure 2 is one of the most durable trail running
shoes I have tested, and I have tested a lot. I usually end up with holes in
the mesh in shoes with mesh uppers, but the Terraventure’s nylon mesh upper is
essentially unscathed, so far. It helps a lot to have a good polyurethane rand
just above the outsole to protect the upper, and in particular a polyurethane
overlay at the fifth metatarsal head, as described above.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The aggressive traction outsole is another component of this
shoe I especially like. It provides phenomenal traction, which is a necessity
for hiking. At the end of my testing, there is still plenty of life left in the
shoes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a shoe designed to provide stability on rough trails,
the Terraventure 2 is on the lighter end, which I also appreciate. Topo has
found a way to maximize the performance of the Terraventure with the least
amount of weight.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-51522318820073752522019-08-23T19:41:00.001-06:002019-08-24T15:18:49.827-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Sleeping Bag<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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<br /></div>
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In spring 2019, Therm-a-Rest, a division of Cascade Designs,
introduced some seriously lightweight and technically advanced gear. The
Hyperion 20 sleeping bag (and its companion Hyperion 32) is in that suite.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I tested the Hyperion 20 for summer backpacking. I
previously used and recommended a 30F bag for summer backpacking, but as I get
older I get colder and prefer a 20F rated bag. I also prefer a bag with enough
shoulder girth to wear at least an ultralight insulated jacket inside to
increase bag warmth when needed. So how did the Hyperion 20 meet those needs?</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aUETQ3PqwpAy6TmiRZIJ5aFTkxDewFPkfiVXCFgO17QgzOhBMNUX5wIRDndT-Qza0x-87yx9AS8owTS4k3NbwsPlci7DrkiDeGFA9vMaA82lgoCKVgPU5k89ztnfb6iOL77YHmDjQRs/s1600/P1480824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aUETQ3PqwpAy6TmiRZIJ5aFTkxDewFPkfiVXCFgO17QgzOhBMNUX5wIRDndT-Qza0x-87yx9AS8owTS4k3NbwsPlci7DrkiDeGFA9vMaA82lgoCKVgPU5k89ztnfb6iOL77YHmDjQRs/s640/P1480824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 sleeping bag, new for spring 2019, features 900 fill-power Nikwax water-resistant down for warmth, a half-length zipper, and lightweight materials throughout to achieve a weight of just 20 ounces for size Regular.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Cascade Designs (<a href="http://www.cascadedesigns.com/">www.cascadedesigns.com</a>)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Sleeping Bag</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Temperature Rating</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
20F (EN tested to 32F Comfort, 20F Transition, -9F <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Risk</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Range</st1:placetype></st1:place></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sizes Available</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small, Regular, Long (size Regular Tested)</div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bag Girth</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Shoulder 57 in, hip 49.5 in, foot 43 in (size Regular)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Shell Fabric</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
10D nylon ripstop (shell and lining, DWR on shell)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Insulation</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
13 oz of 900 fill-power down (size Regular)</div>
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</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
20 oz, measured weight 20.5 ounces</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Box baffled construction, zoned insulation, single pull
half-length zipper with inside and outside pull loops and a tab and snap at
the top, zipper baffle and hood rim baffle, 2 removable stretch pad straps on
the bottomside, stuff sack and cloth storage bag included </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small $390, Regular $410, Long $430</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first saw the Hyperion 20 at the summer 2018 Outdoor
Retailer trade show, it featured TARs ThermaCapture technology, which is a thin heat-reflective film inside similar to that used in their NeoAir sleeping pads.
However, it was later dropped due to “manufacturing and environmental reasons”.
I was hoping to test that technology, it could have made a significant
difference, but there were certain concerns about toxic fumes inside the bag.
However, 13 ounces of 900 fill-power hydrophobic down is about right for a 20F
rated sleeping bag without ThermaCapture.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The bag' s box baffled construction is basically thin mesh
(think mosquito netting) baffles shaping and separating the down chambers. And
the zoned insulation means that 70% of the down is on the top and sides and 30%
is on the bottom. Down on the bottomside gets compressed, and presumably a
sleeping pad provides supplemental insulation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I note that the temperature rating implied for this bag is
20F, which suggests it’s comfortable at 20F. That’s not quite true; the EN test
says that its comfortable at 32F, the end of comfort arrives at 20F, and at -9F
your life is in danger.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sleeping bag warmth ratings and sleeper warmth is complex,
and a disclaimer is often provided. The equation consists of factors like the
amount and fill-power of the down, bag girth (a slimmer bag is warmer), and bag
construction. A bag’s warmth rating is just one factor to evaluate it; other
useful factors are the bag’s fill weight (13 ounces for Size Regular), double
layer loft (4.5 inches in this case), and shoulder girth (the specification for the Hyperion in size Regular is 57 inches, but we measured it at 58.5 inches). And, of course, people vary in how well they stay
warm.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For me, the red flag on this bag is its specified 57-inch shoulder
girth. That data was not available when I received the bag, but I assumed it
was similar to other TAR bags, like the Parsec 20 which is 62 inches. Ultralight backpackers like
me will love the bag’s 20 ounce weight, but the tight shoulder girth may limit wearing
any insulating clothing inside (see field testing section).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hyperion’s 10-denier shell and lining fabric is a good
weight saver; it’s hard to go much lighter than that. Also its half-length
single-pull zipper (it looks like a #3) saves a little weight. Single-pull
means it’s sewn in at the bottom, has only one slider, and won’t separate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, TAR has done a diligent job of trimming weight and
maximizing warmth of the Hyperion 20.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrKDapzOUNrc0U1xv_P6pbQvUwB3gyouPiQZIIOnuOhOq-MLhZDWQDV1xelPVHAWjC41MqYdYRly36kRtU3la51jxSBYC1bD4OKxO2_iPE7M3kNCGdIIBxTogQM0t7t5peKNvxb1e-vQ/s1600/P1480832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrKDapzOUNrc0U1xv_P6pbQvUwB3gyouPiQZIIOnuOhOq-MLhZDWQDV1xelPVHAWjC41MqYdYRly36kRtU3la51jxSBYC1bD4OKxO2_iPE7M3kNCGdIIBxTogQM0t7t5peKNvxb1e-vQ/s640/P1480832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I tested the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 on seven trips: one spring car camping trip in the </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Southern Utah</st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> backcountry and six backpacking trips in the Southern Colorado Rockies. The lowest temperature encountered was 34F. I slept under the stars, in 3-person double-wall tent, in a 1-person floorless Dyneema shelter (shown), and in a 1-person silnylon single-wall tent.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of the bag’s slender shoulder girth, I initially
tried sleeping in the bag wearing a full complement of UL camp clothing (thin
baselayer + ultralight synthetic insulated jacket + ultralight down jacket.)
The jackets were not as bulky as they might sound, weighing 6 ounces and 5.9
ounces, respectively. With those clothing items worn, I found it very difficult
to completely zip up the bag, and it was necessary to snap the tab at the top
of the zipper to keep it from opening on its own. I’m 6 feet tall and the bag
(rated to 6 feet) just barely fit my length.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next I tested the bag wearing only a thin baselayer and the
ultralight down jacket described above, and that made a remarkable difference –
the bag felt much roomier inside and the zipper was fairly easy to fully close
and secure with the tap and snap. I wore that clothing combination (thin merino
baselayer plus Montbell Plasma 1000 down jacket) inside the bag on my next five
backpacking trips.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PCezqA7kssv32fzWQd3WW-SZyjVMexx7GxeGMq5QNkChzqSImPu3tiiyL9bh9oF584nTQZqKswUYu1Yy8-F_hMVZTELVcXGF7ndK5e-Vh1kLe_BjxTTA0WpO1tsYMUduRZaHUDQbaK8/s1600/P1480953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PCezqA7kssv32fzWQd3WW-SZyjVMexx7GxeGMq5QNkChzqSImPu3tiiyL9bh9oF584nTQZqKswUYu1Yy8-F_hMVZTELVcXGF7ndK5e-Vh1kLe_BjxTTA0WpO1tsYMUduRZaHUDQbaK8/s640/P1480953.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Note that the zipper curves at the top to the base of the hood. When the bag is tighter, as with wearing too much clothing inside, the zipper is hard to operate and snags more because of the tension on the zipper. I got along with the small zipper and its two cordloop pulls a lot better when I wore minimal insulated clothing inside.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as bag warmth, I stayed warm in the Hyperion 20 down
to 34F one night, and numerous nights in the 40sF, but I was not able to test
the bag’s 20F lower limit during my testing. The bag’s fill weight of 13 ounces
of 900 fill-power down is about right for a 20F bag rating, so the Hyperion 20
is on target with comparable bags. A simple method to compare bags with
different down fill-power is to multiply the fill weight by the fill-power to
get the total down volume in cubic inches.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvoxpymYXSjWW3yzwNWufr-LDlFujqfTOGpLgVE_f04U7h7QUP-0WGqIa6wR1Z2Q61F_gI8d1gxAKC8KQkl6Qx55TyffRGgcT8DLwMeetdAV25R0Ba6qRMcU3rg1x0nYb09Z3aW-D2uI/s1600/P1480935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvoxpymYXSjWW3yzwNWufr-LDlFujqfTOGpLgVE_f04U7h7QUP-0WGqIa6wR1Z2Q61F_gI8d1gxAKC8KQkl6Qx55TyffRGgcT8DLwMeetdAV25R0Ba6qRMcU3rg1x0nYb09Z3aW-D2uI/s640/P1480935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I found the bag’s removable pad straps on its bottomside
handy for helping to hold a sleeping pad in place, especially a slippery one
like the </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/2019/08/gear-review-therm-rest-neoair-uberlite.html">Therm-a-RestNeoAir Uberlite</a> I co-tested with the Hyperion. If they are not needed
they are easily removed to save a smidgeon of weight. Note that using the pad
straps conflicts with side sleeping.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pkwQwJp6S7m_4jfWVujKIowmGf1KI9co_gTI-LluyoCkfVUnJu45BkPYkfCcRShRumKDpqmQ6qEqFfvOITBf0oAJPDBctwOpayA7tczrdm2i4j44XRdEDrzD7WZKSuMCtZA6e3-VQqE/s1600/P1480946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pkwQwJp6S7m_4jfWVujKIowmGf1KI9co_gTI-LluyoCkfVUnJu45BkPYkfCcRShRumKDpqmQ6qEqFfvOITBf0oAJPDBctwOpayA7tczrdm2i4j44XRdEDrzD7WZKSuMCtZA6e3-VQqE/s640/P1480946.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The bag’s hood adjustment is a one cord design with an external cord loop and anchored cordlock. Pull on one side of the loop to snug one side of the hood; pull on the other side of the cord loop to snug the other side of the hood.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall I found the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 quite liveable
and warm, despite its slender shoulder girth. Fortunately the measured shoulder girth (58.5 inches) was a little roomier than the specified shoulder girth (57 inches), and that relatively small amount made a big difference. The Hyperion works for me if I
limit clothing inside to a thin baselayer plus a thin ultralight jacket. That
allows me to get the zipper closed without much snagging and the top tab
snapped to keep it zipped. Legwear is a lesser issue regarding room inside the
bag. This basically makes the Hyperion 20 a summer bag for mountain
backpacking; it likely will be chilly in the shoulder seasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Readers might be wondering what the circumference of my
upper body is so they can evaluate their fit in this bag; I’m 44 inches around
my upper arms wearing a thin baselayer, and 47.5 inches wearing the baselayer
plus a thin down jacket. My advice is to measure your shoulder circumference
wearing similar clothing before you consider the Hyperion. If you are at or
below my dimensions, you are good; if you are larger or prefer to wear more
clothing inside your sleeping bag, look for a roomier bag. Or consider getting
the Hyperion size Long to get an extra inch of shoulder girth.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The MSRP of $410 for the Hyperion 20 Regular length is a
good value for a 900 fill-power down insulated ultralight sleeping bag. And its
20-ounce weight is hard to beat – 13 ounces of down and 7 ounces of other materials
– it’s the same weight as many ultralight 30F down sleeping bags. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_CE_zqHQxNHxpsdFSxeU2dzaWmOkEq8PDgg-g3UXHk9Qy5RXwuNemoHmgew4BN9WRXX_MmPyf602gPHbLdToHfkooD6M7kzgowTohH1NZ7HmQae8UTFGLkpCaHD7a2Zf5w3h4wvQe6Q/s1600/P1480820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_CE_zqHQxNHxpsdFSxeU2dzaWmOkEq8PDgg-g3UXHk9Qy5RXwuNemoHmgew4BN9WRXX_MmPyf602gPHbLdToHfkooD6M7kzgowTohH1NZ7HmQae8UTFGLkpCaHD7a2Zf5w3h4wvQe6Q/s640/P1480820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Overall, Therm-a-Rest is solidly into the ultralight down sleeping bag market with the Hyperion 20 being a good choice at 20 ounces for a 20F down bag. Interestingly, Therm-a-Rest has a Better Sleep Guarantee, which they describe as “</span><span style="background: white; font-size: small;">All Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags and quilts are covered by our Better Sleep Guarantee. When you wake up on a Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag or quilt, we're confident you'll wake up feeling better than ever. If you are not completely satisfied, return it within three months with the original receipt of purchase and we will give you a full refund- no questions asked.” They stand behind their bags!</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-41259142221895083082019-08-23T11:04:00.002-06:002019-08-24T13:02:56.409-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Uberlite Air Mattress<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was talking with a friend the other day and we reminisced
to 20 years ago when there was very little ultralight backpacking gear
available for purchase and many of us made our own. A “lightweight” sleeping
pad at that time (often labeled “ultralight”) weighed a pound. Fast forward to the present
and we now have the Therm-a-Rest Uberlite pad that weighs just 6 ounces in Size
Short, 8.8 ounces in size Regular, and the luxurious Large at 12 ounces. All
are thick and comfy, and have a sufficient R-2 rating for summer use. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s not to like? Well, it’s mostly all positives, but
there is one significant problem that I point out in this review, along with a
solution. Read on, or skip to the bottom.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89z_LsGwg0zMtwooP230dvEqboSY3aVljyWhEnqbq6N2taSxogNXXP3SMQU-duFaUYveAAkJ4gfvAdOSyFbGa_GHHo8eYzHDvUfSujSAU-mQjMkWUadzMqPQBVb_zY_P35jjtBzMgEjQ/s1600/P1480896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89z_LsGwg0zMtwooP230dvEqboSY3aVljyWhEnqbq6N2taSxogNXXP3SMQU-duFaUYveAAkJ4gfvAdOSyFbGa_GHHo8eYzHDvUfSujSAU-mQjMkWUadzMqPQBVb_zY_P35jjtBzMgEjQ/s640/P1480896.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The new Therm-a-Rest Uberlite Pad comes in sizes Short (shown), Regular, and Large. It’s currently the lightest inflatable sleeping pad on the market.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
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<tbody>
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<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Cascade Designs (www.cascadedesigns.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Product<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Therm-a-Rest Uberlite Sleeping Pad</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sizes <o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small, Regular, Large</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dimensions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small is 20 in wide x 47 in long x 2.5 in thick; Regular
is 20 x 72 x 2.5, Large is 25 x 77 x 2.5</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small is 6 oz (5.4 on my scale), Regular is 8.8 oz (8.9 on
my scale), and Large is 12 oz (not tested)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fabric<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Top is 15D ripstop nylon, bottom is 15D nylon</div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Small $140, Regular $180, Large $210</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
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By eliminating the heat-reflecting coating on the internal
baffles and adopting lighter fabrics, Therm-a-Rest (TAR) has squeezed some
weight out of their NeoAir pad line, making them now truly ultralight. For a
size Regular pad, the weight drops 3.2 ounces compared to their XLite pad (see
comparative specs in the table below). While some features are also diminished
(which I will get to in a minute), comfort is not one of them. This approach
works for me, mainly because I value light weight over features.</div>
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<tbody>
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<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Uberlite (Regular)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>XLite (Regular)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fabric<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
15 denier</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
30 denier</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
8.8 ounces</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
12 ounces</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>R-value<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
3.2</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cost<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
$180</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
$170</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The triangular baffle construction inside the pad is the
same as previous NeoAir pads, but the heat-reflective ThermaCapture coating is eliminated,
resulting in a pad that is equal in physical comfort, but losing some
insulation (R-value is 2.0 compared to 3.2 for the XLite), and happily the
annoying nosiness of previous versions of the NeoAir. The lighter fabric means
less durability (the Uberlite is 15 denier and XLite is 30 denier). The lower
R-value of the Uberlite means it is intended for summertime use. I might add
that the XLite pads are still available, and some hikers may prefer them
because they are warmer and more durable.</div>
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<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rpw7kfkRdmrxdliyyQgng2VDz07TitiS7gG0YiM2MgnlgV0pjaHZdjFxtdbUsoihCKsiXFiaEq_Z5mZYC1WQt3ss0ZAGJizy_MrHoA-hgnwJk5pogfmqmKglxWpBT2rmZ-47labr9OA/s1600/P1480818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rpw7kfkRdmrxdliyyQgng2VDz07TitiS7gG0YiM2MgnlgV0pjaHZdjFxtdbUsoihCKsiXFiaEq_Z5mZYC1WQt3ss0ZAGJizy_MrHoA-hgnwJk5pogfmqmKglxWpBT2rmZ-47labr9OA/s640/P1480818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Testing the Therm-a-Rest Uberlite sleeping pad in the Southern Colorado Rockies. Size Regular shown. </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received the size Regular Uberlite pad in January, and
size Short in May, so I couldn’t get in any mountain testing until June. My
testing consisted of one spring car camping trip in the Southern Utah
Canyonlands country in a 3-person tent, 6 backpacking trips in the Southern
Colorado Rockies sleeping on a plastic groundsheet in a floorless Dyneema
shelter, and one volunteer trip in Utah’s La Sal mountains sleeping several
nights in a 1-person silnylon tent with silicone stripes painted on the floor.
Following are my testing results by attribute:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ease of Inflation</b>
– The Uberlite inflates quickly by mouth; about 12 lungfulls for the size
Regular pad. The pad has an antimicrobial treatment on the interior to prevent
mold forming inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sizing</b> – I found
the Short and Regular pads’ width of 20 inches to be adequately wide. That’s
the “standard” width for a size Regular pad. I’m a side sleeper, and find I
need to adjust my hip position when I turn over, but that’s not a problem. For
those who require or prefer more width or length, a size Large pad is available
with 25 inches of width and an extra 5 inches of length.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Comfort</b> – Excellent,
as expected. It’s hard not to be comfortable on a 2.5-inch inflated pad. I
found the pad most comfortable when it’s inflated a little less than full. Three
sizes are available to meet body size and preferences. The size Short still has
the “dropoff” issue at the foot end, but that is remedied by putting something
under your feet or curling up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warmth </b>– As
mentioned, the R-value has gone down to 2.0, which is minimal. I found it to be
warm in my testing, where temps typically dropped into the low 40s F and one night at 34F, but it could be
chilly below that, which I did not test. It may not be warm enough for some
people, but I have a remedy for that later in this review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Noisiness</b> – Gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Durability</b> – On
my first backpacking trip with the Uberlite pad I camped in a grove of spruce
trees on smooth ground covered with spruce needles. I slept in a floorless Dyneema shelter and used a thin plastic Gossamer
Gear Polycro groundsheet under the pad. You guessed it; the pad was punctured
by a spruce needle on my first backpacking trip with it. The patching kit that
comes with the pad is convenient and works perfectly: clean the spot with a
provided alcohol swab and let it dry, compress a glue dot around the hole, and
cover that with a Type A patch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2c16yAY9tWmgbimgp2NMQ17_6ROa00NU0kbFXlZpFl6QOxTjnONBXnNZjrzqy2tfbx6c6c-ljkwjaA-Ke6fNzIkncg2LrS-MDfac8Y6tHvjPFM6rL1d2gvsyVcWR0sC8SxQ2KtwbVNZE/s1600/P1480926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2c16yAY9tWmgbimgp2NMQ17_6ROa00NU0kbFXlZpFl6QOxTjnONBXnNZjrzqy2tfbx6c6c-ljkwjaA-Ke6fNzIkncg2LrS-MDfac8Y6tHvjPFM6rL1d2gvsyVcWR0sC8SxQ2KtwbVNZE/s640/P1480926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Patched puncture from a spruce needle. The smashed glue dot (circle) probably wasn't necessary for a small puncture, but I used it anyway to try it out. The dot in the center is my mark of the hole's location, not the hole itself.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Pricing</b> – The
Uberlite is pricey: $140, $180, and $210 for sizes Small, Regular, and Large,
respectively. Each size costs $10 more than the XLite, so we are reminded that
ultralight gear costs more for less weight. Ah well, you put your money (if you
have it) where your passion is!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Slip-Resistance</b> –
I saved this attribute for last because it is where the problem lies that I
alluded to earlier. The Uberlite basically doesn’t have any slip-resistance.
The first time I tested the size Regular pad was a car camping trip in the <st1:place w:st="on">Southern Utah</st1:place> backcountry, sleeping in a 3-person
double-wall tent on a slight incline. The pad was like sleeping on a water
slide; I chased it all over the floor of the tent trying to stay on top of it!
I had the same experience sleeping on a thin plastic groundsheet while
backpacking, and finally resorted to sleeping with the pad directly on the
ground (no damage done, but not recommended).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The first solution I tried was the silnylon tent with
silicone stripes painted on the floor, which is standard procedure for overcoming
the slipperiness of silnylon. It didn’t work; I still slid around the tent
floor. I also tried painting stripes of diluted silicone on my plastic ground
sheet, and the pad itself; no success. The silicone easily rubbed off the slick
nylon surface of the pad.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4EHZUESJWCBUtnBsx-yyrc5PSKThAj5sU7XRbsaIfYpV722OAL3BiuBGRTCE8Cnk-XtXdAc8-uv4Hs2fERT5kJh3JT33pvvPDdbqN0UKEM9S0YwDKbz01c1ICbtu1mN9o0PvMmg6OFY/s1600/P1480783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4EHZUESJWCBUtnBsx-yyrc5PSKThAj5sU7XRbsaIfYpV722OAL3BiuBGRTCE8Cnk-XtXdAc8-uv4Hs2fERT5kJh3JT33pvvPDdbqN0UKEM9S0YwDKbz01c1ICbtu1mN9o0PvMmg6OFY/s640/P1480783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I tried painted diluted silicone on the bottomside of the pad to provide some slip resistance. It readily rubbed off and did not keep the pad from sliding around.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcTeE5dz3szVgsqTd6aLKzjkknxNXCtriUQrnJiEmVQPraDWHeYggQq9l6rGj8sv7_aeeJvGC4t_jZhIJ4YBzYgAcuELM9kqpI22HduZgJEJknWwTGo8hDVpf1tvEhkZjjLCo654qS8g/s1600/P1480933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcTeE5dz3szVgsqTd6aLKzjkknxNXCtriUQrnJiEmVQPraDWHeYggQq9l6rGj8sv7_aeeJvGC4t_jZhIJ4YBzYgAcuELM9kqpI22HduZgJEJknWwTGo8hDVpf1tvEhkZjjLCo654qS8g/s640/P1480933.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">On a trip where I slept in a 1-person silnylon tent, I took along a piece of “non-skid rug pad” (used to keep rugs from creeping) to try another solution. It worked, but the rubbery rug pad is too heavy for backpacking, especially if you take a full pad length of it.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0SIHRzHrR-MREg89s_2Y8RLWcAo2wAcmAwohGRcHVMkP5cnMSxN5Y_frH0rjgBW8U4buTwaf0FkKNy3hQ6cP0TiRK_2WKbBiGEkOTaJuV4k2h0myfqkxV5EfIT0KJ-BgJdDQuk-cu78/s1600/P1480912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0SIHRzHrR-MREg89s_2Y8RLWcAo2wAcmAwohGRcHVMkP5cnMSxN5Y_frH0rjgBW8U4buTwaf0FkKNy3hQ6cP0TiRK_2WKbBiGEkOTaJuV4k2h0myfqkxV5EfIT0KJ-BgJdDQuk-cu78/s640/P1480912.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Next I tried a Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad, which is a full-length one-eighth inch thick closed-cell Evazote foam pad weighing just 2.5 ounces. That worked perfectly; the Uberlite didn’t budge on the bottomside.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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But that solves only half the problem; a smooth
nylon-shelled sleeping bag also slides on top of the Uberlite. Note that some
sleeping bags’ shell fabric is more slip-resistant, and quilt users are less
likely to have a problem with top sliding. And one could also use a Thinlight pad
on both sides of the Uberlite.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0cP-rCvkvN1f7josI2hy2fpNrZI_cbfD_sdYspJASRRAE3AeiDjikMtg74QjlrgJynfS4sq6e2-NrxmafEcXyi7pmN04RbJolnEVj5K8OhsE0zlo1Q8uo9NVurCh3PduHz9KcAXUKJY/s1600/P1480956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0cP-rCvkvN1f7josI2hy2fpNrZI_cbfD_sdYspJASRRAE3AeiDjikMtg74QjlrgJynfS4sq6e2-NrxmafEcXyi7pmN04RbJolnEVj5K8OhsE0zlo1Q8uo9NVurCh3PduHz9KcAXUKJY/s640/P1480956.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I came up with this approach to provide slip-resistance to BOTH sides of the Uberlite pad using one Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad. Simply wrap the Thinlight pad around the Uberlite pad so the ends of the Thinlight are on the bottomside, and use pad straps on a sleeping bag (the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 in this case, which I co-reviewed with the pad) to hold the Thinlight pad in place. This places the Thinlight under my hip, where maximum compression holds it and the sleeping pad in place. However, the Thinlight pad only provides extra puncture protection in that location. I found the wrapped Thinlight pad stays in place very well without the pad straps; the important point is to have the overlapping ends of the pad on the bottomside.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I like the Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad solution best,
because the Thinlight is a multi-purpose piece of gear: it adds insulation to
the Uberlight pad, protects it from punctures, can be used as backpanel padding
in a pack with a pad sleeve, and serves as a sit or nap pad or camp seat.</div>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Therm-a-Rest Uberlite pad is a welcome addition to my
ultralight gear kit, allowing me to cut a few more ounces. Granted, the
Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad I take when using the Uberlight pad can offset the
weight savings, but when I use a pack with a pad sleeve I can insert the
Thinlight instead of other padding. I also like the extra utility of the
Thinlight, as mentioned above.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, perhaps, Cascade Designs will fix the slipperiness
issue of the Uberlite pad, and a user corrective measure won’t be needed. Other than
the lack of slip-resistance, I am impressed with the quality, light weight, and
comfort of the Uberlite pad. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s interesting to note that other reviewers focused more
on the Uberlite’s elimination of the annoying “crinkly” sound characteristic of earlier versions of
the NeoAir pad. The noisiness of the NeoAir really bothered a lot of
people. I didn’t find it to be a problem, but I’m half deaf, so that’s one
advantage of hearing loss. They hardly mentioned the slipperiness issue, but I
consider it to be a significant problem that can confound one’s happiness in
the wilderness.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another issue with the Uberlite that deserves some
cautionary commentary is its reduced durability. Yes, nylon is highly resistant
to abrasion, but it is susceptible to puncturing or cutting. Thus the Uberlite,
as with most ultralight gear, requires careful use. If you are hard on gear,
the more durable TAR XLite pad might be a better choice. I like the combination
of the Uberlite plus a Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad because the Thinlight
provides slip-resistance, puncture-resistance, and extra insulation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCTW1pWoOTuplecK1QU8HkGHYuFfdHztR6G1FwbhJukrAC6yaF9cTTywtTuPzWMeeo3oPhKh8KtAo_Tr78qFMGfTa4aRozmEoHh5Dk99RSlVjKKo5pl8Y5D2xlkoel-kC6rWmoZwJMbc/s1600/P1480904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCTW1pWoOTuplecK1QU8HkGHYuFfdHztR6G1FwbhJukrAC6yaF9cTTywtTuPzWMeeo3oPhKh8KtAo_Tr78qFMGfTa4aRozmEoHh5Dk99RSlVjKKo5pl8Y5D2xlkoel-kC6rWmoZwJMbc/s640/P1480904.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Bottom line, I give the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite sleeping pad a thumbs up, with the caveat that you will likely have to remedy its lack of slip-resistance. If you come up with another good solution post it below.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-4849730543684729892019-07-13T16:38:00.000-06:002019-08-23T19:42:04.254-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Topo Athletic Ultraventure Trail Shoe<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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<br /></div>
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Topo Athletic is a relatively new shoe company that makes
several trail models of interest to lightweight backpackers and trail runners.
Features that appeal are light weight, synthetic materials, stitchless (welded)
construction), a wide toebox, and snug heelcup. I have previously tested two
Topo models – the Terraventure and Hydoventure – and loved both of them. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbU99qEkCMdvYpPunxuyds0VnRCkWnS6I4hLDL92sHsxsr6Zydk_efCQxyASkuwG9wLleUaotDO8-oy1Dsvy3NsuIRuaDbE43MrYa8ybuIuf0ZYDRrlNpoMC_yVKvL70UhE6OC3vz2qg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1586" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbU99qEkCMdvYpPunxuyds0VnRCkWnS6I4hLDL92sHsxsr6Zydk_efCQxyASkuwG9wLleUaotDO8-oy1Dsvy3NsuIRuaDbE43MrYa8ybuIuf0ZYDRrlNpoMC_yVKvL70UhE6OC3vz2qg/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">A new model in Topo lineup is the Ultraventure. This review will focus on how it’s a bit different from the two models I have previously tested, and how it compares with the popular </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Altra</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> shoe, now in version 4. (Topo Athletic photo.)</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Topo Athletic (www.topoathletic.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Ultraventure</div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
All synthetic: nylon mesh upper, EVA midsole, rubber
outsole</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stack Height<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
30mm heel/25mm forefoot, 5mm heel to toe drop</div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Size men’s 12 tested: 11.9 oz/shoe; mfr specification 10.4
oz/shoe for men’s size 9; 8 oz/shoe for women’s size 7</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Durable breathable mesh upper with TPU overlay pattern,
3-piece multi-density midsole, drainage gills for water release, Vibram XS
Trek outsole, built-in attachments for Topo gaiter.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
$130</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most Topo shoe models have no or low heel to toe drop. The
Terraventure and Hydroventure shoes I previously reviewed have 3 millimeters of
drop; the Ultraventure has 5 a millimeter drop. Also, compared to those shoes,
the Ultraventure has significantly more cushioning and support.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-w9FyrPDtTdowPAoKTquBLsCYur1MJOcu0RObhKeBhGmA34p1nIvFpNtxwVHD4RL_5qKj-YxcOQ_l31v-VBvWbIutORSI78yZbbfZ2tfh4WJMADICUqo-ItkHjdBHPO-eVV-Raj0xUM/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-w9FyrPDtTdowPAoKTquBLsCYur1MJOcu0RObhKeBhGmA34p1nIvFpNtxwVHD4RL_5qKj-YxcOQ_l31v-VBvWbIutORSI78yZbbfZ2tfh4WJMADICUqo-ItkHjdBHPO-eVV-Raj0xUM/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The upper is a soft nylon mesh with generous TPU overlays optimized for breathability and durability.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5jU9_uoukuZ_fpNE1i3EPo72YlTYAy-SPdXLFoFjUI45Mqnwo4BmqU3eTD3qcEmyZOxZGnrzHyoWJbqcNysmsYNEbDRHZjCHcvhzb28V6MTsQKYQXJIBgFrDgIvHS-DIa_xbnbULXGU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1586" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5jU9_uoukuZ_fpNE1i3EPo72YlTYAy-SPdXLFoFjUI45Mqnwo4BmqU3eTD3qcEmyZOxZGnrzHyoWJbqcNysmsYNEbDRHZjCHcvhzb28V6MTsQKYQXJIBgFrDgIvHS-DIa_xbnbULXGU/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;"><b>The outsole is Vibram XS Trek rubber with an aggressive lug
pattern for traction and ample spacing between the lugs to shed mud and snow.
(Topo Athletic photo.)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogwUP8njTZFUnDTxkv5kKvGSe2kdYk33eKNY0Z9mPiVozNU0-ba2sn-L8FgpUm9wnhKLb-J6j34qUvp2fZdFZ4JJEISIqn_o4I1pCHkKE69uEa7daHZZipmrleW5j3RM-44wNb08XNvM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogwUP8njTZFUnDTxkv5kKvGSe2kdYk33eKNY0Z9mPiVozNU0-ba2sn-L8FgpUm9wnhKLb-J6j34qUvp2fZdFZ4JJEISIqn_o4I1pCHkKE69uEa7daHZZipmrleW5j3RM-44wNb08XNvM/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The Ultraventure has “gills” on both sides of the toebox to speed drainage and drying time.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYKN69RMtOSUfmoQcHPP4isbjWxXvPCEbRCIDu7nBKvAU1qRN1adhltOdZSWCw-zMqFgrbdy-IIZgMnkPFE-SqYU1g9e70lXBD1n000EK1bqAJyis75enf1kGP1f7foUC1BFUxYILJE0/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYKN69RMtOSUfmoQcHPP4isbjWxXvPCEbRCIDu7nBKvAU1qRN1adhltOdZSWCw-zMqFgrbdy-IIZgMnkPFE-SqYU1g9e70lXBD1n000EK1bqAJyis75enf1kGP1f7foUC1BFUxYILJE0/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">I tested the Ultraventure in fall, winter, and spring in a wide range of conditions while day hiking, trail running, and backpacking; 33 trips in all. Because of the timing, my testing was mostly on trails, but I got in a good bit of off-trail use as well.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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The first thing I noticed (and liked) about the Ultraventure
is its extra cushioning. On long day hikes and backpacking days, I was able to
hike 10 hours in them without foot fatigue, and I never had a blister.</div>
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A second feature I really like is their welded construction,
meaning no stitched seams to come apart. And there is a very durable TPU rand
around the toebox, a very vulnerable area for abrasion from off-trail
bushwhacking.</div>
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Thirdly, I really like their wide toebox. That’s expecially
important for me because I have wide feet (E width), but most thru-hikers and
fastpackers like that feature because their feet swell during a long day on the
trail.</div>
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Their stability on trails is excellent. However, when hiking
off-trail (which is not necessarily this shoe’s intended purpose) I needed to
tighten the laces tight over my instep to avoid rollover, especially crossing
steep sidehills.</div>
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The breathability of the upper is very good. When a
manufacturer chooses a fabric for the upper of a shoe, breathability needs to
be balanced with keeping sand and dust out. I have tested shoes with a coarse
mesh upper that were extremely breathable, but they allowed lots of trail dust
and sand (when hiking in the desert) to go through, which is an obvious
disadvantage. Topo has chosen well on the Ultraventrue.</div>
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Since the shoe is made with a breathable mesh, they are not
water-resistant at all. They get wet inside easily, and I found they do not dry
out quickly. I did not notice any benefit from the “gills” on both sides of the
toebox. The gills function well to pump free water out of the shoes, but don’t
seem to make much difference in removing absorbed water.</div>
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The Ultraventure has an aggressive traction outsole, which performs
exceptionally well in dry and muddy conditions, but it tended to slip sideways
on inclined snowbanks.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5478IWw6bFG5lcxLn1SQmImsE0to0igCLtuvPb4Gw-zsgNZYw0biNN6C7o0BXzzsX73W_rer8l1_WqnK4n1kqbbynSfZInbTygOFy8elFtZiggmf6lBgw8aqN4gRcVVYceM1i5X2vGJQ/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5478IWw6bFG5lcxLn1SQmImsE0to0igCLtuvPb4Gw-zsgNZYw0biNN6C7o0BXzzsX73W_rer8l1_WqnK4n1kqbbynSfZInbTygOFy8elFtZiggmf6lBgw8aqN4gRcVVYceM1i5X2vGJQ/s640/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">As you can see in the photo the Ultraventure came out of my testing with a lot of life left in it, which is a good testament to its durability.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28bQdCNblOVnotib-SqivLyuU9kKGDJsj3QnLx4v29qcaRvZwghbst-0s7iSsKeY0lzoXB0Jau3LRDC6Qg97qq-ZhCM3qcFtAj9b7EdVJPvWdIKf5TQETUvVmdmzdRs4Nl3_h7LPLoUQ/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28bQdCNblOVnotib-SqivLyuU9kKGDJsj3QnLx4v29qcaRvZwghbst-0s7iSsKeY0lzoXB0Jau3LRDC6Qg97qq-ZhCM3qcFtAj9b7EdVJPvWdIKf5TQETUvVmdmzdRs4Nl3_h7LPLoUQ/s640/7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">However, I am not a fan of the Topo gaiter. It attaches with a typical lace hook at the front and two inverted “C” hooks at the heel. I found the lace hook comes loose sometimes, debris enters from the sides (which barely cover the shoe’s ankle cutout), and the rear hooks occasionally come loose. All of these issues occurred when I used the shoes for bushwhacking off-trail, which is not their intended use. The heel hooks are difficult to attach with the shoes on, so I typically leave the gaiters attached to the shoes and enter the shoe through the attached gaiter, which is a bit cumbersome but easily mastered. I prefer a tighter fit and a hook and loop attachment low on the heel.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
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I can say with confidence that the Ultraventure is my
favorite Topo trail shoe so far. I really love the wide toebox, extra
cushioning, extra support, traction, and durable materials and construction.</div>
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For runners and hikers who prefer a shoe with a wide toebox,
the main choices are Topo Athletic and Altra shoes. Altra shoes are always zero
drop, and Topo trail shoes have some heel rise (3mm or 5 mm). I have tested
both brands in several models or versions and find that zero drop or low drop
(for me) does not make any consequential difference. My feet readily adapt to
the small differences in drop, and I don’t notice any difference in
performance; both brands perform well for my purpose.</div>
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I like the lighter weight of the Topo shoes compared to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Altra</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>, which is a beefier
shoe, and I also like the Topo welded construction compared to the Altra
stitched construction.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvgmlSPmnb1fomcaG3dusYuvpAoGmOYj7kRRFUWsEhCa4dX1rBP777pCFxFPITtIzWe7uf_BibAtdapTySdVohr7eNL1_N7Cq-kuZ5DH84CrWMjtmRrnMjN-297ldyJOHBFxrUxBA98U/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvgmlSPmnb1fomcaG3dusYuvpAoGmOYj7kRRFUWsEhCa4dX1rBP777pCFxFPITtIzWe7uf_BibAtdapTySdVohr7eNL1_N7Cq-kuZ5DH84CrWMjtmRrnMjN-297ldyJOHBFxrUxBA98U/s640/8.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Toebox width of the Topo Ultraventure (left) compared to the Altra Lone Peak 4 (right). I overlaid the toebox of the Ultraventure with the Altra Lone Peak 4 and found the outside width to be nearly identical (the Topo shoe was about 2 millimeters wider), so no significant difference. Note that the inside width is not easily measured.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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I am not impressed with the “mesh” upper of the Altra Lone
Peak 4; it’s a bit stiff and doesn’t seem to be very breathable. I like the
upper on version 3.5 more. I much prefer the upper on the Ultraventure, meaning
the combination of soft breathable mesh, TPU overlays in the right places, and
welded construction.</div>
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However, I will take the Altra Trail Gaiter any day compared
to the Topo Gaiter. It stays attached and keeps debris out. I have not tried
the Altra Four-Point Gaiter.</div>
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Which shoe do I like better? Well, it’s like loving your
children; you love each one for different reasons, and they’re both exceptional.
Both deserve a close look by trail runners and lightweight backpackers.</div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-16581611868238134982019-05-11T08:13:00.000-06:002019-08-23T19:42:33.793-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Montbell Tachyon Parka (Windshirt)<br />
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By Will Rietveld</div>
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Just to be clear, although this jacket is called a “Parka”, it
is in fact a hooded, featured windshirt. At 2.5 ounces, it’s likely the lightest one to be
found. Montbell’s Ex Light Wind Jacket, made of the same fabric
but Spartan for features, weighs 1.7 ounces. So, are the Parka's features worth the
extra 0.8 ounce?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6WiZ-XxJQ1b-6SfEo7Pdzyw-vBD9IJFpaO7FOy2zBpiJ0rsw6qjcnY10WWlC-U53GvhQpUSIQDL5w-mo_Ib81gmPEUk8jjJGyKgLQmLdNkvQOJS70VD2oI0jbnaOsLwytCZDAvLa5OI/s1600/z_2303106_twbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6WiZ-XxJQ1b-6SfEo7Pdzyw-vBD9IJFpaO7FOy2zBpiJ0rsw6qjcnY10WWlC-U53GvhQpUSIQDL5w-mo_Ib81gmPEUk8jjJGyKgLQmLdNkvQOJS70VD2oI0jbnaOsLwytCZDAvLa5OI/s640/z_2303106_twbl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Montbell Tachyon Parka features a full-height front zipper, an attached adjustable hood, two zippered hand pockets, and an internal key pocket. It’s made of a more breathable version of their 7-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon fabric.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Montbell (www.montbell.us.com/)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Tachyon Parka</div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fabric<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
7-denier Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon with Polkatex
DWR</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Attached adjustable hood, 2 zippered hand pockets,
full-height front zipper, interior key pocket, elastic cuffs</div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Size Large tested, 2.7 oz; manufacturer specified weight
(size Medium) 2.5 oz</div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
$99</div>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
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Montbell is known for providing a range of versions within each
of its product categories, so it is not surprising to find 13 different
windshirts on their website, including a wind vest! The Tachyon series is the
lightest, featuring 7-denier fabric that is remarkably water-resistant and durable.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the Montbell website, the “Tachyon Parka has
been redesigned to significantly increase breathability without sacrificing its
wind blocking performance. With the new fabric, we have manipulated the weave
and how we process the material to expertly balance its ability to release
built up humidity inside the jacket, yet still block wind.” Improvements are
always welcome, but how much difference does it make?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Tachyon Parka has the “essential” features most hikers
would want – a full-height zipper, attached adjustable hood, and zippered hand
pockets. It’s actually pretty amazing that Montbell is able to produce a
windshirt with these features that weighs just 2.5 ounces (size men’s Medium).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing and Performance</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM74RS11LgSDnBWSgJ_AQAz3e008cI3voc0b6WIUPbfpH7MpdCve58WG1G9qoA_wKvyqurxVauFUIwfMABpEw6DGpYVeQO61w7KzGhokyadLEDjn0gczoWaNAIBPqQJb864A63swTVmOM/s1600/P1470757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM74RS11LgSDnBWSgJ_AQAz3e008cI3voc0b6WIUPbfpH7MpdCve58WG1G9qoA_wKvyqurxVauFUIwfMABpEw6DGpYVeQO61w7KzGhokyadLEDjn0gczoWaNAIBPqQJb864A63swTVmOM/s640/P1470757.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Tachyon Parka on 23 outings while day hiking, backpacking, snow walking, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. I normally wear a size Large, and the sizing is spot on. I'm wearing it layered over an ultralight down jacket, camped at 11,800 feet on a chilly late September morning.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have previously tested the 1.6 ounce Montbell Tachyon
Jacket (now the Ex Light Wind Jacket), which is Spartan, save for a full-height
front zipper. I really like it for its simplicity and light weight, and it’s a
no-brainer to take a windshirt in addition to a rain jacket for windwear
because it performs better for that purpose.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I have to evaluate carrying the Tachyon Parka instead,
and adding 0.8 ounce to my gear kit. It’s weight creep; so is it worth it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hood adds a little extra warmth on a cold morning, and its nice to have when the wind is howling in my ears. I often wear a
billed cap over the hood while hiking to keep the hood from inflating in the
wind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also sleep in a hoodless sleeping bag these days, and
having a hood on a windshirt or down jacket is a good way to keep my head warm
as needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the zippered pockets are handy for carrying, and
securing, smaller items on the trail and in camp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Montbell claims that this new Tachyon windshirt has
increased breathability because of changes in the manufacturing of their
7-denier fabric. So, is there a noticeable difference? I would say yes, there
is, but it’s not dramatic. In cold conditions I can hike for extended periods
without steaming up. In cool shady conditions I can hike longer before getting
too hot. However, in the <st1:place w:st="on">Southwestern US</st1:place> where
I live, the sun is the wildcard. Even on cooler days, if the sun is shining, it
doesn’t take long to overheat while hiking while wearing a windshirt. As usual,
hiking while wearing a windshirt is most comfortable when it’s cloudy, cool,
and breezy/windy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you think about it, a breathable windshirt may be an
oxymoron, or at least a fine line to achieve. Like a waterproof-breathable rain
jacket -- which needs to be waterproof first, then breathable – a windshirt
needs to be windproof, then breathable. In each case the latter factor is a
measured amount that does not compromise the former factor. And so the bottom
line is a W-B rain jacket is not very breathable, and a breathable windshirt is
not very breathable either. But the relatively small amount of breathability
helps, and is better than a solid barrier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It gets down to whether you have a use for the features or
not. The extra weight is miniscule to a lightweight backpacker, but it matters
to an ultralight backpacker trying to keep her base weight down to 5 pounds or
so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I started using a hoodless sleeping bag, a hooded
windshirt and a hooded down jacket have more utility to keep my head warm, so
I’m more likely to carry a hooded windshirt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s nice to have options.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-92222412816258628082019-05-10T16:39:00.000-06:002019-08-23T19:43:07.765-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM and Low Trail Shoes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new Altra Lone Peak 4 takes another step in the
evolution of this popular trail shoe. It’s popular because its shape/fit,
materials, support, cushioning, traction, and light weight are on target with
what hikers and trail runners want. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s new with this new edition, and how is it better? And
further, are there advantages (or not) of switching to the mid-height
waterproof/breathable version versus a traditional low-cut shoe?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJygsGcJbfYRDufBYwewYLRxKhuWh_WKAdlzF5mOzMM1WiceegofGCaxWu0CthkJ4zwmddFvaQOHQtS3wCTV0LREJmZRaYoKB92s74Vb51wNS5nFJkHHFnbptcxvRLOddijWZCYbOq0k/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="864" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJygsGcJbfYRDufBYwewYLRxKhuWh_WKAdlzF5mOzMM1WiceegofGCaxWu0CthkJ4zwmddFvaQOHQtS3wCTV0LREJmZRaYoKB92s74Vb51wNS5nFJkHHFnbptcxvRLOddijWZCYbOq0k/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I started out testing the new Altra 4 RSM Mid (left), but after discovering a few quirks I decided to compare it with the Altra 4 Low (right). This review is the outcome of one hiker’s experience with both versions.</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Altra Running (www.altrarunning.com/)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Models<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM and Low<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
All synthetic. The Mid RSM has an eVent
waterproof-breathable membrane; both shoes have a nylon fabric upper with TPU
overlays, EVA midsole, and rubber outsole.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Platform<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Stack height 25mm, zero drop<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Notable changes are: eVent membrane in the
waterproof-breathable version, new nylon fabric upper; an added webbing loop
on the instep that enables better cinching ability; a new full-length rock
plate that resembles the skeletal structure of the foot; and an improved
traction outsole.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Size 12 tested. Average weight of the Mid RSM is 15.2 oz;
average weight of the Low is 12.3 oz.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463"><div class="MsoNormal">
Mid RSM is $160; Low is $120<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RSM stands for Rain, Snow, and Mud. The big change in the Mid
is a switch from NeoShell to eVent for the waterproof-breathable membrane. I
have always preferred eVent because of its better breathability. Both the Mid and
the Low are available with a mesh upper that is not waterproof, and the RSM
waterproof-breathable version.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my first time testing the mid-height version of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
so I have no experience with the previous NeoShell version to compare it to.
However, I have tested the Lone Peak 3.0 and 3.5 Low.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most noticeable change from the Lone Peak 3.5 is the new
upper fabric, which looks like ripstop nylon compared to the woven fabric look
of its predecessor. Both have a soft feel. The 3.5 had a dense overstitching
pattern on the toebox to reinforce it, while the 4.0 has TPU overlays. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other main upgrades – a static loop on the instep to
enable better clinching, enlarged and articulated rock plate, and improved
traction outsole – are less noticeable but significant and functional.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the improvements justify kicking up the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>
up a notch from 3.5 to 4.0.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing and Performance</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnU0EteXeo2I8BmKhu1kld6zKMDrZqE6aPljnCWJ1Y8XacsV1lJ9oCcL8z7jdrU3qDluRcclCTDFoQwsTToR67CJ6v6U9WM7C9_I26SAAl5UeOQq_lgDQ7Z-hnXv4LVGDTMYhFxoqtAQ/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnU0EteXeo2I8BmKhu1kld6zKMDrZqE6aPljnCWJ1Y8XacsV1lJ9oCcL8z7jdrU3qDluRcclCTDFoQwsTToR67CJ6v6U9WM7C9_I26SAAl5UeOQq_lgDQ7Z-hnXv4LVGDTMYhFxoqtAQ/s640/2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Lone Peak 4.0 on a total of 33 outings, which included trail hiking, off-trail hiking, trail running, snow and slush hiking, backpacking, scrambling, and mountain biking.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3V5zMXwiy5CNs5980UemDIjN1Hfe7v9l4WuNuXa87RdFUlWEYmHRoTUwLOBPT-9QWTDi5ks_3GJrLY5wDlztWcrZYUApIQarwZUzF9BXLxil7oIGkBgeAp7G8cVNmiNIYc4MiEFB5E/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3V5zMXwiy5CNs5980UemDIjN1Hfe7v9l4WuNuXa87RdFUlWEYmHRoTUwLOBPT-9QWTDi5ks_3GJrLY5wDlztWcrZYUApIQarwZUzF9BXLxil7oIGkBgeAp7G8cVNmiNIYc4MiEFB5E/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Unfortunately, on only my second time out in the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM I caught the toebox of one shoe on a tree stub and tore a hole in the upper mesh. I tried repairing it with a Type A patch and McNett Tenaceous Tape, but neither product worked. So that shoe leaked through most of my testing.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLbSAuhU5Ylqmh5YuO38KAX2bzh9Lm2EjQBjRiHiimZ5uLjqd6-TIjIJvwPwlJ4E066-cm2xfw3J1qVk-V8xnxBBr71lcU4FQH5kAJCRgPMz62_CqfqVx7zaAWd9mJBdCEAx_Q1uNuZo/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLbSAuhU5Ylqmh5YuO38KAX2bzh9Lm2EjQBjRiHiimZ5uLjqd6-TIjIJvwPwlJ4E066-cm2xfw3J1qVk-V8xnxBBr71lcU4FQH5kAJCRgPMz62_CqfqVx7zaAWd9mJBdCEAx_Q1uNuZo/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">In my testing of the Mid RSM in slush and water, I ended up with damp socks on both feet; the left one more so because of the patched tear. Upon further inspection I noticed that the right shoe also had some small abrasion holes in the fabric on the sides of the toebox. This would indicate that the new fabric is not all that durable, at least for off-trail backpacking.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Weight-wise, in my shoe size, the Lone Peak 4 Low is only a
smidgeon heavier than the version 3.5 (12.3 oz/shoe versus 12.2 oz/shoe). The
MSRP has remained the same ($120).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My rationale for testing the Lone Peak Mid 4 RSM was my
perception that it would provide better ankle support and be more stable and
protective for off-trail backpacking. Also, the waterproof-breathable version
would be a good choice for hiking in early- and late-season snow, as well as
summer rains.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, overall, the Mid 4 RSM did not meet my
expectations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I get into the details, allow me to mention that your
experience may be different; choosing a shoe brand and model is a very personal
thing, like choosing what type and brand of underwear you wear. You eventually
determine what works for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my case, I have wide feet (EE width), high arches, and a
high instep. I’m attracted to the wide toebox and snug heelcup of the Altra’s,
but even with that I need to wear thin socks in them to avoid them being too
tight. For hiking, I want an all-synthetic, supportive, cushioned, high
traction shoe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to my experience with the Lone Peak Mid 4 RSM. First,
the tear in the upper was totally a mishap, and I don’t feel that the new
fabric is any less durable than previous versions. But it is still vulnerable
to abrasion on the sides of the toebox.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My main issue is its funky fit (for me), which resulted in a
constant flip-flop sound while hiking in them. I tried tightening them down as
much as I could, switching to thicker insoles, and wearing thicker socks, but
nothing worked. It was mostly an annoyance and did not result in blisters or
anything like that. Finally, I did not notice any improved support or
protection from the Mid version.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUvw1aQHOXEAq0gwggvr6b3LJevqaHusGI3v0uXOSVtzYjtUGr1MLYm-Ga8WPoONVDCO3NWcYUzqvSZiLriddj9hauoTydog8z1X_rCZ9il-84aemMv2ZiCMnixoo2tT1ugFw-Zi9LOU/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUvw1aQHOXEAq0gwggvr6b3LJevqaHusGI3v0uXOSVtzYjtUGr1MLYm-Ga8WPoONVDCO3NWcYUzqvSZiLriddj9hauoTydog8z1X_rCZ9il-84aemMv2ZiCMnixoo2tT1ugFw-Zi9LOU/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">When I got the Low Mesh version midway in my testing, I immediately noticed that they were a better fit, provided more agility while hiking, and were simply more comfortable. I could also notice the Low version’s lighter weight; 3 ounces less per shoe.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPDGr5AexzYCUddJHKVbMuUrBZznxwwUQTmm2NOpWj0LtOkzpBaK0WgP9X1rfZ8MTlGT8fejk7KJp8KA3abA_u388OKp3o-PSU3zBjuDI3Wif3Hhq4aLP8Zp2UBVuIogRi2aHZdWR1tg/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPDGr5AexzYCUddJHKVbMuUrBZznxwwUQTmm2NOpWj0LtOkzpBaK0WgP9X1rfZ8MTlGT8fejk7KJp8KA3abA_u388OKp3o-PSU3zBjuDI3Wif3Hhq4aLP8Zp2UBVuIogRi2aHZdWR1tg/s640/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">After noticing a significant difference in the comfort and performance of the two versions of the Lone Peak 4, I dived into comparing details of the two shoes to try to account for the perceived differences. Notable differences in the Mid are taller shoe height (obviously), the lacing system at the top of the shoe, thicker laces, thicker padding around the ankle, a looser fit around the ankle, and an added exterior thick TPU band around the heel. </span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, the devil is in the details, so to speak – the Mid is a
different animal compared to the Low. It’s not just the Low shoe with a little
height added; it’s a different shoe.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also dived into trying to figure out what was causing the
flip-flopping effect. I thought it might be heel rise due to a looser heel cup,
but when I measured the heel cup width of the two shoes the difference was
negligible. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I conclude that the flip-flopping of the Mid version is due
to the multiple design differences between the two shoes, which overall do not
provide an enveloping fit like the Low.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other upgrades in the new Lone Peak 4 are all good
improvements. The static lacing loop over the instep does provide better
cinching, which makes this trail running shoe much more stable while hiking across steep sidehills. Also the improved rock plate and traction outsole are distinct
improvements.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmjP0UW98-7dJ8Rm-RFyscQNXV2XWJfshxfgMhhQt0WWMxZtnWVXwgrVWBC-S6QpNrdHwBsZu2VY870jHHVSd11V54cuQzlUZIsx8IQVrwviOhbAHyHz1FuH47oZc74xGeVjly9ibpKU/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmjP0UW98-7dJ8Rm-RFyscQNXV2XWJfshxfgMhhQt0WWMxZtnWVXwgrVWBC-S6QpNrdHwBsZu2VY870jHHVSd11V54cuQzlUZIsx8IQVrwviOhbAHyHz1FuH47oZc74xGeVjly9ibpKU/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Here’s the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM and Low side by side, both in size men’s 12.</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9MdnnXV7GeyWOxg-eT_-fmdlJUoehMuEIOaadvpwQu8igDlMxioYQlIBRfQ2593zQ2Xr07iJMZgjTSxzoyZMvXILpMhHOzUspcccJGY8JQVqpxyCjMjsnES9gvgApToj9F5lx8aago/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9MdnnXV7GeyWOxg-eT_-fmdlJUoehMuEIOaadvpwQu8igDlMxioYQlIBRfQ2593zQ2Xr07iJMZgjTSxzoyZMvXILpMhHOzUspcccJGY8JQVqpxyCjMjsnES9gvgApToj9F5lx8aago/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Here’s how the Lone Peak Low 4 (green) compares to the Lone Peak 3.5 (red). Both are the fabric (non-waterproof) version. The new version has a more aggressive outsole, although the old version is pretty worn down.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
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The outcome of my testing was a bit different from what I
expected. For me, the funky fit, flip-flopping, and lack of improved support
made the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM a disappointment. When the traditional Low Mesh
shoe arrived, my feet told me “I like these much better!”. Granted, they get
wet easily, so they are not suited for hiking in snow and slush, but they are
just fine for summer hiking where getting them wet is less of an issue because
they dry out quickly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will continue to be a fan of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Altra</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> because of their wide toebox,
support, and comfort. However, my experience with the Mid version reinforced my
preference for a low-cut shoe; I simply prefer the lighter weight, improved
agility, good traction, and adequate support they provide. In this case a
taller shoe didn’t offer any more.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-82439224973693129442019-01-28T14:47:00.000-07:002019-08-23T19:43:26.002-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Gossamer Gear Lonestar 30 Day Pack<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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The new Lonestar 30 by Gossamer Gear is a multi-purpose day
pack for trail, rock, or snow. Its 30-liter volume and internal frame make it
especially useful for cool and cold weather activities, snow sports, or
climbing, where extra volume and support are needed to carry essentials. It’s
also a good choice if you are the family Sherpa. At 29.5 ounces, it’s not
ultralight, but that doesn’t matter so much for day trips; what’s more
important are fit, carry comfort, and utility. So, how does the Lonestar 30
stack up in that perspective? (Hint: it’s
my new favorite day pack, and I explain why in this review.)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO-ElNf3mrtTbrDAf9mnuf8JITlbCzis1fPWHDoK1NTjXELbIGgYMZp8vPigEASZ3pVx6FhXas6VyYNF8Hkk8H5CygnST2UVZhyuRcQNKNaYYLa4BxEHjB7EAQs7-0khoNp3b1X38-2c/s1600/LoneStar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO-ElNf3mrtTbrDAf9mnuf8JITlbCzis1fPWHDoK1NTjXELbIGgYMZp8vPigEASZ3pVx6FhXas6VyYNF8Hkk8H5CygnST2UVZhyuRcQNKNaYYLa4BxEHjB7EAQs7-0khoNp3b1X38-2c/s640/LoneStar.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The Gossamer Gear Lonestar 30 Day Pack is an internal frame top loader with loads of features.</b></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
<o:p> </o:p>Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
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<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Gossamer Gear (www.gossamergear.com)</div>
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</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Lonestar 30 Day Pack</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Volume<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
30 liters</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Measured weight 29.3 oz; manufacturer specification 29.5
oz</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Pack body is 100-denier Robic ripstop nylon, bottom and
reinforcements are 200-denier Robic nylon; side pockets, hipbelt pockets, and
shoulder strap sleeves are nylon mesh</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
Removable internal contoured aluminum tubular frame,
removable hipbelt with 2 zippered pockets, attached fitted top lid with
full-width zipper and key clip inside, 3-inch wide shoulder straps with mesh
sleeves, hydration sleeve behind backpanel + 2 hose loops, 2 mesh side
pockets, internal zippered security pocket, drawcord closure, 2 tool loops
and 2 daisy chains on pack front, 2 extended straps with buckles on daisy
chains, zig-zag side compression, additional tiedown loops on top lid and
bottom of pack</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475"><div class="MsoNormal">
$175</div>
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</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following photo gallery shows the pack’s design and
features.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzVcCVqgvZWBHlmbpQZdG64yqrUcnMlgWZ9OVJkySb6uFNlnbRlgmAxUrrQDz9CKOd3aPQcgUgtUXDjqgowotY7tHs2zm8qL2LR0P4FuFEFaCUa7O8lo8fXq3ioqroqO3Li1wQaH2X9A/s1600/P1480309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzVcCVqgvZWBHlmbpQZdG64yqrUcnMlgWZ9OVJkySb6uFNlnbRlgmAxUrrQDz9CKOd3aPQcgUgtUXDjqgowotY7tHs2zm8qL2LR0P4FuFEFaCUa7O8lo8fXq3ioqroqO3Li1wQaH2X9A/s640/P1480309.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Front View – The Lonestar has a fitted top cap secured with one buckle. There are two daisy chains on the front, each with a tool loop at the top and an attachment strap at the bottom.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuYAOuG56K2LOO20LHh4WgZbgK6FFT3ZwiwyyGqvmvP7TkUgE9Q1pkVESsFx3Pxl4BhDBYUMjmQvjMXPB_pud0QpudqsRFWInQCVc1LtVZbgUI_PWnaPMywzaE5-N75o4_yNBBtC-s8c/s1600/P1480311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuYAOuG56K2LOO20LHh4WgZbgK6FFT3ZwiwyyGqvmvP7TkUgE9Q1pkVESsFx3Pxl4BhDBYUMjmQvjMXPB_pud0QpudqsRFWInQCVc1LtVZbgUI_PWnaPMywzaE5-N75o4_yNBBtC-s8c/s640/P1480311.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Side View – Each side has a zig-zag compression strap that can be released and connected to the opposite side to attach gear to the front of the pack.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbgZ3NaFD4bOszM-b2jF7WlrcwLzxc_3zOFDq4dGE8zr1QoWPY9TGkZNL9xj3NY5xQa52m_90yXJj8fdL_ZLNkJrIxbljfqOjX8tDG65n9PAYM7m8JGais_VzfjS24wnL77AeU0RwX4M/s1600/P1480314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbgZ3NaFD4bOszM-b2jF7WlrcwLzxc_3zOFDq4dGE8zr1QoWPY9TGkZNL9xj3NY5xQa52m_90yXJj8fdL_ZLNkJrIxbljfqOjX8tDG65n9PAYM7m8JGais_VzfjS24wnL77AeU0RwX4M/s640/P1480314.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b>Backpanel – The shoulder straps are 3 inches wide and nicely padded, and the backpanel has good padding for the shoulders and lumbar region.</b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2Me8tUfqX8ad1hU2MBZIhxRCTw0HccuD0ZC3niEcGz9AuANIq_26qHJq3Mqk0vlcen7IZfmGKdgF3BDORRNT5jZJXD9PiqHpCfIsOOi26MHg8yvb0opTi-hO2eLwJKRY1P8P6yPFqzQ/s1600/P1480323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2Me8tUfqX8ad1hU2MBZIhxRCTw0HccuD0ZC3niEcGz9AuANIq_26qHJq3Mqk0vlcen7IZfmGKdgF3BDORRNT5jZJXD9PiqHpCfIsOOi26MHg8yvb0opTi-hO2eLwJKRY1P8P6yPFqzQ/s640/P1480323.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Top View – The top pocket has a full-width zipper on the shoulder strap side and four attachment points on top.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3abhAf_oLZAUu6TEBCumbzY3HcXeizuNMRRIm-h4qOkcjhbxhc2FwjUSM-QvAxGVB4Q6UL6e5ZzdIeXgBVzLEedSs5CpyzRosy0gLMpLQI-gDpu6GQqi1hphr34-UF6oGqqtCCwQwifQ/s1600/P1480346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3abhAf_oLZAUu6TEBCumbzY3HcXeizuNMRRIm-h4qOkcjhbxhc2FwjUSM-QvAxGVB4Q6UL6e5ZzdIeXgBVzLEedSs5CpyzRosy0gLMpLQI-gDpu6GQqi1hphr34-UF6oGqqtCCwQwifQ/s640/P1480346.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Frame – The tubular aluminum frame is contoured to fit the user's back, and weighs just 3.5 ounces.</span></b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJV64j111D9VH30-xFxXQw2yMDvVaGX6QTMrdyr-c_yfyUt5pejxcHjqHS6WqlFxlC01AzY5gA5-2En-qLoTXDZBJ4Tvyp6_cujKZqNqaNLHeP5oyNuM_wQ_tdlejCJ1sjQ-9G3KnJIU/s1600/P1480327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJV64j111D9VH30-xFxXQw2yMDvVaGX6QTMrdyr-c_yfyUt5pejxcHjqHS6WqlFxlC01AzY5gA5-2En-qLoTXDZBJ4Tvyp6_cujKZqNqaNLHeP5oyNuM_wQ_tdlejCJ1sjQ-9G3KnJIU/s640/P1480327.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Side Pockets – are made of stretch nylon mesh and large enough to fit a 1-liter water bottle.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSYwDEhOhP22NQlWJnFupHIPlwuNDpI3Rv_bkr9PZWhStIlI5HREClEr-YCBJ7BrGqLqq8VDuRDu4yvVDBdL2FzxWUs6IhRWVkVLHWPBxniquECVBSEdQQGX0EoCRIK41AMvPQt0gO_c/s1600/P1480316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSYwDEhOhP22NQlWJnFupHIPlwuNDpI3Rv_bkr9PZWhStIlI5HREClEr-YCBJ7BrGqLqq8VDuRDu4yvVDBdL2FzxWUs6IhRWVkVLHWPBxniquECVBSEdQQGX0EoCRIK41AMvPQt0gO_c/s640/P1480316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hipbelt Pockets – are large enough to carry a cell phone, camera, or numerous smaller items. </span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF4yP52LqAoyF6YWqNK2NA13saM2Xz6MNOwRjfAlpcZG3XV2w2WZp2SegmzIqYVXxEFCmhbo7iirXANxluX87QbUJ_tondhti3pQkeKl50h428vpo0zmsAX2tcTiOJR2sy8_YLA5h5aE/s1600/P1480352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF4yP52LqAoyF6YWqNK2NA13saM2Xz6MNOwRjfAlpcZG3XV2w2WZp2SegmzIqYVXxEFCmhbo7iirXANxluX87QbUJ_tondhti3pQkeKl50h428vpo0zmsAX2tcTiOJR2sy8_YLA5h5aE/s640/P1480352.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Security Pocket – The internal security pocket is the full width of the pack and zippered for easy access.</span></b></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHipUmk-L2HhqnGRw4uy1M0dwJjchEt0V9-OgbJfQYnRnta7pfgisq0lXeloIQAI-IeSRaUfd7Nq7vtSbure3tEzijT1dkt-2xu1SBN3TeqyEwD7MhGY3FRb0PKxnYp03wzFsGOpXyXnI/s1600/P1480325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHipUmk-L2HhqnGRw4uy1M0dwJjchEt0V9-OgbJfQYnRnta7pfgisq0lXeloIQAI-IeSRaUfd7Nq7vtSbure3tEzijT1dkt-2xu1SBN3TeqyEwD7MhGY3FRb0PKxnYp03wzFsGOpXyXnI/s640/P1480325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hydration Sleeve – A full-height compartment behind the backpanel is the hydration sleeve. It will easily hold a 3-litter reservoir. The closure is a toggle and loop.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<h2>
Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimse4ltluPuL1SRGvLiKAMVm3U-UbvYUE90bCS3zqG2LtVOYdJ4RdPpodt6cuSFcAq50xImQ1N5e0jimLrEBszvKqsJTC9O6CGpC9BgY4Bh-6r_in1tOS174FyBXEAd9BWoCWsItDBX2o/s1600/P1480336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimse4ltluPuL1SRGvLiKAMVm3U-UbvYUE90bCS3zqG2LtVOYdJ4RdPpodt6cuSFcAq50xImQ1N5e0jimLrEBszvKqsJTC9O6CGpC9BgY4Bh-6r_in1tOS174FyBXEAd9BWoCWsItDBX2o/s640/P1480336.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Lonestar 30 for a three-month period (November-January) doing cold weather and snow-related activities – day hiking, snow hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry skiing, for a total of 15 trips. I normally carried 6 to 10 pounds but on a few occasions I loaded the pack to 15 pounds to test its comfort (photo by John Martin).</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Features </b>– Full-featured may be an understatement,
considering the list in the table. Features mean weight, that list of features
adds up to a pack weight of 29.3 ounces (measured weight), so the Lonestar 30
is not ultralight. However, pack weight doesn’t matter so much on a day pack,
and features are more appreciated. Actually, carrying a bit of weight on day
trips is good training for backpacking.<br />
<br />
My favorite features on the Lonestar, besides the internal frame, are the shoulder strap mesh sleeves, hydration sleeve behind the backpanel (which provides more room in the main compartment), and the internal security pocket.</div>
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<b>Fit </b>– The Lonestar comes in one size which is claimed to fit
torsos from 16 to 24 inches (generally, persons from 5’-4” to 6’-4”) and waists
28 to 48 inches. The measured pack torso length is 18.5 inches (underside of
shoulder strap to center of the hipbelt attachment), which translates to a size
Medium. That said, the pack fits me (6-feet, 20-inch torso) quite well, with
the top of the shoulder straps about 1-inch below my shoulders. Taller hikers
will have more wrap-around the shoulders, and shorter hikers will have a gap
above the shoulders.</div>
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I personally like a framed day pack because it simply fits better and carries better. The pack is more rigid and keeps its shape when worn. What is especially nice about the Lonestar is Gossamer Gear’s contoured tubular frame is very lightweight (3.5 ounces) fits the shape of your back, and is easily adjusted for a custom fit. A frameless day pack may have a curve in the backpanel when you use the hipbelt (if the pack has one), and will hang straight if you do not use the hipbelt.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That said, the Lonestar fit me very well and carried very well with different loads. For cool and cold weather trips, the 30-liter volume is about right. However (for me) it has too much volume for most warm weather trips; about 20 liters is better, and my pack of choice is the Gossamer Gear Type 2.</div>
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<b>Weight Carrying Capacity</b> – The Lonestar’s internal frame ups
the load limits and carrying comfort quite a bit. The frame is a version of the
contoured aluminum frame Gossamer Gear uses in their backpacks. They suggest a
maximum load of 25 pounds and comfortable load of 20 pounds for the Lonestar
30. Loads that heavy might happen if you use the pack for climbing, or a full
load of gear for backcountry skiing, or attach snowshoes to the front of the
pack. Note that the pack does not have ski loops for carrying skis.</div>
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<b>Versatility</b> – The Lonestar 30 is designed to be versatile,
and I found that to be the case. I carried the Lonestar for a variety of
activities, all in cold weather where more clothing and extra equipment (like a
shovel, avalanche probe, insulated bottle, ski skins, ski waxes, etc) are
carried. The Lonestar carried it easily and I hardly noticed the weight or
volume.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGyg9yIffO2gJLsxvo4nhVfEpKKvty5_24s7qps0GASXO7tfKX4IU1M03377pR-iiQ1b0xvrsekRfJELrjyOrKZx8bqSagds8Ic9lcfetalUiSK5qAy3ae7kRF8rzWm8VIXRGKrCvnQE/s1600/XC+skiing+Cascade+Ck+Jan27%252C+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="706" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGyg9yIffO2gJLsxvo4nhVfEpKKvty5_24s7qps0GASXO7tfKX4IU1M03377pR-iiQ1b0xvrsekRfJELrjyOrKZx8bqSagds8Ic9lcfetalUiSK5qAy3ae7kRF8rzWm8VIXRGKrCvnQE/s640/XC+skiing+Cascade+Ck+Jan27%252C+2019.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Backcountry skiing along a (mostly) frozen stream. The day started with single digit F temperatures and warmed to above freezing. That requires a lot of clothing adjustments, and a larger pack to carry clothing and gear (photo by Travis Ward).</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
</div>
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Gossamer Gear hits the mark on several fronts. The Lonestar
30 is full-featured, versatile, and durable. For a larger volume day pack, the
Lonestar 30 combines on-target design and dimensions, a long list of useful
features, and a form-fitting frame. It all comes together perfectly. This is
now my go-to pack for cold weather activities, especially snow sports.</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although the pack carries wonderfully, I would not use
it for backpacking because of its weight. All those features are nice to have
for a day pack, but add too much weight for a backpack.</span>Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-55302550556112967622019-01-22T11:25:00.003-07:002019-01-22T11:25:41.400-07:00GEAR REVIEW: Patagonia Capilene Air Baselayers<br />
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By Will Rietveld</div>
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<br /></div>
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The new Patagonia Capilene Air baselayers (top and bottom)
are their warmest. They remind me of the old fishnet underwear that was warm
and breathable by trapping a lot of air between it and an overlayer. But the
comparison ends there. The Capilene Air baselayers are more high-tech than was
ever imagined at the time of the fishnet underwear. They are made of an air
blasted 51% Merino wool and 49% recycled polyester yarn, and utilize a new knitting
technology that creates a 3-dimensional garment that is nearly seamless. They
are noticeably lightweight compared to other garments providing the same
warmth. And I found them to be very versatile. Read on for the details.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF2_zfkvssErzvt_uMvl64mHHiS57mwMhoWNAFsouER1bPT3-SeI473Jauc2fZ2j-pclg6SnaEft_fjcn3ejssvmUk2qMuFVwoVwFdhNS4KJwq76QDVvZ61t6icFSy7UV8IkK5rIixx4/s1600/Patagonia+capalene+air+baselayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF2_zfkvssErzvt_uMvl64mHHiS57mwMhoWNAFsouER1bPT3-SeI473Jauc2fZ2j-pclg6SnaEft_fjcn3ejssvmUk2qMuFVwoVwFdhNS4KJwq76QDVvZ61t6icFSy7UV8IkK5rIixx4/s640/Patagonia+capalene+air+baselayers.jpg" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Patagonia Capilene Air baselayers Top and Bottom are knitted from a yarn consisting of 51% Merino wool and 49% recycled polyester and have very few seams.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
<o:p> S</o:p>pecifications and Features</h2>
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<b>Manufacturer</b></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>
(www.patagonia.com)</div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
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<b>Model</b></div>
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Capilene Air Crew Top and Bottom (a hooded Top is
available)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
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<b>Weight</b></div>
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Measured weight size men’s Large: Top 7.3 oz, Bottom 6.9
oz; manufacturer specification (size Medium): Top 5.2 oz, Bottom 5.9 oz</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
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<b>Fabric</b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
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5.6-oz (190-g) 51% merino wool/49% recycled polyester
seamless box-stitch knit comprised of 18.5-micron-gauge lofted wool</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
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<b>Features</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
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3D fabric is soft against the skin, very stretchy, and
brushed + nearly seamless to eliminate chafing</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
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<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
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$129 each</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
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The thing that impresses me most about the Capilene Air
baselayers is how S-T-R-E-A-T-C-H-Y they are. Their 3D knit allows them to
stretch way out to be worn over something else, and then contract right back to
a trim-fitting baselayer. They don’t stretch out and remain baggy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNz6uhik_t8I1aMBumm05X9fH8rD8-6MmX28nhWs5dlHHWqStLuf5g-s5uu46PvZQA5uCzvnYgITjfHV2Fyvo1EsbLDgfKeW_zAiiyECPzMJa5eVxOqk309uSJHeSy8G9lRbyObuQnjI/s1600/P1480332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNz6uhik_t8I1aMBumm05X9fH8rD8-6MmX28nhWs5dlHHWqStLuf5g-s5uu46PvZQA5uCzvnYgITjfHV2Fyvo1EsbLDgfKeW_zAiiyECPzMJa5eVxOqk309uSJHeSy8G9lRbyObuQnjI/s640/P1480332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Close-up of the Capilene Air knitted fabric.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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I followed <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>’s size
charts and found that I would take a size Large in both garments, so that’s
what I tested. I’m 6 feet tall and 165 pounds. When the baselayers arrived,
both fit loose and seemed to be one size too large. It turned out that this was
fortuitous, which I will explain shortly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The size you choose depends somewhat on how you intend to
use them. If you want to use them only as a baselayer – with a body-hugging fit
– go one size smaller than the <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place> size
chart. If you want them to be versatile – so they can be worn as a baselayer,
midlayer, or outerlayer – go with the <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>
size chart. It will fit a little loose, but acceptable, as a baselayer.</div>
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<h2>
Testing</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9aXzgq7_xqoI7Ywe9fk0HH4n4VhxOaJsRGjjgxZCbWUMA7CEGggs9foxS5O37SnQAugmTqI6lV7jWZTfhqEOxskxCT-4o5-CRsBmQH8qU0iWVsvyFuJhDpzNMkWIvvHeMqs8fKOf8i8/s1600/P1470762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9aXzgq7_xqoI7Ywe9fk0HH4n4VhxOaJsRGjjgxZCbWUMA7CEGggs9foxS5O37SnQAugmTqI6lV7jWZTfhqEOxskxCT-4o5-CRsBmQH8qU0iWVsvyFuJhDpzNMkWIvvHeMqs8fKOf8i8/s640/P1470762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Patagonia Capilene Air baselayers on a total of 46 outings including car camping, backpacking, day hiking, snow walking, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snow shoveling, igloo building, and volunteering on a Christmas Tree lot. This photo shows the Capilene Air Top worn as a midlayer, and the Bottom worn as an outerlayer in camp.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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I tested both the Top and Bottom as a baselayer, midlayer,
and outer layer. That’s the versatility I mentioned earlier – opting for a
looser-fitting size allowed me to wear the baselayers any way I desired.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For example, I frequently donned the Top over my hiking
shirt, like a fleece pullover, when I need a little more warmth. In camp, for
more warmth, I wore the Top as a midlayer over my hiking shirt and then donned an
ultralight down jacket and a windshirt or UL rain jacket over the underlayers
to seal in the heat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoKKPvkNplHfXS0Dfx5VY-NOhJSiuHdc76fBXmJhw8soZ7xKXh9atQPH-sx2o9gqSm4JuuDADhSHrfm4QWBWfWypkVlJFCz_CQeSZ6LyY5SWH69RAS5otGruAywOjvF5_uQiNfiKWJ44/s1600/P1470766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoKKPvkNplHfXS0Dfx5VY-NOhJSiuHdc76fBXmJhw8soZ7xKXh9atQPH-sx2o9gqSm4JuuDADhSHrfm4QWBWfWypkVlJFCz_CQeSZ6LyY5SWH69RAS5otGruAywOjvF5_uQiNfiKWJ44/s640/P1470766.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Capilene Air Top worn as an outerlayer on the trail in early morning cold temps.</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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The bottom is a little less versatile because I rarely hiked
in it. I mainly wore it as a baselayer or midlayer in camp. Again, it was very
convenient to simply put it on over my hiking pants or shorts. It would be very
warm for more sedentary situations, like ice fishing, car camping, or cabin
wear.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found it best to simply think of the Capilene Air garments
as layering garments, and use them accordingly to regulate temperature. I did
not wear them as baselayers on the trail, unless the Top was the only layer I
wore, or I wore it under a windshirt in cool temperatures. When the Top is
covered by one or more midlayers it is too cumbersome to take it off when I get
overheated. Temperatures needed to be in the single digits F, or lower, to
comfortably wear them as baselayers while hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For hiking or cross-country skiing on cool winter days in
the 20s F, the Top as a single layer under a windshirt is sufficient. When
temperatures are in the teens F, the Top as a baselayer or midlayer under a
windshirt is sufficient. For snowshoeing and skiing, especially if its windy, I
add a hardshell to stay dry if I crash (snow sticks to the fabric like it does
to fleece).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjb-aTN-NxAfITURtSWPw9i9bYaWW2urXgAUEt7JYmvRVwiQwFfPD009o7QNr4rqhnOG6rzcyiZMj-XdhD659N6K0EBBScDej0rkHTK3k60As9EfS2h6ixxHPmcD5f6HF8rTU0zg1kBc/s1600/P1480303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjb-aTN-NxAfITURtSWPw9i9bYaWW2urXgAUEt7JYmvRVwiQwFfPD009o7QNr4rqhnOG6rzcyiZMj-XdhD659N6K0EBBScDej0rkHTK3k60As9EfS2h6ixxHPmcD5f6HF8rTU0zg1kBc/s640/P1480303.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Capilene Air Top worn as a baselayer under a heavier weight merino wool shirt while snowshoeing. The combination was comfortable in early morning colder temperatures and on the descent, but I overheated on a 1000-foot steady climb.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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I also found the Capilene Air to be very breathable, but
again it’s important to wear it as part of a layering system and use it
accordingly. For example, wearing the top alone hiking when the temperature is
in the 30s F can be very comfortable, even with a light breeze, but it gets
chilly if the wind picks up, so time to don a windshirt and it’s comfortable
again using the front zipper to regulate temperature.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the Capilene Air layers are knitted, one would suspect
that they would snag easily. But I did not find that to be the case. I often
wore the top as a single layer for hiking when temperatures are above freezing,
and bushwhacked through brush on many occasions without damage. However, I did
find two drawbacks: 1) the fabric pills somewhat on the underarms from wearing
it as an outerlayer, and 2) debris and lint of all kinds readily stick to the
fabric, and also Velcro.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleSWQQxr5bvSjA77WGQL9ibwu6EHFTb4lByzbwwqlaapvnOpBpM1I7SwIQKQsZW8sbtutz4CY75Cy8V6lh75k54cPWaNFR61uFbFV1VQ7PMKvUGnyTDRdvDjgD8V7b3br5FpLrtunVE8/s1600/P1480331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleSWQQxr5bvSjA77WGQL9ibwu6EHFTb4lByzbwwqlaapvnOpBpM1I7SwIQKQsZW8sbtutz4CY75Cy8V6lh75k54cPWaNFR61uFbFV1VQ7PMKvUGnyTDRdvDjgD8V7b3br5FpLrtunVE8/s640/P1480331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">After many wearings, the underside of the sleeves are pilled somewhat.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
<o:p> </o:p>Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Capilene Air baselayers are lighter than a typical wool
baselayer and (in my opinion) provide a lot more warmth and versatility. But
the Capilene Air (especially the Top) goes beyond a baselayer. It’s best to
think of it as part of a layering system where it can function as a baselayer,
midlayer, or outerlayer depending on the conditions, activity, and convenience.
If it’s worn simply as a baselayer for active pursuits, you are very likely to overheat.
For more sedentary situations it provides loads of warmth.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-9948196995732327412018-09-26T12:44:00.000-06:002018-10-01T06:54:02.089-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag and Goose Down Hood<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag delivers on all fronts; they have a
size to fit most everyone, its lighter weight for its temperature rating
compared to other manufacturers’ bags, its highly versatile to use, and it’s a
great value.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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Over about 18 years as an outdoor writer and gear tester, I
have reviewed a lot of sleeping bags, and find that an ultralight sleeping bag
is one of the more difficult gear selections. The challenge is to get enough
warmth and inside room, while minimizing weight.</div>
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I have certainly found out what doesn’t work: many ultralight
bags are way overrated, so they are not warm enough; many bags are too darn
tight, so there’s no room to wear insulated clothing inside, and warmer versions
are too heavy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I finally found the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag, which has
been around for awhile, but it took me awhile to appreciate it. This review is
basically a testimonial of my evolutionary experience with ultralight sleeping
bags, and how I arrived at, and love, the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLGofAx2dOAig7wqyF0aoR9RE2Vs6bsazj0MQzoLfGdxqGz50qH5GmTnE6s_dt2uYtinSZx3zunt8dwqdd4rMDq1sm28dwvX8tnO8qW_FVXwbyv6gCE3VE1SqLqIQBogUc5Ym8y4TwnU/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="964" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLGofAx2dOAig7wqyF0aoR9RE2Vs6bsazj0MQzoLfGdxqGz50qH5GmTnE6s_dt2uYtinSZx3zunt8dwqdd4rMDq1sm28dwvX8tnO8qW_FVXwbyv6gCE3VE1SqLqIQBogUc5Ym8y4TwnU/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #cc0000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hoodless Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag has the zipper on the bottom side. Its available in 24 different combinations of temperature rating, length, and girth. (Zpacks photo)</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
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<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
Zpacks www.zpacks.com</div>
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</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
Classic Sleeping Bag</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials <o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
Shell and lining are 0.59 oz/sq yd Ventum ripstop nylon
with DWR, insulation is 900 fill-power white European Goose down, ¾ length
YKK #3 double-pull one-way zipper</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Temperature/Girth/Length
Options<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
3 temperature options (35F, 20F, 5F) x 3 girth options
(slim, standard, broad) x 4 length options (short, medium, long, X-long). The
broad girth is available only in long and extra long lengths.</div>
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</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>5F, Standard width,
Long length tested</b>. Mfr. specified weight 24.8 oz, measured weight 24.3
oz.</div>
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</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
Smaller vertical baffles on upper part of bag prevents down from shifting to sides, 30% overfill in
chambers to allow for down compression over time, horizontal baffles in
footbox area, black lining for quicker drying, zipper on the bottomside of
the bag, flat clip at top of zipper keeps zipper from opening, elastic cord
closure around the neck. No zipper baffle or neck baffle, hoodless.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
$399</div>
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</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goose Down Hood<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 311.4pt;" valign="top" width="415"><div class="MsoNormal">
850 fill-power down, same shell fabric, 1.3 ounces (1.55
measured), $65</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is unconventional compared
to a traditional mummy bag. It’s a minimalist bag that substitutes versatility
and functionality for weighty features.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bag does not have a hood. A ¾-length zipper is located on the
bottom of the bag, so it doesn’t need a zipper baffle. There is no neck baffle
inside the bag; rather a thin drawcord draws the top of the bag snug around
your neck. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdzgV0QJWC8lIYLA981RU5T6jlIypwsjaHh12gTS8JxyTniO97NG1IgHm03qlyhGc6HLKBBakPmW9tl3lx2nXi3mGqv9tyaSNfDuVGuggQ_80XgcbaFA0dGNY12vVFv7bgI-SHrYsanc/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="854" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdzgV0QJWC8lIYLA981RU5T6jlIypwsjaHh12gTS8JxyTniO97NG1IgHm03qlyhGc6HLKBBakPmW9tl3lx2nXi3mGqv9tyaSNfDuVGuggQ_80XgcbaFA0dGNY12vVFv7bgI-SHrYsanc/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">The bag is designed to be used as a quilt on warmer nights (above) or as a sleeping bag (previous photo) on colder nights. (Zpacks photo)</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A light hat is needed on warmer nights,
and warmer headwear like the Zpacks Goose Down Hood is needed on colder nights.</div>
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<br /></div>
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By the numbers, the Classic Sleeping Bag has a lot of warmth
for its weight. It’s 0.59 ounce per square yard Ventum ripstop nylon shell and lining is the lightest woven
fabric I have encountered to date. For the size tested, the shell, zipper, and
drawcord account for only 26% of bag weight, the remaining 18.2 ounces (74%) is
900 fill-power down. </div>
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While other sleeping bag manufacturers limit the number of
temperature and size options, Zpacks does the exact opposite. The Classic
Sleeping Bag is available in a total of 24 temperature, girth, and length options.
That’s amazing!</div>
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To get in/out of the bag, one can turn the zipper to one
side to open/close it, then shift the zipper to the bottom; or simply enter the
bag from the top. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i6Tvp5Q0__LWp-jlIWiBsvdOX2YyRAoQoEVjyByOmqrFtkqqt15zwt4IfbHxEq1rEGCS0Trnm0w5-_8qhijSGClU9X7PLeiixv3W6KYqR8HX4bw2Ig2hnnls6twl2jerbrDPfGBiVbU/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="928" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i6Tvp5Q0__LWp-jlIWiBsvdOX2YyRAoQoEVjyByOmqrFtkqqt15zwt4IfbHxEq1rEGCS0Trnm0w5-_8qhijSGClU9X7PLeiixv3W6KYqR8HX4bw2Ig2hnnls6twl2jerbrDPfGBiVbU/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">The head end of the bag has a thin elastic drawcord to snug it around your neck. A flat clip at the top of the zipper keeps it from opening on its own. (Zpacks photo)</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ventilation options (from warm to cool air temperatures) are: open the
bag and use it as a blanket; sleep with the partially open zipper on top, drawcord
open; sleep with the zipper closed on top, drawcord open; and sleep
with the zipper on the bottom and drawcord drawn up around the neck. Headwear
would range from none to the Zpacks Goose Down Hood.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNvAfFPmMrIHOsrXOgoPhDely_-lUhnl9yMQd3cXb8DgCdiQCfnAUr8Juk0ARxKoZTijYbFb2khXmSF1ggk0WX1g-cADYHweeVDCP6z2nnGBcpRw_YLISKSxvdZRGUnupoOhB3bQuwG0/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1226" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNvAfFPmMrIHOsrXOgoPhDely_-lUhnl9yMQd3cXb8DgCdiQCfnAUr8Juk0ARxKoZTijYbFb2khXmSF1ggk0WX1g-cADYHweeVDCP6z2nnGBcpRw_YLISKSxvdZRGUnupoOhB3bQuwG0/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-3.JPG" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The Zpacks Down Hood (made by Goosefeet) is insulated with 850 fill-power down and uses the same shell fabric as the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag. It's anatomically designed to cover the head and has a dropped tail on the front and rear to tuck into a jacket. A thin drawcord on the front draws it up around the face; it will cover your eyes while sleeping if you want. Weight is 1.3 ounces and MSRP is $65.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Sleeping Bag
Conundrums</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are lots of ways to go wrong when choosing an ultralight
sleeping bag, and most manufacturers don’t help much in providing more choices
or selection assistance.</div>
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Typical ultralight sleeping bags from mainstream
manufacturers tend to be overrated for warmth (despite the EN standard), they’re available in only a few sizes (typically Regular and Long), are
too tight in shoulder girth (often 58-59 inches), and expensive. </div>
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Ultralight backpackers tend to choose a lighter bag and wear
camp clothing inside to extend its warmth. Then the issue becomes finding a bag
with enough shoulder girth to accommodate that. There are few bags available in
Regular length that have enough shoulder girth, I prefer 61 inches or more, but
many bags are only 58 or 59 inches. I’m fairly thin and I find it very
difficult to zip into a bag with 59 inches of shoulder girth. So I often resort
to getting a size Long to get the girth I need, but I get unneeded length along
with it.</div>
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It’s not a bad idea to opt for a warmer bag to avoid getting
cold, and to compensate for manufacturers’ optimistic temperature ratings. A bag rated
at 20F with at least 61 inches of shoulder girth is a good choice for many
backpackers, however body size and individual thermal needs vary a lot.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Additionally, there are individual preferences for a
full-length zipper (or not), attached hood (or not), or the simplicity and
freedom of a quilt.</div>
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Through trial and error, my personal preference is for a
quilt when temperatures are warmer (above 35F), and a mummy bag when
it’s colder. A mummy bag is simply more thermally efficient – it holds heat
inside better. However, it’s hard to find a mummy bag that’s warm enough, roomy
enough, and light weight (all 3). That’s the conundrum.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I discovered, through friends that have them, the
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag. The beauty is you get to choose your desired
temperature rating, shoulder girth, and length – and Zpacks provides simple
guidance on how to choose. Additionally the bags are very light weight and
reasonably priced. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A 20F rated bag would normally be sufficient for me, if I wear
camp clothing inside the bag on colder nights. However, I chose the 5F bag for
three reasons: (1) I’m getting older and don’t have much body fat, so I get
cold easier; (2) the 5F Standard girth/Long length bag weighs just 24.8 ounces,
which is about the same as a 20F bag from other manufacturers; and (3) I wanted
a warm bag to extend my backpacking into the shoulder seasons. Zpacks specifies
that this bag has 18.2 ounces of down fill, which is good assurance that the
bag will be warm.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This all sounds good; so how did it work out? Read on for my
testing report and evaluation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKeV5f9-JlqE9dgnsGe5ODtTOK8G3UzONH8g6sqmRSuLbhsg3cjc03o_0rBQAn-Z3iY7vFHivcUCabHUCtL3WL0ZQyLjwf5i4m34zSMwIokOT1t_8fFRkLiNFUKnQ_tgIigNBxwbzgbI/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKeV5f9-JlqE9dgnsGe5ODtTOK8G3UzONH8g6sqmRSuLbhsg3cjc03o_0rBQAn-Z3iY7vFHivcUCabHUCtL3WL0ZQyLjwf5i4m34zSMwIokOT1t_8fFRkLiNFUKnQ_tgIigNBxwbzgbI/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">I tested the Zpacks Classic Sleeping bag on 5 backpacking trips and one road trip in late summer and fall in Central and </span><st1:place style="text-align: start;" w:st="on">Southwestern Colorado</st1:place><span style="text-align: start;">. I usually camp on the alpine tundra above 12,000 feet, where it often drops down to freezing at night. This photo was taken in late September, when the tundra is colorful and nighttime temperatures are dropping into the low 20s. The shelter is the <a href="https://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/2016/09/gear-review-zpacks-duplex-tarp.html">Zpacks Duplex Tarp</a>.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I followed Zpack’s online advice to choose my bag size. I’m
6 feet tall, so I went with size Long. To determine bag girth needed, Zpacks
recommends measuring the girth around my chest and arms (46 inches), adding 8
inches for wiggle room, and adding a little more if I want extra wiggle room.
So, 46 inches plus 8 inches plus an extra 5 inches adds up to 61 inches, which
is their Standard girth bag and my desired girth. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Zpacks sizing guide worked well for me; the bag I tested
is a good match in length and girth. I’m 6 feet tall and the size Long bag is a
good fit for length. The 61-inch shoulder girth allows sufficient room to wear
a lightweight down jacket inside the bag if needed. So far I have only needed
to wear a baselayer plus an ultralight down jacket. From my previous years of
mummy bag testing, I have found that I need at least 61 inches of shoulder
girth, so the Zpacks sizing guide is spot on.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdSG23yHmIhD54tWggyZ3rh2TdrgqB_MzZI4VYdSKDGwZ1Ik3Of1niIUkvVZzQRp3seEJt8v5QmxOES_Izw3NTvs7LLpcmzMh_5T8b7yDqgwhiHs6uZglzZhiOafeZx4DjPqaOMQ2FrM/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdSG23yHmIhD54tWggyZ3rh2TdrgqB_MzZI4VYdSKDGwZ1Ik3Of1niIUkvVZzQRp3seEJt8v5QmxOES_Izw3NTvs7LLpcmzMh_5T8b7yDqgwhiHs6uZglzZhiOafeZx4DjPqaOMQ2FrM/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">During my testing I typically camp in the alpine zone at elevations of 12,000 or more, so summertime nighttime lows can drop to freezing. By late summer and early fall I had encountered low temperatures down to freezing (3 nights) and below freezing (27F, 24F, and 14F) three nights.</span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I comfortably used the bag as a quilt in nighttime
temperatures down to about 35F, and really like the quilt option when
temperatures permit. At about that temperature (which I call the 4 o’clock
freeze) I start feeling cold spots where the quilt is not adequately tucked in.
Then I zip up the bag and switch to sleeping bag mode. On the coldest nights I
donned the Zpacks Down Hood and tightened the drawcord to snug the bag around
my neck, and slept warm as toast the rest of the night.<br />
<br />
On my coldest night, in late September camped on the alpine tundra at 12, 500 feet, I wore several layers of camp clothing inside the bag and stayed comfortably warm. The bag has sufficient girth to accommodate the extra bulk. My water flask and rehydrating breakfast were frozen solid.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWLUuErTCTs4XCZrtLrLRzmK82K7G9Ur9Jh8bX0ly-nbapqAZ3dsrOl0iMcXCRSmu1XkjHnAg2WfN4F-ORfuNvCeonVj0Jb9CMCTvFFQ12ZyG0we2I0i44w8RGqFp16sgwrJl2jKoAmw/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWLUuErTCTs4XCZrtLrLRzmK82K7G9Ur9Jh8bX0ly-nbapqAZ3dsrOl0iMcXCRSmu1XkjHnAg2WfN4F-ORfuNvCeonVj0Jb9CMCTvFFQ12ZyG0we2I0i44w8RGqFp16sgwrJl2jKoAmw/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">I personally like a hoodless sleeping bag. With the accessory down hood the system is equivalent to a mummy bag. The advantage is I turn over inside the Zpacks bag, rather than turning a conventional mummy bag with me so the hood is in the right direction.</span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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I also have no issues with entering a sleeping bag from the
top; it’s simply not that difficult to slide in. If that is not an option for
you, it is easy to shift the zipper to one side or the other and enter/exit
using the zipper. It doesn’t have a zipper baffle, so snagging is not an issue.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As with any down sleeping bag, it’s a good idea to hold the
bag up against the sky to check the down distribution. The down will shift to
some degree in most bags, so it’s important to check for areas where the down
is sparse, and shake the bag accordingly to more evenly distribute the down. So
far, the Zpacks bag has performed well in this regard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Warmth-wise, the 5F-rated Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag has
been reliably warm so far, which is really nice; no more chilly nights in a 30F
bag. I expect it to be warm into the single digits if I wear down booties,
lightweight down pants, and a down jacket inside, along with the Zpacks Down
Hood. Those are items I normally take for campwear for shoulder season camping
at high elevations.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kl78CXm6zn9LPHmRxlL8a8uIvWPy6mkzg1aMIU84jXyCadlVGO_6t1JNU_Fyl2OP56xuji7PTeEs0cPINTpIQDRCNzGgK7LoNtjtZya2pdRm0ZNFV05D8ZKcoTL2gVZuLjNwriaUTuU/s1600/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kl78CXm6zn9LPHmRxlL8a8uIvWPy6mkzg1aMIU84jXyCadlVGO_6t1JNU_Fyl2OP56xuji7PTeEs0cPINTpIQDRCNzGgK7LoNtjtZya2pdRm0ZNFV05D8ZKcoTL2gVZuLjNwriaUTuU/s640/ZPacks+5F+Sleeping+Bag-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>This photo shows how much the bag lofts up. For comparison, the sleeping pad is 2.5 inches thick. I measured the double layer loft at 8 inches, which is a lot. According to the Backpacking Light table of sleeping bag loft versus temperature rating, this comes out to a -20F rating (!)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some hikers may see the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag as
unconventional, and it is, but it is one that should receive serious
consideration by anyone looking for an ultralight sleeping bag. With 24
temperature, length, and girth options, there should be a good fit for most any
body. Ultralight bags from many other manufacturers are simply too tight, with
shoulder girths of only 58-59 inches. Also, a good way for a short person to
save weight is to get a size Short bag, and Zpacks has one that will fit your
dimensions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bag is also the most versatile I have tested. It can be
used as a quilt in warmer temperatures, with the zipper partially open or on
the topside in chilly temperatures, and as a mummy bag equivalent (using a down
hood) when it’s cold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Zpacks bag also provides the most warmth-for-the-weight
I have encountered. The shell, zipper, and drawcord weigh only 6.6 ounces for
the bag I tested, the remaining 18.2 ounces is 900 fill-power down. I was able
to get a 5F rated bag for the same weight as most manufacturers’ 20F rated bag,
and some 30F rated bags.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is an excellent
value. Most manufacturers’ 20F and 30F ultralight bags are priced in the $400
to $500 range; the 5F bag tested is $399, and a 20F version is $379.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag delivers on all
fronts; they have a size to fit most everyone, its lighter weight for its
temperature rating compared to other manufacturer’s bags, its highly versatile
to use, and it’s a great value.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Likewise the Zpacks Down Hood is the lightest to be found at
1.3 ounces, and it is well fitted and very warm. </div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-13910783570927103212018-08-22T18:38:00.000-06:002018-08-22T18:38:26.982-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Montbell Tachyon Pant<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Tachyon Pant is a wind pant made of Montbell’s 7-denier
Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon coated with their Polkatex DWR and weighing
1.9 ounces. I have long wondered if these pants would suffice as rain pants in
brief rain events and walking in wet vegetation, so I decided to give them a
try. The weight savings compared to mainstream rain pants is significant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv0oh_xWwUVkNHweGbcX-vDFxMVZ7mL713K0awC-o_Q5jrMG6FhDRVMG6_0vkT28YIg-RxaUXYB2Bek65gq1hQRJX8_Sjwjkei5_ValcbzWR7V24jB8XPtTKmvi_H-C7Sv-2u9E-kyVA/s1600/Tachyon+Pant+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1500" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv0oh_xWwUVkNHweGbcX-vDFxMVZ7mL713K0awC-o_Q5jrMG6FhDRVMG6_0vkT28YIg-RxaUXYB2Bek65gq1hQRJX8_Sjwjkei5_ValcbzWR7V24jB8XPtTKmvi_H-C7Sv-2u9E-kyVA/s640/Tachyon+Pant+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The Montbell Tachyon Pant is a wind pant made of 7-denier nylon with DWR and weighs just 1.9 ounces. Will they suffice as rainwear in brief showers?</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prior to this test my rain pant of choice was the Montbell
Versalite Pant, which weighed 4 ounces in the previous version (more on that
later). The weight savings from the original Versalite Pant is not huge (2.1
ounces), but the thinner wind pant may also be more versatile. So, the question
to be addressed here is: is the weight savings worth the potential drawbacks
(getting soaked!) and are the lighter pants more versatile?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439">
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Montbell<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(www.montbellus.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Product<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439">
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Tachyon Pant</div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fabric<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439">
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7-denier Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon</div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439">
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Elasticized waist with drawstring, key pocket</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Manufacturer specification 1.9 ounces, measured weight 1.9
ounces</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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$99</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Tachyon Pant was created to pair with Montbell’s
ultralight Tachyon Jacket (a wind shirt); both are made of 7-denier fabric and
are the lightest to be found on the market. The Tachyon Pant is Spartan – no
pockets or zippered leg openings. They do have an elastic band at the waist and
a thin drawcord to adjust tightness. My wife removed the drawcord to reduce
their weight to 1.75 ounces for size men’s Large.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The legs are slim, which is nice, and they do not have
zippered openings at the bottom. However the opening is sufficient to get my
size 12 trail runners through, which is also nice.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tested the Tachyon Pant over two hiking seasons, using
them as rainwear, windwear, campwear, and early morning trailwear on numerous
desert and mountain trips. I live and hike in the Four Corners region of the <st1:place w:st="on">Southwestern US</st1:place>, where precipitation is generally light
and comes in the form of brief showers (with some wetter exceptions). For
hiking and backpacking in the Southwest, we carry our rainwear a lot more than
we wear it, so we generally go for the lightest rainwear that will do the job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how water-resistant are they? That’s the key factor in
this review; i.e., is the Tachyon Pant adequate rainwear in mountain showers or
not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75osUGST8ft09r04e09gYwvv5vBHqygHh2CuWy1aEgaj2l6ypjetZiw-dQeVKBPzOH80q_dJ_7n9LQgweClXUczMWHe984f48O4QsXMWbL7OPSSA_-X5x7fM13coCgFdWtGqZHf95gmI/s1600/Tachyon+Pant+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1500" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75osUGST8ft09r04e09gYwvv5vBHqygHh2CuWy1aEgaj2l6ypjetZiw-dQeVKBPzOH80q_dJ_7n9LQgweClXUczMWHe984f48O4QsXMWbL7OPSSA_-X5x7fM13coCgFdWtGqZHf95gmI/s640/Tachyon+Pant+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The short answer is – not good enough. They were sufficient in very light showers and wet vegetation, but not for a longer (more than a half hour or so) rain event. While wearing some sand-colored hiking pants under the Tachyon Pant, and walking in the rain for about an hour, the outside of the pants wetted out (left), and my hiking pants were quite dampened inside (right). The dampened area consisted of my thigh area and down the inside of both legs, where the seams are.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, bottomline, the Tachyon Pant is just not water-resistant
enough to suffice as rainwear. They could work if a shower is very light and
brief, if you can sit out a shower under a tree, or crouch under an umbrella.
But those are big “ifs”. It’s probably better to opt for a really lightweight
true rain pant.
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br />The Tachyon Pant is versatile though; I can wear them as
rainwear in brief light showers and wet vegetation, windwear, a shell layer
over a light insulation layer in camp and sometimes in my sleeping bag, hiking
pants on cool mornings, and warm up pants for sudden chills.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocZ76-Ak4K8_e2nniKZ7WDLIpzYLWZRg5iLtaMCXwiF_KRRrYIVg-Q6T4CmXWqmMLEoFZT5WQv6-F9cXZEZu5-GVY4r5ZNZHdNWY1GipJkb_JIF1R05I5fddrd7SgA_USdO3DZVJ6390/s1600/Tachyon+Pant+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocZ76-Ak4K8_e2nniKZ7WDLIpzYLWZRg5iLtaMCXwiF_KRRrYIVg-Q6T4CmXWqmMLEoFZT5WQv6-F9cXZEZu5-GVY4r5ZNZHdNWY1GipJkb_JIF1R05I5fddrd7SgA_USdO3DZVJ6390/s640/Tachyon+Pant+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The Tachyon Pant is a great ultralight outer shell layer over insulation in camp.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I usually hike in shorts in the summertime, and find the
Tachyon Pants get wet from the knees down when hiking in wet vegetation. Interestingly
the Tachyon Pants stick to my skin when they get wet. I have not found that to
be a problem because that makes the pants trimmer so I can more easily see my
feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As mentioned in another review, I often use the <a href="https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=14073&p_id=1128552">Montbell
Travel Umbrella</a> (3 ounces) when I walk in the rain, hence limiting wet legs
to the knees down. The Travel Umbrella could perhaps be “insurance” to avoid
getting soaked in serious rain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysCMCRK0YWhYtfxkmrlxm8D71u2VMIfeKmmkJHn4AAMZi5NANhGPFEHIUzgzWsQeiU5WMtmmWD8ZRdYKf4Q2lSUxV7wZe1CWO8oDN2xeSn8E7PNoDz_KdK5LSwz8imEdHIhyc4m8Gfu8/s1600/Tachyon+Pant+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysCMCRK0YWhYtfxkmrlxm8D71u2VMIfeKmmkJHn4AAMZi5NANhGPFEHIUzgzWsQeiU5WMtmmWD8ZRdYKf4Q2lSUxV7wZe1CWO8oDN2xeSn8E7PNoDz_KdK5LSwz8imEdHIhyc4m8Gfu8/s640/Tachyon+Pant+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">A downside of wearing shorts for summertime backpacking in the mountains is the evenings and mornings can be pretty chilly, for example 30F when I start out in the morning. I find the Tachyon Pants add a lot of warmth when worn over thin long johns in camp or over my skin for the first hour or so on the trail.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hike off-trail a lot, and find herbaceous and woody
vegetation have not damaged the Tachyon Pant, however they are no match for
granite. With reasonable care, this pant will hold up for a long time. I have
not hiked through stickery brush in the pants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And finally they are great windwear, as they are designed
for. When a cold wind comes up, they provide needed warmth, and they are very
easy to put on/take off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the Tachyon Pant is not sufficiently
water-resistant for use as rainwear,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
pleased with their versatility. It’s basically the lightest leg shell on the
market, and keeps my legs warm on the trail and in camp. The pant will suffice
as rainwear in a brief light shower, and walking through wet vegetation. But
that’s not enough; more rain protection is needed, and I need to renew my
search for some really lightweight rain pants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write this review, I notice that Montbell has
redesigned the Versalite Pant using Gore Windstopper fabric with water
resistance, and the weight has shrunk to 3.2 ounces. That’s only 1.3 ounces
more than the Tachyon Pant, and its real rainwear. Looks like I need to give
the new version a try.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-22764236146687213562018-08-17T18:59:00.000-06:002019-08-23T19:43:52.580-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Montbell Travel Umbrella<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The idea of using an umbrella for rain protection while
hiking or backpacking seems a little absurd at first, but it’s actually quite
functional.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe the idea first emerged with the GoLite Chrome Dome
umbrella, which was sun-reflective and weighed about 8 ounces. That’s quite a
bit of optional weight to add to one’s pack, but many hikers felt it was worth
it to get relief from the hot sun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I first tried an umbrella for day hiking, where weight is
less of an issue, and found hiking in the rain less unpleasant, even fun, when
the rain was not pounding on my head and running down over my face. I still
wore a rain suit, but the umbrella made the experience more pleasant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I discovered the Montbell Travel Umbrella, which weighs
only 3 ounce,s and it got my attention. Carrying an umbrella this light is
feasible as part of a lightweight or ultralight gear kit, if it is functional
enough to justify the weight. That’s the topic of this gear review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9eA9e9-IburDFXQy_5WZxbwRQbRhR73PSy0MTKfE-gBBnIgm_549VaITgHYxn7mEaKDdmvb_OOmIE43m05EBYGOv42O-224pjvg8W8uXfbMsHejn_W2bFdmqet2hribKPXtqB7t9X_k/s1600/k_1128552_wt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9eA9e9-IburDFXQy_5WZxbwRQbRhR73PSy0MTKfE-gBBnIgm_549VaITgHYxn7mEaKDdmvb_OOmIE43m05EBYGOv42O-224pjvg8W8uXfbMsHejn_W2bFdmqet2hribKPXtqB7t9X_k/s640/k_1128552_wt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The Montbell Travel Umbrella weighs just 3 ounces. It is not UV deflecting, but it is available in white, which absorbs less heat. The opened diameter is slightly smaller than a standard umbrella.</b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Montbell (www.montbellus.com</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Product</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Travel Umbrella</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dimensions</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Opened diameter 34.6 inches; extended shaft length 20.5
inches; compacted length 9.1 inches</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fabric</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
7-denier Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon with Polkatex
DWR</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
Manufacturer specification 3 ounces, measured weight 3
ounces</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="139"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.7in;" valign="top" width="451"><div class="MsoNormal">
$52</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Montbell has a total of seven different umbrellas, ranging
in weight from 3 to 7.1 ounces. The protected area, materials, and purpose
vary, depending on your needs. Their Sun Block Umbrella is similar to the
Chrome Dome. I focused on the 3-ounce Travel Umbrella because of its light
weight and availability in white, which should keep it cooler underneath in the
summer sun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Travel Umbrella has a telescoping shaft that opens in
two stages. The canopy also opens in two stages; each spine is hinged and needs
to be extended to full length. The collapsed umbrella fits into a carry sleeve
that weighs just 0.05 ounce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing </h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the <st1:place w:st="on">Southwestern US</st1:place> we
carry our rain gear a lot more than we wear it. Precipitation is often just a
brief shower, but heavy showers and hail are possible. It’s foolish to go on a
mountain hike or backpacking trip without rain gear. The rain gear
recommendation for our situation is to carry the lightest that will do the job.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo7OmIqNyPojRmMIaSV9bHRQbKXzJ1SERQyzyK7pnp0w3yELHK_SwFj9LHYve5VzAxOfiSagKS_et0N8U-bqpHllDDKMIcYcUhwSaoe0HtZxrgNvN0W1XhBXAGURbd2BpmkoNlLeG6XA/s1600/P1200723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo7OmIqNyPojRmMIaSV9bHRQbKXzJ1SERQyzyK7pnp0w3yELHK_SwFj9LHYve5VzAxOfiSagKS_et0N8U-bqpHllDDKMIcYcUhwSaoe0HtZxrgNvN0W1XhBXAGURbd2BpmkoNlLeG6XA/s640/P1200723.JPG" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b>The rainwear I use is an ultralight rain jacket (Berghaus Vapourlight Hypersmock, 3 ounces) plus Montbell Tachyon Pant, 1.9 ounces). The latter is actually a wind pant, but it does the job in light rain and wet vegetation, which I will write about in a separate review. The rain jacket and pant are sufficient from a minimalist’s point of view. The umbrella shown is not the Montbell Travel, and is standard sized.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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I tested the Montbell Travel Umbrella over most of two
hiking seasons, taking it along when there was a chance for rain. Over that
period of time I got to test it in different amounts of rain and weather
conditions.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqrMZTVW2tkfbpVhdrLkKAmSav2pKNtSaFwGR5qq9jdQIlFABChOjliYKn1m535-aiStmlXk1fbFFsKdgg51ifmtWDDF69zDxyE5uPC6bvHFyH7qrHmAwbkGaouf-uR9xbarFX-cwX4Q/s1600/P1200911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqrMZTVW2tkfbpVhdrLkKAmSav2pKNtSaFwGR5qq9jdQIlFABChOjliYKn1m535-aiStmlXk1fbFFsKdgg51ifmtWDDF69zDxyE5uPC6bvHFyH7qrHmAwbkGaouf-uR9xbarFX-cwX4Q/s640/P1200911.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>My wife Janet uses an improvised shoulder strap mount designed by friend <a href="http://ramblinghemlock.blogspot.com/2014/03/umbrella-rigging.html">Joan West</a> to use her umbrella hands free. She's using the Montbell Sun Block umbrella, which is silver on top and black on the inside, with a sturdier shaft. Janet prefers an oversized inexpensive DriDucks rain jacket (about 5 ounces). The rain stopped and sun came out just before this photo was taken.</b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
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So why carry an umbrella in addition to my normal rainwear?
Basically it’s a comfort item. It’s darn nice not to have rain pounding on my
head or hitting me in the face. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9yxIVannE9XwkLzEw_vbTOi4zsQP2Gc_jeJaoldabfcjnG0jLypKjQHoAAb6ahtwK7vgr_WwMcDSbb1R1rBG-iRVpbYIgy_7zSfhWRgxGQLWjvFHzNYj7Bv6Yjnws94up2uewupE2_Y/s1600/P1470375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9yxIVannE9XwkLzEw_vbTOi4zsQP2Gc_jeJaoldabfcjnG0jLypKjQHoAAb6ahtwK7vgr_WwMcDSbb1R1rBG-iRVpbYIgy_7zSfhWRgxGQLWjvFHzNYj7Bv6Yjnws94up2uewupE2_Y/s640/P1470375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>I found the Travel Umbrella nice for bivouacking when I choose to sit it out; I can crouch under it and keep most of myself and my pack dry.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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Carrying an umbrella requires at least having one hand free,
so collapsible trekking poles are handy so they can be stashed on a pack. </div>
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I used the Travel Umbrella in wind-driven rain above tree
line, and found it to be sufficiently strong to withstand a moderate wind. It’s
nice to angle the umbrella, and hold on tight, to keep the rain from smacking
me on the head and face.</div>
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Of course, using an umbrella requires hiking in open space
so it doesn’t catch on brush or tree limbs. It’s not compatible with
bushwhacking!</div>
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I did not test the umbrella for sun protection since that is
not normally an issue with the type of hiking I do.</div>
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Overall, I find the Travel Umbrella worth its 3-ounce
weight. I specifically take it when showers are in the forecast, so I am more
likely to use it, and I will be hiking on trails or open areas so it will be
unobstructed.</div>
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This review is focused on using the Travel Umbrella for
hiking and backpacking, but of course it is also handy to take for sporting
events and even travel, which I believe is its original purpose. </div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-85653325836142931192018-07-28T06:45:00.002-06:002018-07-28T06:48:00.291-06:00OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2018: Gear of Interest for Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking— PART 3<br />
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By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl</div>
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We have covered Outdoor Retailer for about 13 years now, and
it never fails to impress. Yes, it was earlier this year (July), and will be
even earlier next year (June). </div>
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Most of the interesting gear we find at OR fits in the
Lightweight category, but there are some notable Ultralight gems, and some gear
can go either way, depending on your gear preferences.</div>
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As always, there are a few standout items, and lots of
evolutionary improvements, all making for lighter better gear. What excites us
varies a lot, depending on where your interests lie, so we present gear in no
particular order; just scroll and read what interests you. Also, so we can get
our coverage posted faster, and to avoid an excessively long single article, we
will post our coverage as a series of shorter articles containing around a
dozen items each. </div>
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A few notes: (1) gear introduced at this OR will be available
in spring 2019, unless noted otherwise, and (2) weights for clothing are for
men’s size Medium and shoes are for men’s size 9 and women’s size 7, unless
stated otherwise.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoKjSjgYAkhqJeEJ_gZqkeeOLoJjW_PI7P2oFwcgT7J8jszgFtfkoqILPZN4Yxza_re_bJQdah2N2RNmuR-lL2LZfL4VADugaHOer-5dE8cNN_FtDhyphenhyphen2mSL1qt0iPtOONw1WdQcT4TCg/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1112" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoKjSjgYAkhqJeEJ_gZqkeeOLoJjW_PI7P2oFwcgT7J8jszgFtfkoqILPZN4Yxza_re_bJQdah2N2RNmuR-lL2LZfL4VADugaHOer-5dE8cNN_FtDhyphenhyphen2mSL1qt0iPtOONw1WdQcT4TCg/s640/1.JPG" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Mountain Hardwear Kor PreShell</u></span> is a very breathable wind shirt made of Pertex Quantum Air fabric. More breathability allows a hiker to wear the wind shirt comfortably over a wider range of conditions within the cool/overcast/windy weather category. This windshirt is featured (hood, full-height front zipper, zippered hand pockets), so it weighs a bit more at 4.9 ounces. MSRP is $130. Another version with a ¾-height front zipper will also be available.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDeM9qcFm4juYOKbDmQdOA_9XLOnloesApY1BQH2UO-pqWP0_cqO9o3CAON-kMNMjBQiCTKO40a_ePYjwCNzmu6NqS89chFj7160-mmsBuLEoKtEndvea5wAkIcZc_YOWFbTXT6L-ub8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDeM9qcFm4juYOKbDmQdOA_9XLOnloesApY1BQH2UO-pqWP0_cqO9o3CAON-kMNMjBQiCTKO40a_ePYjwCNzmu6NqS89chFj7160-mmsBuLEoKtEndvea5wAkIcZc_YOWFbTXT6L-ub8/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Mountain Hardwear has also redesigned their Ghost Whisperer sleeping bags into a new version under their classic Phantom name. The new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>MH Phantom 0F, 15F, and 30F Sleeping Bags</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> feature 850 fill-power water-resistant down, an UL 10x10 denier nylon shell with DWR, contoured footbox, and an anti-snag zipper (right). The bags have a “performance fit” meaning they are snug for weight reduction and higher thermal efficiency. Be sure to try out the fit before you buy.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl6ZY_UKt9dEQh0LYy42_JN0OX7tEB2gSlgCJ3RVdxrFbw5Fkxddyqhn7ngF74SxvnRjeYiDTQJNhsr6tSMkM8Aifh3kmqhyFP18ZBJXMxg6rytH0oudqKY8T3ma6TupKlUOMs8EvqQo/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl6ZY_UKt9dEQh0LYy42_JN0OX7tEB2gSlgCJ3RVdxrFbw5Fkxddyqhn7ngF74SxvnRjeYiDTQJNhsr6tSMkM8Aifh3kmqhyFP18ZBJXMxg6rytH0oudqKY8T3ma6TupKlUOMs8EvqQo/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Here’s a bit of winter gear too good to pass up. The new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Merrell Thermo Rogue Insulated Boot</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> features Aerogel insulation, Vibram Arctic Grip outsole, lightweight synthetic fabrics, and a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane. We don’t have the weight. MSRP is about $220; available October 2018.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjte1XYRtaeblzX2d1DzA5lYni8uSNmzK-u2yyuxdn72gHVAznm_9bjIJcW3mfLaxwKTPf89px4tMLvjzPQmp9HAA8rtTu1avYEC2lNz6dXgQLcpFbsv7bsyXOUpRBuDjlkthpMSD1z1M/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjte1XYRtaeblzX2d1DzA5lYni8uSNmzK-u2yyuxdn72gHVAznm_9bjIJcW3mfLaxwKTPf89px4tMLvjzPQmp9HAA8rtTu1avYEC2lNz6dXgQLcpFbsv7bsyXOUpRBuDjlkthpMSD1z1M/s640/4.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Another featured breathable wind shirt is the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Patagonia Houdini Air</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. Breathability is rated at 20 cfm. The special fabric has a grid pattern on the back to keep it off the skin and enhance airflow. Features are one chest pocket and attached hood. Weight is 4.3 ounces and MSRP is $149. Is this the best Houdini ever?</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The new <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro Series Inflatable Lantern and Charge</u>r</span> is packable when you consider all it does. Its battery can be charged with a micro USB cable or 14 hours in the sun. A full charge will provide one cell phone charge plus about 2 hours of light. 150 lumens on high. Weight is 5.5 ounces and MSRP is $35.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Luci’s competition, LuminAid, also has a new product called the<u> LuminAid PackLite 2-in-1 Phone Charger and Inflatable Lantern</u>. Theirs will come in two battery sizes: 2000 mah (8.5 ounces, $50) and 4000 mah (9.7 ounces, $70), both rechargeable via a micro USB cable or the sun. The first one will provide one phone charge, and the bigger one will provide two charges. 150 lumens on high. Available now.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Soto makes well-designed backpacking stoves and cookwear. Their new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Soto ThermoStack Cook Set Combo</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> consists of a nesting 750 ml cookpot, 400 ml pot, double wall drink cup (the 2 parts can be used separately), pot clamp/tong, insulating cozy, and mesh carry sack. The set weighs 11 ounces and nests into a small size. The mesh carry sack has enough extra room to add a 110 gram fuel canister (photo). The Combo will cost $70.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Steripen is now part of Katadyn. The former Steripen Freedom is now the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Steripen Ultralight UV Water Purifier</u></span>. This new version ditches the pesky LED light on the original that comes on when it’s not wanted, reducing the weight to 2.5 ounces. It recharges with a micro USB cord and is good for 40+ 45 second cycles to purify ½-liter of water per cycle. MSRP has decreased from $99 to $80. The nice thing about purifying with UV is you can treat and drink, no wait time.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMp1c8SUbsz5Gj7jTR-b0o5nDOEfq5PIVjFOrd6LWjiFeU1gaybWNpwCrfnDq-mwAS3cyHvYWNYYwwKZk5efG1JTWuP2iapMI_A6rdPaFRn3N9MjOxLtNvxFPEqRgZkWz7Q04b2WhZ18/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMp1c8SUbsz5Gj7jTR-b0o5nDOEfq5PIVjFOrd6LWjiFeU1gaybWNpwCrfnDq-mwAS3cyHvYWNYYwwKZk5efG1JTWuP2iapMI_A6rdPaFRn3N9MjOxLtNvxFPEqRgZkWz7Q04b2WhZ18/s640/9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Crazy Creek Crazy Pod</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> is a complete hammock system that weighs 2 pounds 14 ounces, including straps and canopy. It’s waterproof, bugproof, and well ventilated with a mesh panel at each end that can be opened/closed from the inside with a pull cord. MSRP is $289; available January 2019.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Aqua-Mira now has an inline or bottle mounted water filter called the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Aqua-Mira Frontier Max Multifunction Filter</u>.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Three different types of filter cartridges are available for different situations: a green one for bacteria intended for backcountry use, a red one for travel to protect from all sorts of organisms, and a blue one for removing dissolved chemicals. The system allows the filter element to be switched for different uses. Weight for the inline version is 3.5 ounces and cost is $30; a replacement filter is $20. Flow rate is 800 ml/min and a cartridge purifies about 100 gallons. The inline version comes with connectors so it can be taken out of the system, which is a nice touch.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Another great water filtration prospect is the new 2-ounce </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, which will screw onto a beverage bottle or one of Sawyer’s new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>One Liter Squeeze Pouches</u> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">that weigh just 0.4 ounce each. The Micro will appear around September 2018 for around $29, and a 3-pack of the Pouches will sell for $15. A nice trick is to roll the pouch to force the water into another container so you can drink freely.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The rechargeable <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Fenix HM50R Headlamp or LD15 Clip Light</u></span> puts out 500 lumens of light in high mode. That’s a lot of light for a torch weighing just 2.8 ounces (headlamp, left) or 1.95 ounces (clip light, right), including the battery. As you can see, it’s the same torch with two different mountings. The former sells for $80 and the latter is $72; available now.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">How about a 4-inch thick packable inflatable sleeping pad? The new <u>Sea To Summit <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Etherlite XT Sleeping Pads</span></u> are pretty darn light considering their dimensions. There well be quite a range of sizes, as well as insulated and uninsulated versions. The lightest is the Regular Uninsulated (R 0.8, left) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at 12 ounces and $160, and the Regular Insulated (R 3.8, right) at 15 ounces and $190. They may be overkill for backpacking but great for base camping and car camping, but some people will disagree with the first part about overkill.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">At the Vargo Outdoor booth we found the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Vargo No-Fly 2P Tent</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, a really roomy 2-person hybrid single wall freestanding tent that weighs just 2.6 pounds. It has 34 sq ft of floor space, two side entries with large vestibules, one top vent closable from the inside, flush mounted pole sleeves, and </span><st1:city style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Easton</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> carbon fiber poles. The floor dimensions are 57x86 inches, which is significantly more than most 2P tents, and it has headroom to match. MSRP is $500; available October 2018.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">At the Black Diamond booth we found more goodies. Their hoodless unisex </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Deploy Wind Shell</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> is the one with the YKK Superlight zipper, and the fabric is a new Toray 5-denier with DWR. The zipper is extra deep for easier on/off and good ventilation. Weight is 1.69 ounces and MSRP is $159. The weight is very close to the Montbell Tachyon Jacket @ 1.6 ounces, but the Tachyon has a full-height front zipper. Thus, the Deploy is very close to claiming its the lightest wind shirt on the market.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Also from BD is the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Rhythm T</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, a 96-gram merino wool summer top with lots of stretch due to a new yarn technology. BD claims its the lightest technical T on the market. Its weave and thinness allows it to dry very fast. It will sell for $75.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Finally from BD is the <u>Distance Tent</u>, made of waterproof-breathable fabric and supported with two trekking poles. It has an included bridge at the top that connects the trekking poles. A combo package of the tent plus </span>compatible BD trekking poles is $400 and weighs 2 pounds 4 ounces. A version without the trekking poles, including an adapter for other trekking poles, is 1 pound 7 ounces and $250. The tent has one top vent and a foot vent. A disadvantage of this tent design (no vestibule) is rain falls directly into the tent when the door is opened.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><u>Vibram’s new Litebase Shoe Construction</u> will be introduced in 2019
in a number of shoes from different manufacturers. It’s basically a new midsole
compound that significantly lowers the weight of trail shoes, combined with
Vibram’s popular Megagrip outsole. It’s claimed to be 50% slimmer, 30% lighter,
and the same performance. Note the weight difference between the standard midsole (left) and the Litebase midsole (right).</b></span></div>
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Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-83553130563865812112018-07-28T06:19:00.000-06:002018-08-04T06:19:03.556-06:00OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2018: Gear of Interest for Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking— PART 2<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl</div>
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We have covered Outdoor Retailer for about 13 years now, and
it never fails to impress. Yes, it was earlier this year (July), and will be
even earlier next year (June). </div>
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Most of the interesting gear we find at OR fits in the
Lightweight category, but there are some notable Ultralight gems, and some gear
can go either way, depending on your perspective.</div>
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As always, there are a few standout items, and lots of
evolutionary improvements, all making for lighter better gear. What excites us
varies a lot, depends on where your interests lie, so I present gear in no
particular order; just scroll and read what interests you. Also, so we can get
our coverage posted faster, and to avoid an excessively long single article we
will post our coverage as a series of shorter articles containing around a
dozen items each. </div>
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A few notes: (1) gear introduced at this OR will be
available in spring 2019, unless noted otherwise, and (2) weights for clothing
are for men’s size Medium and shoes are for men’s size 9 and women’s size 7,
unless stated otherwise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>We can’t help but compare OR now at the Colorado Convention Center with OR at the Salt Palace in Utah. One big difference is the emphasis on <u>recycling</u>. We saw these barrels everywhere, and its recycling done right – a trash barrel next to a recycling barrel, and clearly explained. Near food courts they also had one for compost. Research has found that the best arrangement is a trash barrel next to a recycling barrel; then people do the right thing. If its one or the other, everything goes into that barrel. Colorado is also a good match for OR because of their value and support for public lands (unlike Utah). Thanks Colorado!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Balega rep showed us their</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Balega Enduro Collection</u> of Performance Socks</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> that features V-Tech arch support and pressure-free grip. It's available in three heights; MSRP is $15 for the crew height. Their </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Balega Blister Resist</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> socks (not shown) contain 30% mohair, which is goat hair, along with other fibers. According to the rep, the socks get their blister resistor properties from mohair being smooth in one direction and rough in the other direction. MSRP is $18 for the crew.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>The <u>Marmot Bantamweight Rain Jacket and Pant</u>, coming February 1, 2019, are claimed to be the lightest full featured rainsuit. The jacket weighs 4.9 ounces and the pant weighs 2.9 ounces, which are good weights for rain garments with features. Features means actual pockets and drawcords. MSRPs are $275 and $225, so start saving now.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">A bivy is something mostly used by climbers nowadays, but the new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Outdoor Research Interstellar Bivy</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> is a standout that may change minds. The weight is just 19.9 ounces including the Delrin hoop pole, and it’s made of ORs 3-layer AscentShell waterproof-breathable fabric, which has won awards for its breathability. The bivy can actually be worn in camp, with arm exits and the head end serving as a sombrero. It also has a star gazing option with bug protection via a mesh inner panel. MSRP is $275.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">It’s been interesting to watch BioLite develop as a company. Their initial product is a wood-fired stove that generates power. Now they have </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">now they've expanded their line to include USB chargers, solar panels and more.</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">. Their new innovative headlamp is called the </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><u>BioLite Headla</u>mp</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">, which is a straightforward name. The headlamp is basically molded into the soft breathable fabric strap, and features a 900 mah micro USB rechargeable battery, 330 lumens of light on the brightest setting, 4 modes (white flood, white spot, white strobe, red flood), and 75 meters of visibility. It feels like wearing a headband rather than a headlamp. Weight is 2.42 ounces and MSRP is $50.</span></span></b></span></td></tr>
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A big story at this OR is how light weight tents are getting,
like under 2 pounds for a 2-person double-wall tent, which is a new milestone. Big Agnes has a passel of them coming out in
spring 2019. The new tents are versions of the Fly Creek, Tiger Wall, and Scout
– each one will be available in Regular, Platinum, and Dyneema versions. The
tent canopy is lightweight nylon ripstop, 7-denier random ripstop nylon which
is 25% stronger than regular ripstop, or Dyneema, respectively. The interiors
are very lightweight mesh and 7-denier fabric.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">The first is the <u>Fly Creek HV Carbon with Dyneema</u>. The Fly Creek Regular and Platinum have already been out for awhile. The Fly Creek design puts the vestibule at the head end of the double-wall tent. Carbon and Dyneema are the keywords; the poles are carbon fiber and the fly is thin (probably 0.31) Dyneema. The inner tent is mostly mesh plus 7-denier nylon fabric. Trail weight for the 1-person version is 1 pound and cost is $800, and 1 pound 2 ounces for the 2-person version and $850. The tent can be set up fast-fly, which reduces the weight 2 ounces. The thing about buying a Dyneema shelter is it really feels good after the pain of purchase is over.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We recently reported on the Regular Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent, which stands to bump the Copper Spur off its pedestal for a super light tent with two side-entry doors. The </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum </u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">will be available in 2P and 3P versions weighing 1 pound 15 ounces and 2 pounds 5 ounces, and MSRPs of $550 and $600. At right is a closeup of their 7 denier random ripstop nylon fabric, which is claimed to be 25% stronger. The </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Big Agnes Tiger Wall Carbon With Dyneema</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u> </u>weighs 1 pound 9 ounces for the 1P and 1 pound 14 ounces for the 2P, and costs $1000 and $1200 respectively. The fast-fly setup option reduces weight 3 ounces.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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Next is the <b>Scout 2P
Platinum and Dyneema</b>. The Scout is a single-wall tent supported with
trekking poles. The Regular Scout 2P has been around for awhile, and is a
value-priced roomy tent. The Platinum version moves to a 7-denier canopy that
reduces weight to 1 pound 1ounce and costs $450. The Dyneema version cuts the
trail weight to 11 ounces and costs $700.</div>
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Finally is the <b>Big
Agnes Onyx Tarp Carbon With Dyneema</b>, which is a minimalist 2-person tarp supported
by trekking poles. Trail weight is 8 ounces and cost is $500.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Big Agnes is also introducing a new hoodless 40F sleeping bag called the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Pluton UL4</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>0</u> (left), featuring 850 fill-power water-resistant down. Weight is 15 ounces and MSRP is $350. <u>The </u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Notch UL40</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> (right) is insulated with Primaloft, weighs 1 pound 5 ounces, and costs $190.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Ultimate Directions is introducing their new <u>Hydrolight Clothing Series </u>that feature water bottle pockets and included bottles designed into the garment. The series includes a ¾-length tight (photo) and a short. The design includes two hip height bottle pockets on the backside of the garment, each holding a 300 ml plastic bottle, plus two side slip pockets. MSRP is about $150. The bottles may get in the way of a pack hipbelt, but should combine well with a running vest.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">It wasn’t that long ago that Sierra Designs introduced their </span><u><st1:street style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">High Route</st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> 1P Double-Wall Tent</span></u><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, but they are already updating it to reduce the weight to under 2 pounds. The roomy 1-plus person trekking pole supported tent now weighs 1 pound 15 ounces. Features include: 15-denier canopy plus mesh and fabric interior, two doors with vestibules, diagonal ridgeline, and one large high vent. Pitching the fly only cuts tent weight to 1 pound 1 ounce. MSRP is $300, which is a good value.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Also coming is the <u>Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt</u>, which will be available in 35F and 20F versions. They feature 800 fill-power DryDown, a 15-denier shell, and unique hand and head pockets that allow one to burrito up. The 35F version weighs 20 ounces and costs $250, and the 20F version weighs 25 ounces and costs $280. Both are good values.</b></span></td></tr>
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Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-4771718330687968342018-07-27T19:23:00.000-06:002018-07-31T07:09:08.896-06:00OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2018: Gear of Interest for Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking— PART 1<br />
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By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We have covered Outdoor Retailer for about 13 years now, and it never fails to impress. Yes, it was earlier this year (July), and will be even earlier next year (June). The Colorado Convention Center in Denver is the new location, and its huge.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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Most of the interesting gear we find at OR fits in the
Lightweight category, but there are some notable Ultralight gems, and some gear
can go either way, depending on your gear preferences.</div>
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As always, there are a few standout items, and lots of
evolutionary improvements, all making for lighter better gear. What excites us
varies a lot, depending on where your interests lie, so we present gear in no
particular order; just scroll and read what interests you. Also, so we can get
our coverage posted faster, and to avoid an excessively long single article, we
will post our coverage as a series of shorter articles containing around a
dozen items each. </div>
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A few notes: (1) gear introduced at this OR will be available
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Topo Athletic Hydroventure 2 Shoe</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. Gen 2 for this popular waterproof trail running shoe will come out in January 2019. It will continue to feature an eVent membrane, foot-shape fit (wide toebox and snug heel cup, rock plate, and 25/22 platform with 3 mm drop. Upgrades include an Ortholite footbed, Vibram Megagrip outsole with deeper and wider spaced lugs, and more TPU overlay in wear areas. Weight is 10.2 oz/shoe for men and 8.3 oz/shoe for women; MSRP is $140. When I tested the Hydroventure shoe a couple of years ago, I found it to be nearly indestructible in spite of its very light weight. I had some issues with the thin footbed bunching up, but that should be overcome with the new Ortholite footbed.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">A new model coming soon is the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Topo Athletic Ultraventure</u>.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> This brand new model will feature a 3-piece multi-density EVA midsole in place of a rock plate, giving it a soft ride. The Ortholite footbed, enhanced TPU overlay, and Vibram XS Trek outsole are the same as the Terraventure 2. Stack height is 30-25, giving it a 5 mm drop. Weights are 9.1 oz/shoe for women, and 11.2 oz/shoe for men; MSRP is $130. Available from REI in November 2018. I look forward to testing this one for ultralight backpacking.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Finally, from Topo Athletic, is the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Terraventure 2</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, another significant upgrade to a popular lightweight trail shoe. The upgrades include an Ortholite footbed,Vibram XS Trek outsole with wider spaced lugs, and drainage “gills” for water release and faster drying. Stack height is 25-22, giving it a 3 mm drop. Weights are 10.8 oz/shoe for men and 8.2 oz/shoe for women. Available November 2018 for $120. In my recent review of this shoe, I loved its fit, comfort, and traction, but I managed to wear holes in the anterior toebox mesh from sidestepping in steep scree. The enhanced TPU rand and mesh overlays should overcome that issue.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Therm-a-Rest will introduce their Fast and Light collection in spring 2019. The centerpiece is their new Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Inflatable Sleeping Pad</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. Just the name suggests that something really good is coming here! Get ready for an 8.8-ounce, 2.5 in thick, R 2.0 full length sleeping pad. The UberLit will come in three sizes: Small, Regular, and Large. The Small measures 20x47 inches and weighs 6 ounces, Regular is 20x72 inches and 8.8 ounces, and Large is 25x77 inches and 12 ounces. When the NeoAir first came out, the size Regular pad weighed 14 ounces, and we considered that ultralight. So TAR raised the bar on their own product and maintains the lead. Fabrics are 30d nylon bottom and 15d top. The NeoAir Uberlight pads use a diamond core matrix with trapped air for insulation. Start saving your money though; prices are $140, $180, and $210 for the Short, Regular, and Large sizes.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Cascade Designs representatives were really excited to show us their new Fast and Light gear collection, and we were excited to see it. They are really getting serious, as the next items will show. The next is their </span><u><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Therm-a-Rest</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span></u><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Vesper 32F and 20F Quilt</u>s</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, featuring 900 fill-power down, side baffles for increased warmth retention, Nikwax water-resistant down, and a SynergyLink system to integrate quilt and sleeping pad . The shell is 10d nylon ripstop with DWR. Weight and MSRP for the 32F quilt is 15 oz and $330 and 19 oz and $380 for the 20F version; long versions will also be available. With these new products from TAR, you will soon be able to purchase a 24 ounce sleeping system (pad and quilt) at your hometown outdoor store.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Prefer a sleeping bag rather than a quilt? No problem. Next up from TAR are the </span><u><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Therm-a-Rest</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hyperion 32F and 20F Sleeping Bags.</span></u><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Each will be available in three sizes: Short, Regular, and Long. The bags feature </span></span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">900 fill-power down, </span></span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">zoned insulation, box baffled construction, Nikwax water repellent down, and a ThermaCapture reflective film for better thermal efficiency. For size Regular the weight is 16 ounces and MSRPs is $370 for the 32F bag, and 20 ounces and $419 for the 20F bag, which is a good value for an ultralight bag.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGaoz22h0GiXyYjs8FINSYioleBn4hXGqnJVfhnzQFo27YK3W1urvZRG27WOlLxu7LR2ANPCPeL4NCZv4J_saWRl20WhwGTiIsM98hZYFVhq__frMjFvulH8LPm6LZFQIq3tg-YAOUzo/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="940" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGaoz22h0GiXyYjs8FINSYioleBn4hXGqnJVfhnzQFo27YK3W1urvZRG27WOlLxu7LR2ANPCPeL4NCZv4J_saWRl20WhwGTiIsM98hZYFVhq__frMjFvulH8LPm6LZFQIq3tg-YAOUzo/s640/7.JPG" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Finally, from TAR is the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Therm-a-Rest Ohm</u>, a 32F semi-rectangular, roomier, hoodless, zipper all-around bag</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> that will open to a blanket or quilt for warmer nights. The Ohm has the same down and baffling as the other bags, weighs 18 oz for size Regular, and will sell for $370.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I like to cover the technologies that make our gear lighter and better, and one good example is the new </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>YKK Super Lightweight Zipper</u></span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Currently, the YKK #3 zipper is the lightest we normally see, but an even lighter version of that zipper is in the pipeline. The Super Lightweight version is 40% lighter than the standard #3. The tape is less than 0.1 mm thick, breathable, and see-through, which helps keep ultralight gear ultralight. The first garment to use it is the Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell, which we will cover late</span><span style="color: #e06666;">r.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Garmin InReach Mini Personal Locater</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. The original InReach has some attractive features, but it’s a bit heavy at around 6.5 ounces. The Mini gives us what we are looking for – a compact, lightweight version with the same functionality. Key features important to users are its use of the Global Iridium Network, two-way160 character messaging, interactive SOS, and pairing with other Garmin devices. The Mini can message by itself, but it’s easier when paired with a mobile phone. Nowadays, many backpackers carry a mobile phone with them on trips because it’s truly a multi-purpose device. One of my hiking buddies claims he has 17 purposes for his mobile phone on backpacking trips; now he can make that 18. Weight is 4.35 ounces including a carabiner, and MSRP is $349. Another advantage of the InReach is the different subscription options that are offered, so one can choose the best option for her frequency of use. I’m currently a SPOT user, but I am getting tired of their expensive service plan that includes features I don’t use. SPOT does have a 2-way communicator called the SPOT-X coming out, but one friend who has tested it told me that it is “very buggy”.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Sea To Summit Nano Day Pack</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> is indeed nanoweight at 1 ounce. It’s always handy to throw in an UL day pack for side hikes from camp, and the Nano Day Pack makes that inconsequential. Capacity is 18 liters, it’s made of STSs 15d ultra-sil, and will cost $40.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Nemo Rocket 2P Single Wall Tent</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> raises the bar for a 2-person lightweight fabric tent. The weight is a mere 22 ounces using the included carbon T-bar ridgepole and center support, or 19 ounces using trekking poles. A notable feature is the tent’s square ends to enhance interior usable space, made possible by Nemo’s clever Self Equalizing Corner System (right). The canopy is 7 denier nylon ripstop and the floor is 10d. Did I mention the Rocket 2P has two doors with vestibules? There is room on each side of the center support pole for a standard 20-inch wide sleeping pad. The center support may be an annoyance, but each sleeper has her own entry, which will help minimize that issue, and the center support disappears if you use trekking poles to support the tent. MSRP is $450, which is significantly less expensive than a Dyneema tent.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnpaympwrntwZZ04PCDFbx6Bg4gkOvJrYfHwFeV-b4a6c9YeKoXYsA3WVtmTKaon6VPv9J7vBVXTkjGdmBDJaOCn7EuREl1au_QwtEPpkq3-nIf_Ahc9EGIwlhwdxZJ8AM8ADWU8KELA/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnpaympwrntwZZ04PCDFbx6Bg4gkOvJrYfHwFeV-b4a6c9YeKoXYsA3WVtmTKaon6VPv9J7vBVXTkjGdmBDJaOCn7EuREl1au_QwtEPpkq3-nIf_Ahc9EGIwlhwdxZJ8AM8ADWU8KELA/s640/12.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We previously reported on and reviewed the Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration Bottles, which were initially available in 0.6 L and 1 L sizes. Now Katadyn is coming out with a 3-liter version called the </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3L</u></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. This one comes with a detachable hose and shut off clip, but you can use the flask and filter unit by itself to fill water containers by squeezing the flask. It doesn’t come with a bite valve to use it as a hydration system, but it would be easy to add one. Weight is 3.5 ounces and MSRP is $70.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-61621939726665615622018-07-16T19:02:00.002-06:002019-08-23T19:44:24.549-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Gossamer Gear One Single-Wall Tent<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
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I reviewed the original “One” tent from Gossamer Gear back
in 2008. It was made of spinnaker fabric and weighed 18.5 ounces. It became an
ultralight classic, but spinnaker fabric had its disadvantages and has gone
away as a tent fabric.</div>
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Enter the new 2018 One, which is roomier, more featured, and
only 3.5 ounces heavier. This One is made of woven fabric, specifically
7-denier high tenacity nylon with a blended silicone and polyurethane coating,
which is about the same weight per yard as spinnaker, and approaches the weight
of cuben fiber (Dyneema Composite Fabric) used in some shelters. The best news
is it costs just $299, about half of what a cuben fiber shelter would cost.
Considering these attributes and comparisons, how does The One perform as a
lightweight backpacking shelter?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T2Zga7yQG4oZxZd7sSk1EvHH8myVJchDx8ClfOLVqHQu8fXGPEGrM5EK66mntO8MPa15EikaBrJXr2N0c_94tyasdFE-VyTPvt7Er-caE8-YMS7Qashzq41qU1eNtMTzDUBunyNMCHQ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T2Zga7yQG4oZxZd7sSk1EvHH8myVJchDx8ClfOLVqHQu8fXGPEGrM5EK66mntO8MPa15EikaBrJXr2N0c_94tyasdFE-VyTPvt7Er-caE8-YMS7Qashzq41qU1eNtMTzDUBunyNMCHQ/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The new Gossamer Gear One has finally arrived. It weighs a little over a pound like its predecessor, its roomy, more featured, and a great value for a lightweight backpacking shelter.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
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<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Gossamer Gear (www.gossamergear.com)</div>
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<b>Product<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The One single wall tent</div>
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<b>Fabrics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Body is 7-denier high-tenacity nylon with a blended
silicone and polyurethane coating, 1200 mm waterproofness. Floor is 10-denier
high-tenacity nylon with a blended silicone and polyurethane coating, 1200 mm
waterproofness. Factory taped seams.</div>
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<b>Dimensions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Floor is 36 in wide at head end and 24 in at foot end x 88
inches long. Headroom is 46 in. Floor area is 19.6 sq. ft. Entry vestibule is
16.2 sq. ft.</div>
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<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Trekking pole support, side entry with vestibule, zippered
mesh wall with entry door, mesh floor level vents, protected mesh vent panel
on upper back wall, large mesh storage pocket on back wall, bathtub floor,
catenary ridgeline, interior clothes line and flashlight loop, 4 supplementary
guylines, ultralight stuff sack. Stakes not included.</div>
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<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Mfr. Specification 21.95 oz (includes shelter, guylines,
and stuff sack); measured weight 21.85 oz.</div>
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<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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$299.25.</div>
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<h2>
Description</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEG1b_VVLgd7EtvrcT-9ZjxTeKaaoTg2j0zV_dWJcb7H5xwI4PM0RAgE7FbJNQznJOhoqlD4JORevJcVQ7YswGwdEnBeQQhw0_4p408cZr-h2Ez2gVc6jjTdSr8ZVLxz0ZIna4BlVFSs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="921" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEG1b_VVLgd7EtvrcT-9ZjxTeKaaoTg2j0zV_dWJcb7H5xwI4PM0RAgE7FbJNQznJOhoqlD4JORevJcVQ7YswGwdEnBeQQhw0_4p408cZr-h2Ez2gVc6jjTdSr8ZVLxz0ZIna4BlVFSs/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Like its predecessor, The One is asymmetric, as shown in the drawing below and photos. A lot of designing and testing went into the final version.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkKkomyKwLjCMsHxxheYjvKti43Oo-A5PbtTo5tsHIeVTlI88q73mLo43xzuci5RxBCxuoCGJkZZa8KX8HiQMRiK7OHTgDbzi7kVyQmexZhujOW1vUW7I19hPMHaTiOn4fQTi7qNj7uY/s1600/The+one+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkKkomyKwLjCMsHxxheYjvKti43Oo-A5PbtTo5tsHIeVTlI88q73mLo43xzuci5RxBCxuoCGJkZZa8KX8HiQMRiK7OHTgDbzi7kVyQmexZhujOW1vUW7I19hPMHaTiOn4fQTi7qNj7uY/s640/The+one+-+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Front View.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> The tent has a vestibule protected side entry through a mesh wall. One side can be tied open for easy entry (left), or both sides (right) in fair weather. The bathtub floor is visible in both photos.</span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqNtinKG-52mxAPo_KmkWmoMLiFn41b6Y6_jXpWq9Lmv2tC4sSdyfiFEKrPBDsiEIU3BT2f8Uip1ripaJ82cQzcC1dCicML4tqBrQ-BQtse7vR6i2nn4jRUGK4F0He4DOIZKh-1V2kKk/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqNtinKG-52mxAPo_KmkWmoMLiFn41b6Y6_jXpWq9Lmv2tC4sSdyfiFEKrPBDsiEIU3BT2f8Uip1ripaJ82cQzcC1dCicML4tqBrQ-BQtse7vR6i2nn4jRUGK4F0He4DOIZKh-1V2kKk/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b>Side View.</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"> This photo shows some of the asymmetry. The ridgeline is extended to allow the back wall to lean out a bit to provide more interior space. The canopy has an extension to channel water away from the tent.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Sc0QA-MtFNfUabJ_Bdz_Zi44Z4jLCH7KikPCRS8wLhRpdH2VNuXOHQ7GsuVra1cipXoHAyZtDnNT0fNDJ_rMhmcm8C0dn8C1emX_CzUYeHQ_So0r2NcIvG6J2suA-CDBgBrAeS4qQYU/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Sc0QA-MtFNfUabJ_Bdz_Zi44Z4jLCH7KikPCRS8wLhRpdH2VNuXOHQ7GsuVra1cipXoHAyZtDnNT0fNDJ_rMhmcm8C0dn8C1emX_CzUYeHQ_So0r2NcIvG6J2suA-CDBgBrAeS4qQYU/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Back View.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> This view shows the angled back wall. There is a large mesh panel in the upper back wall for ventilation, which is protected by a large overhang.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXQNMLbkN36wtzc2Lg1oVMIm8KV5UrgQdfkTgF1UCdAi4BS-NUn25gsOYmSHuJAAqgevj2hFrzHusdzEzPsBSSsQIWRQvgejWdKGcM_G92MM6COw-UwkOg8Ge6vH_w_yM2WjO56tThCY/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXQNMLbkN36wtzc2Lg1oVMIm8KV5UrgQdfkTgF1UCdAi4BS-NUn25gsOYmSHuJAAqgevj2hFrzHusdzEzPsBSSsQIWRQvgejWdKGcM_G92MM6COw-UwkOg8Ge6vH_w_yM2WjO56tThCY/s640/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">There is a mesh vent just above the floor on each end.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj538CACHcdZKvrQFuGvsf_1qN6SsXfM6WCKWbBTBQji0Mr664EzDvStnviSxukBhBWACeWpPUTamGWjCCOzZlJnV9aI1FQGA2Fkj5tPZy5bQCsGlMrzsezi3rsdIdXO8RwKtFuBK04kGI/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj538CACHcdZKvrQFuGvsf_1qN6SsXfM6WCKWbBTBQji0Mr664EzDvStnviSxukBhBWACeWpPUTamGWjCCOzZlJnV9aI1FQGA2Fkj5tPZy5bQCsGlMrzsezi3rsdIdXO8RwKtFuBK04kGI/s640/7.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Corner reinforcement in bathtub floor.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugRdrvQQbxtdA305evQS_TPueBOjnxW-TgIkZwUMa2fEe3wRG6rpWNH5v3bewIdN7ztN7Y9FR7g9TeqANiiCQVvzLCpYZdN16rM12Jmy3teQzRr84qnEf7GoOSi6OiRdbQ01jBPpmnsI/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugRdrvQQbxtdA305evQS_TPueBOjnxW-TgIkZwUMa2fEe3wRG6rpWNH5v3bewIdN7ztN7Y9FR7g9TeqANiiCQVvzLCpYZdN16rM12Jmy3teQzRr84qnEf7GoOSi6OiRdbQ01jBPpmnsI/s640/8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Included clothes line with flashlight loop.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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The One is nothing like the silnylon tents purchased from
small companies a decade ago, which were Spartan and required seam sealing. The
One is featured and comes complete, even with a clothes line, flashlight loop,
and guylines, and does not require seam sealing.</div>
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Setup is similar to most tents: 1) lay the tent out on the
ground in the desired orientation, 2) stake out the corners, 3) insert trekking
poles into pockets at front and rear, and 4) stake out and tension the
ridgeline.</div>
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<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIOkugEcasLQSclCJtjGhKQ1COQLUzjDOaB1AbGI2y8O_MC9c1md8_rqw3Bda4BXZt7omnpZL2NcSkvIMXtrpCiGjApSrW4nOKV8R2vqbJj_8DS3YZiZfnwwfRRx9OuIziqAEy5b_z40/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIOkugEcasLQSclCJtjGhKQ1COQLUzjDOaB1AbGI2y8O_MC9c1md8_rqw3Bda4BXZt7omnpZL2NcSkvIMXtrpCiGjApSrW4nOKV8R2vqbJj_8DS3YZiZfnwwfRRx9OuIziqAEy5b_z40/s640/9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I tested the One on several spring backpacking trips in southern </span><st1:state style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Utah</st1:state><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> and summer trips in southern </span><st1:state style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Colorado</st1:state><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A minimum of six stakes are required for setup, which
results in a sturdy pitch. Using trekking poles for support saves a lot of
weight, if you normally use trekking poles.
I really like a shelter with a two-pole tensioned ridgeline anchored to
a sturdy stake at each end. It really resists and deflects the wind, as I saw
with The One.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am impressed with Gossamer Gear’s proprietary 7 and 10-
denier high tenacity nylon fabric, which is stronger than ordinary nylon.
Fabric this light weight and strong is an alternative to Cuben Fiber (Dyneema
Composite Fabric) for construction of a lightweight shelter at a more
reasonable price.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also impressed with the tent’s construction quality and
completeness. Looking closely, I find quality sewing and reinforcement, and
overall attention to detail. And everything is there, including a clothes line
and headlamp loop and four extra guylines for extra wind stability when needed.
However, stakes are not included.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On one spring backpacking trip in southern <st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place>, we had daily strong winds and blowing dust.
The One stood secure with 6 stakes; rocks on top of them for security purposes
(standard procedure in <st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state>).
<st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state> dust
does stick to the ten’ts exterior coating, but not as bad as it does to
silnylon. At home, rinsing the tent in cold water in the bathtub (no soap)
easily removes the dust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another like is the tent’s roominess for a single person
tent; it’s more like a 1+ tent compared to other single-person tents I have
tested. There is ample room for gear between the tent interior and vestibule,
and items in the vestibule are easily reachable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roominess abounds inside the tent. The floor is 88 inches
long (that’s 7 feet 4 inches), ample for tall hikers. And it has headroom to
match. What makes the tent interior so voluminous is its extended ridgeline,
which I measured to be 47 inches. The floor at the center is 38.5 inches wide,
so the front and rear walls angle outward about 4.25 inches, which is a clever
trick to gain interior volume.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tent’s ventilation is excellent and I noted very little
condensation on the interior walls, even on calm nights below freezing.
However, as with any single wall tent, I don’t expect it to be exempt from
condensation when humid air plunges below the dew point. A quick wipedown with
a camp towel is a simple remedy for condensation inside a single wall tent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only criticism I have is the floor level vents are
easily blocked by gear inside the tent, and a special effort is required to
keep them unblocked. The mesh panels are set as high as possible, but perhaps
they could be full width to reduce the issue. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Likes and Dislikes</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I like about the Gossamer Gear One:</b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Very
lightweight yet strong nylon canopy and floor </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Excellent
alternative to Cuben Fiber in terms of lightness, strength, and cost</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Impressive
design to maximize functionality, features, and inside space</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">High
quality sewing and reinforcement</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Very
light weight (21.85 oz measured weight)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Trekking
pole support saves weight and provides good support</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Tensioned
catenary ridgline provides excellent wind deflection and stability</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Side
entry </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Good
vestibule storage</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Interior
roominess (length, width, headroom, volume)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Good
ventilation minimizes condensation</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Factory
taped Seams</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dislikes:</b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Floor
level ventilation panels are easily blocked by gear.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The One stands out as a functional, roomy, sturdy, and very
lightweight tent without bearing the cost of Cuben Fiber. It’s well designed
and well constructed, and provides plenty of room for one hiker. Some
manufacturers make their tent lighter by making it smaller and eliminating
features, but that’s not the case with The One. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I should note that The Two, a 2-person version of the same
tent, weighs 8.65 ounces more and costs $90 more ($389). Hikers who hike solo
part of the time and with a partner part of the time may opt to get The Two
because the weight and cost difference is not great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Either way, it’s a great value for a very light weight
backpacking tent.</span>Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-84469192688710282082018-07-04T07:53:00.000-06:002018-07-04T07:53:47.682-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Osprey Levity 45 Backpack<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lightweight Internal frame backpacks are getting lighter and
better. Nowadays if you are looking for a lightweight internal frame backpack,
you have several to choose from in the two pound range.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Osprey Levity 45 and Levity 60 (and women’s Lumina 45
and 60) look to be excellent choices, based on initial impressions and their
specifications. But initial impressions often lead to disappointment in the
world of outdoor gear. So, how does the Levity perform in the backcountry?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_60tM_-Ljn9p7rpqw1Avcc8SzMrkJaOfrMD8CtZMLK83frVJq6QWq0i1e5khX1EtRDgYIDOcrhk0KLnSr8pFK6kZl47pz4bnWifokONMCp_AvSppIHhbMVgRwk7UQ1A874hKjvRdIFg/s1600/Osprey+Levity+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="786" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_60tM_-Ljn9p7rpqw1Avcc8SzMrkJaOfrMD8CtZMLK83frVJq6QWq0i1e5khX1EtRDgYIDOcrhk0KLnSr8pFK6kZl47pz4bnWifokONMCp_AvSppIHhbMVgRwk7UQ1A874hKjvRdIFg/s640/Osprey+Levity+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The internal frame Osprey Levity 45, arriving spring 2018, is full-featured, size Large weighs just 1.927 pounds, and is capable of carrying a sizeable load. I opted to test the Levity 45 because it has sufficient room for my small gear kit, plus extra room for the food and water I need to carry on longer trips. Its brother, the Levity 60, has 60 liters of volume and weighs only a smidgeon more. </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> (Osprey Packs photos.)</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
<o:p> </o:p>Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Osprey (www.osprey.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Product<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Levity 45 (Levity 60, and Lumina 45 and 60 are also
available)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Volume<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Size Large tested, 48 liters.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Frame<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arched 3.5 mm Lightwire 6065 aluminum alloy loop</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Suspension<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
SUL Airspeed tensioned backpanel with side ventilation,
Exoform hipbelt and harness</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Main fabric is 30D Cordura silnylon ripstop, abrasion
areas are NanoFly 200D nylon x 200D Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
(UHMWE)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manufacturer specification 1.927 pounds (30.7 ounces),
measured weight 30 ounces </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fixed top lid with zippered pocket, key clip, and
attachment points; bellowed front fabric pocket; dual access fabric side
pockets; sternum strap with whistle; Exoform hipbelt with ErgoPull closure;
hydration sleeve with center hose port, load lifter straps; 2 daisy chains on
front for additional attachment, drawcord side compression straps.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$250</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can see in the table above and photos, the Levity is
full-featured. The only thing it does not have is hipbelt pockets, which I
missed. Add-on pockets are available from various sources, like the one shown
in the photos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The design of the Levity and Lumina packs is similar to the
Osprey Exos packs, only lighter. Although the Levity is light weight, it is
constructed of durable fabrics. All of the pockets are made of 210 denier UHMWP
described above.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy8EvRFypf1-a9q69CnrjM3KUybOyKJ0YHkplZCl92kYJMuknsqKH3EKbdBsKo0Jd_ZaBGOhoMI3zsGYRbT-bNDvbHefE6xewDwchynNOjnxSvibLeH93zvwXBDUAEASlYV4Uysq-tOU/s1600/Osprey+Levity+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy8EvRFypf1-a9q69CnrjM3KUybOyKJ0YHkplZCl92kYJMuknsqKH3EKbdBsKo0Jd_ZaBGOhoMI3zsGYRbT-bNDvbHefE6xewDwchynNOjnxSvibLeH93zvwXBDUAEASlYV4Uysq-tOU/s640/Osprey+Levity+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Front and backpanel views</u>. The Levity is characterized by a large kango pocket on the frontpanel (left) that holds a lot of stuff. The large side pockets begin at the daisy chains, and are accessible from the top and side. A traditional top pocket provides even more easy access to frequently needed items on the trail. All of the pockets are made of durable fabric instead of mesh. The trampoline backpanel (right) is another distinguishing feature. It's supported by a peripheral arched tubular aluminum frame that tensions the mesh backpanel away from the frame and pack body, providing excellent ventilation and form fit.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJkbJ2RkiNGGmNxPPWC0w3_cYMTll2Aldct94uj1zb4MAPcdptALmIzw0zijKQV_EndAuIkMBk-eLpZZxMHOn4fIJRanrrsVPp2VpU6z3rEjQNUqMP7JqL7wZmqhkOoCv0Iw18oajlAQ/s1600/Osprey+Levity+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJkbJ2RkiNGGmNxPPWC0w3_cYMTll2Aldct94uj1zb4MAPcdptALmIzw0zijKQV_EndAuIkMBk-eLpZZxMHOn4fIJRanrrsVPp2VpU6z3rEjQNUqMP7JqL7wZmqhkOoCv0Iw18oajlAQ/s640/Osprey+Levity+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Side view.</u> The tensioned backpanel and arched shape of the pack are more apparent in this view. Fabric side pockets are large, extenting from the blue daisy chain to the backpanel seam. I like to carry my hydration system in a side pocket for easier access. I counterbalance it with a tent in the opposite side pocket. Each side has a zig-zag drawcord compression system that works very well to firm the pack when its loaded, and compress the pack to a smaller volume to carry smaller loads.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpruxwXQiinVcuUsAx5NHdAoo09Jf53ejZc0_EoqqtYq3Zp0Q9RGq3M0frxUM7lIPpUPwQ2fNlLL0hMwo4nGg_PCwlmbvpVlUxbQ0199bPWaenB99gn1mTAeLNTeF80xzmFSzV1uMb5U/s1600/Osprey+Levity+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpruxwXQiinVcuUsAx5NHdAoo09Jf53ejZc0_EoqqtYq3Zp0Q9RGq3M0frxUM7lIPpUPwQ2fNlLL0hMwo4nGg_PCwlmbvpVlUxbQ0199bPWaenB99gn1mTAeLNTeF80xzmFSzV1uMb5U/s640/Osprey+Levity+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bottom view. Yes, the pack's white fabric gets dirty, especially on the bottom. It cleans up well however. The fabric covering the frame around the bottom is a high wear area, but there were no signs of wear from my testing. Durable fabrics and corner reinforcements help a lot, but it's entirely possible to wear holes in the pack's bottom edges from rough use. Note that the hipbelt pockets are my additions; the pack does not include any pockets on the hipbelt.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylWBkYQZvUJ3ODlWerjDAoxe0oX2hpI-jbwFP3iGHgDhNljvzI8ro5C38TY_40Y8t6U_-knvCG89hWsqVJajnPd8LchfZZvkcADxW4AJdtoi7t4yjZADLdwFMeVV-Y5akpAzm2av5QcM/s1600/Osprey+Levity+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylWBkYQZvUJ3ODlWerjDAoxe0oX2hpI-jbwFP3iGHgDhNljvzI8ro5C38TY_40Y8t6U_-knvCG89hWsqVJajnPd8LchfZZvkcADxW4AJdtoi7t4yjZADLdwFMeVV-Y5akpAzm2av5QcM/s640/Osprey+Levity+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I tested the Levity 45 backpack on a February 9-day trip in the Grand Canyon following the “Butte Fault Route”, which is a rugged 80 mile mostly off-trail route crossing about 12 canyons. I also tested the Levity on several local backpacking trips in </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Southwest Colorado</st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Before my <st1:place w:st="on">Grand Canyon</st1:place> trip
I trained with the pack loaded with 30 pounds. It carried the weight well, and
effectively transferred weight to my hips. However, with this amount of weight
I noticed the hipbelt tends to slip down when I put it directly on my hips; it
was necessary to tighten the hipbelt very tight to keep it in place. I found it
carried a heavier load much better with the hipbelt on top of my hips, and
adjusting the shoulder straps and load lifter straps to pull the pack’s top
against my back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the <st1:place w:st="on">Grand Canyon</st1:place> trip I
started out with 27 pounds, and carried over 30 pounds at times when I needed
to carry extra water. While the weight doesn’t sound that heavy, it was for me
since I am normally an ultralight backpacker, plus the terrain was very
challenging with many steep climbs and descents, dry wash boulder hopping, and
class 3-4 scrambling. My opinion is 30 pounds is a reasonable upper limit for
the Levity, and 20 to 25 pounds is the comfort range, on target for lightweight
backpacking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trip was enough to shred a backpack, especially one with
mesh pockets, but the Levity came out virtually unscathed. Its white color got
a bit dirty, but I could only find a couple of minor scratches on the front
pocket. That says a lot about the durability of this pack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since my gear kit is small and compact, I was able to get
all of my gear plus 9 days of food into the pack, and carry for a full day.
Granted, the pack was full, but it all fit. For a larger gear kit, the Levity
60 is a good choice, and weighs just a smidgeon more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfSiIzWLi6n-2ofhLmSpqSD5O7F2mhOfN7IjLUit4pTmtCRqC-TNy6WQNgqDfCYJ4GR2ipjyX6VFFIW-ItPmz6usjxJAbZCzm5pr0mw35rx39hEPzY_kV08xLdsTDJkhL3PhSdoiqgZU/s1600/Osprey+Levity+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfSiIzWLi6n-2ofhLmSpqSD5O7F2mhOfN7IjLUit4pTmtCRqC-TNy6WQNgqDfCYJ4GR2ipjyX6VFFIW-ItPmz6usjxJAbZCzm5pr0mw35rx39hEPzY_kV08xLdsTDJkhL3PhSdoiqgZU/s640/Osprey+Levity+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Levity’s side compression system is excellent. It effectively reduces pack volume for smaller loads so one pack can be used for different trip lengths and load sizes. Here I am using the Levity as a day pack on a day hike from camp.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>There is a large hydration sleeve inside the main
compartment, which is wide and nearly the full height of the pack. It’s big
enough for a large hydration bladder or for storing gear like a flattened
shelter or sleeping pad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One consequence of the pack’s arched trampoline backpanel is
it creates an hourglass shaped main compartment, meaning it’s narrower in the
center. However, that’s only a minor inconvenience that’s overcome by fully
releasing the side compression cords before filling the pack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My only other dislike is the lack of hipbelt pockets. I
missed them so much I added one for my pack testing. I really rely on hipbelt
pockets to hold my compact camera, trail snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, and other
small items I want with easy reach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Summary of Product Pros and Cons</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Things I especially
like about the Levity are:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Its
amazing light weight for an internal frame backpack</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Trampoline
backpanel is well ventilated</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fabric
side pockets and front pocket, instead of mesh, are very durable</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Front
kango pocket holds a lot of gear and keeps it handy</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It’s
full-featured (but no hipbelt pockets)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Its
available in men’s and women’s versions, two volumes, and three sizes,
even a women’s size Extra Small</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It
fits very well and feels like I’m wearing it</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It comfortably
carries a substantial load, well within the range of lightweight
backpacking</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Large
hydration sleeve will carry three liters or more, or can be used to carry
a flattened shelter or sleeping pad</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Easy ErgoPull
hipbelt tightening</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The
side compression drawcords really work to effectively adjust pack volume,
allowing one pack to suffice for different trip lengths and load sizes</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Things I dislike about
the Levity are:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">No
hipbelt pockets (I can add them on, but would rather have the pack come
with them, big ones please)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Constriction
in the center of the main compartment (but the form-fitting ventilated
trampoline backpanel is worth it)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a growing number of internal frame backpacks in
the two-pound range nowadays, but the Osprey Levity/Lumina packs stand out for
several reasons. First, they are true internal frame backpacks, meaning the
frame is built-into the pack, allowing the pack to fit, transfer weight, and
carry comfortably. Some of the other packs in this category have a removable
frame that does not do the job as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, Osprey gets everything right – design, materials, features,
and fit. The Levity’s success comes from Osprey’s mastery of pack design, a
super lightweight frame and backpanel, putting the right fabrics in the right
places, and incorporating essential features (except hipbelt pockets). The 210
denier UHMWE nylon fabric used in high wear areas is sometimes called
“ballistic nylon” or “military grade nylon” and is super strong and abrasion
resistant, which I verified. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Levity
and Lumina packs have a total of 12 combinations of gender, volume, and pack
size. The Lumina even has an Extra Small size.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And third, the packs’ side drawcord compression system is simple,
very lightweight, and really works. I had no trouble using the Levity 45 for a
9-day extended trip, an overnight trip, or as a day pack. The compression works
that well. The Levity (and Lumina) is one of the few packs I have reviewed (and
I have reviewed many) that I can say one pack does it all. In this case I
actually recommend getting the 60 liter version, if you will actually need 60 liters
sometimes. It weighs only a fraction more than the 45 liter size, and the
compression system will adjust it to nearly every need. I chose the 45 liter
size because that’s as big as I will ever need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The feeling I have after testing the Levity is “why would
anyone want to carry a heavier pack with the same volume”? Heavier packs carry
a heavy load more comfortably, but why carry a heavy load at all? The Levity is
a good way to save 2-3 pounds and not miss anything. And it’s a good incentive
to reduce the weight of everything else in your pack, which is easy to do with
judicious choices from today’s wide array of lightweight gear.</div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-14312325537565713462018-07-01T12:55:00.000-06:002018-07-02T09:28:08.151-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Sleeping Pad and Pumphouse Ultra Sleeping Pad Inflation Pump<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitely for lightweight backpackers, and even for
ultralighters, a comfy sleeping pad is a comfort item to spend a few ounces on
in order to get a good night’s sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERWJ_ZVo5J7OGKDYDoyLT7c3Ja-hcv1T8pqpU5KXx5VGFCO56-i104KcZ7YhUsL8iPNxlgT9I1hPdU0l0htYUGY_UED9egb_tl02fz_ffq9H6ASz0Ah0M0ZwZ06gg8W2-HHitEOcQgEg/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERWJ_ZVo5J7OGKDYDoyLT7c3Ja-hcv1T8pqpU5KXx5VGFCO56-i104KcZ7YhUsL8iPNxlgT9I1hPdU0l0htYUGY_UED9egb_tl02fz_ffq9H6ASz0Ah0M0ZwZ06gg8W2-HHitEOcQgEg/s640/1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The specs for the new Big Agnes AXL pad, coming out spring 2018, sound really good – weight as little as 9.6 ounces for a full-length, mummy-shape, 3.25-inch thick (that’s correct) inflatable sleeping pad. That’s down right plush!</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lightest of their AXL family of pads is the uninsulated
mummy version, measuring 20x72 inches and weighing 9.6 ounces. That’s the one I
tried to get for testing, but it wasn’t available, so I settled for the
insulated rectangular version (shown) weighing 11.9 ounces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is remarkable about this pad, compared to the
competition, is its thickness and lightweight. It’s lighter than the full-length
Therm-a-Rest Neo-Air XLite pad and much thicker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, given all these good numbers, how does the AXL pad
perform for lightweight backpacking?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features – Sleeping Pad</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Big Agnes (<a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/">www.bigagnes.com</a>)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Product</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Insulated AXL Air Sleeping Pad (rectangular insulated
version tested)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
“lightweight double-ripstop nylon with aviation grade TPU
lamination”, Primaloft Silver insulation with reflective film</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dimensions </b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
20x72x3.25 inches; outer tubes are 3.75 inches</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Mfr specification 11.9 ounces, measured weight 12.4 ounces
(pad only)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Single 2-way valve, interior antimicrobial treatment,
quick deflation valve, micro-release button for inflation adjustment, larger
outer chambers to cradle sleeper </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sizes Available</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Regular, wide, and mummy; insulated and uninsulated</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Included</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Pad, stuff sack, repair kit</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
$180</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features – Inflation Pump</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Product</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Pumphouse Ultra Sleeping Pad Inflation Pump</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Ripstop nylon</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dimensions</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
19.5x13.5x8 inches</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Mfr specification 2.9 oz, measured weight 2.55 ounces</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
$35</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The AXL inflatable sleeping pad is available in Regular
(20x72 inches), wide (25x72 inches), and Mummy (20x72 rounded and tapered
ends). Shorter lengths are not available, and would not work well because of
the pad’s thickness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Insulation is Primaloft Silver synthetic, plus a reflective
film. Big Agnes prefers to provide a temperature rating (15F), rather than play
the R-rating game. Remember that number. The uninsulated pads are grey and the
insulated pads are red.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Pumphouse Ultra Inflation Pump is a pump bag with a
fitting that pops into the inflation valve on the sleeping pad. It’s claimed to
fit other Big Agnes pads as well as traditional valves. It works as follows:
attach the outlet to the pad’s valve, open the sack so it fills with air, fold
the top over, and roll the bag toward the pad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xx81ib_vvFV6gNW5pz-Ns7LA6FcceFHHIbrx34ZGMyX4l9otPlY_qosbFHs4a9yw3RFEAev7ZVfguVrWWzg9eBiSGM9iOQaEz7gdmlWG5bo8N7eFKfa1fNmi-BXOl3SlsnWfLCakE4k/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xx81ib_vvFV6gNW5pz-Ns7LA6FcceFHHIbrx34ZGMyX4l9otPlY_qosbFHs4a9yw3RFEAev7ZVfguVrWWzg9eBiSGM9iOQaEz7gdmlWG5bo8N7eFKfa1fNmi-BXOl3SlsnWfLCakE4k/s640/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I tested the AXL pad on spring backpacking trips in southern <st1:state style="text-align: start;" w:st="on">Utah</st1:state><span style="text-align: start;"> and summer backpacking trips in the southern </span><st1:place style="text-align: start;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Colorado</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="text-align: start;">. Nighttime temperatures were as low as 27F.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inflating the pad by mouth requires about 30 deep breaths,
which is quite a bit of effort. Using the Pumphouse inflation bag is much
faster and easier, and it doesn’t introduce moisture into the pad. I found the
pump bag easy to use, and it gets easier as you learn the technique. I tested
the Pumphouse bag on a conventional inflation valve and did not find it to work
as Big Agnes claims. The pump bag effectively doubles as a stuff sack, but I
don’t see how it can be used for a portable shower as claimed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgQocswspTmkVX_HtPdILLIcyGtIDPDuwRUD21mLsJe9Zt87vau9MHMDsPMJ9Hs_1pXRjyAQylZmK-7m3Xq-cCB6cl0tAoCVAnDUHlQXy3nQsD7lQ3C_lnYhURVifWvdYRmOXVjr5ffs/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgQocswspTmkVX_HtPdILLIcyGtIDPDuwRUD21mLsJe9Zt87vau9MHMDsPMJ9Hs_1pXRjyAQylZmK-7m3Xq-cCB6cl0tAoCVAnDUHlQXy3nQsD7lQ3C_lnYhURVifWvdYRmOXVjr5ffs/s640/3.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I like its large, one-way inflation valve because air does not leak out between blows. The micro-release button is inside the cap of the valve; after the pad is inflated, simply press on the flap and release a little air to get the desired firmness.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The AXL pad is quite durable, so this is not an ultralight
pad that will require frequent patching. And Big Agnes provides a patching kit
just in case.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The plus side of the AXL pad is its amazing comfort. I never
expected to put the words “3.25 inches thick”, “comfortable, and “lightweight”
in the same sentence but Big Agnes pulls it off. This pad is like floating on a
cloud; made in heaven for lightweight backpacking, and some ultralighters may
adopt it too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The minus side was a big surprise to me – even though the
pad I tested is insulated, I found the pad to be cold at temperatures below
40F. Specifically, my bottomside got chilly, enough to inhibit sleep. My
observed threshold of around 40F is a big difference from the claimed 15F comfort
rating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-M45WXUR0bHNFm8r5gwETxaJZ4u4Y95Z5HGZBSe5JYYG3n2YFSjaaQNQB8FsvwDdA11v-PlYP0AOJr9D3ZepkyoPE5nYDXmD_g3NEHIE1QCljIIdJ6SPTzINq9suI4dOP637C9nEbzQ/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-M45WXUR0bHNFm8r5gwETxaJZ4u4Y95Z5HGZBSe5JYYG3n2YFSjaaQNQB8FsvwDdA11v-PlYP0AOJr9D3ZepkyoPE5nYDXmD_g3NEHIE1QCljIIdJ6SPTzINq9suI4dOP637C9nEbzQ/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I verified that the chill problem was indeed the pad by placing a blanket over the pad and sleeping on that combination on a similar sub 40F night; I had no problem staying warm in the same bag, clothing, and shelter.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note that that my observed 40F comfort threshold is for me; other
sleepers may experience discomfort at cooler or higher temperatures, and
hotblooded sleepers may not experience any discomfort at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To investigate the issue, I peered into the inflation valve
opening to see what’s inside, and couldn’t see any insulation. Next I held the
pad in front of a strong desk light and found that the pad is insulated with a
thin sheet of synthetic insulation bonded to the upper pad fabric, and the insulation sheet has large
oval holes (2x3 inches) in it so it doesn’t interfere with top/bottom fabric
welds that determine the pad’s thickness and texture. Note in the photo below that the insulation has some rather large thermal leaks in it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg538XaD1j8agvF8nLreG-bpIj0geG9fsHXNKdBhWefjBu6wgXscqsRNO3iFKfgQJz_rcHR7suG0pDCc1ak_TP08usMjpjs2wL5cjH64dMnI_65azJHkFJny7tYqOW25zMJLMYOaHgdhjM/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg538XaD1j8agvF8nLreG-bpIj0geG9fsHXNKdBhWefjBu6wgXscqsRNO3iFKfgQJz_rcHR7suG0pDCc1ak_TP08usMjpjs2wL5cjH64dMnI_65azJHkFJny7tYqOW25zMJLMYOaHgdhjM/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This photo of the pad with backlighting shows a thin insulation sheet inside bonded to its upper surface. The insulation has large oval cutouts to allow room for top/bottom fabric welds to create the pad’s thickness and texture. The inflation valve is at the upper left.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My conclusion is the AXL pad’s insulation is insufficient to
meet its claimed comfort rating, for me at least. It’s thin with large holes in
it, and is not very effective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By my testing, I found the AXL pad to be a mixed bag. On the
one hand it’s very comfortable. However, it’s overweight by a half ounce, and
its warmth (for me) is nowhere near the claimed 15F. The problem was
consistent; whenever the nighttime temperature dropped below 40F I got chilly
on my bottomside. Note that the insulation in a sleeping pad works in much the same way as an insulated jacket; rather than feeling a cold line where the jacket is stitched or the pad insulation has a cutout, you feel an overall warmth or coolth. More thermal leakage means less warmth. In the case of the AXL pad, the uninsulated area due to incomplete coverage of the pad's topside plus numerous large cutouts allows a lot of thermal leakage, so more coolth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of this shortcoming, I consider the AXL Air pad, in
spite of its insulation, to be a summer only pad when used by itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One solution to make the AXL pad warmer is to carry a thin
foam pad to place over it to provide extra insulation when it’s needed. The
one-eighth inch thick Gossamer Gear ThinLight pad (2.4 ounces/$18) is a good
choice. It’s full-length, stays in place over an inflatable pad, and has
numerous other uses. I have tested the ThinLight to extend the warmth of other
sleeping pads, and found it adds a remarkable amount of extra warmth for its
minimal weight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, when you add up the actual weight of the AXL pad,
the Pumphouse inflation bag, and a supplementary ThinLight pad you arrive at
17.4 ounces, which substantially reduces the lightweight appeal of the AXL pad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One consideration for campers who use a shelter with limited
headroom is the thick AXL pad will reduce headroom even more. In other words,
the AXL pad works best in a tent with plenty of headroom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my opinion, the AXL pad is too heavy for ultralight
backpacking, so I will reserve it for lightweight backpacking, base camping,
and car camping. Lightweight backpackers will love it for its exceptional
comfort and reasonable weight. And there should be no problem with late night
chills on warm summer nights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would appreciate reader comments on their experiences with
this pad. Does your bottomside get chilly late at night when the temperature
hits its low? And about what temperature does that occur? Or perhaps you don’t
find any issues at all. Share your experience below.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-6017690173628496882018-03-26T12:02:00.001-06:002018-03-26T12:02:32.378-06:00GEAR REVIEW: TOPO Athletic Runventure 2 Trail Running Shoe and Gaiter<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I have often mentioned, my preference for a backpacking
shoe is a lightweight trail runner with a wide toebox, snug heelcup,
all-synthetic upper with welded construction, good midsole cushioning, rock
plate, and an aggressive outsole for good traction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, I know that footwear is a very personal thing,
everyone has different preferences, and different hiking conditions call for
different footwear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In general though, when you carry a light back, you can also
wear light shoes, which get the job done just as well as the heavier clunkers,
and save a lot of energy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main reason I love a wide toebox is because I have wide
feet, but beyond that it’s important to note that, as the miles mount up, whether
you’re a runner or a hiker, our feet swell and it helps a lot to have a wide
toebox to accommodate the expansion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtySWs2jKIMg3L3CJE83HVRRNgbZ38mIV84Nm-qeTGi5BPTmc7W2nDN7veEGCuxttxKSJoNkF27VGdp4R99IEPEkhvWmVBoxy85_vubo7duHGQLacnhgjSXxltLu2B8r8D_JIgJWzdGY/s1600/Topo+Runventure+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtySWs2jKIMg3L3CJE83HVRRNgbZ38mIV84Nm-qeTGi5BPTmc7W2nDN7veEGCuxttxKSJoNkF27VGdp4R99IEPEkhvWmVBoxy85_vubo7duHGQLacnhgjSXxltLu2B8r8D_JIgJWzdGY/s640/Topo+Runventure+1.jpg" width="616" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">The new Topo Runventure 2 Trail Running shoe weighs just 9.2 oz/shoe for men’size 9 and has all my desired features for lightweight and ultralight backpacking. (Topo Athletics photo.)</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Topo Athletic (www.Topoathletic.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Runventure 2 Trail Shoe and Topo Gaiter</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nylon mesh upper with TPU overlays, EVA midsole, rubber
outsole</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roomy toebox, snug heelcup, padded tongue and heel,
moderate cushioning, rock plate, grippy outsole, zero drop.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
9.2 ounces/shoe (men’s 9); 11.1 oz/shoe for tested men’s
12. Size L/XL gaiter weighs 1.25 oz/pr</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 347.4pt;" valign="top" width="463">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shoes $110, Gaiters $20</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above table provides most of the relevant information
describing the shoes. Compared to the Terraventure shoe the Runventure 2 is a
bit lighter (1.2 oz/shoe less), is zero drop compared to a 3 mm heel rise, has
less cushioning, and has a bit less stability control. The upper and stiffness
are similar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Runventure 2 shoe is zero drop, meaning no heel lift.
That platform is preferred by many runners, but preferences run the gamut, and
most running experts emphasize that a conditioning period is necessary to
adjust to zero drop shoes. I note that the Topo Terraventure and Hydroventure
shoes, which I have previously reviewed, have 3 millimeters of heel lift. Over
time my feet have adjusted to these flatter platform trail runners, and I have
no problems with them, although I don’t see any particular advantage of using
them for hiking and backpacking compared to conventional shoes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSpqeRlHh-m5Bo2e498WK02yUEMdNlJneGK0DtIHdRve4qfT6rxN9DcT3CgslDxB7mrm4NGBBvIYQ7ccdlzNXCmWLJlzpDaqwKkSB4e74MTGz4WwQdjKZT5sXSYULsXdcFjPTV8fyHZM/s1600/Topo+Runventure+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1129" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSpqeRlHh-m5Bo2e498WK02yUEMdNlJneGK0DtIHdRve4qfT6rxN9DcT3CgslDxB7mrm4NGBBvIYQ7ccdlzNXCmWLJlzpDaqwKkSB4e74MTGz4WwQdjKZT5sXSYULsXdcFjPTV8fyHZM/s640/Topo+Runventure+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">I tested the Topo Gaiter with the Runventure 2 shoe. The gaiters are made of a stretch nylon fabric that is very durable. They attach at the front with a conventional lace hook, and at the rear with a pair of unique hooks that insert into channels at the back of the shoes. (Topo Athleetics photo.)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GFDXZjifdaXscjPsa25fTVCdQ_8nFgBlPA4G-03hC75sLkMLVk0jKeCveHDVQJofbsvZ97lmoXewVulR8TODs3WpRh6YhQy4nRWHaciAKOdeQoC9y5oSBpiE2SYtKc2FoAW9lCky9qw/s1600/Topo+Runventure+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GFDXZjifdaXscjPsa25fTVCdQ_8nFgBlPA4G-03hC75sLkMLVk0jKeCveHDVQJofbsvZ97lmoXewVulR8TODs3WpRh6YhQy4nRWHaciAKOdeQoC9y5oSBpiE2SYtKc2FoAW9lCky9qw/s640/Topo+Runventure+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> I wore the Runventure for day hiking, trail running, and backpacking on a total of 23 outings totaling 39 days. </span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used them mainly on rocky trails, but there were some
notable exceptions which included some off-trail day hikes and a 9-day 78 mile
traverse in the <st1:place w:st="on">Grand Canyon</st1:place> which involved
backpacking in very rough and steep conditions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have wide feet and find the Runventure just barely wide
enough for me when worn with thin socks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Runventure performs superbly on trails, providing great
traction, cushioning, and agility. Actually, the Runventure is remarkable in
that such a lightweight shoe can provide so much foot protection, comfort, and
trail performance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of my testing, on trails, I found the Runventure to
be very durable for their light weight. This is, of course, the intended use
for the shoes. The welded upper with TPU overlays helps a lot for this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_scu8x9b-rmHUROTMHKsm5tbhHNjbrXVVeUv5IPP5cbo9MctC3A2grX28aLHGuapoydE0qIM3grY5gSCd2_l8aN_bDAvu2nmbCCnA-MMsmafpn_UcE9o0wGC3Qs102XXZd5DsvtVlMM/s1600/Topo+Runventure+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_scu8x9b-rmHUROTMHKsm5tbhHNjbrXVVeUv5IPP5cbo9MctC3A2grX28aLHGuapoydE0qIM3grY5gSCd2_l8aN_bDAvu2nmbCCnA-MMsmafpn_UcE9o0wGC3Qs102XXZd5DsvtVlMM/s640/Topo+Runventure+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">However, one 9-day mostly off-trail backpacking trip in the </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Grand Canyon</st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> shredded them pretty well, as shown in the above photo. I hiked through steep talus slopes and brush, and did a lot of class 3 and 4 scrambling in them while carrying a backpack, and it all took its toll. Note the holes in the mesh uppers on the sides of both shoes; I have found that to be a vulnerable area for shoe damage.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Mj7KQjK-B13wa7fIVDIWAxJUqH737zK54IjPUv8QCpFHuhmSDlzkWhyphenhyphen6xKz_zixbJOMzspQB4Dik5zQLR3RGz9d_B7ldjJbm6SpiZpzCg-iDuk1zDCuDqsmXZe4I9h9t_iiSIXxlNA/s1600/Topo+Runventure+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Mj7KQjK-B13wa7fIVDIWAxJUqH737zK54IjPUv8QCpFHuhmSDlzkWhyphenhyphen6xKz_zixbJOMzspQB4Dik5zQLR3RGz9d_B7ldjJbm6SpiZpzCg-iDuk1zDCuDqsmXZe4I9h9t_iiSIXxlNA/s640/Topo+Runventure+5.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Topo Gaiter stayed put and kept debris out of my shoes while trail hiking, but it was a different story while hiking off-trail. </span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
found the gaiters were not tight enough over the top opening of the shoe to
keep debris out, and the hook-in-hole gaiter attachment at the back of the
shoes frequently came loose. The heel attachment is simply too cumbersome. Most
of the time I left the gaiters attached to the shoes and slipped my foot
through the gaiter first and then into the shoe; still too cumbersome. I would
be happier with a simple hook-and-loop attachment at the heel, and a tighter
fit over the top of the shoe.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the Runventure 2 has all the features and performance
I desire for a good trail running, trail hiking, and ultralight backpacking
shoe on trails. However, this shoe just doesn’t have enough beef and durability
for off-trail hiking (which is not their intended use). I like the Topo
Terraventure better for that purpose, although I wore holes in the sides of
them too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would be nice if Topo would develop a beefier shoe that
can take the abuse of off-trail running and hiking, something akin to the New
Balance Leadville or Montrail Hardrock. These of course would weigh a bit more,
but Topo designers are experts at packing a lot of performance into minimal
weight.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I note that a lot of lightweight and ultralight backpackers
prefer Altra shoes, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> in particular. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>
has most of the same attributes as the Topo trail runners, and is somewhat
beefier and more durable. They weigh a bit more too, 12.2 oz/shoe versus 10.4
oz/shoe for the Terraventure in my size 12. The uppers on the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>
are a very durable nylon mesh, but they are stitched, which is not my
preference. The side seams on the Altras have also opened up from my off-trail
use.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottomline, for trail use, Topo nails the feature set that I
consider to be ideal, and I highly recommend both the Terraventure and
Runventure for lightweight hiking and backpacking on trails and less punishing
off-trail use. However, they don’t have the beef (stiffness, cushioning,
durability) for hardcore off-trail hiking.</div>
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<br /></div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-32205809433415516122018-02-18T13:46:00.000-07:002018-02-18T13:46:01.288-07:00GEAR REVIEW: Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I reviewed the <a href="http://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/2017/02/gear-review-patagonia-nano-air-jacket.html">Patagonia
Nano-Air Jacket</a> a year ago and found the jacket’s active exertion comfort
range occurs at temperatures lower than I normally encounter. In other words,
it is more insulation than I need in my location for high exertion activities.
Granted, it is a very attractive, and warm, jacket for less active endeavors.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0guj2czQABgoEWwFgWQg4gYE16XzWjJKGFuXM2aHsd28ZYDSG0D9sCXljyNa13B-9wl1LMZGTcDVHSmgctE4Hfwl_WuYLSCJXxCc_UCsbUntgUF-UkoUC6Hmuv05rldQQaXVYUtBptr8/s1600/Patagonia+Nano+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1257" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0guj2czQABgoEWwFgWQg4gYE16XzWjJKGFuXM2aHsd28ZYDSG0D9sCXljyNa13B-9wl1LMZGTcDVHSmgctE4Hfwl_WuYLSCJXxCc_UCsbUntgUF-UkoUC6Hmuv05rldQQaXVYUtBptr8/s640/Patagonia+Nano+1.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Still wanting to test the concept of “breathable insulation”, I opted to next test </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">’s Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket, which is a lighter weight version of the Jacket.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the stats: the Nano-Air Jacket has 60 ounces/square
yard polyester insulation, while the Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket has 40
ounces/square yard insulation, one-third less. The fabrics in the two jackets are very
similar.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole idea behind these jackets is to provide extended
range comfort and avoid overheating during aerobic outdoor cool weather
activities. So, how does the lighter weight Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket
perform in active exertion conditions?</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>
(www.patagonia.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
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<b>Model</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fabrics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outer shell is 1.3 oz/sq yd nylon ripstop, lining is 2
oz/sq yd nylon plain weave, both with stretch and DWR</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breathability</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frontside fabric: 40 CFM, backside fabric 130 CFM</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Insulation</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
40 oz/sq yd Full-Range polyester</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Size men’s Large tested: measured weight 10.85 oz; mfr
specification 10.1 oz for size Medium</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full-height front zipper, slim fit, stretch fabric,
wind-resistant frontside fabric, breathable backside fabric, 2 zippered
handwarmer pockets, elastic hem and cuffs, thumbloops</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP </b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.95in;" valign="top" width="475">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$199</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket is designed to be
a high performance garment. <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>’s
synthetic Full-Range polyester insulation is analogous to Polartec Alpha, which
is a “breathable insulation” meant to keep you comfortable during aerobic
activities in cool temperatures, and provide an extended comfort range.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnkKqKg3Hzl6kMXl8wl_qR3aR_9bc6-_D4d2S6rSNrQP7C2W6Vp8XbMALKFYhvW1NoNDi0g8a03L5oo6Nho9ObNIiQ31gnWyrgMDFbOreoG6_2QdLQSqF2xvPA1RMpVW4vR4iA7vx_9o/s1600/Patagonia+Nano+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnkKqKg3Hzl6kMXl8wl_qR3aR_9bc6-_D4d2S6rSNrQP7C2W6Vp8XbMALKFYhvW1NoNDi0g8a03L5oo6Nho9ObNIiQ31gnWyrgMDFbOreoG6_2QdLQSqF2xvPA1RMpVW4vR4iA7vx_9o/s640/Patagonia+Nano+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The frontside of the jacket is insulated and has a tighter
weave shell fabric to provide some wind resistance (40 CFM); the backside of
the garment is uninsulated and has a knitted weave to provide greater
breathability (130 CFM). Both the shell and lining have a DWR finish, which I
previously tested to be very effective.</b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0iQojP_1u6KiiJjvA3WbkDqYCZF1Y4Cd-xQkefNviG90IQDFoxkiqjLcoS7xo6_iMtBkKCt5zV_3tWTJmRn6SMkFXs8Az5bGskM-mDhJ-IdD79azfnbyKimr2Fj3gK8yI6RTo8x0b-M/s1600/Patagonia+Nano+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0iQojP_1u6KiiJjvA3WbkDqYCZF1Y4Cd-xQkefNviG90IQDFoxkiqjLcoS7xo6_iMtBkKCt5zV_3tWTJmRn6SMkFXs8Az5bGskM-mDhJ-IdD79azfnbyKimr2Fj3gK8yI6RTo8x0b-M/s640/Patagonia+Nano+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Close up of the insulated frontside and knitted backside.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Field Testing and Performance</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tested the jacket on 20 outings consisting of day hiking,
snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and backpacking. Testing
was mostly done in cool temperatures ranging from 15 to 40F.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fit</b> – Excellent,
as I have found with all <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place> garments.
The garment’s body is extra long to cover the butt, and the sleeves are longer
too. Its slim cut makes it fit closer to my body, so it’s not bulky, and layers
well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features</b> – The
hand pockets are nice and roomy, and zip for security. I like the stand-up
collar to provide some sun protection for my neck. The thumb loops are handy to
donn the jacket over a baselayer or other garment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wind-Resistance</b> –
The tighter front fabric provides needed wind resistance so a cold wind does
not readily penetrate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breathability</b> –
The frontside fabric does allow for some air exchange; it’s basically a
trade-off between wind resistance and insulation. The backside fabric is much
more breathable, but it is often mostly covered by a day pack or backpack.
Breathability is maximized in activities like running, bicycling, and
cross-country skiing where one does not normally carry a pack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Performance </b>– The
graph below tells a lot about the jackets performance while speed hiking an
undulating trail, carrying a daypack, in temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 F
and calm air. The test was done before sunrise to avoid sun warming. I recorded
the temperature and relative humidity inside the jacket with a Kestrel 4000,
located at mid-chest, at 10 second intervals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysAdB3LO_LzMkQg4bK2-qn5TLZPufXU21sjwo0AtxBZMv3-4KRIk82YQaCFBTQZ0fWlyLkZO5uhmN2ANdJ20QYSDzuLfg6CHNdoE_Bbilz59BZjy1gX_G5GWIxLFxFWkHNcVmi3GGi_s/s1600/Patagonia+Nano+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1390" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysAdB3LO_LzMkQg4bK2-qn5TLZPufXU21sjwo0AtxBZMv3-4KRIk82YQaCFBTQZ0fWlyLkZO5uhmN2ANdJ20QYSDzuLfg6CHNdoE_Bbilz59BZjy1gX_G5GWIxLFxFWkHNcVmi3GGi_s/s640/Patagonia+Nano+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Test data for Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid Jacket</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note that the jacket’s insulation maintained a fairly
constant internal temperature in the 65 to 70 F range, which is good. However,
humidity steadily built up inside the jacket as I hiked, and flattened out at
about 65%. That indicates that the jacket’s fabric breathability was not enough
to exhaust the moisture, allowing it to build up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In terms of perceived comfort, it took about 45 minutes for
the humidity inside the jacket to build up to the point where the jacket felt
somewhat steamy inside and time to open the front zipper to increase
ventilation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that is only part of the comfort story, because the test
was done without any influence from the sun. I live in the <st1:place w:st="on">Southwest
US</st1:place>, where we get a lot of sun, and the sun is warm even in the
winter. Thus the radiant heat from the sun has a big influence in jacket
comfort, even in cold air. There were many occasions when I simply had to take
the jacket off because it was too warm, when the air temperature was in the 30s
and 40s F.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g1mZej6bK_Ax-8pTeKdCQ6PnUWvm3iu8ij71aZj__ALu5l_UZU0Ht2ZPi5k2FuBb6ImcoqCwh472FPIYUeD5QYgNyPNUu5dmTBqFS59z42lapgLNMwztoaImFyrDMrMbKIN-9MT4Og0/s1600/Patagonia+Nano+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g1mZej6bK_Ax-8pTeKdCQ6PnUWvm3iu8ij71aZj__ALu5l_UZU0Ht2ZPi5k2FuBb6ImcoqCwh472FPIYUeD5QYgNyPNUu5dmTBqFS59z42lapgLNMwztoaImFyrDMrMbKIN-9MT4Og0/s640/Patagonia+Nano+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Issues</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> – I found that the jacket’s fabric gets dirty fairly easily, as evidenced by the ring around the neck (from sunscreen) in the photo. And the photo was taken after laundering the garment. Also the jacket incurred some abrasion damage from a skiing fall, so it requires careful use.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket was often too warm
for me in the sunny Southwest, I found its sweet spot is cool, overcast, and
breezy conditions, which is what the jacket is designed for. When I had those
conditions, the jacket performed well for maintaining comfort over an extended
range. In locations where it is overcast or breezy much of the time, or the sun
is low, this jacket is capable of providing comfort over an extended range of
conditions, as claimed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more consistent conditions are – namely overcast, cool,
and breezy – the better this jacket will perform. Then all is good. The problem
I found is variability; when the sun comes out or the wind stops, I get too
hot. Opening the front zipper regulates comfort to some extent, but eventually
it is not enough. The Nano-Air definitely provides some extended comfort, but
the end result is usually the same – the jacket has to come off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line, it’s a very attractive, great fitting, hi-tech
jacket that helps to provide extended comfort in cool, overcast, breezy
conditions, but in my situation those conditions don’t exist for very long. If
you exercise where those conditions are more typical, then this jacket is for
you. However, don’t expect a silver bullet, the breathability part is subtle.</div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-43407309962592870122018-02-18T13:26:00.001-07:002018-02-19T08:06:57.973-07:00GEAR REVIEW: Crescent Moon Eva All-Foam Snowshoes<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a new snowshoe with no metal in it; it’s made of EVA
foam, the same stuff used for cushioning in the midsole of athletic footwear.
It’s received numerous awards for innovation, which is well deserved. It’s
fairly light weight at 3.5 pounds per pair, which is true compared to many
conventional snowshoes that weigh over 4 pounds per pair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCcNZ6C6a2TB3QSnv1mKLc5-gxJp5kBu9aQ863JsbdWJzbUZsNOsFwOAGS7fj1BqQHDFZIUYkDRRHsk3hwHPbeRKmVJwoGuYRGhm4CktkVXJGcpGG9BmQ2hyC1akPQOV7PHiQgdv4rt4/s1600/CM+SS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="852" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCcNZ6C6a2TB3QSnv1mKLc5-gxJp5kBu9aQ863JsbdWJzbUZsNOsFwOAGS7fj1BqQHDFZIUYkDRRHsk3hwHPbeRKmVJwoGuYRGhm4CktkVXJGcpGG9BmQ2hyC1akPQOV7PHiQgdv4rt4/s640/CM+SS+1.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The new Crescent Moon Eva All-Foam Snowshoe is made of dual-density EVA foam; there is no metal in them. The bottomside has a tread molded in that makes a track in the snow like a snow tire. A hard plastic plate with spikes in inlaid into the bottom of the shoe for climbing traction.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And they certainly attract attention, as was the case when I
tested the Eva All-Foam Snowshoes with experienced snowshoeing friends. They
all asked how well they perform – traction on uphills, downhills and sidehills
– and how do they feel without a binding hinge. That’s what I wanted to know
too, which was my reason for testing this unusual snowshoe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First a little background: I have been testing snowshoes for
14 years, and have published numerous reviews and articles on snowshoes in
Backpacking Light Magazine during my 10 year tenure there. I snowshoe with a
bunch of hardcore seniors who love to make their own trail through rough,
steep, and very scenic terrain. So we know snowshoes, and that’s why my
companions were so inquisitive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how did these Eva All-Foam Snowshoes perform in
different types of terrain and snow conditons? Read on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Crescent Moon (www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Eva All-Foam Snowshoe</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Deck</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
EVA foam and hardened plastic. </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Binding</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Embedded adjustable hypalon over the foot and heel straps
with hook and loop closure</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dimensions <o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
8 in x 24 in</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight/Pair<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
Measured weight 3.5 pounds, mfr specification 3.5 pounds</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal">
$160</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoEReHBeAav4BTWlLaAHITbelQZNSxwKN3JWd9Z_1UN8_vo0S_0oqm9cX8rO-KqkRF1spwE4c2-3_ry__VOAr23C0M3Uaf5z-JUuiWu77KWpEyq-UcGH4uC9yOYYn7WYvMTq5KnzEWos/s1600/CM+SS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoEReHBeAav4BTWlLaAHITbelQZNSxwKN3JWd9Z_1UN8_vo0S_0oqm9cX8rO-KqkRF1spwE4c2-3_ry__VOAr23C0M3Uaf5z-JUuiWu77KWpEyq-UcGH4uC9yOYYn7WYvMTq5KnzEWos/s640/CM+SS+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The topside of the snowshoe is a softer EVA with the binding embedded. The bottomside is a molded harder EVA with a traction tread molded in plus an inlaid hard plastic plate with sharp spikes.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These snowshoes are definitely a new concept; some
details: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">They
are made of dual density molded EVA foam that is flexible. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
upper layer of the foam (white) is softer and has the binding anchored
into it, so it’s not removable or replaceable. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
bottom layer of EVA is harder and has a traction tread molded into it,
like a snow tire. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A hard
plastic traction panel sporting 10 clusters of three-pronged spikes is
inlaid beneath the binding, which serves the function of crampons in a
traditional snowshoe.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
snowshoe does not have a binding hinge; instead it has lots of rocker
(curvature) and flexibility to facilitate walking.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Since
there is no binding hinge, the tail of the snowshoe does not drop when you
lift your foot; rather the snowshoe stays flatly attached to the bottom of
your boot.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
foam construction makes the snowshoes somewhat lightweight at 3.5 pounds,
but they are not as light as they look, and certainly not the lightest
ones to be found.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu73ZlvaIxAHgfyzgEQ3Pt70-wPmRMieyGtIwTHjQHIYplKHtow4fQsTCBv0mGM23Mj-HzBR2-3-ousZ5lrX8SQqUA4CdF7JkB3_M37s684UqdfclUxfSmX-QZ1IaTAjL_gSPUjFHLu4/s1600/CM+SS+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu73ZlvaIxAHgfyzgEQ3Pt70-wPmRMieyGtIwTHjQHIYplKHtow4fQsTCBv0mGM23Mj-HzBR2-3-ousZ5lrX8SQqUA4CdF7JkB3_M37s684UqdfclUxfSmX-QZ1IaTAjL_gSPUjFHLu4/s640/CM+SS+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The simple binding is made of Hypalon rubber. Two adjustable top straps and one heel strap fit boots from a women's 7 to a men's 14. The underheel strap at the back is my gaiter strap.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no doubt that these snowshoes are unconventional,
but how do they compare to conventional snowshoes? And are they any better?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Testing and Performance</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I obtained a pair of the snowshoes for a few weeks to test
them out, and had the opportunity to try them out in shallower snow, wet snow,
and deep snow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first impression, in shallow (12 inches deep) and wet
snow, is they feel the same as conventional snowshoes, which is remarkable
since I was expecting some sort of adjustment to them. They walked, climbed,
descended, tracked, and gripped as well as conventional snowshoes. They broke
trail just fine. I did not have any icing up problems when I went from wet
(open sun) snow to cold (shade) snow. The peripheral lugs in the bottom tread gave the snowshoes good lateral stability. I
had a hard time finding any fault with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I tested them on deeper softer snow (30 to 36 inches
deep), and discovered their limitations. When following a few snowshoers who
created an 8 to 10 inch trench, I sank in much deeper – these snowshoes lack
adequate flotation for softer snow. Exacerbating that problem, the flat
attachment of the snowshoes makes then act like scoops – snow piles up on top of the snowshoes, which I
have to lift when I pull them up out of the holes. They are laborious to use in
soft snow, and forget about breaking trail with them in deeper soft snow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UdDOekHLG8tiwpvtUaUIrH3tr8uZHNGqlz6jNjjM814e39gMhNNEzOAAXqVSsG5mugxfE5ZCQ6IEeEZ6L58DLix_X2MsoZRuX_J0YN12fM2YvBGmES_b1Etmmz2O7dGFIkjjQRaszs8/s1600/CM+SS+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UdDOekHLG8tiwpvtUaUIrH3tr8uZHNGqlz6jNjjM814e39gMhNNEzOAAXqVSsG5mugxfE5ZCQ6IEeEZ6L58DLix_X2MsoZRuX_J0YN12fM2YvBGmES_b1Etmmz2O7dGFIkjjQRaszs8/s640/CM+SS+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I noticed after using the snowshoes on three all-day hikes (there were used some before I got them) that the hard plastic spikes on the bottom are already rounded off, making one wonder about the longevity of these snowshoes. There is no noticeable wear in the molded EVA tread. Note: I did not walk on rock or pavement with the snowshoes, although I did walk on hard ice and hit an occasional rock buried in the snow.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
Assessment</h2>
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I found from my testing that the Crescent Moon Eva All-Foam
Snowshoes are best described as an entry level or beginner snowshoe best suited
for packed trails. If you are making your own trail with a group of people, you want to
be near the end of the line. </div>
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In soft deeper snow, because of their teardrop shape, they
lack the flotation of other snowshoes the same length. Added to that, their
flat position loads them with snow, making them laborious to lift. Overall,
they are very unsuitable for breaking trail, or following a few others on a
newly broken trail.</div>
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The hard plastic spikes on the bottom allow these snowshoes
to climb quite well in firm snow, and I did not find the lack of a pivot point
to be a limitation. When I am steeply climbing I concentrate my weight on the
toe crampons of conventional snowshoes, but I found the spikes on the foam
snowshoes seemed to function as well. However, the spikes are getting rounded
off after only a few trips with normal wear and tear, which makes me wonder
what the longevity of these snowshoes will be. Conventional snowshoes, with
metal crampons, will last a long time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgpPXx0dyDuft30T4vTaYT2ZrZV3Erp6ujIZRmwa-squ-BjxcIuXuOEsYzqeuIdy4dBtB_RK2xSH71KhtvADL6TrCcQqGUwIgUmmOLBkAfkNBxJFGrxM0uyRyBLGHlMQcQmUGUKc7Uno/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgpPXx0dyDuft30T4vTaYT2ZrZV3Erp6ujIZRmwa-squ-BjxcIuXuOEsYzqeuIdy4dBtB_RK2xSH71KhtvADL6TrCcQqGUwIgUmmOLBkAfkNBxJFGrxM0uyRyBLGHlMQcQmUGUKc7Uno/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><span style="background: white;">Version 2 of the Eva All-Foam Snowshoe is </span>coming
in fall 2018 (right). It will add aluminum crampons to make them climb
better, with no weight gain. Also note that the molded tread is revised too. Looks like they won't be all-foam anymore. The aluminum crampons should help with both traction and longevity. The current version is shown in the left photo.</span></b></div>
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The Eva Foam snowshoes cost less than most conventional snowshoes, and weigh a bit less, but I believe the old adage applies “you get what you pay for”. For example, the MSR Lightning Trail snowshoe in a 25-inch length weighs 3 pounds 6 ounces (2 ounces less), has a metal frame and crampons, provides serious traction in all directions, and costs $220 ($60 more). That’s where I would put my money, but I'm more of a hardcore snowshoer.<br />
<br />
It's important to evaluate these snowshoes for what they are -- less expensive snowshoes for beginner and intermittent snowshoers who mainly travel on packed snow. They are simpler to put on and use, with no learning curve; simply walk on them. And for that niche they are a good choice. They are unique, simple and easy to use, function very well, and attract a lot of attention.</div>
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Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-39816770369812630722018-01-30T16:14:00.000-07:002018-02-01T09:09:30.873-07:00Highlights from the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2018: Interesting and Useful New Gear for Lightweight Backcountry Travel <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -7.5pt; margin-right: -5.25pt; margin-top: 0in;">
By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl</div>
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As you probably know by now,
Outdoor Retailer has moved to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Denver</st1:city>
<st1:state w:st="on">Colorado</st1:state></st1:place> and this is the first
show at the new location. Also the winter OR show has been combined with SIA,
which is the snowsports industry trade show, a complementary combination.</div>
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We cover the show to find gear of
interest for lightweight backcountry travel: backpacking, canoeing, kayaking,
biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. Most of the gear we find at OR
is in the lightweight category, although we find some ultralight items as well.
For gearheads, its just fun to keep up with new gear and technologies that
lighten our load and improve our enjoyment of the backcountry.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaTVHku3pr6-jdObX3axTt-ThP6de2f5w2DaVTjGU7lHI_CYvlfgCEGlxgQFsQ8v1nlHHUc6XHzGFPeVC3gq8NdC6my19T8qOwi0jpewAlUuvAn2Z3lbqJAfXJKyiQAljwcYWfVSVxgo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaTVHku3pr6-jdObX3axTt-ThP6de2f5w2DaVTjGU7lHI_CYvlfgCEGlxgQFsQ8v1nlHHUc6XHzGFPeVC3gq8NdC6my19T8qOwi0jpewAlUuvAn2Z3lbqJAfXJKyiQAljwcYWfVSVxgo/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Lifestraw Flex Water Filtration System</u>. We reported on this last summer but the product was more of a prototype then. The 0.65 liter flask is made of TPU and has a fairly large opening for the filter unit to screw in. Weight is 3.05 ounces for the flask and filter; cost is $35, and it’s available in spring 2018.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0iV8EPA4D2LMjh2rtqJ2zTXVjeEMn3iLWFxz5ciX6VCBiytn5vWxnMiwFYJ2tjKdzJdh-E__WjBRyh86FjvbT0hLIenkSxmnX5NlbC_2-VXyhhQ57hSQvw_Du7v2kLyz9UIXTYnnzQI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0iV8EPA4D2LMjh2rtqJ2zTXVjeEMn3iLWFxz5ciX6VCBiytn5vWxnMiwFYJ2tjKdzJdh-E__WjBRyh86FjvbT0hLIenkSxmnX5NlbC_2-VXyhhQ57hSQvw_Du7v2kLyz9UIXTYnnzQI/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Kahtoola Instagaiters</u>. This new line of lightweight gaiters will come out in January 2019. Four styles are: Low (1.7-2 oz, $39), Mid (2.3-2.6 oz, $49), Navigaiter (tall, 6-7 oz, $75), and Levagaiter (tall, 4.4-5 oz, $85). Each has a zipper that angles to the side (water-resistant on the tall gaiters) and a durable TPU underfoot strap, which is replaceable. The Levagaiter (left one in the right photo) is made of Gore-Tex fabric, making it a very lightweight breathable gaiter. The Navigater has a Gore-Tex fabric upper and durable ballistic nylon </span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>lower, so it weighs a bit more. The tall gaiters (in black only) will be available from REI in July 2018.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqK5gY1-gl1TX6tkcj5dnQxBdjEGm4ylhojW8ZToLDx3rnvh4TkCw-VcjplldP46i1jtvfJG1sGTRnOrpMR9_VUs28K6HQ8yCzDGfzXkQGWMADgwpFnd_bAJpZZTYp-3YKYQrwD52mPw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqK5gY1-gl1TX6tkcj5dnQxBdjEGm4ylhojW8ZToLDx3rnvh4TkCw-VcjplldP46i1jtvfJG1sGTRnOrpMR9_VUs28K6HQ8yCzDGfzXkQGWMADgwpFnd_bAJpZZTYp-3YKYQrwD52mPw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Tinkle Belle</u>. We have seen various devices for women to pee in the woods, and perhaps this is the best one yet. Its claims to fame are a better fit to the female anatomy, and it moves urine farther away from the body. To use it, you only have to unzip your pants, not take them down, or push your swimsuit aside. Available now at www.thetinkerbelle.com for $25. A case is included and it weighs 1.75 ounces.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1r86SfLoWMGTkYTi3MJMaHAVvL2YaAHGLvjscbk6Bpm7SvPRML36HaduezQJxkVImDM2XsnyaACFZGZoUXzPoYKruJDJlYE-edYVbWUtgKXwclUtmUlGQyDa8zk-ExPASsviE8SQqQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1r86SfLoWMGTkYTi3MJMaHAVvL2YaAHGLvjscbk6Bpm7SvPRML36HaduezQJxkVImDM2XsnyaACFZGZoUXzPoYKruJDJlYE-edYVbWUtgKXwclUtmUlGQyDa8zk-ExPASsviE8SQqQ/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Outdoor Element Firebiner.</u> This one ounce gadget is a multitool on a carabiner. It’s a carabiner, screwdriver, cord cutter, and fire starter (see right photo for complete list). MSRP is $15 and its available now.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn2R5EUM4Mzv2SsOjGzzj9BJ2avBF_WZxBJ9r1ZKU3FvV0i5oYa7pgAoP0BzZzTBBm14MXXwr3nGczRg_zL9w2G3CxT5Y1y4JULMiiroIgXvQKb680zixKx6fVLpgUQ1AzH108K4-3-U/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn2R5EUM4Mzv2SsOjGzzj9BJ2avBF_WZxBJ9r1ZKU3FvV0i5oYa7pgAoP0BzZzTBBm14MXXwr3nGczRg_zL9w2G3CxT5Y1y4JULMiiroIgXvQKb680zixKx6fVLpgUQ1AzH108K4-3-U/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b><u>Maxsun Canister Stove</u>. How about a 0.95 ounce canister stove? This one coming from Maxsun, a <st1:country-region style="text-align: start;" w:st="on">South Korea</st1:country-region><span style="text-align: start;"> company, is super light and compact. They are looking for a </span><st1:country-region style="text-align: start;" w:st="on">US</st1:country-region><span style="text-align: start;"> distributor and they say it will be available in three months. Stay tuned.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrdjJzPiofAjx80fK72kvt9nMyM9ojCV-MlWGsk_9p6fDQOCQiHu-jRcIuFkKGLydamD5XqLNHZPJaUQwOX7KCI24WDZEsJirDjKaH2bXg3E9D-3xRBUqsn-UoEPEyCw-edYXy6J8nyA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrdjJzPiofAjx80fK72kvt9nMyM9ojCV-MlWGsk_9p6fDQOCQiHu-jRcIuFkKGLydamD5XqLNHZPJaUQwOX7KCI24WDZEsJirDjKaH2bXg3E9D-3xRBUqsn-UoEPEyCw-edYXy6J8nyA/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Aketta Cricket Protein Products</u>. Keep saying “it’s all in my mind”. We covered chocolate products with cricket protein before, and to be truthful, we couldn’t taste the cricket part. That’s true of Aketta’s granola ($6 for a 5-ounce package), but they also sell pure dried flavored crickets (inset, $4 for a 1-ounce package), which is a little harder to get past the gums. We tried them and found them crunchy and flavorful. They also have pure cricket protein powder ($15 for 4 ounces) which can be added to smoothies and other concoctions. Available now.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSw69smlF2uuy9O-447g4QR0m7uH4KgerDUobbcuxrI5fMZAVpRRIJZfvcNlNOmUgnJR_GiW35UwC7LHkN7-UEZgpop0VH9Ilc_RHCmoyzIfWNIDI8Xo5zP-rNE2g4NxJ1-8fYSRj7wE/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSw69smlF2uuy9O-447g4QR0m7uH4KgerDUobbcuxrI5fMZAVpRRIJZfvcNlNOmUgnJR_GiW35UwC7LHkN7-UEZgpop0VH9Ilc_RHCmoyzIfWNIDI8Xo5zP-rNE2g4NxJ1-8fYSRj7wE/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Ostrim Meat Sticks with Ostrich</u>. The exhibitor, who formerly raised ostriches in </span><st1:state style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Texas</st1:state><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, claims that ostrich is the leanest red meat with high protein. They now buy the meat on the open market, and claim to be the largest ostrich meat buyer in the </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">US</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. Their “meat sticks with ostrich” are beef + ostrich. They also have elk and turkey meat sticks without ostrich. Cost for a 1.5 ounce stick containing 14 grams of protein is $2. Available now.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjjHanf724cGb9zgJBUBlX1zxuKCjZ-u4FYMxY9z-irBStJvkt_K2L2cvntt_9ICSBjFL-JD2OoGxVYDQ0jFGrPIsCsKmlSVBWsUAlM6saDQVfG7KPpphIrYGk6FKw0l3EvQqs8B0Keg/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1600" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjjHanf724cGb9zgJBUBlX1zxuKCjZ-u4FYMxY9z-irBStJvkt_K2L2cvntt_9ICSBjFL-JD2OoGxVYDQ0jFGrPIsCsKmlSVBWsUAlM6saDQVfG7KPpphIrYGk6FKw0l3EvQqs8B0Keg/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Aftershokx Bone Conduction Headphone.</u> We tried their lightest model, the Trekzair weighing 1.05 ounces/pair, and were impressed with their clarity and volume. They use Bluetooth to pick up music and talk on the phone. MSRP is $179, but they can be found for $149; available now.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwwhqk0xfJ4pFc77Dm6qCBrqp-HOtUvz6wyylKCgX0CH8KxuR7dhF959L1CkZvHE2NpZpwHaSigNiCOd_GinvkTGa69GjYv85FpoQ931HUgiB3lE-uRzUmGJIZf06W6RQo5vbrFlAV4/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwwhqk0xfJ4pFc77Dm6qCBrqp-HOtUvz6wyylKCgX0CH8KxuR7dhF959L1CkZvHE2NpZpwHaSigNiCOd_GinvkTGa69GjYv85FpoQ931HUgiB3lE-uRzUmGJIZf06W6RQo5vbrFlAV4/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><st1:state style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><u>Yukon</u></st1:state><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u> Charlie Elite Snowshoes</u>. The new Elite is their top of the line and is available in three lengths: 21 inches ($199, 3.89 pounds/pair), 25 inches ($199, 4.2 pounds/pair), and 30 inches ($199, 4.8 pounds/pair). They are reasonably lightweight for an aluminum frame snowshoe. The bottomside of the frame is serrated, and there are toe and heel crampons, as well as a heel lifter. Their Northwave Spin binding compresses the boot from the side, not the top, which is more comfortable. There is a pullcord to release the binding. Available around September-October 2018.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Crescent Moon All Foam Snowshoes</u>. These came out in fall 2017 and are a new concept in snowshoes. They are made of different densities of EVA foam (like the midsole in a running shoe or boot), have a hard TPU plastic tread on the bottom, and have a lot of rocker (curvature). They work like a snow tire on snow. Version 2 </span></b></span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">coming in fall 2018 will add a</span></b><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">luminum crampons (right photo) to make them climb better, with no weight gain. The current ones come in only one size (about 25 inches), weigh 3.5 pounds/pair, and sell for $159; available now. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Tent</u>. Tents keep getting lighter. The Tiger Wall is a two-person, double-wall tent with two doors and two vestibules that weights just 2 pounds 3 ounces and costs $400. A three-person version will weigh 2 pounds 11 ounces and cost $450. Note the floor is wide enough for two standard air mattresses side by side, and headroom is very good in both height and width. The interior is ultralight mesh, with three storage pockets. The floor and fly are 15 denier nylon with a silicone coating on the outside and polyurethane on the inside. This one looks to be a winner; available fall 2018.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Big Agnes AXL Sleeping Pad</u>. We covered this last summer, but the details were not complete then, and it also bears repeating. This is a full size, 3-inch thick air mattress weighing as little as 9.6 ounces. It will be available in two sizes: 20x72x3 uninsulated (9.6 ounces, $140) or insulated (10.6 ounces, $180), and 25x72x3 (13 ounces). They have a wide-opening valve that is compatible with an available inflation bag for fast inflation. Available spring 2018.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Soto Amicus Canister Stove</u>. This new model is not regulated, weighs 2.55 ounces, and costs $40 without an igniter or $45 with an igniter. A regulated version, the Windmaster, weighs 3.15 ounces and costs $75. Both have a convex burner head to resist the effects of wind. They come with two different detachable pot supports. Available now. I am very partial to Soto stoves, and would be willing to carry a little extra weight to have their performance and reliability</span><span style="color: #e06666;">.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u>Leatherman Multi-Tool at 35 Years</u>. We were privileged to attend a breakfast to hear the remarkable story of Tim Leatherman and the development of his multi-tool. Tim is a modest and articulate mechanical engineer who recognized the need for a multi-tool while fixing a Fiat in </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Europe</st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, then spent 8 years developing the tool and struggling to find a market for it. That finally happened in 1983 and the rest is history; the company now has 400 employees and makes 35 models sold around the world. Very inspiring.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Altra Lone Peak 4.0</u>. It wasn’t long ago that we reported on the Lone Peak 3.5 and tested it. The 3.5 was more of an upgrade but the 4.0 will be more of a makeover, in a good way. As before, it will be available in Low and Mid styles, mesh upper or waterproof-breathable upper. The latter will be eVent in the new version, rather than NeoShell. Other major changes are a newly designed TrailClaw tread with new rubber and grip pattern, a new rock plate shaped like a foot with long toes to provide more lateral stability, and a five-layer outsole. The mesh version is dialed in to make it just right for breathability and durability. I was so excited I forgot to get weights and MSRPs, but they should be similar to the current version.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw77bSDU7asY0zpIW6Mp0P8x0VqiqYPan2TTsaYGibdDBtVSLncb_7HnK6g86ABWB2a6D8jCI2_S_joAONpYmfgRacFS69WmlDKj_dsm-LTrPv69q6jclR0b3Y8Kf4TdDjhuZGyPmJlyI/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw77bSDU7asY0zpIW6Mp0P8x0VqiqYPan2TTsaYGibdDBtVSLncb_7HnK6g86ABWB2a6D8jCI2_S_joAONpYmfgRacFS69WmlDKj_dsm-LTrPv69q6jclR0b3Y8Kf4TdDjhuZGyPmJlyI/s640/15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><u>Patagonia</u></st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u> Capeline Air Baselayer</u>s. Their popular Capeline baselayers will now be available in four versions: Air, Thermal, Midweight, and Lightweight. The new Air version is knitted as one piece, meaning no seams, akin to printing it on a 3-D printer. The women’s version (right) has a bit more texture for more warmth. The yarn is 40% recycled polyethylene and 51% merino wool. We were unable to get the garment weights, but they appear to be very lightweight. A hoody version is $149 and a crew is $129; available now at </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">www.patagonia.com</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> and a little later in retail stores.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><u>Patagonia</u></st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><u> Micropuff Jackets and Vests</u>. The newest version of the popular Micropuff Jacket will feature Plumafill insulation, which is made from recycled polyethylene bottles. The insulation is in sheet form and the garment is sewn with minimal seams. Versions will be men’s and women’s jackets with or without a hood, and men’s and women’s vests. The hoodie is $299, jacket is $249, and vest is $199; available September 2018.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Western Mountaineering Quilts</u>. Yep, quilts coming from WM. They will feature 7d fabric with an acrylic “kiss coating”, 850+ fill-power down, easy to use cord pad attachment, a wrap-around closure system, and an innovative collar design to seal in heat. The Nanolite has a 38F rating, weighs 11 ounces (12.5 ounces in size Long), and costs $330 ($345 for Long). The Astralite has a 26F rating, weighs 16 ounces (17.5 ounces for size Long), and costs $400 ($415 for Long). They will be available in spring 2018. As you can see, I tried one out and found the 6-foot Regular length a little short for my 6’ height, so I would need the Long. I was impressed with the loft of these bags, so they should be true to their temperature ratings.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxMXtLkroNpYYKK4T6D9FxmgfajQdusObBAYsRypxCPrUg9KBeoZL5ZE-2i-mkOfRjRs1JgQKct8gL6WqS9OJDeAFFSa_V2NSOgrCcwV-MtdX0kZkFA0E-0_qIVdbC9JjANUk7GCw5XY/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1341" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxMXtLkroNpYYKK4T6D9FxmgfajQdusObBAYsRypxCPrUg9KBeoZL5ZE-2i-mkOfRjRs1JgQKct8gL6WqS9OJDeAFFSa_V2NSOgrCcwV-MtdX0kZkFA0E-0_qIVdbC9JjANUk7GCw5XY/s640/18.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Pants</u>. A new addition to the Ghost Whisperer line is an ultralight down pant, which will be arriving in fall 2018. They are insulated with </b></span></span><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">800 fill-power </b><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Nikwax hydrophobic down. Weight is 7.8 ounces and MSRP will be $250. The beauty of down pants is they weigh about the same as a baselayer bottom, but provide a lot more insulation.</b></td></tr>
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Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-65303016095743576992018-01-29T15:07:00.002-07:002018-02-01T09:05:19.359-07:00Highlights from the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2018: Introduction + New Technologies and Trends<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl</div>
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<b>OR Moves to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city></b></h2>
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Following through on its ultimatum to leave <st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state> if <st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state> politicians
persist with their push to privatize public lands, the Outdoor Retailer Trade
Show has moved to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Denver</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Colorado</st1:state></st1:place>, in a state that strongly values
its public lands and their connection to people and business. This was the
first show at their new home at the <st1:placename w:st="on">Colorado</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Convention Center</st1:placetype> in downtown <st1:city w:st="on">Denver</st1:city>. As you can see
from the photo, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Colorado</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Convention Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> is a
beautiful facility, with enough room (barely) to contain the entire trade show
under one roof, and provide easy access to hotels and restaurants. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irTVDC5FlURfV7eCfYJo8CzXYssGm-DyAxyawIswAi1gtNbNYU26hVGU_nfkUxXlJDIAlrDdUzKIqdgyXpKMkubnzd2Rbpq598-0T_KXS-NAx3oiEgdlzyWEkzSty0eo2hXIicYJ65c/s1600/TT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irTVDC5FlURfV7eCfYJo8CzXYssGm-DyAxyawIswAi1gtNbNYU26hVGU_nfkUxXlJDIAlrDdUzKIqdgyXpKMkubnzd2Rbpq598-0T_KXS-NAx3oiEgdlzyWEkzSty0eo2hXIicYJ65c/s640/TT1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>The <st1:placename w:st="on">Colorado</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Convention Center</st1:placetype> in downtown <st1:city w:st="on">Denver</st1:city> has 2.2
million square feet of exhibit space, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and a theatre.
(Photo by US <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Green</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Building</st1:placetype></st1:place> Council)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We couldn’t help but compare the facility to the <st1:placename w:st="on">Salt</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype>
in <st1:city w:st="on">Salt Lake City</st1:city>.
Navigation was easier in the <st1:placename w:st="on">Salt</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype> because we had some landmarks to go by, but on
the enormous rectangular conference center floor at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Colorado</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Convention Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>
it was very challenging to navigate. More signage is definitely needed for the
next shows in July and August. We also missed the good people in <st1:city w:st="on">Salt Lake City</st1:city> who (contrary to <st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place> politicians) worked hard to accommodate
the many needs of the trade show and its attendees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<h2>
<b>Sustainability</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The outdoor industry is one of the most progressive in the world
in terms of sustainable manufacturing and strongly supporting our public lands.
Over the past few years manufacturers have made great strides to reduce
environmental impacts from the manufacture of their products and increased use of
recycled content. Congratulations and thank you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The elimination of PFC-based DWRs is a case in point. The problem is the process contaminates a huge amount of water. The
current substitutes have a serious downside; they don't last very long. However, a new chemistry developed by Green Theme
International (<a href="http://www.greenthemeint.com/">http://www.greenthemeint.com/</a>)
called Aquavent is completely waterless and outperforms previous
water-repellent finishes. They call it a HDF (High Definition Finish) rather
than a DWR. Briefly, the chemical is cross-linked to the fibers through a heat
and pressure process, which is amenable to adding dyes, antimicrobials, etc. at
the same time. It becomes part of the fiber rather than a surface coating on
fabric. The treated fiber is then woven into fabric. And fabric treated via the
Aquavent process is softer and less slippery, and doesn’t need to be restored
like a conventional DWR.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbeCeF1M3RGKj73ryTAIiEwoTAwomEjG83C9_s8lGHSyA1nIJ70GXuJJZjpZYWSIkEdjZLzmnnQ4mfw6QeWFLRWYlZ1WfoUBqkBHCGbitNXpslzMeeOPRzSv2cZmp_LTQ7rS8UPO-mjU/s1600/TT7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1566" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbeCeF1M3RGKj73ryTAIiEwoTAwomEjG83C9_s8lGHSyA1nIJ70GXuJJZjpZYWSIkEdjZLzmnnQ4mfw6QeWFLRWYlZ1WfoUBqkBHCGbitNXpslzMeeOPRzSv2cZmp_LTQ7rS8UPO-mjU/s640/TT7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marmot will be introducing Aquavent treated rainwear in their ECODry line of garments for spring 2018. The Phoenix Jacket (above, $175, 7 ounces) is the lightest one in the line. Pants are also available. (Marmot photo)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<h2>
<b>Gore-Tex Infinium</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gore made the biggest reveal since their original Gore-Tex
fabric – they are moving beyond waterproof/breathable fabrics with the
introduction of Gore-Tex Infinium technologies in fall 2018. Infinium
technologies are comfort-tested performance constructions in four categories: soft-lined garments, insulated garments, stretch gloves, and footwear. These
products move Gore beyond waterproof/breathable fabrics. Utilizing the Gore
Biophysics Lab and Environmental Chamber in <st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place>,
Gore will develop constructions (combinations of fabric, membrane, insulation, linings, etc.) with optimized performance, which includes breathability, stretch,
water-resistance, wind-resistance, warmth, moisture management, thermal
management, form fit, and comfort. Those attributes will be optimized to
the purpose of the garment. The majority of these constructions will be water-resistant,
but not waterproof, and will be tagged with a white diamond logo. Current waterproof
fabric constructions will continue to be tagged with the familiar Gore-Tex
black diamond.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be clear, Gore will work with garment brands to develop
and test desired Infinium constructions, and the garments will be manufactured
and sold by those other brands. This is the same model as the present Gore-Tex
waterproof-breathable fabrics. <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span>Gore Wear, their internal house
brand, will also leverage some of these technologies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some examples of Gore Infinium:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDWK6eJC4GGtHsHTPkm3aQjrXoH5pLC-xBX1liySLb8l3IDfVJn-Yrk70qIAMKMlN6nbMNAb8BkYDaBErU3EpfMiGlIenGC6E5ZRTn-3tnC4g6YqDRJJM3kjlj268Hlmo_lIGV7QN6JA/s1600/TT2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDWK6eJC4GGtHsHTPkm3aQjrXoH5pLC-xBX1liySLb8l3IDfVJn-Yrk70qIAMKMlN6nbMNAb8BkYDaBErU3EpfMiGlIenGC6E5ZRTn-3tnC4g6YqDRJJM3kjlj268Hlmo_lIGV7QN6JA/s640/TT2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Gore-Tex Infinium Soft-Line Garments will feature
a thin Gore-Tex ePTFE membrane on the outside, which is nearly invisible on the
left jacket, but makes the right one look much like a leather jacket. They are
stitched-through so they are highly wind-resistant and breathable, but not
waterproof.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhj2iDsMa8E4rfiJp1mMVi7GuAZA-OsxzD5UDZzzTby4XNcz5T3TekXGwYOogif21x5F2-Z9Hr-_z1chyEhsvkmQOeNIeTGwuvG4xBXxDOFNyw3cQWf1vnCVcyZaA_9gdsWUv1I2fW7A/s1600/TT3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhj2iDsMa8E4rfiJp1mMVi7GuAZA-OsxzD5UDZzzTby4XNcz5T3TekXGwYOogif21x5F2-Z9Hr-_z1chyEhsvkmQOeNIeTGwuvG4xBXxDOFNyw3cQWf1vnCVcyZaA_9gdsWUv1I2fW7A/s640/TT3.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Gore-Tex Infinium Insulated Garments can have a
thin ePTFE membrane on the outside, over down or synthetic insulation, to
provide breathability as well as wind and water resistance. For Fall 2018,
Gore, working with strategic brand partners, will unveil Gore-Tex Infinium
Thermium footwear in a line of women’s shoes built for everyday lifestyle use.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8KaAZhhcz3YfY0Cgt8Ux597udCOOF2rpC5itb9Q1vuJEuP3vO8yXjdGG3AD6i_82_9JcoAjrcmO_NUKQoVDLoGfrd8WqlAYK3qmnSCaYbqaZYF1TZVLnLk7Bk7M4Dpxp-Ls4Zi-atA0/s1600/TT4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8KaAZhhcz3YfY0Cgt8Ux597udCOOF2rpC5itb9Q1vuJEuP3vO8yXjdGG3AD6i_82_9JcoAjrcmO_NUKQoVDLoGfrd8WqlAYK3qmnSCaYbqaZYF1TZVLnLk7Bk7M4Dpxp-Ls4Zi-atA0/s640/TT4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The existing Gore-Tex Windstopper technology, as in this wind and water-resistant softshell, will move into the Infinium category.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>Synthetic Insulations
Put the Heat on Down</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At each succeeding OR we see more advances in synthetic
insulation to make it more closely mimic down insulation and marketing to advance
consumer acceptance. It’s working; a recent survey published in Outdoor Insight
Magazine found that 37% of respondents prefer synthetic insulation, 28% prefer
wool, and only 25% look for down. Puffy jackets are nice and warm, but
consumers seem to prefer less bulky closer-fitting synthetic jackets that are
also warm. Manufacturers like synthetic too, because insulation prices are not
as volatile as down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MdukDosg92RhmIYk6oFgRY7_rs0xogwkPNbvo1Cvx_QX4hNy-qSRV0Yoi-DOrvdd7lzj00MTm8b3fn_0YT-8_701Y0YxHIp36bhd_X2rr4W8b_NxNZr8z6awIkQTCQJBvZhaEQucD8o/s1600/TT5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MdukDosg92RhmIYk6oFgRY7_rs0xogwkPNbvo1Cvx_QX4hNy-qSRV0Yoi-DOrvdd7lzj00MTm8b3fn_0YT-8_701Y0YxHIp36bhd_X2rr4W8b_NxNZr8z6awIkQTCQJBvZhaEQucD8o/s640/TT5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Polartec introduced their new Power Fill insulation for static warmth, which is 80% post-consumer recycled polyester content. Unlike Polartec Alpha insulation, which is breathable insulation intended for active comfort, Power Fill is intended to keep you warm when you are less active. It comes in sheets in six weights (60 grams to 120 grams), is quite durable, and does not require a carrier scrim to hold it in place.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje94UlgY4SNZbfTgdqKUDkBD9lHfjQtzslAKwSKrwVJ_jpQ4dbBon9VLpWQsLLFwR2q8VSfUu-21sbSqQU6IkY_TpZ41bBdzZ8zR4iUgoqoXmwQ3fh7TD0pyL15KhE_iFeroL3zEzM5c4/s1600/TT6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje94UlgY4SNZbfTgdqKUDkBD9lHfjQtzslAKwSKrwVJ_jpQ4dbBon9VLpWQsLLFwR2q8VSfUu-21sbSqQU6IkY_TpZ41bBdzZ8zR4iUgoqoXmwQ3fh7TD0pyL15KhE_iFeroL3zEzM5c4/s640/TT6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Primaloft is introducing Thermoplume, which are clusters of polyester insulation (virgin, not recycled) which can be blown into the baffles of a jacket, creating a down-like feel and performance. This type of insulation is in the Primaloft Black category and is available now. The insulation value is roughly equivalent to 550 fill-power.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-28924387949275033932017-12-05T13:33:00.000-07:002017-12-05T13:33:12.409-07:00GEAR REVIEW: Big Agnes Flume UL 30 Sleeping Bag<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>The Big Agnes Flume UL 30 is a cutting edge ultralight down bag
designed for warmth. Its pricing is similar to other bags in its class, but the
design features and details are a level above.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because key sleeping bag specifications are often lacking,
it’s “baffling” for a consumer to compare them and make an informed purchase
decision. In this review I share some of my wisdom from testing numerous
ultralight sleeping bags, and present my evaluation of the new Big Agnes Flume
UL 30 mummy bag. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Introduced in spring 2017, the Flume UL 30 (and its sibling
the Hitchens UL 20) is a truly ultralight down sleeping bag from Big Agnes.
Prior to this, Big Agnes offered literally dozens of high quality, utilitarian
sleeping bag models for most any outdoor activity, except ultralight
backpacking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A good ultralight mummy style sleeping bag has thin shell
fabric, a minimal zipper, high loft down (850 fill-power or greater), a good
fitting hood, and enough shoulder girth to enable wearing camp clothing inside
the bag to extend its warmth. So, how does the Flume UL 30 perform in relation
to these criteria?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoGz4viKWTILHWxo_LAlW2IV2WSxnAxKqXk5u8DpWVc3b1Xr1PEDTHRZQ-d00k6Lw9ANtXd81ntU4G4GeloAUvVEVcSbynpWMH-YisxtQTEOB63ahmNUARoHM-eNmKH_nSIAHWAIi4eE/s1600/FLUMEUL2017_main-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoGz4viKWTILHWxo_LAlW2IV2WSxnAxKqXk5u8DpWVc3b1Xr1PEDTHRZQ-d00k6Lw9ANtXd81ntU4G4GeloAUvVEVcSbynpWMH-YisxtQTEOB63ahmNUARoHM-eNmKH_nSIAHWAIi4eE/s640/FLUMEUL2017_main-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Big Agnes Flume UL 30 sleeping bag features 850+ fill-power water-resistant down, ultralight shell fabric and</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Insotect Flow construction weighs 24.8 ounces in size Long, and costs $500.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big Agnes (www.bigagnes.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flume UL 30 (size Long tested)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Downtek water-resistant down, ultralight high-tenacity
ripstop nylon outer shell (with DWR) and lining, 40 in YKK #5 zipper</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Measured weight 24.8 oz; mfr specification 24 oz</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
850 fill-power Downtek water-resistant down, Insotect
Flow™ construction, 3-D anti-snag draft tube, vertically structured side
walls integrating contoured baffles, contoured hood baffles, oversized
interior anti draft collar, ergonomic foot box, ultralight high tenacity
shell fabric, low profile cordlock lets you un-cinch the hood with one hand,
minimal 40” zipper, zipper garage, interior fabric loops for sleeping bag
liners, exterior loops for hang drying or storage, mesh storage sack, nylon
stuff sack</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Size Regular $469.95; size Long $499.95</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
<h2>
Technique</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are not a society of string beans; far from it. Yet
numerous ultralight mummy bags are simply too slim (shoulder girth of 59 to 60
inches) for the average hiker. I’m 6 feet tall, 165 pounds, and normally wear a
size Large shirt – which is fairly average – but I can hardly close the zipper
on a bag with the above girth if I am wearing an ultralight down jacket. If you
are smaller than me, then you should be okay with a trim bag. If you are my
size or larger, read on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ultralight backpackers like to carry an ultralight down
jacket to wear in camp for warmth, and then wear it inside their sleeping
system to extend its warmth. That’s an important technique to save weight and
increase efficiency. To do that, an average or larger person needs 61 to 62
inches of shoulder girth, and that extra inch or two makes a big difference.
Using this technique, I can sleep warm in a 30F rated sleeping bag when the
temperature drops into the 20s, assuming an adequate shelter to minimize
convective heat losses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I chose the size Long Flume UL 30 bag for it 62-inch
shoulder girth (size Regular has 60 inches of girth). The extra length also
makes it easier to enter/exit the bag and pull the hood over my head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Flume UL 30 contains 12 ounces of 850 fill-Power down in
size Regular and 14 ounces in Size Long. The fill weight is a good way to
compare sleeping bags, and 12 oz (Regular) or 14 oz (Long) is pretty decent for
a 30F rated bag.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Insotect Flow construction claims the following advantages:
1) it holds down in place with fewer, smaller baffles; 2) it allows vertical
baffles that contour to the body, holding insulation closer to the sleeper, and
3) it distributes body heat through the length of the bag. Using this
construction method, the bag can be “body mapped” to place more down where it
is needed (like the topside) and less down where it isn’t (like the
bottomside). I have tested bags with “continuous baffles” that allow the user
to shift the down as desired, which is good, but requires constant attention to
avoid cold spots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyRFz59QbFGhb5OmriBGVSwY1MlgGIk9y83x7ZrHCHUUyFC5JP-_4rBYP4Iv0MQkBGsG2NK9DR6rrhlA3XAFWEhUX-Tx27cDxHp4IU3Acnuor4He0b_L1BdbQ-GGtu67loZ2JkGkxYww/s1600/P1450292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyRFz59QbFGhb5OmriBGVSwY1MlgGIk9y83x7ZrHCHUUyFC5JP-_4rBYP4Iv0MQkBGsG2NK9DR6rrhlA3XAFWEhUX-Tx27cDxHp4IU3Acnuor4He0b_L1BdbQ-GGtu67loZ2JkGkxYww/s640/P1450292.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Flume UL 30 has vertical baffles using Insotect Flow construction.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For an ultralight sleeping bag, the Big Agnes Flume UL 30 is
feature rich (see specifications above), which perhaps adds 2 to 3 ounces to
bag weight compared to a more minimalist bag. However, in my opinion, those
details translate into more warmth, reliability, and convenience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big Agnes does not provide detailed specifications on the
bag’s shell and lining fabric other than “ultralight high-tenacity ripstop
nylon”. It appears to be equivalent to Pertex Quantum GL in terms of denier and
downproofness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many manufacturers opt to put a full-length zipper on an
ultralight bag, bowing to the notion that buyers insist on it, but Big Agnes
seems to focus more on warmth and functionality. Rather than a long #3 zipper,
Big Agnes uses a shorter more robust #5 zipper with a well-defined zipper
track. The result is adequate zipper length for convenient entry/exit, more
warmth, and little zipper snagging. The downside is the bag can’t be used as a
blanket as easily on warmer nights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Testing</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWbyunBfKwD3gwt0uOcaen3HVQvKQcMyB02pupwv5LwkLhxs6jQQUdQzcxhk9d_4-hYNVpgXvDouutWa8cmHK3WV9EWFKVI5HaPDYGEQidfLVymS_3o-6YDxmuJ6pQ_u1ccerORw-cnQ/s1600/P1450252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWbyunBfKwD3gwt0uOcaen3HVQvKQcMyB02pupwv5LwkLhxs6jQQUdQzcxhk9d_4-hYNVpgXvDouutWa8cmHK3WV9EWFKVI5HaPDYGEQidfLVymS_3o-6YDxmuJ6pQ_u1ccerORw-cnQ/s640/P1450252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Flume UL 30 bag on several summer mountain backpacking trips and one fall desert trip. Most nights the nighttime temperatures neared the bag’s temperature rating. The photo above was taken after a very damp night caused by an evening rain followed by a clear night and large temperature drop. The outer shell of the bag was coated with heavy condensation, but the bag’s DWR and water-resistant down kept it perfectly dry inside.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ergonomically, the bag suits me just fine. I did not find
any inconvenience with the shorter zipper; I entered the bag by sitting near
the hood, bending my knees to slip my legs in, then sliding to my sleeping
position.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bag’s 62-inch girth provides plenty of room to wear camp
clothing inside the bag to extend it s warmth, which is a must-have for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had few problems with zipper snagging, owing to the bag’s
roominess and zipper track design. While a tight-fitting bag puts stress on the
zipper, causing it to lock or snag, a roomier bag allows the zipper to slide
unimpeded. It does help to straighten the zipper channel with one hand while
zipping with the other. One negative is the zipper will separate if it is
unzipped all the way to the end, and it is frustrating to restart the zipper in
the dark. I learned to stop zipping 1 to 2 inches before the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sleeping bag warmth is very difficult to assess because it’s
the composite of numerous variables. Wearing long johns, wool socks, and an
ultralight down jacket inside, I found the Flume UL 30 to be warm down to its
claimed 30F rating, which is actually a favorable evaluation, because most
sleeping bags are optimistically rated. For that reason, some outdoor writers
recommend getting a 20F bag if you want to be warm at 30F, or getting a 10F bag
if you want to be warm at 20F. My preference, instead of going to a heavier 20F
bag, is to wear my camp clothing inside the bag. That’s more versatile, because
I wear the insulated clothing to stay warm in camp, and wear it in my bag to
extend its warmth, and eliminate the need for a bag liner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An ultralight sleeping bag is a key component of an
ultralight gear kit, and it’s expensive, so it’s very important to do thorough
research before you buy. This is something you want to get right the first
time; otherwise it’s expensive buyer’s remorse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Researching down sleeping bags is more difficult than other
gear items because information is often lacking and it’s hard to compare them
on a uniform basis. Comparing them solely on the basis of bag weight is not a
good idea, because you can end up with a cold, tight fitting bag. More
important are fill weight (the amount of down in the bag), fill-power (the
volume one ounce of down expands to, in cubic inches), and shoulder girth.
Since down fill-power varies, for comparing bags it helps to multiply fill
weight by fill power to get total fill volume. The shoulder girth issue is
explained above.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found the Big Agnes Flume UL 30 to be a cutting edge
ultralight down bag designed for warmth. Its pricing is similar to other bags
in its class, but the design features and details are a level above. It’s warm
to its specified temperature if you wear a few clothes inside, which is
something you probably want to do anyway. The only way to get a warmer bag in
this weight class is to order a custom bag with overfill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weight of the Flume UL 30 is a bit higher than other
ultralight 30F bags, but in its defense I note that I have tested 20F bags of
the same weight that are not any warmer. A smidgeon of extra weight is okay, if
that weight is put into features that enhance warmth and functionality. In that
context, Big Agnes gets it right with the Flume UL 30.</div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-58354802875602101702017-11-30T09:01:00.002-07:002017-11-30T09:01:25.213-07:00GEAR REVIEW: Patagonia Airshed Pullover (Windshirt)<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A windshirt is a wonderful hiking garment under the right
conditions – cool, overcast, and windy. Any two of those factors together
constitutes good windshirt conditions. And, indeed, a windshirt over a
baselayer is often an ideal combination for hiking comfort, especially in the
cool months and mountains.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Windshirt breathability isn’t talked about much. They are
designed to resist wind, using tighly woven fabric, calendaring, and coatings
as design features to provide the desired performance. With their new Airshed
Pullover, <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place> emphasizes the garment
provides “a balance between wind protection and breathability”. Is that
possible, and does it make a difference under hiking conditions?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG27PvkEi44LDgcad-_O7AP_HGxCrXR1XcYmzYVe1gcLTWARcdtE8qzD3gEQxqybfbURux12vJartJo_xvfSRAPkdKFIh8c6ad21Ds0LmpMKTbicXsAtO9Ly7xVLP2eraj-4vj82Vfm90/s1600/Patagonia+Airshed..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG27PvkEi44LDgcad-_O7AP_HGxCrXR1XcYmzYVe1gcLTWARcdtE8qzD3gEQxqybfbURux12vJartJo_xvfSRAPkdKFIh8c6ad21Ds0LmpMKTbicXsAtO9Ly7xVLP2eraj-4vj82Vfm90/s640/Patagonia+Airshed..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Patagonia Airshed Pullover (3.7 ounces, $119) “balances wind protection and breathability”. (Patagonia photo)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>
(www.patagonia.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Garment</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Airshed Pullover</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mfr. Weight 3.7 oz; measured weight men’s Large 3.65 oz </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fabric</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Body: 1.3-oz 20-denier 100% nylon mechanical stretch
ripstop with a DWR finish. Hem and cuff panels: 4.2-oz 79% nylon/21% spandex
jersey</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
14 in zipper, 1 zippered chest pocket (converts to stuff
sack), stand up collar, raglan sleeves, elastic cuffs and hem, stretch fabric.
Trim fit.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$119</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h2>
Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-emMhK2kOk0ggWprXas0sv6YHlmZjC8dN3O84QxnEPQ3_VxxipxJK8xSnGXyU02n4jsprJW4FhdbnjAp6NVMA5lRYOkIVZS4BJPXbCs-_OISfGuxmEaN0L1t8D7UgV2CLshHOTDmgwGA/s1600/P1450412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-emMhK2kOk0ggWprXas0sv6YHlmZjC8dN3O84QxnEPQ3_VxxipxJK8xSnGXyU02n4jsprJW4FhdbnjAp6NVMA5lRYOkIVZS4BJPXbCs-_OISfGuxmEaN0L1t8D7UgV2CLshHOTDmgwGA/s640/P1450412.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I tested the Airshed Pullover over an 8 month period that spanned three seasons, and 19 outdoor trips in a wide range of conditions. Photo taken at Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.</span></b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The soft and stretchy fabric used in the Airshed Pullover is
the same as the shell fabric on <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place>’s
Nano-Air insulated jackets, which are in a new category called “breathable
insulation”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s claimed to have a trim fit, but I find the fit to be
typical for a size Large, which is my normal choice (I’m 6’ tall, 165 pounds,
and 34” sleeve length). It has enough room inside to fit over a thick baselayer
or fleece top, and the sleeve length is spot on. For me, an excellent fit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read an earlier review of this pullover on a prominent
lightweight backpacking website, that cited air permeability numbers for the
Airshed Pullover in the 50 to 60 CFM range versus only 1 to 7 CFM for a
conventional windshirt. Those numbers were obtained by the author from a
manufacturer representative, and are not specifications normally provided by
the manufacturers. The article boosted my expectations for the Airshed Pullover.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick fabric air permeability test can be done by putting
your mouth to the fabric and sucking air through it. Applying that test, I
found that the Patagonia Airshed Pullover has distinctly higher air
permeability than the Montbell Tachyon Jacket (1.6 ounces) I used for
comparison.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my field testing I gathered some comparative data for the
two garments by placing a Kestrel Model 4000 Weather Tracker inside the
zippered garment and recording temperature and relative humidity at 10 second
intervals during a 90 minute hike over undulating terrain. The garments were
tested in early morning on cloudy days. The starting temperature inside the
garments differed by about 10 degrees, and the starting inside RH differed by
about 6 percent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqPv_TUlta8A3T0dH5XOsn2NSjoURSYLldTXcTZJ8ynCe2UtcQ0AOUBT3VxluAfFnbf5xrupfv9Iof46UjMY5qg37E385IOTSQSys8MTSbCRq95JjGo37C8KfoubvqBDWEL9z5jfTkZ4/s1600/Graph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1010" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqPv_TUlta8A3T0dH5XOsn2NSjoURSYLldTXcTZJ8ynCe2UtcQ0AOUBT3VxluAfFnbf5xrupfv9Iof46UjMY5qg37E385IOTSQSys8MTSbCRq95JjGo37C8KfoubvqBDWEL9z5jfTkZ4/s640/Graph.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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height:264pt'>
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o:title=""/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The temperature data show the inside temperature initially
cooled as I started hiking in cooler air, then became fairly steady through the
remainder of the hike. Adjusted for the initial temperature difference, the two
garments maintained about the same inside temperature during the hike.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Relative humidity inside the Airshed Pullover increased
during the first half of the hike, to a higher level than the Tachyon, then
remained fairly steady at about 60 percent. RH inside the Tachyon increased
slowly and modestly in the first third of the hike, then gradually declined.
The data suggest that the Airshed Pullover held more water vapor inside, rather
than exhaust it through the fabric.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These results are contrary to the air permeability numbers
and my mouth test, which indicated that the Airshed Pullover should have better
breathability and exhaust moisture vapor more readily. So why didn’t the
Airshed Pullover perform better in my instrumented field test?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Discussion</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s important to note that I did not <u>feel</u> much
difference in comfort between the two garments during my testing. Furthermore,
in all the product testing I have done over the years, I have never found that
fabric breathability alone has much of an effect on perceived comfort. A much
bigger factor, by orders of magnitude, is <u>ventilation</u> – simply open the
front zipper and exhaust the steam. It’s much easier, and reliable, to adjust
the front zipper for thermoregulation. Fabric breathability is minor compared
to ventilation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there’s a wild card in this windshirt equation, and it’s
called the sun. The radiant heat from the sun trumps everything, including
opening the front zipper. If the wind subsides while hiking on a sunny day, a
windshirt gets too hot inside and it has to come off. A windshirt works great
in the sun on a windy ridge or constantly windy conditions, but in variable
conditions the windshirt is on and off repeatedly. The best conditions for a
windshirt are constant cool, overcast, and windy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The key points in this discussion are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Ventilation is much more important for garment
comfort than fabric breathability.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Weather conditions have a larger effect on
garment comfort than ventilation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Patagonia Airshed Pullover is a very nice windshirt, but
don’t expect its breathability claim to be a silver bullet. It’s an analogous
situation to Gore-Tex; Gore-Tex first needs to be waterproof, then it provides
breathability (not much). Similarly the Airshed needs to be wind resistant,
then provide some breathability (not much). During my many outings wearing the
Airshed, I looked for extended comfort while hiking after the wind stopped and
the sun came out, and didn’t find any. It got too hot to wear and I had to take
it off, just like any other windshirt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My recommendation is to select a windshirt that has a full
height front zipper so you can open the zipper as needed for thermoregulation.
My personal preference is an ultralight windshirt, like the Montbell Tachyon
Jacket (1.6 ounces), so it’s a no-brainer to keep it in your pack. However,
many hikers love the <st1:place w:st="on">Patagonia</st1:place> windshirts
because of their excellent fit and light jacket feel. Whatever you choose, get
one with a full height zipper, and don’t get enamored by fabric breathability
because there is not enough there to make a difference.</div>
Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864130178222513400.post-41689458647446870142017-09-18T12:33:00.002-06:002017-09-18T12:33:53.976-06:00GEAR REVIEW: Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Low Trail Shoe and Trail Gaiter<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>The latest version of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Altra</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>
version 3.5 (low mesh style tested) leaves nearly nothing to complain about.
They are very dialed in every detail and dependably provide comfort, support,
cushioning, and traction on the trail and off.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Will Rietveld</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tested the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 for ultralight backpacking.
Here are a few things we look for in footwear for hiking and backpacking: </div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Ultralight
backpackers usually prefer a trail running shoe because of their light
weight. Specifically, we like an all-synthetic upper, moderately cushioned
midsole, stability shoe with good rock protection and grippy outsole.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">We
prefer mesh shoes rather than waterproof, because they are cooler to wear
and dry out quickly. Waterproof shoes are slow to dry once they get wet
inside.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Choosing
a shoe is all about fit, so footwear is a very personal thing. Once you
find a brand you like, stick with it.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, I see more UL backpackers wearing Altra footwear
than any other shoe. It’s becoming a cult favorite. Why? I explain some of the
reasons in this review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiGco7wpM_wRPgS0qjw79Rl-hemBMy1lNbcX3i9-dVkmrYFgV3BcMZNWV1v4yuroIVS_zJerUpO7WDHvrCx5xzUAsHwRr4sXqda1OPALDiSPiMhSe13lcTPkouw9-YbEtuCv5Wxmey0k/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="813" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiGco7wpM_wRPgS0qjw79Rl-hemBMy1lNbcX3i9-dVkmrYFgV3BcMZNWV1v4yuroIVS_zJerUpO7WDHvrCx5xzUAsHwRr4sXqda1OPALDiSPiMhSe13lcTPkouw9-YbEtuCv5Wxmey0k/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Low Mesh shoe. (Altra photo)</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Specifications and Features</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manufacturer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Altra Running (www.altrarunning.com)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Model<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lone Peak 3.5 Low Mesh </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Platform<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
25mm stack height, zero-drop</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Measured weight size men’s 12: 12.25 oz/shoe, mfr
specification 9 oz/shoe for men’s size 9</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Features<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Durable air mesh upper, dual layer EVA midsole, MaxTrac
TrailClaw rubber outsole, StoneGuard rock plate, FootShape toebox, Gaiter
Trap </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.7in;" valign="top" width="163">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MSRP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.45in;" valign="top" width="427">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$120</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Description</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> is available in four
versions for men and women: Low with mesh upper, Low with NeoShell upper, Mid
with mesh upper, and Mid with NeoShell upper. I chose the Low with mesh upper
because it is the lightest and most breathable version.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyx_jOgvoUqkeJ90A93Ar9PTcKGKnqoIRXiqUE4pSOpKhwZoQeuv3zck2-rruNr6kmZAjOVlHJfROIFQMps2aeS4sl13hUi5V9NZiD2erITmV9IcaKk1xXjWfu1qDqv-TpZamhq9uE10/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyx_jOgvoUqkeJ90A93Ar9PTcKGKnqoIRXiqUE4pSOpKhwZoQeuv3zck2-rruNr6kmZAjOVlHJfROIFQMps2aeS4sl13hUi5V9NZiD2erITmV9IcaKk1xXjWfu1qDqv-TpZamhq9uE10/s640/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I tested the Lone Peak 3.5 Low Mesh style, which is the lightest and most breathable, a common choice by ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers. I also tested the Altra trail Gaiter along with the shoes. Photo taken at the beginning of my testing.</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>All Altra shoes have the same basic claim to fame: a wide
toebox that provides room for the foot to splay, a snug heelcup, and zero-drop
(no heel rise). It’s those key features plus numerous details that make them
favorites.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new version 3.5 is an update, not a makeover. Changes
are a more durable mesh upper, drainage holes to help keep feet dry, and a
4-point gaiter attachment. I tested the shoe with Altra’s current Trail Gaiter
since their new 4-Point Gaiter was not yet available.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSqpeUr8ugHcs1YrP2Novh__TvyNqkZdOnjtW6F4V9N1Sb_ZmGZuTTHodnc-zhLg4dKVb0D4rADgH-wcBWltnS3DBz8n-I3nTyI0ngfVlJJlN4M2uGg9VmkXrfJDsp8PxQAz9d8Mjpcw/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSqpeUr8ugHcs1YrP2Novh__TvyNqkZdOnjtW6F4V9N1Sb_ZmGZuTTHodnc-zhLg4dKVb0D4rADgH-wcBWltnS3DBz8n-I3nTyI0ngfVlJJlN4M2uGg9VmkXrfJDsp8PxQAz9d8Mjpcw/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The </span><st1:place style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">’s MaxTrac TrailClaw rubber outsole provides plenty of grip for both on-trail and off-trail use.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Altra states the ideal uses for the Lone Peak 3.5 are: trail
running, hiking, fastpacking, and trail racing. That matches my application
pretty well. This model has moderate cushioning, rock protection, good padding
around the ankle, and a grippy rubber outsole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Testing</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLMRPRNBPFFeciE3PqhHsjK8HUpUNpEoKqR1bG22kxXAUiuuogzCOr3s1XzoRYCZgdm-SJQ8PyA1T-1s5pOgezlupU10qrf1Z00gwLGUPllUWaY9Jlng3wQire5PNNdXRFI-N7PIson4/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLMRPRNBPFFeciE3PqhHsjK8HUpUNpEoKqR1bG22kxXAUiuuogzCOr3s1XzoRYCZgdm-SJQ8PyA1T-1s5pOgezlupU10qrf1Z00gwLGUPllUWaY9Jlng3wQire5PNNdXRFI-N7PIson4/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>I tested the Lone Peak 3.5 on a total of 15 outings totaling 21 days, which included backpacking, day hiking, and trail running. The shoes got some rough use, far beyond ordinary hiking on trails.</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For background information, I tried zero-drop shoes for
hiking when they first came out a few years ago, and suffered foot problems
from lack of transitioning to them. This time around I transitioned through
testing several shoes and boots with 3-4 millimeters of heel rise, which is
becoming more common. The move to the zero-drop Altras did not result in any problems,
although I still needed to concentrate on developing a whole foot landing
rather than a heel strike.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My comments are organized in the following categories:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Design, Materials,
and Construction –</b> I love the shoe’s wide toebox and snug heelcup. For me,
the extra width is mandatory because I have wide feet. I wore thinner socks in
the shoes and used up every bit of width they had, and wished for a little
more. Most readers with normal feet should find the toebox roomy. The rand
extends out from the upper, which helps protect the upper from abrasion, and gives
the shoes a bigger contact area to soften impact and increase traction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mesh used in the upper is plenty durable; seams are sewn
rather than welded. Inspecting the shoes after my testing, I found some broken
stitching here and there, but no seams coming apart. The extended rand helped a
lot to reduce abrasion on the upper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cushioning and
Padding –</b> Just right, in the midsole and around the ankle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rock Protection –</b>
Again just right. I hiked through a lot of sliderock and didn’t feel a thing
through the bottom of the shoes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Traction – </b>The
tread on these shoes is sufficient to get a good grip on a variety of surfaces,
and outsole looks like it will last the life of the shoes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Durability –</b>
Despite the rough terrain I have taken them through, the Lone Peak 3.5 is
holding up very well. No holes in the uppers, no seams coming apart, and lots
of tread left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Stability –</b> Very
good; no problems in most conditions, but some rollover in off-camber
situations like hiking across steep sidehills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Trail Gaiter –</b> I
tested Altra’s Trail Gaiter along with the shoe. The shoe has a gaiter hook on
the front and a “Gaiter Trap” at the heel, which holds the gaiters securely.
The Gaiter Trap is ingenius; two Velcro tabs on the back of the gaiter are
sandwiched between two Velcro tabs at the heel of the shoe. I didn’t test
Altra’s new 4-Point gaiter, but I must say I am satisfied with the existing
attachment. The gaiters rarely came loose and show little or no wear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Assessment</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The latest version of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Altra</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>, version 3.5 low mesh tested,
leaves nearly nothing to complain about. They are very dialed in every detail
and dependably provide comfort, support, cushioning, and traction on the trail
and off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowRSvbob6w_OHsrMtdF1QJP5IHd3xawJotKdyL1cNdVY05G3Al1SHicJIharZGKUvEnC4kPeaG8otsqqYNZtyy7YGOsdG3tiDo42l8IbErHJh60jq0bX1HyxSTjhUm6VVHD5GrW18N_Y/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowRSvbob6w_OHsrMtdF1QJP5IHd3xawJotKdyL1cNdVY05G3Al1SHicJIharZGKUvEnC4kPeaG8otsqqYNZtyy7YGOsdG3tiDo42l8IbErHJh60jq0bX1HyxSTjhUm6VVHD5GrW18N_Y/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Lone Peak 3.5 at the end of my testing period.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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My personal preference is for welded uppers, for better
durability. The nemesis of wearing trail runners for off-trail backpacking and
hiking is broken stitching which results in seams coming apart. After my
testing the shoes do have some broken stitching here and there, but the seams
are still holding together, so far. Altra must have a reason for staying with
stitching on their shoes; perhaps it is the shoe design or stitching method,
but it seems to work.</div>
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My comments only pertain to the mesh version of the Lone
Peak 3.5. The NeoShell version is another animal. Personally, I am quite
content with the mesh version: they do get wet easily, but they dry out fast
too. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Overall, the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 just gets everything
right, making it a near perfect trail shoe. There is a lot to like, and nearly
nothing to dislike.</span>Will Rietveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02239740651067870746noreply@blogger.com0