The Lighter Side

Nice and simple Poncho/Tarp setup

2011-07-22T23:17:00.001-07:00

I'm quietly working on a few MYOG projects, one of which is a silnylon poncho/tarp. In the process of figuring out the pattern I will use, I came across this video:I've always been using the A-frame setup, but I really like this configuration. And the chopsticks are pretty ingenious, though I think I'd still opt for light stakes. Enjoy the video!

Building a sleeping bag: Step 1...

2010-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I received a shipment of material from Quest Outfitters, basically a few yards of nylon and some shock cord. I've also sent away for some Climashield XP from Thru-Hiker, but it has yet to arrive.A note on these retailers: Quest Outfitters is ridiculously fast with their orders. I ordered the stuff early Friday morning and received it today (monday). Quest is my place for all the generic

The Nunatak Raku

2010-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Nunatak Raku is one of those ultralighters concepts that just hasn't caught on yet. But if you think about it, why do you carry a insulating jacket, and then a separate sleeping bag? Well, personally, I wear my jacket in my sleeping most of the time, but it would make sense to just have one insulating piece of gear, for reduction of bulk and weight. The concept doesn't come cheap though,

Mark Henley's 1 oz Pack

2010-01-23T16:27:00.000-08:00

Gossamer Gear listed a new myog backpack made by Mark Henley-- a 1 oz, 2000 cubic inch pack. Perfect for you SULers with sub 5 pound packs and tiny pack sizes. Download the pdf by clicking here.

Inspiring Pic of the Day

2010-01-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

Jen and Sara of "We are (having) so much fun" wake up in the Warner Mountain Lookout cabin in Oregon.

Re-waterproofing a backpack

2009-12-26T02:26:00.001-08:00

Do you have a trusty backpack? Because I do. It goes everywhere with me. Work, travel, play, outdoors. It holds my computer, or it holds my passport, or it holds a light jacket when I'm out on a day hike. It's a North Face Hot Shot, and it's about 8 years old.Soon after some heavy traveling, I noticed white flakes appearing on all of my gear I stuffed inside the bag. Upon further inspection

Jetboil...not a bad idea...

2009-11-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

As someone who has tipped over a few too many pots, precariously balanced on the top of a ultralight stove (I'm so careful! I don't know how it happens...), I took a second look at the jetboil cooking system. The jetboil system has been around for about 9 years, and I'd always overlooked it as a too expensive and heavy stove ($100 from REI, 15 oz), but considering the amount of gear you're

Cool, cheap finds at the surplus store

2009-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

A recent visit to the local army surplus store yielded two great, cheap finds:Ecco SocksListed at $12 online, available for $4 at the surplus store. Always nice to have an extra pair of wool socks for sleeping.Stansport Aluminum Canteen Cup Cost:

Gear Review : Lightload towels

2009-05-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Forget to pack your first aid kit, and you might not notice unless you hurt yourself. Forget your packtowel, and you'll realize it on the trail at some point.It's not an "essential" piece of gear, like a sleeping bag, that you can't leave home without, but it's just one of those things that you'll make a mental note not to forget it next time.So when George from Lightload towels sent me a sample

My G4 is finished!

2009-05-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Notes/Alterations on my pack:The pack weighs 15.0 oz. That is, 3 oz heavier than the instructions would suggest. I would guess this is a result of so much reinforcement on the seams and the extra pocket (see below).I don't have any velcro on the pack whatsoever, even though the instruction call for it multiple times. I don't like velcro because it gets stuck to things (clothing), things get

Making a G4 pack!

2009-05-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a G4 backpack kit from Quest Outfitters, which includes everything you need to make a G4 pack (minus the sewing machine). It took me a weekend to pin and cut out the pattern, and since then I was waiting to borrow my sister's sewing machine. Now I'm on to the actual sewing portion! You can see the nearly completed shoulder straps in the above picture. There's

Trail Recipes: Granola

2009-05-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Original recipe found here, slightly altered below.Ingredients:2 cups rolled oats (aka Old Fashioned Oats)1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon salt7 teaspoons vegetable oil (I use Smart Balance Oil)1/4 cup honey1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1/3 cup whole almonds (buy them sliced or diced if you'd like)1/3 cup whole hazelnuts (buy them sliced or diced if you'd like

GSI Soloist Cookware

2009-04-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this little cookkit at the local sporting goods store this weekend while picking up some new shoes. For $40, you get a 1.1 liter pot (1100 ml) teflon coated aluminum pot which is quite bigger than a range of the 600 - 800 ml ultralight backpacking pots (often titanium) out there.The kit also comes with a BPA-free mug/bowl with a lid for sipping, a telescoping spoon (they sell the spoon

The Flextrek 37,000,000,000,000

2009-03-04T00:11:00.000-08:00

Haha, wow, the exact opposite of ultralight backpacking:

Welcome!

2009-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all, glad you found the new blog. I will be posting updates on new gear, trips I've been taking, reviews on ultralight gear, and other inspiring posts to keep you entertained and ready for your next trip into the outdoors.